Deepa Kumari | Nanotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Deepa Kumari | Nanotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Dr. Deepa Kumari, based at the Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar, India, holds an impressive academic background with an M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Chemistry. She has also successfully qualified the KSET (Karnataka State Eligibility Test), reflecting her scholarly competence and readiness for higher education teaching and research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Deepa Kumari has accumulated over 10 years of teaching experience at the postgraduate level, mentoring M.Sc. Chemistry and M.Sc. Organic Chemistry students, alongside B.Sc., B.Ed. aspirants. Between 2021 and 2023, she also contributed significantly to Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs by delivering specialized lectures for Ph.D. coursework students at the Department of Studies in Chemistry, University of Mysore, Mysuru. Her ability to engage with students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels highlights her versatility and deep commitment to academic excellence.

🔬 Research Contributions and Guidance

Recognized as an official Research Guide by the University of Mysore in 2021, Dr. Deepa is actively supervising three Ph.D. scholars who are currently pursuing their research under her guidance. Her mentorship focuses on fostering critical thinking, experimental rigor, and original contribution to the field of chemical sciences, particularly in organic and electrochemical domains.

🧪 Research Projects and Collaborations

Dr. Deepa has successfully completed a UGC-sponsored Minor Research Project (MRP) in 2019, titled “Synthesis and characterization of novel Hydantoin derivatives for their Electrochemical applications.” This project emphasized creating new compounds with potential electrochemical functionalities, showcasing her expertise at the intersection of synthetic organic chemistry and applied electrochemistry. Additionally, she played a crucial role as a Co-coordinator for the ‘Prakriti Mela’ project in 2025, sponsored by NCERT, aiming to promote environmental awareness and scientific curiosity among school students in Bhubaneswar. This endeavor reflects her commitment to extending the impact of science beyond academia to the broader community.

📚 Academic Influence and Impact

Through a decade of dedicated teaching, notable research projects, and active Ph.D. supervision, Dr. Deepa Kumari has established herself as a respected educator and researcher. Her work not only enriches the academic environment at the Regional Institute of Education but also contributes meaningfully to the wider fields of organic chemistry and electrochemical studies.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Deepa Kumari is poised to continue nurturing future generations of chemists and expanding her research portfolio. Her efforts in advancing synthetic methodologies, promoting environmental education, and integrating research with teaching underscore her lasting commitment to the advancement of science and education in India.

📖Notable Publications

  • CuO nanoparticles: green combustion synthesis, applications to antioxidant, photocatalytic and sensor studies
    Journal: RSC Advances
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Raju Prakruthi, Hemavathi Nagaraju Deepakumari

  • LC-MS/MS characterization of pirtobrutinib impurities and product degradation: stability studies
    Journal: RSC Advances
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Modachakanahally K. Pavithra, Chaya G., Hemavathi N. Deepakumari, Hosakere D. Revanasiddappa, Salah Jasim Mohammed, Hasan Sh. Majdi, Abdullah H. Alsabhan, Shareefraza J. Ukkund

  • Multifunctional applications of bismuth vanadate nanoparticles: enhanced photocatalytic, good sensor and supercapacitor property
    Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
    Year: 2024
    Authors: R. Prakruthi, H. N. Deepakumari, C. Mallikarjunaswamy, H. D. Revanasiddappa, G. Nagaraju

  • Silver vanadate nanoparticles: Green synthesis, enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activity
    Journal: AIP Advances
    Year: 2024
    Authors: R. Prakruthi, H. N. Deepakumari, H. D. Revanasiddappa, Faisal M. Alfaisal, Shamshad Alam, Hasan Sh. Majdi, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shareefraza J. Ukkund

Bindu Antil | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bindu Antil | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Pennsylvania State University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Bindu Antil began her academic journey at the University of Delhi, India, where she completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Chemistry in 2014. She further pursued a Master of Science in Chemistry in 2016, which strengthened her foundation in material science and nanotechnology. Her academic excellence led her to complete a Ph.D. in Chemistry (July 2022) under the supervision of Prof. Sasanka Deka, focusing on advanced nanomaterials for energy applications.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Antil is currently a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at The Pennsylvania State University, USA, in the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering. Working under Prof. Randy Lee Vander Wal, she is engaged in advanced research in energy materials, electrocatalysis, and hydrogen production. Previously, she participated in an internship under the DBT Star College Project (2012-2013) at the University of Delhi, where she explored carbon materials derived from renewable bio-precursors for Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Antil’s research revolves around multifunctional nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion. Some key areas of her work include:

Her expertise in colloidal and hydrothermal chemistry allows precise control over material properties, optimizing their efficiency for clean energy applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Antil’s work contributes to the advancement of renewable energy solutions. Her innovations in electrocatalysis and hydrogen generation have the potential to revolutionize energy storage and conversion technologies. Her research supports the global transition toward green energy, enhancing sustainability in battery technology, supercapacitors, and solar-driven hydrogen production.

📚 Teaching & Mentorship

Dr. Antil is actively involved in mentoring young researchers in energy storage, catalysis, and nanomaterials development. Her hands-on expertise with advanced analytical and fabrication techniques makes her a valuable mentor for students and researchers in the field.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Bindu Antil is shaping the future of renewable energy and nanomaterials research. With her expertise in hydrogen production, electrocatalysis, and advanced battery materials, she aims to drive breakthroughs in clean energy storage and conversion.

Her ongoing work as a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at Penn State University will further enhance sustainable energy solutions, making her a key contributor to the global pursuit of green and efficient energy technologies.

