Luisa Lombardo | Recovery and valorization of inner rural areas | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luisa Lombardo – Recovery and valorization of inner rural areas – Best Researcher Award

 

University of Palermo – Department of Architecture | Italy

      Profiles

📍Current Position

She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Architecture, Arts, and Planning at the Department of Architecture, University of Palermo. Her research focuses on the revitalization and enhancement of minor centers within the Madonie Park in Sicily, utilizing sustainable strategies. Her doctoral work, which is guided by Professor Tiziana Campisi and co-supervised by Professor Simona Colajanni, explores innovative approaches to recover and valorize internal areas of Sicily.

 

📝Publication Achievements 

Journals Published

she has published extensively in Class A journals and other scientific publications related to the architectural field. Her work includes papers in conference proceedings, collective volumes, and scientific journals under the ICAR/10 SSD. These publications showcase her expertise in sustainable architectural design, particularly in the context of historical buildings and rural revitalization projects.

🔍Ongoing Research 

She is actively engaged in several national and international research projects. Notably, she is part of the Greenwork Project, a PRIN (Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale) 2022 initiative focused on urban health and resilience through greening strategies on buildings and open spaces. This project, supported by the PNRR, reflects her commitment to advancing sustainable architectural practices.

 🔬Research Interests 

Her research interests span across sustainable architecture, urban regeneration, and the integration of modern technologies in traditional settings. Luisa is particularly interested in the use of green building technologies and passive systems to enhance indoor comfort and energy efficiency in historical buildings. Her work contributes to the broader field of bioinformatics by integrating data-driven approaches in architectural planning and environmental sustainability.

🎓Academic Background 

2022-Present: Ph.D. candidate in Architecture, Arts, and Planning, University of Palermo. 2021: Master’s Degree in Innovative Materials and Techniques for Sustainable Building from the University of Palermo, where she focused on the sustainable residential building project in Marsala, analyzing cost-benefit aspects and thermal insulation for the Ecobonus tax incentive.  2019: Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering-Architecture from the University of Palermo, with a thesis on integrated passive systems for improving indoor comfort, specifically focusing on the energy requalification of historic Madonite architecture.  1998: Obtained a diploma from Galileo Galilei State Scientific High School in Palermo

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

She has been awarded the INPS scholarship for her Ph.D. studies, recognizing her outstanding academic achievements and potential to contribute to the field of architecture. Her commitment to excellence is further evidenced by her selection as a Regional Delegate for FAI Sicilia, where she actively works to protect and enhance Italy’s cultural heritage.

🌐Professional Associations 

She is a member of several prestigious professional associations, including the Order of Engineers of the Province of Palermo, where she is registered in the Civil/Environmental sector. She is also a member of Giovani IN APS and FAI Sicilia, playing a significant role in the preservation of Italy’s cultural and architectural heritage.

 📚Training & Workshops 

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Luisa has participated in numerous training programs and workshops, enhancing her expertise in sustainable architecture. As a Master’s level instructor, she has contributed to the training of professionals in innovative materials and techniques for sustainable building.

 🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

She has been an active speaker at both national and international conferences. Her presentations have covered a wide range of topics, from the sustainable rehabilitation of historical buildings to innovative green building strategies. Her ability to effectively communicate complex ideas has made her a sought-after speaker in academic circles.

 🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

As a researcher, She has been involved in various critical tasks, including the development of sustainable architectural models, the evaluation of energy efficiency in historical buildings, and the implementation of green technologies in architectural design. Her contributions to the Smart Rehabilitation 3.0 project, an Erasmus+ initiative, are particularly noteworthy. This project aims to innovate professional skills in the existing building sector, aligning with her research focus on sustainable architecture.

 🚀Success Factors 

Her success as a researcher and professional is driven by her passion for sustainable architecture, her commitment to cultural heritage, and her ability to integrate modern technologies with traditional building practices. Her dedication to enhancing the livability of rural and historical areas in Sicily through innovative architectural solutions is a testament to her vision and expertise.

 🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Her publications have made significant contributions to the field of architecture, particularly in sustainable building practices and the rehabilitation of historical structures. Her laboratory experience includes hands-on research in innovative building materials and energy-efficient technologies. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application underscores her capability as a leading researcher in her field.

 📚Publications

Spent Coffee Grounds-Based Thermoplaster System to Improve Heritage Building Energy Efficiency: A Case Study in Madonie Park in Sicily

Authors: Lombardo, L., Campisi, T., Saeli, M.

Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)

 

Smart technological tools for rising damp on monumental buildings for cultural heritage conservation. A proposal for smart villages implementation in the Madonie mountains (Sicily)

Authors: Lombardo, L., Saeli, M., Campisi, T.

Journal: Sustainable Futures

SMART VILLAGE AND DESIGN FOR ALL DesignTech in the Madonie area | SMART VILLAGE E DESIGN FOR ALL Progettazione tecnologica sostenibile integrata nell’area interna siciliana delle Madonie

Authors: Lombardo, L.

