John Reynolds | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. John Reynolds | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | United States

Dr. John G. Reynolds, PhD is a Senior Science Advisor for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Explosives Programs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where he supports the Energetic Materials Center and the Forensics Science Center. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Reynolds is a recognized authority in nuclear weapons safety, energetic materials, and chemical weapons countermeasures. His subject matter expertise spans non-shock initiated reactions, thermal aging of energetic components, improvised explosives, and detection technologies. Dr. Reynolds earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford University, following a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an A.A. in Chemical Technology from Merritt College. He conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard and Caltech before entering industry at Chevron Research Company. Since joining LLNL, he has led major national security programs, including NEXESS and the Integrated Data Collection and Analysis Program, coordinating multi-laboratory collaborations across the DOE and DoD. He has authored over 250 publications and patents, with more than 4,257 citations on Google Scholar and 3,233 citations on Scopus. His h-index is 33 on both platforms, reflecting a sustained and impactful research career. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the ACS Petroleum Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award, multiple R&D 100 Awards, and the DOE Excellence Award. He also founded the LLNL OPCW verification laboratory, contributing to global chemical weapons monitoring. Dr. Reynolds’ work has significantly influenced homeland security, chemical detection, and explosives safety worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar 

Featured Publications

  • Gash, A. E., Anderson, N. F., Montgomery, J. L., Hsu, P. C., Coffee, K. R., Guillen, G. J., Hernandez, P. A., Clarke, S. M., Zaka, F., & Reynolds, J. G. (2025). Properties of different LLM-105 preparations. Journal of Energetic Materials, 1–21.

  • Hoffman, D. M., Robertson, E. L., Zaka, F., DeHope, A. J., Harwood, V. L., Panasci-Nott, A. F., McClelland, M. A., & Reynolds, J. G. (2025). Development of parameters for the particle size distribution of TATB. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 50(1), e70007.

  • Moore, J. S., Morrison, K. D., Burnham, A. K., Racoveanu, A., Reynolds, J. G., & Coffee, K. R. (2024). TATB thermal decomposition: An improved kinetic model for explosive safety analysis. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300237.

  • Morrison, K. D., Moore, J. S., Coffee, K. R., Koroglu, B., Burnham, A. K., & Reynolds, J. G. (2024). TATB thermal decomposition: Expanding the molecular profile with cryo-focused pyrolysis GC-MS. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300268.

  • Burnham, A. K., Coffee, K. R., Klunder, G. L., Panasci-Nott, A. F., & Reynolds, J. G. (2024). Towards a heat- and mass-balanced kinetic model of TATB decomposition. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300121.

Assist. Prof. Dr Vali Alizadeh | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award | 1720

Assist. Prof. Dr Vali Alizadeh | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof at University of Garmsar,Iran

👨‍🎓Profiles

scopus

google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Vali Alizadeh’s academic journey began in the lush city of Rasht, where he earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry at Guilan University in 1999. This period marked the foundation of his passion for analytical chemistry. He pursued his M.Sc. at Kurdistan University in Sanandaj, completing a dissertation focused on modifying electrodes to detect compounds like bromates, adrenaline, and dopamine. His academic zeal culminated in a Ph.D. candidacy at Tarbiat Modares University, where he delved into the electrochemical properties of cytochrome c, setting the stage for his illustrious research career.

Professional Endeavors 🧪

Dr. Alizadeh’s professional trajectory is defined by his contributions to both academia and applied science. As a lecturer, he has inspired students in advanced electrochemistry, physical chemistry, and petroleum engineering, nurturing the next generation of scientists. His innovative research on modified electrodes and nanostructures has bridged the gap between chemistry and practical applications, including environmental remediation and energy solutions.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Alizadeh has pioneered advancements in nanostructured materials, focusing on their electrochemical and catalytic applications. His research has led to the development of modified electrodes and hybrid nanocomposites that push the boundaries of analytical chemistry. Recent breakthroughs include the use of graphene-based materials for electron transfer studies and the synthesis of novel compounds for anticancer applications. He has also explored environmentally friendly technologies for removing pollutants like Congo red dye and heavy metals, demonstrating his commitment to sustainability.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Alizadeh’s prolific work has earned widespread recognition. With over 20 publications in prestigious journals like Electroanalysis, Journal of Molecular Structure, and CrystEngComm, he is celebrated for his innovative approaches in analytical and electrochemical chemistry. His active participation in international conferences, including multiple presentations at Iranian and global chemistry seminars, underscores his role as a thought leader in his field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Beyond academia, Dr. Alizadeh’s research has made a tangible impact on industries and communities. His work on water purification using magnetic nanoparticles and organic dye degradation through photocatalysis highlights the real-world applications of his studies. By mentoring students and collaborating with global researchers, he has fostered an ecosystem of knowledge sharing, driving advancements in chemistry and material science.

Awards and Honors🏆

Recognized for contributions to photocatalytic materials research at USTHB (2024).

Best Paper Presentation Award at the International Conference on Materials Science (2023).

Research Excellence Award by the Algerian Chemistry Society (2022).

Merit Scholarship for PhD studies in Materials Science and Engineering.

Nominee for Best Researcher Award in the field of environmental chemistry (2025).

Achievements🌟

Published 11 articles in SCI/Scopus-indexed journals, focusing on photocatalysis and AOPs.

Achieved an h-index of 6, i10-index of 4, and over 120 citations in recognized journals.

Successfully developed novel photocatalytic materials with enhanced pollutant degradation efficiency.

Participated in international collaborations for research on advanced composite materials.

Contributed to environmentally sustainable technologies through innovative applications of AOPs.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Dr. Alizadeh’s legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to advancing science for societal benefit. As he continues to innovate in nanomaterials and electrochemical technologies, his work holds the promise of addressing critical challenges in energy, health, and the environment. His vision for the future includes fostering international collaborations, mentoring young scientists, and expanding the horizons of analytical chemistry through cutting-edge research.

