Mrs. Khadijeh Esmati | Binder Jetting | Best Researcher Award

Polytechnique Montréal | Canada

Khadijeh Esmati is an accomplished researcher and engineer specializing in stainless steel additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, welding, and metallurgical process optimization. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Polytechnique Montreal, she focuses on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties of stainless steels fabricated by powder bed binder jetting. Her professional journey spans diverse research and engineering roles in Canada and Iran, including significant contributions to Polytechnique Montreal, Amirkabir University of Technology, MANGAN Manufacturing, and TurboTEC. She has developed expertise in heat treatment, mechanical testing, metallography, failure analysis, and nondestructive testing, contributing to industrial and academic advancements. Khadijeh has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Journal of Materials Research and Technology, Materials Today Communications, and Materials & Design. Her career reflects a strong integration of experimental research, industrial design, and technical leadership, positioning her as a rising figure in materials science and engineering.

Professional Profile

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Education

Khadijeh Esmati’s academic background demonstrates a strong foundation in materials engineering and advanced manufacturing. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Sahand University of Technology, where she studied corrosion and materials behavior in petrochemical applications. She went on to pursue a Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, focusing on welding and brazing of copper-beryllium alloys, where she gained extensive experience in microstructural analysis and mechanical evaluation of diffusion-brazed joints. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montreal under the supervision of Dr. Étienne Martin. Her doctoral research focuses on additive manufacturing by binder jetting, with a specialization in sintering optimization, anisotropy shrinkage studies, and mechanical property evaluation of stainless steel alloys. Her educational journey has given her a comprehensive understanding of materials characterization, advanced processing, and sustainable metallurgical techniques.

Experience

With extensive research and industrial experience, Khadijeh Esmati has contributed to multiple facets of metallurgical engineering. At Polytechnique Montreal, she has served as a research engineer and doctoral researcher, investigating sintering processes of AlSi10Mg alloys and stainless steels in additive manufacturing. Prior to this, she worked at Amirkabir University of Technology on projects ranging from dual-phase steels and welded structures to turbine blade coatings and corrosion studies. Her industry experience includes her role as Principal Design Engineer at MANGAN Manufacturing, where she oversaw material selection for impellers, steel casting processes, and preparation of welding procedures. At TurboTEC, she contributed to evaluating and improving repair welding for gas turbine components, further expanding her expertise in high-temperature alloys and failure analysis. Across her career, Khadijeh has combined hands-on experimental research with engineering practice, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic innovation with practical industrial applications in metallurgy and materials science.

Awards and Honors

Khadijeh Esmati has been recognized for her academic excellence and contributions to research in welding, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing. Her scholarly work has been published in high-quality journals, including Journal of Materials Research and Technology, Materials Today Communications, and Materials & Design. Her early career research on diffusion brazing of copper-beryllium alloys was well received, leading to conference presentations such as the 5th International Conference on Brazing in Nevada. She has also received professional certifications in ultrasonic testing, welding procedure specification, and procedure qualification record preparation, which highlight her technical credibility in both academic and industrial settings. In her doctoral research at Polytechnique Montreal, she has been commended for advancing binder jetting technologies, with her publications reflecting international recognition in additive manufacturing. These achievements, combined with her technical certifications, have positioned her as a rising professional bridging applied research, advanced characterization, and metallurgical engineering innovation.

Research Focus

Khadijeh Esmati’s research focuses on advanced materials processing and characterization, with a particular emphasis on additive manufacturing, binder jetting, and powder metallurgy. Her doctoral work investigates the sintering behavior, anisotropic shrinkage, and mechanical performance of stainless steels fabricated by binder jetting, using advanced characterization tools such as SEM, TEM, EBSD, and dilatometry. She is also engaged in optimizing heat treatment parameters for binder jetted alloys, particularly 17-4 PH stainless steel, to enhance strength, density, and microstructural integrity. Beyond additive manufacturing, her research interests extend to welding metallurgy, diffusion brazing, mechanical testing, and corrosion studies. She has contributed to understanding material failure mechanisms in welded structures, turbine blades, and coatings, providing valuable insights for industrial applications. Her overall research philosophy integrates innovation in material synthesis and processing with detailed structural and mechanical evaluation, aiming to advance sustainable manufacturing practices in metallurgy and mechanical engineering.

Publication top Notes

Study on the microstructure and mechanical properties of diffusion brazing joint of C17200 Copper Beryllium alloy
Year: 2014
Citations: 28

Evaluation of different sintering agents for binder jetting of aluminum alloy
Year: 2023
Citations: 18

Mitigating inherent micro-cracking in laser additively manufactured RENÉ 108 thin-wall components
Year: 2023
Citations: 16

Anisotropic sintering behavior of stainless steel 316L printed by binder jetting additive manufacturing
Year: 2024
Citations: 6

Influence of Temperature and Print Orientation on Anisotropic Sintering in Binder Jet SS316L
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Conclusion

Khadijeh Esmati is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her deep expertise in additive manufacturing, welding, and advanced materials characterization, along with her demonstrated ability to integrate academic research with industrial applications. Her diverse professional experience across both academia and industry highlights her as a resourceful and impactful researcher. With additional focus on sustainability, collaboration, and leadership, she has the potential to emerge as a leading figure in materials engineering. Based on her achievements, she is well-suited for recognition under this award.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhenlin Zhang | Additive manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Researcher at Southwest Jiaotong University, China

🌟 Zhang Zhenlin is a dedicated researcher specializing in advanced materials and laser additive manufacturing. He has achieved notable milestones, including a PhD under the guidance of Prof. Ji-Guo Shan and postdoctoral research with Prof. Hui Chen. Currently an Assistant Researcher at Southwest Jiaotong University, he is deeply committed to innovation in laser-based technologies. Zhang has contributed significantly to national and international projects, authored 11 SCI papers in top-tier journals, and holds multiple patents. His work on high-precision repairs and additive manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications showcases his passion for cutting-edge research. Beyond academics, Zhang excels in leadership roles, serving as a guest editor for Coatings and mentoring future engineers. His accolades include prestigious awards in technology and academic competitions.

