Kaniza Islam | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Kaniza Islam | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

The Ohio State University | United States

Profiles

Scopus
Google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Kaniza Islam began her academic journey in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering, laying a strong foundation in structural analysis, mechanics, and computational modeling. Her undergraduate thesis addressed the structural behavior of ship girders under uniformly distributed loading, showcasing early proficiency in applied mechanics and problem-solving. Her exceptional academic record reflects a consistent commitment to academic excellence and technical depth.

Professional Endeavors

Building on her undergraduate background, Kaniza transitioned into the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering, where she gained comprehensive research and teaching experience across several academic institutions. Her professional journey includes roles as a lecturer, graduate teaching assistant, and research associate. These positions have allowed her to contribute meaningfully to both academic instruction and advanced engineering research, particularly in energy storage systems and combustion technologies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Kaniza’s primary research centers on the interfacial degradation mechanics of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), an area critical to advancing safe and efficient next-generation energy storage. Her work specifically investigates the role of elasto-plastic deformation in solid electrolytes and its effect on electrode–electrolyte interface stresses. This unique integration of fracture mechanics, continuum mechanics, and energy device modeling bridges theoretical understanding with real-world application. Her contributions aim to mitigate degradation mechanisms and improve the mechanical reliability of ASSBs.

Impact and Influence

Her research is already influencing the understanding of mechanical interactions in electrochemical systems. With a publication in a reputed energy storage journal and poster presentations at institutional research events, her work contributes to the foundational understanding needed for the development of durable and efficient solid-state batteries. Additionally, her role as a peer reviewer for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) reflects her growing reputation within the academic community.

Technical Skills

Kaniza has developed an impressive technical toolkit through rigorous coursework and research. Her skills encompass continuum mechanics, strength of materials, elasticity, and fracture mechanics, along with modeling ceramic and polymer materials. She is also proficient in energy device design and simulation, virtual modeling of combustion systems, and the use of computational tools for mechanical and materials analysis. These competencies are critical to her work on solid-state battery degradation and broader engineering problems.

Teaching Experience

She has extensive teaching experience, both as a lecturer and a teaching associate. She has delivered over 350 hours of theoretical instruction and has administered multiple undergraduate engineering courses, including mechanical systems, thermal fluids, and measurement and data analysis. Her ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences and mentor undergraduate research projects highlights her strong pedagogical capabilities and dedication to academic mentorship.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Kaniza Islam’s work sits at the intersection of mechanics and electrochemistry, addressing one of the key challenges in energy storage interfacial mechanical failure. Her current and future research is likely to contribute significantly to the development of longer-lasting, safer batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage. As she advances in her doctoral studies, her work is expected to yield deeper insights and practical solutions, positioning her as a rising expert in battery mechanics.

Notable Publication

  • The role of elasto-plastic deformation in solid electrolytes on the electrode–electrolyte interfacial stresses of all-solid-state batteries

  • Authors: Islam, K., & Katsube, N.

  • Journal: Journal of Energy Storage

  • Year: 2025

Conclusion

Kaniza Islam exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher: technical depth, interdisciplinary expertise, and a commitment to solving real-world problems. Her combined contributions to teaching, research, and academic service make her a valuable asset to the engineering and energy storage community. With her growing influence and dedication, she is well poised to make lasting contributions in the field of solid-state batteries and mechanical engineering.

 

 

Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xuteng Zhao began his academic journey with a strong foundation in materials science, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Northeast Forestry University (2012.09–2016.06). His early exposure to polymer science laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary approach to energy and catalysis. Motivated by a deep interest in chemical processes, he pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Harbin Engineering University (2016.09–2019.03), where he gained hands-on experience in process engineering and catalysis. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctoral degree in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2019.04–2022.12), marking a transition into the emerging field of electrochemical energy conversion.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhao continued his association with Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a Postdoctoral Fellow (2022.12–2024.11), contributing to cutting-edge research in electrochemical catalysis and thermophysical engineering. His commitment and research excellence led to his promotion as an Associate Researcher in March 2025, where he remains active in both scientific research and academic mentorship. His current role situates him at the forefront of hydrogen production technologies, particularly focusing on alcohol–ammonia-based hydrogen evolution systems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research is deeply rooted in the development and optimization of electrochemical catalysis technologies for sustainable energy. His primary research focus includes alcohol-ammonia hydrogen production, a promising route for clean hydrogen generation. By integrating principles of thermophysics and catalysis, he has worked on improving the energy efficiency and catalytic performance of these systems. His work bridges materials engineering with chemical process innovation, contributing to the next generation of green hydrogen production technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative research, Dr. Zhao has significantly contributed to the global discourse on renewable energy and hydrogen economy. His studies on novel catalytic materials and ammonia-fueled hydrogen systems are expected to influence future industrial hydrogen production models. By collaborating within interdisciplinary teams at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he supports both academic development and practical technology deployment for carbon-neutral energy solutions.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though still early in his career, Dr. Zhao’s research has begun to attract attention in scholarly circles, particularly in electrochemical and energy materials communities. His articles are cited in studies related to electrocatalysis, fuel processing, and ammonia decomposition, contributing to an expanding body of literature in sustainable energy production.

🧪 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhao has mastered a wide array of experimental and analytical techniques essential to catalysis and thermophysical studies. These include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Tafel Polarization and Reaction Kinetics, Gas Chromatography for hydrogen quantification, and material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, and FT-IR. He is also adept at designing custom experimental systems for lab-scale hydrogen production and catalytic performance evaluation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an associate researcher, Dr. Zhao actively participates in academic mentorship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He has guided graduate students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. His teaching approach emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experimentation, fostering the next generation of researchers in energy engineering.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhao aims to establish himself as a leading researcher in hydrogen energy and catalysis. His future research will likely delve into scalable hydrogen production techniques, advanced electrocatalyst design, and integration of renewable resources with chemical fuel synthesis. He aspires to develop systems that are not only energy-efficient but also economically viable for real-world deployment. His dedication to clean energy solutions and academic excellence positions him as a promising contributor to the global clean-tech landscape.

📖Notable Publications

Electrically Driven Gaseous Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production over SiC-Mediated Catalyst without External Heating
Authors: Xiaochao Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Guangzhao Zhou, Ting Chen, Qi Chen, Nicolas Alonso-Vante, Zhen Huang, Yiran Zhang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2025

The influence of phosphorus and CO poisoning on Pd/SSZ-13 with different Al distributions as passive NOx adsorbers
Authors: Yinan Wang, Jiaqi Feng, Ting Chen, Xuteng Zhao, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Nonthermal-Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis Using Fe₂O₃/CeO₂ Mechanically Mixed with Al₂O₃: Insights into the Promoting Effect of Plasma Discharge Enhancement on the Role of Catalysts
Authors: Guangzhao Zhou, Ziyu Wang, Xiaochao Wang, Yiran Zhang, Xuteng Zhao, Qi Chen, Ting Chen, Zhen Huang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2024

The interaction between Pd/CeO₂ crystal surface and electric field: Application to complete oxidation of methane
Authors: Xuteng Zhao, Yinan Wang, Zuwei Zheng, Xuehong Chen, Ting Chen, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Enhancing the NOx storage and hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-13 passive NOx adsorbers by regulating the Al distributions
Authors: Yinan Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Ting Chen, Zuwei Zheng, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2024