Jiying Zhu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jiying Zhu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shandong University of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Jiying Zhu has established a strong academic foundation in agricultural and food engineering, beginning her distinguished career with a commitment to solving global challenges related to organic waste conversion. Her academic journey led her to international collaboration early on, particularly through her experiences at The Ohio State University-OARDC, where she served as a Visiting Scholar from 2008 to 2009, and later as a Postdoctoral Researcher from 2012 to 2013. These international experiences significantly broadened her research vision and expertise in biological engineering.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Ms. Zhu has been an integral part of the School of Agricultural and Food Engineering at Shandong University of Technology, China, for over a decade. She served as an Associate Professor from 2009 to 2018, and due to her outstanding contributions in research and education, she was promoted to Professor in January 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agricultural engineering practices, mentoring students, and leading impactful research initiatives.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Zhu’s research primarily focuses on the conversion of organic wastes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through anaerobic mixed-culture fermentation. She investigates how the organic components of substrates and various fermentation conditions influence the yield and distribution of VFAs. Her studies also delve deeply into the metabolic pathways governing the chain elongation of small molecular intermediates, aiming to overcome bottlenecks and limiting factors. Her overarching goal is to develop carbon source flow regulation strategies that enhance the accumulation of specific target products, contributing to more efficient and sustainable waste management and bioresource utilization.

🌎 Impact and Influence

Ms. Zhu’s pioneering work addresses a critical global need — the sustainable transformation of organic waste into valuable biochemical products. By advancing knowledge on metabolic regulation during fermentation processes, she supports the development of circular bioeconomy models that can significantly reduce environmental pollution and enhance resource recovery. Her findings have practical implications for industries focusing on renewable bioenergy, waste valorization, and environmental sustainability.

📚 Academic Citations

Given the technical relevance and environmental urgency of her research, Ms. Zhu’s work has steadily gained recognition in the academic community. Her research outputs contribute significantly to fields such as biochemical engineering, environmental biotechnology, and waste-to-energy systems, building a strong citation record that continues to expand as sustainable waste conversion grows in importance globally.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Ms. Zhu’s technical expertise includes anaerobic fermentation technology, organic waste characterization, metabolic pathway analysis, volatile fatty acid production optimization, and process regulation for targeted bioproduct accumulation. Her skill set positions her uniquely at the intersection of biological engineering, sustainable waste management, and process optimization.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Alongside her research activities, Ms. Zhu has been deeply committed to academic mentorship and education. She has guided undergraduate and postgraduate students at Shandong University of Technology, fostering a research culture that emphasizes innovation, problem-solving, and sustainability. Her teaching philosophy integrates hands-on experimentation with theoretical modeling, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in agricultural and food engineering.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions Highlight

Ms. Zhu’s legacy will be defined by her transformative contributions to the sustainable bioconversion of organic wastes. Looking ahead, she is poised to explore advanced metabolic engineering strategies and precision fermentation technologies to further optimize resource recovery from waste streams. Her continued research and mentorship efforts are set to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists dedicated to environmental sustainability and renewable resource development.

📖Notable Publications

Hexanoic Acid Production and Microbial Community in Anaerobic Fermentation: Effects of Inorganic Carbon Addition
Authors: Xiaofeng Ji, Zhengang Chen, Yingmeng Shen, Longlong Liu, Ranran Chen, Jiying Zhu*
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2024 | Volume 403: 130881

Regulation of Hydraulic Retention Time on Caproic Acid Production via Two-Phase Anaerobic Fermentation of Chinese Cabbage Waste with Autopoietic Electron Donors
Authors: Ranran Chen, Xiaofeng Ji, Zhengang Chen, Liu Huang, Jiying Zhu*
Journal: Journal of Biotechnology
Year: 2024 | Volume 381: 1-10

