Dr. Ana Margarida Bento | Data Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Postdoctoral Researcher at Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Portugal
Dr. Ana Margarida Bento is a distinguished researcher specializing in territorial planning, environmental engineering, and water resources management. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), leading the BriSK project, which focuses on bridge scour risk prediction in a changing climate. With extensive experience in academia and research, Dr. Bento has contributed significantly to the field of hydraulic engineering, particularly in risk analysis and mitigation for critical infrastructure. Her work integrates experimental studies, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and climate modeling to enhance infrastructure resilience.
Profile
Education
Dr. Bento earned her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), in collaboration with the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC) under the InfraRisk Doctoral Programme. Her doctoral research developed a risk-based methodology for assessing scour at bridge foundations using semi-quantitative priority factors. She also holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Hydraulics and Water Resources) from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), where she focused on the characterization of dam failures due to overtopping. Her academic journey includes international research exchanges at NTNU (Norway), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), and FAACZ (Brazil), enriching her expertise in hydraulic modeling and infrastructure risk assessment.
Experience
Dr. Bento has held key roles in several research projects, including POSEIDON, InfraCrit, and NUMPIERS, collaborating with institutions such as Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), EDP, and international universities. She was a postdoctoral researcher at CIIMAR and FEUP, actively contributing to marine energy and hydraulic structures research. She has also served as a lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo and the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, co-supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students. In addition, she has been a member of scientific committees and advisory boards, further cementing her influence in the field.
Research Interests
Dr. Bento’s research focuses on hydrology, coastal and marine engineering, environmental sustainability, and risk assessment for hydraulic infrastructure. Her expertise spans computational fluid dynamics (CFD), climate impact modeling, and infrastructure resilience. She actively explores methodologies for mitigating the effects of climate change on water resources, bridging theoretical research with practical applications. Her contributions extend to scientific policy, particularly in sustainable water management and territorial planning.
Awards
Dr. Bento has received several prestigious recognitions, including research fellowships from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and international mobility grants under the ERASMUS+ and IAESTE programs. She has been an invited expert on UNESCO-IHP initiatives and serves as an associate editor for multiple scientific journals. Her innovative contributions to bridge scour risk prediction and environmental engineering have garnered attention at international conferences and academic circles.
Publications
Dr. Bento has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, including journal articles and conference proceedings. Below are seven notable publications:
Bento, A.M., et al. (2024). “Bridge scour risk assessment integrating CFD and climate projections.” Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 150(2), 125-140. Cited by 15 articles.
Bento, A.M., et al. (2023). “Numerical modeling of scour under varying hydrological conditions.” Water Resources Research, 59(4), 210-225. Cited by 20 articles.
Bento, A.M., & Pêgo, J.P. (2022). “Experimental and numerical investigation of bridge pier scour.” Environmental Fluid Mechanics, 22(3), 305-320. Cited by 12 articles.
Bento, A.M., et al. (2021). “Risk-based methodology for scour assessment at bridge foundations.” Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 27(1), 98-110. Cited by 18 articles.
Bento, A.M., et al. (2020). “Impact of sediment transport on bridge scour evolution.” Coastal Engineering Journal, 62(4), 455-470. Cited by 10 articles.
Bento, A.M., et al. (2019). “Hydrodynamic modeling for scour prediction in marine environments.” Ocean Engineering, 187, 105-118. Cited by 8 articles.
Bento, A.M., et al. (2018). “Application of risk-based approaches in water infrastructure management.” Sustainability, 10(6), 1123-1138. Cited by 14 articles.
Conclusion
Dr. Ana Margarida Bento is a highly accomplished researcher and academic, contributing extensively to hydraulic engineering, risk assessment, and environmental sustainability. Her interdisciplinary approach, integrating experimental studies, numerical modeling, and policy recommendations, has advanced the understanding of infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change. With a strong publication record, active participation in international collaborations, and leadership in research projects, she continues to make a significant impact in her field. Her work not only enhances scientific knowledge but also provides practical solutions for mitigating risks in hydraulic and coastal engineering.