Publication Top Notes📖

Title: “Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants Using Semiconductor-Based Materials”
Authors: Ismail Daoud, et al.
Date: May 15, 2023
Published in: Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

Title: “Advances in Composite Photocatalysts for Wastewater Treatment”
Authors: Ismail Daoud, M. Khaled, S. Ahmed
Date: March 2022
Published in: Materials Chemistry and Physics

Title: “Optimization of Advanced Oxidation Processes in Environmental Remediation”
Authors: Ismail Daoud, R. Mehdi
Date: September 2021
Published in: Catalysis Today

Title: “Computational Studies on Semiconductor Nanostructures for Photocatalysis”
Authors: Ismail Daoud, A. Nour
Date: December 2020
Published in: Applied Surface Science

Title: “Eco-Friendly Materials for Photocatalytic Applications in Wastewater Treatment”
Authors: Ismail Daoud, N. Farah, H. Ali
Date: July 2019
Published in: Environmental Research

Hongli Li | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1712

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongli Li | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hongli Li began his academic journey by earning a Ph.D. from Washington State University in the United States, where he deepened his expertise in mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Following his doctoral studies, he advanced his research capabilities with postdoctoral research at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), gaining valuable insights into novel MS methods. His foundational work in analytical techniques like ambient ionization MS, liquid chromatography-MS, and ion mobility-MS helped shape the trajectory of his academic career, particularly in the development of new methodologies and applications in diverse fields like food safety, tobacco analysis, and environmental studies.

💼 Professional Endeavors

As an Associate Professor at Nanjing Normal University, Dr. Li has led and contributed to groundbreaking research projects focused on enhancing mass spectrometry methods. His leadership in securing competitive grants, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China, highlights his pivotal role in the scientific community. Dr. Li has focused on the development of novel mass spectrometry strategies, particularly for characterizing carbohydrate structural isomers, real-time volatile sample analysis, and rapid natural product assessments.

🔬 Research Focus & Innovations

Dr. Li’s research emphasizes pushing the boundaries of mass spectrometry to tackle complex challenges. His focus areas include: Carbohydrate Structural Isomer Characterization: Innovating methods like in situ methylation and ambient ionization MS for detailed analysis of carbohydrate isomers. Real-Time Volatile and Gas Sample Analysis: Developing specialized interfaces to enhance the analysis of gaseous compounds. Natural Product Analysis: Establishing rapid, high-throughput techniques for identifying and quantifying natural products, crucial in fields like food safety and environmental health.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Li’s work in advancing mass spectrometry methods has had a significant impact on various sectors, including food, tobacco, and environmental analysis. His contributions to ambient ionization MS have enabled more efficient, non-invasive testing techniques, which are especially important for human health diagnostics like exhaled breath analysis. Through his innovative approach to carbohydrate analysis, Dr. Li has made strides in understanding complex biochemical structures, which could potentially revolutionize both academic research and applied sciences.

📚 Academic Cites & Recognition

Dr. Li’s research has earned widespread recognition, as evidenced by citations in key academic journals. Notable achievements include: 2017 FDA Scientific Achievement Award: Recognizing his contributions to scientific advancements in the FDA. 2019 Jiangsu Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team Award: Acknowledging his innovative contributions to the field of mass spectrometry. 2022-2023 Top Cited Article in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry: A testament to the importance and relevance of his research in the scientific community. 2024 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: Highlighting his dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists at Nanjing Normal University.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Li is proficient in several advanced techniques and methods essential to his research, including: Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry: For direct and non-destructive analysis of samples. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): For separating and analyzing complex mixtures. Ion Mobility Spectrometry: An essential technique for studying the physical properties of ions. In Situ Derivatization: Used to enhance sensitivity and specificity in mass spectrometric analysis.  These technical skills underpin his development of cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems in areas like food safety and medical diagnostics.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Dr. Li’s teaching experience is highlighted by his 2024 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching award from Nanjing Normal University. He is committed to providing high-quality education and mentorship to students, especially those pursuing careers in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. His courses and hands-on research guidance have inspired many students to pursue further studies in scientific research.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Li aims to continue his work in expanding the applications of mass spectrometry in diverse fields such as environmental health, pharmaceuticals, and food analysis. He is particularly excited about the potential of his real-time analysis techniques and hopes to influence further breakthroughs in non-invasive diagnostic methods. As a dedicated researcher and educator, Dr. Li is focused on leaving a lasting legacy of innovation in analytical chemistry while continuing to shape the future of mass spectrometry.

📖Notable Publications

Direct Identification of Disaccharide Structural Isomers Using Ambient Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry with In Situ Methylation

Authors: Ren, R., Yuan, M., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Analytical Chemistry, 2023, 95(4), pp. 2213–2220

High-resolution mass spectrometry exhalome profiling with a modified direct analysis in real-time ion source

Authors: Xu, L., Zhang, K., Geng, X., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 2022, 36(24), e9406

Determination of 18 photoinitiators in food paper packaging materials by FastPrep-based extraction combined with GC–MS

Authors: Liang, Q., Wang, Z., Du, W., Lu, H., Li, H.
Journal: Food Chemistry, 2022, 377, 131980

Tee-Shaped Sample Introduction Device Coupled with Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometry for Gaseous Analytes

Authors: Geng, X., Zhao, Z., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Analytical Chemistry, 2021, 93(50), pp. 16813–16820

Rapid fingerprint analysis for herbal polysaccharides using direct analysis in real-time ionization mass spectrometry

Authors: Wang, X., Jiang, Q., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 2021, 35(16), e9139