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• Railway Construction
• Transport Infrastructure
• Railway Design
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Eng. Stoyo Todorov is a distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Railways at the Faculty of Transport Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) in Sofia, Bulgaria. With over three decades of academic and professional experience, he has served in various leadership roles including Dean of the Faculty of Transport Engineering (2008-2016) and Vice-Rector for European Integration and International Cooperation (2016-2023). His expertise spans railway infrastructure design, construction, and operation, with significant contributions to Bulgaria's railway development projects. Current Position: Professor and Head of Department of Railways Previous Leadership Roles: Dean of Faculty of Transport Engineering, Vice-Rector for European Integration Professional Recognition: Gold badge 'Prof. Asen Zlatarov', multiple 'Teacher of the Year' awards Prof. Todorov completed his Master's degree in Civil Engineer in Transport Construction – Railway Construction at the Higher Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering (VIAS) from 1982-1987. He earned his Doctor of Science in 1999 from UACEG with a dissertation on 'Research of the Longitudinal Profile of Railway Lines at High Speeds' in specialty 02.15.11 'Design, Construction and Maintenance of Railways and Facilities'. His research focuses on railway infrastructure design and construction , with particular emphasis on railway lines, tram systems, metro construction, railway superstructure, stations, and operations. Prof. Todorov has pioneered research in high-speed railway profiles, railway safety, intermodal transport systems, and vibration analysis from urban rail transport. His work bridges theoretical engineering principles with practical applications in Bulgaria's railway infrastructure development. The recent publications reveal a strong focus on intermodal transport optimization , vibration analysis from urban rail systems , and advanced railway safety measures . His most recent work applies mathematical modeling to optimize intermodal terminal locations along railway lines, demonstrating a sophisticated integration of train dynamics with infrastructure planning. The research shows increasing attention to environmental impacts of railway systems and sustainable transport solutions. Gold badge 'Prof. Asen Zlatarov' from the Federation of NTS in Bulgaria (2009) Student award 'Shaman of the Year' from 'The Pathfinders' - CHAOS (2011) Multiple 'Teacher of the Year for FTS' awards from CHAOS (2012-2014) Prof. Todorov has supervised numerous research projects and served as expert in national and EU-funded initiatives. He has managed significant projects under Operational Programs 'Human Resources Development' and 'Transport', including the 'Career Growth and Qualification Enhancement of Academic Staff at UACEG' and 'Development of Standards and Procedures for Quality Management at UACEG'. His leadership extends to international collaborations through Socrates-Erasmus programs and dual degree programs with Vienna University of Technology. As President of Technical Committee 70 'Railway Transport' at the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization since 2010, Prof. Todorov plays a pivotal role in shaping railway standards in Bulgaria. His involvement in major infrastructure projects including the Sofia Metro development, the Plovdiv-Svilengrad railway electrification, and the Struma Motorway railway relocation demonstrates his integration of academic expertise with national infrastructure development.

Darina NitovaView profile

Professor

• High-speed Railways
• Railway Line Design and Construction
• Railway Superstructure
• +4 more

Prof. Darina Nitova serves as Director of the Center for Career Development and Postgraduate Qualification at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG), Faculty of Transport Engineering, Department of Railways. Her academic career spans nearly three decades with progressive appointments from assistant to full professor. Education: Civil Engineer in Transport Construction (Railway Profile), Master's Degree (1989-1994), Higher Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering Doctor of Science (2001-2006), University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, dissertation on 'Optimization of Track Development at High-Speed Stations' Her research focuses on high-speed railway systems , with particular expertise in railway superstructure design, station operations, and intermodal terminal optimization. She has pioneered methodologies for track layout optimization under high-speed conditions and developed innovative approaches for railway safety in extreme weather conditions. Her work bridges theoretical engineering principles with practical infrastructure solutions, emphasizing sustainability and operational efficiency in Balkan transport corridors. Her 62+ publications reveal consistent specialization in railway infrastructure modernization, with increasing focus on intermodal integration since 2012. Recent works address Horizon Europe priorities including EU Green Deal compliance, container terminal automation, and cultural heritage integration in railway development. Key trends show evolution from track engineering fundamentals to holistic transport system integration. Professional Engagement: National Contact Person for Horizon Europe (2022-present) Chairman of 'Transport Construction' Section, Chamber of Engineers (2020-present) Member of Sofia Municipality Territorial Planning Council (2021-present) Coordinator of EU-funded student practice programs (2009-2015) She actively leads international collaborations through UEEIV and Bulgarian Transport Council, directing research projects on railway modernization including the Sofia-Plovdiv corridor. Her leadership extends to academic administration through UACEG's career development center and curriculum development for railway engineering education.

• Modern Chinese History
• Borderland Studies
• Nationalism
• +7 more

Dr. Scott Relyea serves as Associate Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of History at Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences. A specialist in Modern Chinese history, his research and teaching focus on political, social, and intellectual dynamics within China's southwest borderlands (Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibetan plateau), examining nationalism, state-building, and ethnic identity formation during the empire-to-nation-state transition. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in History, University of Chicago MA in Chinese Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) MA in International Affairs, George Washington University BS in Journalism, Northwestern University Dr. Relyea's scholarship centers on borderland studies as critical to understanding modern China. His current book manuscript Gazing at the Tibetan Plateau analyzes how early twentieth century Kham borderlands shaped Sino-Tibetan relations and state consolidation. Parallel projects examine colonial influences on frontier policies and high-speed rail's historical relationship to China's urban-rural divide, using Sun Yat-sen's 1922 railway plan as analytical framework. His publications in Cross-Currents , Modern Asian Studies , and Twentieth Century China demonstrate consistent focus on Kham region authority structures, monetary history, and Western conceptual frameworks in borderland contexts. While no specific awards are listed, his interdisciplinary approach bridges historical analysis with contemporary geopolitical discourse. In pedagogy, Dr. Relyea implements active learning through textual/visual source engagement, guided by Xunzi's principle that 'only through action can a thing be truly learned.' His courses—including specialized offerings on Olympic ceremonies, student protest movements, and regional Chinese foods—foster perspective-taking and historical complexity awareness. Departmental leadership as Assistant Chair complements his scholarly contributions to borderland studies and Chinese historical scholarship.