Dr. Juan Lei | Sonar Imaging Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Juan Lei | Sonar Imaging Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Juan Lei, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China

Juan Lei was born in Shaanxi, She received her B.S. degree in Electronic Information Science and Technology from Northwest University, Xi’an, China, in 2008, and her M.S. degree from Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China, in 2013. Since September 2018, she has been pursuing a Ph.D. at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Her primary research interests include image processing and deep learning, with a particular focus on underwater sonar signal processing. With expertise in Underwater Unmanned Vehicles and on-board sensors, she has been actively engaged in the development of underwater image recognition and segmentation technologies. She also serves as the Deputy General Manager of Xi’an Tianhe Maritime Technology Co. Ltd., a company dedicated to researching and manufacturing underwater robots and sensor-equipped devices for acquiring underwater images and data.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Juan Lei has demonstrated a strong commitment to research in the field of image processing, deep learning, and underwater sonar signal processing. Her academic journey, from obtaining a B.S. in Electronic Information Science and Technology to an ongoing Ph.D. at Northwestern Polytechnic University, highlights her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

📚 Education:

  • 🎓 B.S. in Electronic Information Science and Technology – Northwest University, Xi’an, China (2008)
  • 🎓 M.S. in [Electronic/Engineering Field] – Northwestern Polytechnic University, Xi’an, China (2013)
  • 🎓 Ph.D. Candidate in [Relevant Field] – Northwestern Polytechnic University, Xi’an, China (2018–Present)

💼 Work Experience:

  • 🏢 Deputy General Manager – Xi’an Tianhe Maritime Technology Co. Ltd.
    🔹 Specialized in underwater robotics and sensor-equipped devices for underwater data acquisition
    🔹 Focused on underwater image recognition and segmentation

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors:

  • 🥇 Expertise in image processing & deep learning
  • 🌊 Knowledge of Underwater Unmanned Vehicles (UUVs) & onboard sensors
  • 🎯 Research focus on underwater sonar signal processing
  • 🏅 Contributed to advancements in underwater image recognition & segmentation

Publication Top Notes:

CNN–Transformer Hybrid Architecture for Underwater Sonar Image Segmentation

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yakun Ju | Marine Imaging | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yakun Ju | Marine Imaging | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yakun Ju, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Dr. Yakun Ju is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Leicester, UK. He previously held research positions at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, working on deep learning, 3D reconstruction, computational imaging, medical image processing, and underwater vision. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Ocean University of China under the supervision of Prof. Junyu Dong and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Sichuan University. Dr. Ju is actively involved in academic service, serving as an Associate Editor for Neurocomputing and Intelligent Marine Technology and Systems and on the editorial boards of Applied Soft Computing, Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, and PLOS ONE. His contributions extend to guest editing special issues in Computer Vision and Image Understanding, Frontiers in Marine Science, and Remote Sensing, focusing on advanced computational imaging and 3D reconstruction.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Yakun Ju

Dr. Yakun Ju is an emerging and highly accomplished researcher in Deep Learning, 3D Reconstruction, Computational Imaging, and Medical Image Processing. His rapid academic progression, prestigious research positions, and strong publication and editorial contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science (2016 – 2022) – Ocean University of China, supervised by Prof. Junyu Dong
  • Bachelor of Engineering (2012 – 2016) – Sichuan University

💼 Work Experience

  • Lecturer (Assistant Professor) – University of Leicester, UK (11/2024 – Present)
  • Research Fellow – Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (09/2023 – 11/2024)
    • Worked at the Rapid-Rich Object Search (ROSE) Lab with Prof. Alex C. Kot
  • Postdoctoral Fellow – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR (09/2022 – 09/2023)
    • Worked at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Prof. Kin-Man Lam
  • Research Assistant – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR (01/2021 – 07/2021)
    • Worked with Prof. Kin-Man Lam
  • Visiting Scholar – Peking University, China (09/2020 – 12/2020)
    • Worked at the Wangxuan Institute of Computer Technology with Prof. Yuxin Peng

🏆 Achievements, Awards, and Honors

  • Associate Editor – Neurocomputing (01/2025 – Present)
  • Associate Editor – Intelligent Marine Technology and Systems (11/2023 – Present)
  • Editorial Board Member – Applied Soft Computing (02/2025 – Present)
  • Editorial Board Member – Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence (06/2024 – Present)
  • Editorial Board Member – PLOS ONE (04/2024 – Present)
  • Guest EditorComputer Vision and Image Understanding (CVIU) Special Issue: Advanced Computational Imaging and Photography Measurement (03/2024 – 09/2024)
  • Guest EditorFrontier in Marine Science Special Issue: Underwater Visual Signal Processing in the Data-Driven Era (08/2024 – 01/2025)
  • Guest EditorRemote Sensing Special Issue: Remote Sensing Techniques for 3D Reconstruction and Multimodal Structural Analysis

🔬 Research Interests

  • Deep Learning
  • 3D Reconstruction
  • Computational Imaging
  • Medical Image Processing
  • Underwater Vision

Publication Top Notes:

CITED:75
CITED:57
CITED:56
CITED:49
CITED:39

Muhammad Bilal | Underwater Communication | Best Researcher Award

Muhammad Bilal | Underwater Communication | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Harbin Engineering University, China

Dr. Muhammad Bilal is an accomplished researcher in the field of Information and Communication Engineering, specializing in underwater acoustic communication. With a robust educational background and extensive research experience, he has made significant contributions to the field through innovative projects and publications. His dedication to mentoring students and fostering collaborative research enhances his reputation as a leader in academia.

