Song Qin, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, is the winner of the DFI Educational Trust Student Paper Competition. His paper is titled “Investigation of Vibratory Hammer Installation for Deeply Embedded Ring Anchor System in Sand.”
Song presented his paper at DFI’s 50th Annual Conference on Deep Foundations in Nashville, Tennessee, October 20−23.
Song recently earned his Ph.D. in geotechnical engineering from Texas A&M University, specializing in the foundations of offshore structures. With more than five years of experience in offshore foundation engineering, his research focuses on optimizing installation methods and advancing the design of marine anchors. Passionate about foundation technology and offshore engineering, Song aims to contribute to multidisciplinary engineering practices and further the development of innovative anchoring solutions.
Saad Rehmatullah, E.I.T., Tufts University, is the recipient of a special recognition award for his paper “Use of Nondestructive Testing To Establish Installation Disturbance Zone Criteria for Adjacent Continuous Flight Auger Pile Installation on Design Build Project.”
DFI and the DFI Educational Trust annually hold the Student Paper Competition to help bridge the gap among practice, studies and research. The 2025 winners receive a $1,000 travel stipend, free conference registration and a complimentary 2-year DFI Individual Membership.