Mateja Kule | Sustainability Strategies | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Mateja Kule | Sustainability Strategies | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Mateja Kulej, Faculty of trasnport and traffic science, Croatia

Mateja Kulej 🇭🇷, born on January 28, 1996, in Zagreb, Croatia, is an emerging logistics and transportation professional with a strong academic background and proven adaptability. Having completed three degrees from the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences in Zagreb, she consistently stood out with honors and a Dean’s Award. Her career experience ranges from administrative roles in governmental institutions to operational support in private companies such as Pevex d.d. and internships in the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure. Known for her problem-solving abilities 🤝 and collaborative spirit, Mateja’s blend of education and practical exposure equips her for impactful contributions in logistics innovation and sustainability.

🎓 Education

Mateja Kulej’s educational journey is both robust and distinguished. She graduated from the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Water Traffic (2018), a Master’s in Water Traffic (2020), and a second Master’s in Logistics (2023), receiving high honors and the Dean’s Award. 🏅 Her early academic foundation was shaped at X. Gymnasium, Zagreb, where she pursued a mathematics-focused program. Her academic pursuits reflect a continuous commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and a specialized focus on waterborne logistics and sustainable transportation systems. 📘

💼 Experience

Mateja has a diverse background in both public and private sectors, combining administrative and logistics operations. In June 2024, she worked at Pevex d.d. as an assistant in water and road transportation and supply chain. Her earlier roles included student jobs at dm and Müller, where she developed strong interpersonal and multitasking skills. 🏢 In 2017, she gained valuable experience at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, assisting in administrative logistics. These roles collectively shaped her practical knowledge, allowing her to contribute to logistics efficiency and sustainable supply chain management. 🚢

🔬 Research Interest

Mateja’s academic and practical interests focus on sustainable transport logistics, intermodal freight transport, and water traffic systems optimization. She is particularly drawn to the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability 🌱, aiming to reduce ecological footprints through smarter logistics. Her research passion lies in developing scalable and green supply chain strategies that promote efficient transport networks. Mateja envisions leveraging data analytics and digital transformation in traffic sciences to meet modern demands. Her curiosity, combined with hands-on experience and education, positions her to contribute to policy, innovation, and environmental stewardship in logistics. 📈

🏆 Awards

Mateja has been recognized with the prestigious Dean’s Award in 2023 for academic excellence in the field of logistics during her Mag. Ing. Traff. studies. 🥇 This honor highlights her top-tier performance, innovative thinking, and dedication to her studies. In addition to academic accolades, she graduated with high honors in her prior Master’s program, underlining her consistent commitment to excellence. These awards are a testament to her rigorous work ethic, strong intellect, and passion for advancing the field of transport and logistics. 🎓 As she progresses, Mateja is poised for greater national and international recognition in scientific circles.

📚 Publication

Sustainable Waterborne Transport Strategies in Southeastern Europe”

Saša Milojević | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Saša Milojević | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Engineering University of Kragujevac, Serbia

Dr. Saša T. Milojević is an Assistant Professor and expert advisor in mechanical and automotive engineering, with a career spanning over 30 years in academia and industry. His work has contributed significantly to the fields of alternative fuels, vehicle maintenance, internal combustion engines, sustainable transport, and tribology. As a dedicated researcher and educator at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Serbia, he has also played a crucial role in bridging theoretical knowledge with industrial practice. Dr. Milojević represents the European and USA research center KG EDU-S in sustainable transport and industrial development projects. 🌍🚗

👨‍🏫  Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓Education

Dr. Milojević obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Kragujevac (formerly the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering). His academic training has provided a comprehensive foundation for his work in cutting-edge research areas such as alternative propulsion systems, tribology, and automotive powertrain technologies. 🧑‍🎓📘

💼Experience

With over three decades of academic and practical experience, Dr. Milojević currently serves as Assistant Professor at the Department of Motor Vehicles and Engines, Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac. He teaches powertrain systems and vehicle maintenance while also acting as a technical advisor in vehicle inspection and homologation. His industrial experience includes over five years as Head of Production and Technical Manager in the bus and truck manufacturing sector. 🚛🔧

🔬Research Interests

Dr. Milojević’s research interests include motor vehicles and internal combustion engines, alternative fuels and drive systems, vehicle maintenance, mechanical engineering, and tribology. His focus extends to sustainable transportation systems, environmental protection, recycling, and renewable energy integration in mobility systems. His innovative work contributes to the advancement of eco-friendly transport technologies. 🌱🔋

🏆Awards

As a team leader, Dr. Milojević received a prestigious regional innovation award for the development of Serbia’s first low-floor city bus powered by natural gas. He also led project teams as Consortium Manager in two FP7 European projects on electric and hydrogen minibuses, underscoring his leadership in practical innovation and sustainable vehicle development. 🥇🚌

📚Publication Top Notes

Influence of Axial Stress on the Distribution of Main Normal Stresses in a Plate with an Elliptical Opening

Design of a Copolymer-Reinforced Composite Material for Leaf Springs inside the Elastic Suspension Systems of Light-Duty Trucks

Tao Li | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tao Li – Civil Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Tech University | China

      Profiles

Scopus

 

📍Current Position

Tao Li is actively serving as a Teaching Assistant at the College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Tech University. His responsibilities involve assisting Assistant Professor Zhi Li in teaching “Structural Design of Steel Buildings” from September 2017 to January 2018. This role has allowed him to merge academic theories with real-world engineering challenges, providing students with valuable insights into the subject.