Professional Profile:

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

Dr. Bilal’s qualifications and achievements position him as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive publication record, with 12 SCI and 6 EI indexed articles, highlights his impactful research contributions. His work on novel communication techniques, particularly those mimicking natural sounds, showcases his innovative approach and relevance to contemporary challenges. Furthermore, his active engagement in mentoring doctoral students and organizing international conferences underscores his commitment to advancing the field and supporting future researchers.

Education 

Dr. Bilal holds a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering from Harbin Engineering University, where he graduated with a commendable 91%. He is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the same institution, furthering his expertise. His academic journey also includes a Master’s in Telecommunication Engineering from Hamdard University, Pakistan, and a Bachelor’s degree from FAST National University. This solid educational foundation has equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for his research.

Work Experience

Dr. Bilal has accumulated substantial professional experience, currently serving as a post-doctoral researcher at Harbin Engineering University. His prior role as a Senior Manager (Technical) at the National Engineering and Scientific Commission in Pakistan involved leading technical projects and managing teams focused on marine research. Additionally, he has taught various courses in wireless communication and signal processing, demonstrating his ability to convey complex concepts to students at multiple academic levels.

Skills

Dr. Bilal possesses a diverse skill set that includes advanced knowledge in wireless and underwater communication, signal processing, and machine learning. His proficiency in deep neural networks and acoustic communication techniques reflects his technical expertise. Furthermore, he has strong organizational and leadership skills, evidenced by his roles in mentoring students and coordinating academic events. His collaborative spirit is enhanced by his experience working with international research teams.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Bilal has received several accolades that recognize his contributions to academia and research. Notably, he was named the Best International Student of the Year at Harbin Engineering University for the academic year 2017-2018. He has also been actively involved in various committees for international conferences and workshops, reflecting his respected standing in the academic community. His recognition as a key member of significant technical program committees further demonstrates his influence and commitment to the field.

Publication top Notes:

Biologically inspired covert underwater acoustic communication—A review
Authors: G. Qiao, M. Bilal, S. Liu, Z. Babar, T. Ma
Year: 2018
Cited by: 33 📚🌊

Dolphin sounds-inspired covert underwater acoustic communication and micro-modem
Authors: G. Qiao, Y. Zhao, S. Liu, M. Bilal
Year: 2017
Cited by: 29 🐬🔊

Bionic Morse coding mimicking humpback whale song for covert underwater communication
Authors: M. Bilal, S. Liu, G. Qiao, L. Wan, Y. Tao
Year: 2019
Cited by: 28 🐋📡

A frequency hopping pattern inspired bionic underwater acoustic communication
Authors: G. Qiao, T. Ma, S. Liu, M. Bilal
Year: 2021
Cited by: 25 🌊🔄

Covert underwater communication by camouflaging sea piling sounds
Authors: S. Liu, M. Wang, T. Ma, G. Qiao, M. Bilal
Year: 2018
Cited by: 22 🌊🔍

A nonlinear distortion removal based on deep neural network for underwater acoustic OFDM communication with the mitigation of peak to average power ratio
Authors: X. Ma, W. Raza, Z. Wu, M. Bilal, Z. Zhou, A. Ali
Year: 2020
Cited by: 17 🧠⚡️

Symmetry oriented covert acoustic communication by mimicking humpback whale song
Authors: G. Qiao, M. Bilal, S. Liu, T. Ma, Y. Zhao, B. Kong
Year: 2019
Cited by: 17 🐋🔒

M-ary nonlinear sine chirp spread spectrum for underwater acoustic communication based on virtual time-reversal mirror method
Authors: S. Liu, H.H. Zuberi, Y. Lou, M.B. Farooq, S. Shaikh, W. Raza
Year: 2021
Cited by: 15 🌊🔊

Shallow water acoustic channel modeling and MIMO-OFDM simulations
Authors: G. Qiao, Z. Babar, L. Ma, L. Wan, X. Qing, X. Li, M. Bilal
Year: 2018
Cited by: 13 🌊📊

Symmetric connectivity of underwater acoustic sensor networks based on multi-modal directional transducer
Authors: G. Qiao, Q. Liu, S. Liu, B. Muhammad, M. Wen
Year: 2021
Cited by: 9 🌐🎛️