Zhaoxia Duan | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientific World Research Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhaoxia Duan | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Hohai University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhaoxia Duan is a distinguished researcher whose academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Automation (2007-2011) and a Ph.D. in Control Science and Engineering (2011-2017) from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, including a visiting research fellowship at Shibaura University of Technology in Japan (2013-2014). Currently a tenured associate professor at the School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Hohai University, she earlier served as a lecturer in the College of Energy and Electrical Engineering (2017-2023) and has also been a postdoctoral researcher at the School of Mathematics, Southeast University since 2019. Her research interests encompass multi-agent network systems, path planning for robots and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), multi-dimensional / 2D system theory and applications, switching system theory, and positive system theory; she has developed strong research skills in stability analysis, finite-frequency control, fuzzy hybrid system modeling, fault detection observers, optimization via machine-learning (e.g. multi-objective PSO + Q-learning), and observer/controller synthesis for 2D positive / Markov jump / delayed / hybrid systems. Over her career, she has led multiple funded projects including national, postdoctoral, and central university grants, supervised research, and contributed to theoretical advances in control and automation. Her publication record is robust, with over 30+ journal articles, two authorized invention patents, and the compilation of a university textbook. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors such as teaching excellence, thesis supervision awards, lecture competition prizes, and reviewer excellence. According to Scopus metrics, she has authored approximately 64 documents, has received around 710 citations, and has an h-index of 17. In conclusion, Dr. Duan is a well-rounded scholar who bridges rigorous theoretical research with practical intelligent automation applications, and continues to make impactful contributions to control theory, robotics and multi-agent systems.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Duan, Z., Zhang, Y., Xu, Z., & Xiang, Z. (2025). Path planning problem in rough terrain by multi-objective PSO algorithm combined with Q-learning and crossover operator. Applied Soft Computing Journal, 184, 113798.

Duan, Z., Fu, Y., Wang, R., & Xiang, Z. (2025). l₁-gain control for delayed 2-D Markov jump positive systems in the Fornasini–Marchesini model. Journal of the Franklin Institute, 362(13), 107907.

Duan, Z., Zhang, Y., Wang, R., Xu, Z., & Xiang, Z. (2025). Robot path planning in rough terrain based on multi-objective crossover-mutation particle swarm optimization. Evolutionary Intelligence, 18, 64.

Duan, Z., Shao, Z., & Xiang, Z. (2025). A collaborative command and allocation model for manned and unmanned maritime forces. Journal of Army Engineering University of PLA, 3(4), 98–104. (In Chinese).

Duan, Z., Chu, C., Ghous, I., & Xiang, Z. (2024). On the l∞-gain of 2-D positive Roesser systems with bounded time-varying delays. Journal of the Franklin Institute, 361, 106819.

 

Mark Patterson | Robotics and Automation | Best Industrial Research Award

Published on by Scientific World Research Awards

Dr. Mark Patterson | Robotics and Automation | Best Industrial Research Award

Principal Scientist | Kratos SRE | United States

Dr. Mark C.L. Patterson, Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge (1986), with a prior MSc. in Materials Science from Queen’s University, Canada (1983), and BSc (Hons) in Mining Engineering/Mineral Processing from Camborne School of Mines, England (1980), is a distinguished industrial research leader and Principal Scientist with Kratos SRE, specializing in advanced materials, hypersonics, propulsion, robotics, additive manufacturing, ceramics, nuclear energy, and environmental technologies. With over 40 years of experience spanning materials processing, technology development, and industrial application, he has managed more than $100M in R&D projects and successfully led programs with DARPA, NASA, NOAA, BAE Systems, and the US Department of Defense, demonstrating excellence in international collaborations, technology transfer, and commercialization of advanced solutions. His research interests include advanced ceramic matrix composites, optical and armor-grade spinel, functionally graded composites, autonomous systems, unmanned surface and aerial vehicles, hybrid manufacturing, and nuclear propulsion systems, integrating multidisciplinary approaches to address complex industrial and environmental challenges. Dr. Patterson’s research skills encompass materials synthesis, high-temperature processing, microwave and CVI techniques, nano- and microstructural characterization, additive manufacturing, robotic automation, and advanced propulsion system design. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, and holds four patents, contributing significantly to knowledge advancement in materials and defense technologies. His awards and honors include recognition for pioneering transparent spinel production, the Army SBIR Quality Award, and leadership roles in MIL-17 Ceramic Composite Handbook development, alongside executive positions in Advanced Ceramics Research and Hydronalix. Dr. Patterson’s work is recognized in the research community with 229 Scopus citations across 26 indexed documents and an h-index of 8, reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions to industrial research and engineering. In conclusion, Dr. Patterson’s extensive experience, pioneering research, interdisciplinary expertise, and proven leadership in industrial, defense, and environmental technologies establish him as a preeminent figure in materials science and applied engineering, demonstrating exceptional potential to drive future innovations and mentor the next generation of scientific and industrial leaders globally.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Gilde, G., Patel, P., & Patterson, M.C.L. (1999). A comparison of hot-pressing, rate-controlled sintering, and microwave sintering of magnesium aluminate spinel for optical applications. Proceedings of SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering, 3705, 1–9.

  2. Patterson, M.C.L. (1999). Final report: Advanced HfC-TaC composite rocket thrusters. NASA SBIR Phase I, Contract # NAS3-27272.

  3. Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., Roy, D., & Gilde, G. (2000). Transparent spinel revisited. Proceedings of the American Ceramic Society Conference, Cocoa Beach, 1–10.

  4. Roy, D., Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., & Gilde, G. (2000). Progress in the development of large transparent spinel plates. Proceedings of the 8th DoD Electromagnetic Windows Symposium, ASAFA, Colorado Springs, CO, 1–9.

  5. Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., Roy, D., & Gilde, G. (2000). Transparent spinel development. Proceedings of SPIE 45th International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, San Diego, CA, 1–10.