Kedir Derbie Mekonnen | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kedir Derbie Mekonnen | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Wollo University, Ethiopia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Kedir Derbie Mekonnen embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemical engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (2011-2016) from Wollo University, Kombolcha Institute of Technology, Ethiopia, completing a project on bio-ethanol production from corn cob. His academic endeavors culminated in a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (Process Engineering) from Bahir Dar University in 2020. His thesis, Synthesis and Characterization of Biodiesel from Desert Date (Balanites Aegyptiaca) Seed Kernel Oil, reflects his dedication to renewable energy and sustainable chemical processes.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Kedir’s professional career began in December 2016 as a Production Chemist at Kombolcha Tannery PLC. Here, he gained hands-on experience in leather production, waste management, and chemical formulation. Transitioning to academia in 2017, he served as an Assistant Lecturer at Wollo University, later advancing to the position of Lecturer in 2020. His role includes teaching, mentoring students, conducting research, and leading laboratory sessions.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Kedir’s research focuses on biodiesel production, catalysis, and renewable energy. His Master's thesis demonstrates innovative approaches to utilizing desert date seed kernel oil for biodiesel synthesis, addressing global energy challenges. As a lecturer, he actively reviews and conducts research, contributing to Ethiopia’s knowledge base in process engineering.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his work in academia and industry, Kedir has impacted the fields of chemical engineering and renewable energy. His efforts in biodiesel production and waste management have practical implications for sustainable development in Ethiopia. He has also played a vital role in shaping future engineers through his teaching and mentorship at Wollo University.

📖 Academic Cites

Kedir’s academic contributions are recognized in scholarly circles, with publications and research work cited by peers. His focus on biodiesel production and environmental sustainability has garnered attention in the field of chemical engineering.

💻 Technical Skills

Kedir possesses a robust set of technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, SPSS, Design Expert, E-Draw Max, LINGO, Aspen Plus, COMSOL, and MATLAB. These tools empower him to conduct sophisticated simulations, data analyses, and process designs, enhancing his research and teaching capabilities.

🎓 Teaching Experience

As a lecturer at Wollo University, Kedir has enriched the learning experiences of countless students. His responsibilities include preparing and delivering lectures, designing laboratory sessions, advising on student projects, and crafting curriculum materials. His Higher Diploma in Higher Education Teaching further underscores his commitment to educational excellence.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Kedir envisions a future where renewable energy and sustainable chemical processes play a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s development. His work in biodiesel research and education aims to inspire innovation in chemical engineering. By mentoring students and contributing to groundbreaking research, he is leaving a lasting legacy that will shape the next generation of engineers and scientists.

🌟 Key Highlights

  • Innovative Research: Focus on renewable energy through biodiesel production.
  • Industrial Experience: Expertise in leather production and waste management as a Production Chemist.
  • Teaching Excellence: Significant contributions to student learning and mentorship.
  • Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of industry-standard software and tools.
  • Sustainability Advocate: Dedication to environmental sustainability through research and practice.

📖Notable Publications

 

Razieh Kiani | Industrial Chemistry | Chemical Diversity Award

Mrs. Razieh Kiani | Industrial Chemistry | Chemical Diversity Award

Environmental Protection Organization, Iran

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Her academic journey began with a strong foundation in agricultural engineering, specifically focusing on plant breeding. She completed her Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering in 2013 at Isfahan Technical University, where she graduated with a GPA of 17.99. Her passion for plant genetics and breeding led her to pursue a Master's degree in the same field, earning a GPA of 18.74. Her exceptional academic performance continued through her Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering at Isfahan Technical University, where she achieved an impressive GPA of 19.09. Throughout her studies, Kiani developed an in-depth understanding of plant genetics, breeding techniques, and the application of modern technologies in agriculture.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Her career as a plant breeding expert began in 2016 and has since expanded into various roles, particularly in plant tissue culture and cytogenetics. Her expertise in the laboratory setting was honed as a Laboratory Expert in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory in Isfahan from 2021 to 2024, where she designed and implemented experimental protocols. Additionally, her work at the Isfahan Environmental Protection Agency as a Genetics Expert since 2024 has focused on the application of genetics in environmental conservation. Kiani's previous role as a Cytogenetics Expert from 2019 to 2020 also solidified her expertise in genetic data analysis and interpretation.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Her research primarily focuses on plant breeding, cytogenetics, and plant tissue culture. Her work aims to improve agricultural productivity and product quality through the development of new plant breeds. Kiani has contributed significantly to the field by applying modern technologies to plant breeding and participating in research projects involving genetic data analysis and cytogenetic advancements. She has also worked on sterilization techniques for plant tissue culture and developed modern techniques for genetic research in cytogenetic laboratories. Additionally, she has presented research at various scientific conferences, contributing valuable insights into the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Her work in plant tissue culture and cytogenetics has had a positive impact on agricultural productivity in Iran. Her innovative methods in plant breeding and genetic data analysis contribute directly to enhancing crop yields and improving product quality. Through her role as a laboratory expert and genetics consultant, Kiani has trained numerous students and professionals, thereby influencing the next generation of plant breeding experts. Her participation in scientific conferences and symposiums has facilitated the dissemination of her research findings, ensuring that her work reaches a wider audience in the agricultural and environmental sectors.

Academic Cites 📚

Her research work has contributed significantly to the field of plant genetics and breeding. While specific citation details were not provided, her active participation in scientific conferences and contributions to research report writing suggest a strong academic influence. Her expertise is recognized by academic institutions and research organizations, leading to collaborations with various teams focused on plant tissue culture and genetic studies.