Journal: Sustainable Mediterranean Construction

Edward Beimborn | Rural transport | Excellence in Research

Dr. Edward Beimborn – Rural transport – Excellence in Research

 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | United States

      Profiles

📍Current Position

He is a distinguished figure in the field of urban transportation. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee) in the Department of Civil Engineering. His extensive career at UW-Milwaukee includes serving as the Director of the Center for Urban Transportation Studies, where he played a pivotal role in advancing transportation research and education. Even after retiring from active teaching, Professor Beimborn continues to contribute to the academic community and the field of urban transportation through his research, consultancy, and civic service.

📝Publication Achievements 

Journals Published

He has made significant contributions to the academic and professional literature in transportation engineering. His research publications span various topics, including the planning and operation of mass transit systems, the environmental impacts of transportation systems, and the design and evaluation of transportation facilities. His work is highly regarded in the transportation community, as evidenced by his numerous citations and the application of his research in practical transportation planning and policy. Throughout his career, he has published in respected journals and contributed to books that have influenced transportation research and practice.

🔍Ongoing Research 

Even in his emeritus status, He remains actively involved in research. His ongoing work focuses on improving methodologies for transportation planning, evaluating the performance of transportation systems, and understanding the environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure. His current projects involve collaborations with various federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring that his research continues to have a direct impact on urban transportation policy and practice.

 🔬Research Interests 

His research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing various aspects of urban transportation. Key areas include: Mass Transit Systems: Planning, operation, and evaluation of mass transit systems, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and accessibility. Environmental Impact Assessment: Analyzing the environmental implications of transportation projects and developing strategies to mitigate adverse effects. Transportation Facility Design: Innovating in the design of transportation infrastructure to improve functionality and sustainability. Transportation Planning Methodologies: Developing and refining methods for effective transportation planning and policy-making.

🎓Academic Background 

His academic journey is rooted in excellence and dedication. He received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering (Transportation) from Northwestern University. His academic credentials are complemented by his experience as a visiting fellow at Oxford University in England and a visiting professor at the Technion in Israel. This rich academic background has been foundational to his successful career in transportation engineering.

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Throughout his career, He has been recognized with several awards for his contributions to transportation engineering and education. These accolades reflect his commitment to advancing the field and his impact on both academic and professional communities.

🌐Professional Associations 

He is a respected member of several professional organizations. He is a long-standing member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). His leadership roles within these organizations, including past chair of the Transportation Planning section of ITE and current chair of the Transit Planning and Development Committee of TRB, highlight his influence and commitment to the field.

 📚Training & Workshops 

With over 35 years of teaching experience, He has also taught more than 50 continuing education courses. These courses cover topics such as environmental impact assessment, urban transportation planning, and transit management. He has played a key role in initiating transportation outreach programs at UW-Milwaukee and has shared his expertise through workshops at other universities both in the U.S. and internationally.

 🎤Oral Presentations 

He is a seasoned speaker, regularly presenting his research and insights at conferences, workshops, and professional gatherings. His presentations are known for their clarity, depth, and practical relevance, making complex transportation issues accessible to a wide audience.

 🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Throughout his career, he has served as project director or participant in over 50 research and training contracts. His projects have addressed a wide range of transportation issues, from mass transit systems to environmental impact analysis, and have involved collaborations with numerous governmental and private organizations.

 🚀Success Factors 

His success can be attributed to his deep expertise, commitment to education, and ability to bridge the gap between research and practice. His interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with various stakeholders have made his work both impactful and relevant to contemporary transportation challenges.

 🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

His extensive publication record and hands-on laboratory experience underscore his contributions to transportation engineering. His work in the lab and in the field has led to innovations in transportation facility design and evaluation, as well as advancements in transportation planning methodologies.

Citations
Citations        1137

h-index           17

i10-index        29

 📚Publications

Enhancing rural transportation services for older adults: Bridging customer-provider perspectives

   Authors: Yu, J., Liu, Y., Beimborn, E.

   Journals: Research in Transportation Business and Management

 

Exploring the feasibility of mobility as a service in small urban and rural communities: Lessons from a case study

   Authors: Liu, X., Yu, J., Trisha, S., Beimborn, E.

   Journals: Journal of Urban Planning and Development

Elements of Successful Universal Student Transit Pass Programs from Planning to Implementation: A Benchmark Study

   Authors: Han, D., Yu, J., Beimborn, E., Jin, Z., Tan, W.

   Journals: Transportation Research Record

Examination of process of innovation at transit systems

  Authors: Hikichi, L.K., Beimborn, E.A.

  Journals: Transportation Research Record

Engineer-in-Residence: Strategy for Increasing Relevance in Transportation Education

  Authors:  Pritchard, D., Beimborn, E.A.

  Journals: Transportation Research Record