Effects of Yeast Inoculation Methods on Caproic Acid Production and Microbial Community During Anaerobic Fermentation of Chinese Cabbage Waste
Authors: Ranran Chen, Xiaonan Zhou, Liu Huang, Xiaofeng Ji, Zhengang Chen, Jiying Zhu*
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
Year: 2024 | Volume 356: 120632

Acidogenic Fermentation of Potato Peel Waste for Volatile Fatty Acids Production: Effect of Initial Organic Load
Authors: Lu Yu, Ranran Chen, Liu Huang, Xiangyou Wang, Santao Chou, Jiying Zhu*
Journal: Journal of Biotechnology
Year: 2023 | Volume 374: 114-121

Effect of pH on Volatile Fatty Acid Production and the Microbial Community During Anaerobic Digestion of Chinese Cabbage Waste
Authors: Xiaonan Zhou, Yu Lu, Liu Huang, Qi Zhang, Jiying Zhu*
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2021 | Volume 336: 125338

Md. Tushar Ali | Environmental Chemistry | Young Scientist Award -1966

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Mr. Md. Tushar Ali | Environmental Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Md. Tushar Ali began his academic journey in Civil Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, majoring in Structural Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. From January 2019 to March 2024, he maintained a strong academic record, graduating with a CGPA of 3.47 out of 4.00, peaking at an impressive 3.94 in a single term. His undergraduate foundation laid a solid groundwork in structural systems, sustainability, and environmental dynamics, which became the springboard for his transition into multidisciplinary research. Early exposure to complex environmental problems inspired Tushar to explore intersections between engineering, atmospheric science, and ecological resilience.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Tushar serves as a Research Assistant in the SCIP Plastics Project—an international collaboration between KUET and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, funded by the German Government. In this role, he engages in diverse tasks ranging from field surveys and lab analyses to advanced modeling and scientific reporting. His work focuses on real-world issues like landfill gas emissions, plastic pollution, and ecological risk assessments. Tushar applies sophisticated tools such as MATLAB, Fuzzy Logic systems, and statistical modeling to analyze landfill impacts. In parallel, he contributes to atmospheric research alongside Dr. Towfiqul Islam and Dr. Hamidul Bari, exploring urban air quality, greenhouse gas trends, and climate behavior through satellite remote sensing and analytical models like PCA and GAM. His dual involvement in waste and climate research marks him as a rare multidisciplinary asset.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Tushar’s research contributions span across several pivotal areas in environmental science and engineering. His field measurements of landfill gases across various waste compositions and seasons offer critical insights into emission patterns. He has developed environmental risk models integrating PCA, DEA, and Fuzzy Logic in MATLAB, enhancing the precision of hazard prediction. His research also explores how plastics escape from landfills via wind, floods, and human interaction, supporting data-driven plastic waste mitigation strategies. A noteworthy technical endeavor includes using LiDAR drone-based Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) to estimate landfill capacity and predict operational lifespan. Furthermore, his satellite-based work investigates air pollution trends, GHG dynamics, and meteorological variables before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tushar has also delved into Atmospheric River (AR) behavior using ERA5 and GrADS, highlighting links between rainfall surges and atmospheric circulation. His seasonal studies on GHG trends and their interaction with urban heat island effects demonstrate a mature understanding of urban climate interactions.

🌱 Undergraduate Research Highlights

Even during his undergraduate years, Tushar was deeply involved in both computational and experimental research. He carried out comparative studies on the thermal performance of traditional vs. pervious concrete pavements using embedded thermocouples, which later resulted in a Q2 journal publication. He further explored the mechanical and thermal behavior of pervious concrete systems and studied cement grout behavior under temperature variations—research that he presented at a national conference. Additionally, his work on using recycled aggregates in sustainable construction is currently under review in a prestigious Q1 journal. These early achievements reflect his commitment to sustainability and innovative material use in civil engineering.