Professional Profiles

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

SCOPUS

Education

Zhang‘s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Material Forming and Control Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University (2011–2015). He pursued his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Tsinghua University (2015–2021), focusing on laser processing techniques. During this time, he also ventured abroad, studying at Tohoku University and Osaka University as a visiting scholar. Currently, he is engaged in postdoctoral research at Southwest Jiaotong University, specializing in laser additive manufacturing. 🎓📚

Work Experience

Zhang Zhenlin has a wealth of experience in the field of laser additive manufacturing. Since 2021, he has served as an Assistant Researcher and Postdoctoral Researcher at Southwest Jiaotong University. His research focuses on high-precision laser repair and additive manufacturing, especially for titanium alloys and UAV structures. He has led several significant projects, including national-level research programs. Zhang has also collaborated with global institutions such as Tohoku and Osaka University, gaining insights into international research trends. 🔬🌟

Award and Honors🏅

Zhang has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. He received the Second Prize for Technology Progress from the Ministry of Education and a Bronze Award as an advisor for the 8th China International “Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. He was also recognized as an Outstanding Communist Party Member at Tsinghua University and received the Best Paper Award at the National Laser Processing Academic Conference. These achievements highlight his dedication to both academic and extracurricular excellence. 🏅🏆

Research Focus 🔍

Zhang Zhenlin’s research is centered around advanced materials and laser additive manufacturing technology. He focuses on improving laser cladding, titanium alloy repair, and the prevention of defects such as solidification cracks. His research includes the development of high-precision laser repair techniques and their application in industries like aerospace. His expertise also covers the evolution of materials during laser processing, contributing to the advancement of manufacturing technologies. 🔬💡

Skills 🏆

Zhang is highly skilled in numerical simulations using ANSYS and ABAQUS, specializing in electromagnetic, thermal, and stress field analysis. He is proficient in CAD, SolidWorks, and other design software for 3D modeling and graphical design. His hands-on expertise includes SEM, EBSD, EPMA, TEM, and residual stress analysis, making him a well-rounded materials scientist. These technical skills, combined with his leadership in research, make him a key contributor to advancements in laser manufacturing technologies. 🖥️🔧

Conclusion

Dr. Zhang Zhenlin is an exceptional researcher whose expertise and contributions position him as a top candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His pioneering research, strong leadership in funded projects, and recognition through awards and publications highlight his ability to make transformative impacts in material science and laser manufacturing. With continued emphasis on international collaboration and commercialization, his work has the potential to achieve even greater heights. Dr. Zhang is highly deserving of this award for his outstanding achievements and future potential.

Publications to Noted

Physical and biological controls on the carbonate chemistry of coral reef waters: effects of metabolism, wave forcing, sea level, and geomorphology
Authors: JL Falter, RJ Lowe, Z Zhang, M McCulloch
Cited by: 166
Year: 2013

The combined influence of hydrodynamic forcing and calcification on the spatial distribution of alkalinity in a coral reef system
Authors: Z Zhang, J Falter, R Lowe, G Ivey
Cited by: 65
Year: 2012

Atmospheric forcing intensifies the effects of regional ocean warming on reef‐scale temperature anomalies during a coral bleaching event
Authors: Z Zhang, J Falter, R Lowe, G Ivey, M McCulloch
Cited by: 51
Year: 2013

A numerical model of wave-and current-driven nutrient uptake by coral reef communities
Authors: Z Zhang, R Lowe, J Falter, G Ivey
Cited by: 40
Year: 2011

Localised hydrodynamics influence vulnerability of coral communities to environmental disturbances
Authors: G Shedrawi, JL Falter, KJ Friedman, RJ Lowe, MS Pratchett, CJ Simpson, et al.
Cited by: 31
Year: 2017

Assessing the drivers of spatial variation in thermal forcing across a nearshore reef system and implications for coral bleaching
Authors: JL Falter, Z Zhang, RJ Lowe, F McGregor, J Keesing, MT McCulloch
Cited by: 23
Year: 2014

Ocean transport pathways to a world heritage fringing coral reef: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Authors: J Xu, RJ Lowe, GN Ivey, NL Jones, Z Zhang
Cited by: 18
Year: 2016

The combined effect of transient wind‐driven upwelling and eddies on vertical nutrient fluxes and phytoplankton dynamics along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Authors: Z Zhang, R Lowe, G Ivey, J Xu, J Falter
Cited by: 14
Year: 2016

Toward a universal mass‐momentum transfer relationship for predicting nutrient uptake and metabolite exchange in benthic reef communities
Authors: JL Falter, RJ Lowe, Z Zhang
Cited by: 12
Year: 2016

Uncovering fine-scale wave-driven transport features in a fringing coral reef system via Lagrangian coherent structures
Authors: M Leclair, R Lowe, Z Zhang, G Ivey, T Peacock
Cited by: 10
Year: 2016