📖Notable Publications

Development of graphitic and non-graphitic carbons using different grade biopitch sources
Authors: Bindu Antil, Yaseen Elkasabi, Gary D. Strahan, Randy L. Vander Wal
Journal: Carbon
Year: 2025

N-doped graphene modulated N-rich carbon nitride realizing a promising all-solid-state flexible supercapacitor
Author: Bindu Antil
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
Year: 2022

A Superior and Stable Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction by One-Dimensional FeCoP Colloidal Nanostructures
Author: Bindu Antil
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2022

One-Dimensional Multichannel g-C₃N₄.₇ Nanostructure Realizing an Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Its Theoretical Investigations
Author: Bindu Antil
Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials
Year: 2021

Directed holey and ordered g-C₃N₄.₅ nanosheets by a hard template nanocasting approach for sustainable visible-light hydrogen evolution with prominent quantum efficiency
Author: Bindu Antil
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Year: 2020

Direct Thermal Polymerization Approach to N-Rich Holey Carbon Nitride Nanosheets and Their Promising Photocatalytic H₂ Evolution and Charge-Storage Activities
Author: Bindu Antil
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2019

Nader Ghaffari Khaligh | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nader Ghaffari Khaligh | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Malaya, Malaysia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Nader Ghaffari Khaligh embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Chemistry, where he developed a strong foundation in chemical principles and practical applications. He further honed his expertise by earning a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Shahid Beheshti University, specializing in advanced synthesis and chemical methodologies. His passion for organic synthesis and catalysis led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Guilan, Iran, where he focused on innovative catalytic systems and sustainable chemical transformations.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since 2015, Dr. Khaligh has been a dedicated researcher at the Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Center, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. His work involves cutting-edge research in catalysis, sustainable chemistry, and novel chemical reagent development. He has actively collaborated with leading scientists and research institutions, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry and efficient catalytic processes. In addition to his research, he plays a crucial role in scientific publishing as the Associate Editor and Section Editor of two prestigious international journals and serves on the editorial board of several others.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Khaligh’s research is centered on both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and environmentally friendly chemical transformations. His significant contributions include the development of ionic liquids, functional polymers, and novel multi-task reagents for efficient organic synthesis. His pioneering work in the synthesis of heterocycles and advanced catalytic systems has opened new avenues in medicinal and material chemistry. His research plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges related to energy, sustainability, and green chemistry.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Khaligh’s outstanding contributions to the scientific community have been recognized internationally. He has been honored as one of the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University for six consecutive years (2019–2024), both in the Career-Long Citation Impact and Annual Recognition categories. His research has not only influenced academia but also industries focused on sustainable chemistry and innovative material design.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognitions

His extensive body of work, including research papers, reviews, and mini-reviews, has garnered widespread recognition, with numerous citations from fellow researchers. His publications have significantly contributed to advancements in catalysis, organic synthesis, and sustainable materials, earning him a strong academic reputation. As an editor and peer reviewer, he plays a key role in maintaining high standards in scientific publishing and guiding emerging researchers.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Khaligh possesses expertise in various analytical and synthetic techniques, including:

  • Catalysis Development (Heterogeneous & Homogeneous)
  • Ionic Liquids and Functional Polymers
  • Synthesis of Heterocycles
  • Green and Sustainable Chemistry
  • Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques (NMR, IR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, GC-MS)

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Alongside his research, Dr. Khaligh is actively involved in academic mentorship and training young scientists. He has supervised and guided students in advanced chemical synthesis, catalysis, and materials research. His mentorship has helped shape the next generation of chemists and researchers, emphasizing innovative problem-solving and sustainable scientific practices.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong track record in research and scientific impact, Dr. Khaligh continues to explore new frontiers in green chemistry and sustainable catalysis. His future work aims to further enhance eco-friendly chemical processes, develop high-efficiency catalytic materials, and contribute to the advancement of cleaner, more sustainable industrial applications. His dedication to research, publication, and mentorship ensures a lasting legacy in the field of chemistry and catalysis.

📖Notable Publications

Synthesis and characterization of 5-cyclopentylsulfanyl-3H-[1,3,4]thiadiazole-2-thione and study of its single-crystal structure, FTIR spectra, thermal behavior, and antibacterial activity

Authors: N.F.A. Basir, Nurul Fatimah Abdul, M. Ghafarikhaligh, Mahta, M.R.B. Johan, Mohd Rafie Bin, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry

Year: 2024

Synthesis, Characterization, and the Study of Thermal Behavior and Catalytic Activity of a Halogen-free Dicationic Ionic Liquid

Authors: L. Zaharani, Lia, S. Johari, Suzaimi, M.R.B. Johan, Mohd Rafie Bin, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Catalysis Letters

Year: 2024

Tribological behavior of sulfonitrided tribofilm generated from non-corrosive dimercaptobenzothiadiazole-based additives as effective boundary lubrication layer

Authors: C. Ong, Chiuling, Y.C. Lai, Yew Chong, W.K. Tang, Wai Kit, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari, J. Juan, Joonching

Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids

Year: 2024

Determining the pKa1 and pKa2 Values of 4,4′-Trimethylenedipiperidine (TMDP), a Diprotic Organic Base with Unknown pKa Values

Authors: L. Zaharani, Lia, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Journal of Solution Chemistry

Year: 2024

Bis[1,3-di(4-piperidinium)propane] di-hydrogensulfate mono-sulfate trihydrate: An organic molten salt containing simultaneous acceptor-donor hydrogen bonding and Brönsted acid for homogeneous catalysis

Authors: L. Zaharani, Lia, M.J. Rafie, Mohd Johan, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure

Year: 2024