💡 Impact and Influence

Tushar’s interdisciplinary approach enables him to address critical environmental challenges in both urban and rural contexts. His work provides valuable data for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists tackling the pressing issues of waste management, air quality, and climate adaptation. Through high-impact research and modeling, Tushar is influencing conversations around landfill safety, urban emissions, and infrastructure planning. His Bangladesh-centered studies are equally relevant to other rapidly urbanizing regions across the globe. By combining engineering rigor with environmental awareness, he serves as a bridge between academia and real-world climate solutions.

📚 Academic Recognition and Publications

Md. Tushar Ali has published several journal articles and conference papers in Q1 and Q2 indexed journals—an impressive achievement for a researcher at this early stage. His work in landfill gas modeling, satellite climate analytics, and sustainable construction materials has already been recognized in professional and academic forums. Several of his studies are under peer review, indicating a consistent research pipeline. His early academic and research excellence positions him as a rising star in environmental engineering and climate science.

🧠 Technical Skills

Tushar possesses a wide-ranging technical skillset that enhances his research versatility. In programming and modeling, he is proficient in MATLAB, Python, and Google Earth Engine. His mapping and remote sensing capabilities include ArcGIS, GrADS, and satellite image analysis. From a civil engineering perspective, he is skilled in ETABS and AutoCAD for structural modeling. He also excels in data visualization and analysis using OriginPro, Microsoft Excel, and scientific presentation tools such as MS Word and PowerPoint.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Though not formally appointed as an instructor, Tushar has played an active mentorship role within his academic and research teams. He has guided junior peers in lab experiments, environmental modeling, software tools, and research methodologies. His collaborative style and ability to simplify complex tools have made him an informal but impactful mentor, laying the groundwork for future academic leadership and teaching roles.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Md. Tushar Ali is crafting a legacy built on research excellence, cross-disciplinary integration, and commitment to solving real-world environmental problems. His work in landfill management, urban climate studies, and sustainable construction is already contributing to both national and global sustainability goals. As he moves forward, Tushar aims to expand his impact through international collaboration, higher academic pursuits, and climate policy engagement. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, he is well-positioned to become a key figure in shaping resilient and sustainable environmental infrastructures for the future.

📖Notable Publications

  • mpact of brick dust addition on the physical and mechanical performance of pervious concrete
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Muhammad Harunur Rashid
    Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
    Year: 2025

  • Environmental risks of plastic losses from landfills: A comparative study of divisional cities in Bangladesh
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Islam M. Rafizul
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances
    Year: 2024

  • Dynamics of atmospheric emissions and meteorological variables in Bangladesh from pre-to post-COVID-19 lockdown
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Islam M. Rafizul; Quazi Hamidul Bari
    Journal: Heliyon
    Year: 2024

  • The effects of coarser sand addition on thermal properties of pervious concrete
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Muhammad Harunur Rashid
    Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
    Year: 2024

 

John Seinfeld | Atmospheric Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. John Seinfeld | Atmospheric Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

California Institute of Technology, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