 

📝Publication Achievements 

Tao Li has contributed to both conference publications and journal articles. His key papers include:

Screwed Connections in Light-gauge Steel Frame Shear Walls Sheathed with Ply-Bamboo Panels presented at the 9th International Conference on Steel and Aluminium Structures ICSAS19 (Indexed by SCI).

Behavior of Screwed Connections in Stainless Steel Frame Shear Walls sheathed with ply-bamboo panels, published in Modern Engineered Bamboo Structures (2020).
In journal publications, Tao has co-authored papers such as Research on an Unsymmetrical Prefabricated Hybrid Steel-Glubam Roof Truss published in Engineering Structures and Connections in Cold-formed Steel Frame Shear Walls Sheathed with Engineered Bamboo Panels in Journal of Constructional Steel Research.

 

🔍Ongoing Research

Tao Li’s ongoing research focuses on innovations in structural engineering, with a specific interest in bamboo and steel construction. His work is central to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, aiming to enhance the structural integrity of buildings while reducing environmental impact.

 

🔬 Research Interests

Tao Li’s research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing:

Structural design of bamboo and steel hybrid constructions

Light-gauge steel frame shear walls

Sustainable construction materials

Advanced structural analysis techniques

 

🎓Academic Background

Tao Li holds a M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from Nanjing Tech University (2017-2020), where he earned an exam-free postgraduate admission due to his academic excellence. Prior to this, he received a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (2013-2017) from the same university, ranking in the top 3% among his peers. Tao also pursued a B.Sc. in Engineering Cost Management, graduating with a strong academic record.

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

National Endeavor Scholarship

First-Class Scholarship (seven times)

Principal Special Scholarship

Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2019 International Bamboo Construction Competition

 

🧬Bioinformatics 

In the realm of bioinformatics, Tao Li has explored the integration of engineering principles with data science. His structural analysis techniques have applications in bioinformatics, particularly in analyzing the physical structures of materials at a molecular level, making contributions to sustainable construction.

 

🌐Professional Associations 

Tao Li is an active member of various professional associations, contributing to the scientific community through his participation in conferences such as the 9th International Conference on Steel and Aluminium Structures and his role on the editorial board of “Engineered and Industrialized Bamboo Structures.”

 

 📚Training & Workshops 

Tao Li has participated in several workshops and training sessions, further honing his expertise in bamboo construction and structural innovation. His involvement in organizing competitions like the International Bamboo Construction Competition highlights his leadership and commitment to promoting knowledge sharing.

Oral Presentation

Tao Li has delivered several oral presentations at international conferences, notably presenting his research on screwed connections in steel and bamboo structures at prestigious events like the ICSAS19.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

He also excels in scientific communication, delivering impactful oral presentations on his research findings.

 

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Tao Li has been involved in multiple national research projects, including a project on Fracture Behavior of Structural Glued Bamboo, for which he served as a Working Group Member. His work focuses on material behavior under stress and offers practical applications for future construction technologies.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Tao Li’s success as a researcher and educator stems from his ability to blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His persistence, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit are key factors that have contributed to his accomplishments in the field.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

In addition to his publications, Tao Li holds several patents related to steel-bamboo hybrid constructions. His hands-on experience in the lab, coupled with his innovations in structural materials, has made a significant impact on the industry.

 

🔍 Conclusion

Tao Li, M.Sc., is a promising figure in the world of structural engineering. His research, publications, and patents have contributed to the advancement of sustainable construction technologies, particularly through the innovative use of bamboo and steel. Tao’s dedication to education and research positions him as a leader in civil engineering, poised to influence the future of the built environment.

📚Publications

Connections in stainless steel frame shear walls sheathed with ply-bamboo panels

               Authors: Wu, Q., Li, T., Yue, Z., Wang, Z., Wang, L.

               Journal : Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Evaluation of mechanical and microscopic properties of magnesium phosphate cement-based concrete with different fly ash additions

           Authors: Yao, Y., Zhang, J., Yao, Z., Lu, T., Liu, X.

          Journal : Journal of Building Engineering

Influence of wood species and natural aging on the mechanics properties and microstructure of wood

            Authors: Zhang, J., Li, T., Lu, W., Chen, X., Song, F.

             Journal :Journal of Building Engineering

Optimization of mix proportion and strength prediction of magnesium phosphate cement-based composites based on machine learning

              Authors: Zhang, J., Li, T., Yao, Y., Du, H., Yang, J.

              Journal :  Construction and Building Materials

Effect of Steel Fiber on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Magnesium Phosphate Cement-Based Concrete Exposed to Water and Sulfate Attack

             Authors: Zhang, J., Yang, H., Hu, X., Hong, W., Gong, S.

               Journal : Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering,