Ghent, Belgium – Emma Coopman, a talented student from Ghent University, was awarded the prestigious Sackesyn Prize 2024 for her exceptional master’s thesis in Civil Engineering Technology. The award ceremony took place last Sunday, celebrating Coopman’s remarkable research on “The Effects of Exposure to Elevated Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of GFRP Bars Produced with Thermoplastic Resin.”
Coopman completed her dissertation in the 2nd semester of the academic year 2023/24 at IST-DECivil/CERIS under the Erasmus program. Her work focused on exploring the mechanical behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars when exposed to higher temperatures, a crucial area of study in advancing civil engineering materials and practices.
The thesis was supervised by Prof. Joao Ramôa Correia, with invaluable guidance from co-supervisors Prof. Wouter de Corte, Dr. João Firmo, and Dr. Inês Rosa. Their collective expertise contributed significantly to the depth and rigor of Coopman’s research, which has important implications for the construction industry.
The Sackesyn Prize, awarded by Ghent University, recognizes outstanding master’s theses that demonstrate innovation and a strong contribution to the field of civil engineering. Coopman’s achievement highlights not only her dedication and hard work but also the growing importance of research in sustainable engineering solutions.
This recognition underscores the quality of education and research at IST-DECivil/CERIS and the collaborative efforts of faculty and students in pushing the boundaries of civil engineering research.