John H. Seinfeld’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester in 1964, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University in 1967. His early academic excellence was recognized when he was awarded the Wallace Memorial Fellowship at Princeton (1966-1967). His passion for chemical engineering and environmental science set the foundation for a career that would significantly impact air pollution research and climate science.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Seinfeld’s professional career has been deeply rooted in the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he has held multiple leadership positions. He started as an Assistant Professor in 1967, rising through the ranks to become a Professor in 1974 and later the Louis E. Nohl Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1980. His tenure at Caltech was marked by his role as Executive Officer for Chemical Engineering (1973-1990) and later as Chairman of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science (1990-2000). His leadership significantly shaped chemical engineering and atmospheric sciences, making Caltech a hub for cutting-edge environmental research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Seinfeld has been a pioneer in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science, and air pollution research. His work on aerosol radiative forcing, urban air pollution, and ozone formation has been groundbreaking, influencing both academic studies and environmental policies. His 1991 National Research Council report, “Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution,” became a crucial reference for understanding air quality management. His extensive research on climate modeling, air pollution control, and aerosol-climate interactions has contributed to a better understanding of how human activities impact atmospheric chemistry. His book, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, won the ASLI Choice Award (2006) and is considered a definitive work in the field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Seinfeld’s research has had a profound impact on global climate policies, air quality management, and industrial pollution control. His work has influenced regulations on air pollution and atmospheric emissions, guiding governments and industries in their environmental policies. His influence is reflected in his election to prestigious organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering (1982), the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1991), the American Geophysical Union (2004), and the National Academy of Sciences (2013). His expertise has shaped scientific advancements and policy decisions aimed at addressing climate change and air quality challenges.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Seinfeld is among the most highly cited researchers in atmospheric chemistry, with numerous accolades recognizing his contributions. His awards include the Fuchs Award (1998), Tyler Prize (2012), and the Haagen-Smit Clean Air Award (2003). In 2008, he was honored as one of the “One Hundred Engineers of the Modern Era” by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Additionally, he has received honorary Doctor of Science degrees from Clarkson University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Patras, further cementing his legacy as a leading researcher.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Seinfeld’s technical expertise covers a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines. His work integrates chemical engineering principles, aerosol modeling, air pollution analysis, environmental chemistry techniques, and computational modeling of climate systems. He has played a key role in advancing mathematical models for atmospheric simulations, providing crucial insights into how pollutants interact with the environment and influence climate change.

🎓 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Beyond his research, Seinfeld has been a dedicated educator and mentor, shaping the careers of countless students and researchers at Caltech. His contributions to textbooks, lectures, and research guidance have influenced multiple generations of engineers, atmospheric scientists, and environmental policymakers. His commitment to fostering interdisciplinary studies in engineering, chemistry, and environmental sciences has strengthened Caltech’s reputation as a leader in atmospheric research.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

John H. Seinfeld’s career stands as a testament to excellence in research, teaching, and public service. His pioneering work on air pollution, aerosol science, and climate modeling has laid the foundation for ongoing studies in environmental chemistry and atmospheric physics. As climate change and air quality remain critical global concerns, his research will continue to play a vital role in shaping sustainable environmental policies and advancing pollution control technologies worldwide. His legacy will inspire future scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of atmospheric and environmental research for the benefit of society.

📖Notable Publications

Kinetic Modeling of Secondary Organic Aerosol in a Weather-Chemistry Model: Parameterizations, Processes, and Predictions for GOAmazon
Authors: Yicong He, Kelsey R. Bilsback, Manish Shrivastava, Rahul A. Zaveri, John E. Shilling, John H. Seinfeld, Bin Zhao, Shuxiao Wang, Christopher D. Cappa, Jeffrey R. Pierce et al.
Journal: ACS ES&T Air
Year: 2025

Quantifying primary oxidation products in the OH-initiated reaction of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Reina S. Buenconsejo, Sophia M. Charan, John H. Seinfeld, Paul O. Wennberg
Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2025

Airborne flux measurements for validation of VOC emission inventories and source attribution
Authors: Eva Y. Pfannerstill, Caleb Arata, Qindan Zhu, Benjamin C. Schulze, Roy Woods, Colin Harkins, Rebecca H. Schwantes, Brian C. McDonald, John H. Seinfeld, Anthony Bucholtz et al.
Journal: Preprint
Year: 2025

Multi-day photochemical evolution of organic aerosol from biomass burning emissions
Authors: Abraham Dearden, Yicong He, Ali Akherati, Christopher Y. Lim, Matthew M. Coggon, Abigail R. Koss, Joost de Gouw, Carsten Warneke, Lindsay D. Yee, John H. Seinfeld et al.
Journal: Environmental Science: Atmospheres
Year: 2024

Short‐Lived Air Pollutants and Climate Forcers Through the Lens of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Yuan Wang, Chenchong Zhang, Elyse A. Pennington, Liyin He, Jiani Yang, Xueying Yu, Yangfan Liu, John H. Seinfeld
Journal: Reviews of Geophysics
Year: 2024

Chemical Differences between Phenolic Secondary Organic Aerosol Formed through Gas-Phase and Aqueous-Phase Reactions
Authors: Wenqing Jiang, Lu Yu, Lindsay Yee, Puneet Chhabra, John Seinfeld, Cort Anastasio, Qi Zhang
Journal: ACS Earth and Space Chemistry
Year: 2024

Zhongchuang Liu | Environmental Chemistry | Chemical Environmental Award

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Dr. Zhongchuang Liu | Environmental Chemistry | Chemical Environmental Award

Chongqing Electric Power College, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. Zhongchuang Liu is a distinguished environmental scientist specializing in ecological restoration, environmental quality assessment, and biological resource utilization. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering and is currently based at the Department of Environmental Engineering Technology, College of Power Engineering, Chongqing Electric Power College, China. His research focuses on developing sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and resource management, contributing to cleaner ecosystems and improved environmental policies.

🌱 Research Areas and Expertise

Dr. Liu’s expertise encompasses several critical areas in environmental science. His work in ecological restoration involves the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil and polluted water bodies, utilizing plants to naturally cleanse ecosystems. His research in environmental quality assessment includes regional water and soil monitoring, investigating soil microenvironment changes, and assessing the ecological impact and risks of environmental pollutants. Additionally, his studies in biological resource utilization focus on the preparation and application of plant biomass charcoal and the sustainable disposal of vegetable and fruit waste, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental pollution.

🎤 Conference Leadership and Contributions

Dr. Liu plays a key role in the international scientific community by leading discussions on environmental remediation and waste management. As the Chair of the International Symposium on Environmental Remediation and Sustainable Development (ERSD 2023), he guided expert discussions on innovative strategies for environmental sustainability. He has also served on the committee for the 6th International Conference on Recycling and Waste Management (2023), contributing his expertise in sustainable waste treatment and recycling technologies. His leadership in these conferences has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and advancements in environmental protection.

📝 Editorial Roles in Scientific Journals

In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Liu holds significant editorial positions in scientific publishing, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research in environmental science. He serves as an Editorial Board Member for Plos One, a Lead Guest Editor for Environmental Science and Pollution Research, a Primary Guest Editor for JoVE – Journal of Visualized Experiments, and a Section Editor for Special Issues in Letters in Organic Chemistry. Through his editorial work, he supports the publication of innovative research in ecological restoration, pollution control, and sustainable development, fostering scientific progress in these fields.

🌍 Impact and Future Contributions

Dr. Liu’s research has a profound impact on environmental sustainability, bridging scientific innovation with practical solutions for ecosystem restoration and resource management. His work has contributed to the development of effective phytoremediation techniques, improved ecological risk assessment methodologies, and promoted sustainable waste management strategies. Looking ahead, he aims to enhance the efficiency of phytoremediation technologies, develop advanced environmental monitoring systems, and promote sustainable practices in waste management to further contribute to global environmental conservation efforts.

📖Notable Publications

Co-hydrothermal carbonization of styrofoam and sawdust: fuel properties evaluation and effect of water recirculation on hydrochar properties

Authors: N. Sultana, Nasrin; M. Atikul Islam, Md; Z.C. Liu, Zhong Chuang; B.H. Hameed, Bassim H.; M.A. Islam, Md Azharul

Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery

Year: 2025

Role of metal and non-metal dopants in modulating g-C3N4 for photocatalytic applications

Authors: R. Muhammad, Rizwan; A. Zada, Amir; S. Azizi, Shohreh; Z.C. Liu, Zhong Chuang; M.H. Eisa, M. H.

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Year: 2025

Control strategies for microplastic pollution in groundwater

Authors: Z.C. Liu, Zhong Chuang; A.U.R. Bacha, Aziz Ur Rahim; L. Yang, Lei

Journal: Environmental Pollution

Year: 2023