Technical Skills 🧑‍🔬

Her technical skillset is comprehensive and includes expertise in plant tissue culture, genetic data analysis, and cytogenetics. She is proficient in laboratory techniques for tissue culture, including sterilization, culturing of vegetative bases (such as GN, GF, Pyridwarf, Mirabalan, and Maxima), and developing modern techniques in plant breeding and tissue culture. Additionally, Kiani is highly skilled in data analysis using specialized software like SAS and Statgraph Software, ensuring that her genetic research is precise and reliable.

Teaching Experience 📚

Throughout her career, Kiani has been actively involved in mentoring and training students, particularly in genetic data analysis and laboratory techniques. She has played a key role in training new staff and students in laboratory methods and ensuring safety compliance. Kiani’s involvement in teaching and guiding students helps to nurture the next generation of experts in plant breeding and genetics, expanding her impact on the academic community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Looking ahead, Kiani’s dedication to plant breeding and tissue culture is expected to continue making a significant contribution to agricultural advancements. She plans to expand her role as a consultant in plant tissue culture and part-time researcher, helping to develop more sustainable and efficient methods for crop improvement. Through ongoing collaborations and research, Kiani is committed to advancing the field of plant genetics and agriculture, ensuring that her legacy as a plant breeding expert will continue to benefit both the scientific community and agricultural industries.

📖Notable Publications

 

Kwang Hoe Kim | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kwang Hoe Kim | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Cellkey Inc, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kwang Hoe Kim’s academic journey began at Chungnam National University, South Korea, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in March 2009. This foundational training in the sciences paved the way for his later research. In 2010, he advanced to the Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology at the same institution, earning a Master’s degree (M.S.) in February 2012. Under the guidance of Professor Jong Shin Yoo, he developed key skills in mass spectrometry and glycoproteomics. He continued to build on this expertise, earning his Ph.D. in 2019, further honing his skills in mass spectrometry and biomarker discovery.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kim’s professional journey has been marked by his leadership in advancing the field of bioanalytical research, particularly in oncology. In January 2021, he took on the role of Head of the Bio R&D Center at CellKey, where he focuses on the development of diagnostic biomarkers for cancer detection and management. His work also includes advancing companion diagnostics in immuno-oncology, leveraging mass spectrometry for clinical applications. Prior to this, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Korea Basic Science Institute, where he made significant contributions to the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading form of liver cancer.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kim’s research has been deeply focused on the application of mass spectrometry for cancer diagnosis and biomarker discovery. His work includes developing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based methods to identify cancer-associated proteins and glycoproteins. At the Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, he worked on developing a multi-biomarker panel for hepatocellular carcinoma detection, using mass spectrometry to enhance diagnostic sensitivity. His work in optimizing immunoprecipitation/targeted mass spectrometry methods has made significant contributions to the analytical sensitivity of peptide and glycopeptide analyses.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Kim’s work has had a notable impact on both the scientific community and clinical applications. His research into mass spectrometry-based diagnostic methods has helped pave the way for more accurate and sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers, particularly in liver cancer. His development of multi-biomarker panels for cancer detection is a key step forward in precision medicine, which promises to enhance personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients. The clinical applications of his research in immuno-oncology also offer promise in the future of cancer care.

📚 Academic Citations

Dr. Kim’s research has earned recognition in the scientific community, with several published papers and citations highlighting his contributions to mass spectrometry and cancer biomarker research. His work on aberrant glycoproteins in colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of cancer biomarkers, leading to increased citations in the fields of oncology and analytical chemistry.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Kim possesses a wide range of technical skills, particularly in the area of mass spectrometry. He is an expert in developing and applying various mass spectrometry techniques such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), and high-resolution mass spectrometry using MALDI MS and FT-ICR. Additionally, he has extensive experience in protein quantification through immunoprecipitation and targeted mass spectrometry, particularly for low-abundance proteins. His technical expertise extends to the development of methods for high-throughput peptide and glycopeptide analysis.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Kim has been actively involved in mentoring and educating the next generation of scientists. While pursuing his graduate studies, he worked as a research assistant and fellow, helping to guide students in laboratory techniques and research methodologies. His role as a leader in the Bio R&D Center at CellKey also involves sharing his expertise with younger researchers and fostering a collaborative environment for innovation in cancer diagnostics.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking to the future, Dr. Kim’s work promises to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of mass spectrometry and cancer diagnostics. His continued efforts to refine diagnostic biomarkers and improve detection methods are expected to contribute significantly to the fields of personalized medicine and immuno-oncology. As he expands his research into new areas, his contributions will likely inspire new diagnostic tools and clinical applications, shaping the future of cancer research and treatment.

🔮 Future Goals

Dr. Kim’s future goals include the further development of advanced diagnostics for early cancer detection and the continuous improvement of biomarker panels. With the evolving field of immuno-oncology, he plans to work on improving companion diagnostics, focusing on the use of mass spectrometry to assess tumor microenvironments and treatment responses. His dedication to advancing the science of cancer biomarkers positions him at the forefront of precision medicine, with the potential to greatly impact clinical practices.

📖Notable Publications

LC-MS/MS-Based Site-Specific N-Glycosylation Analysis of VEGFR-IgG Fusion Protein for Sialylation Assessment Across IEF Fractions
  • Authors: Kim, K. H., Ji, E. S., Lee, J. Y., Song, J. H., & Ahn, Y. H.
    Journal: Molecules
    Year: 2024
Measuring fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma: A comparison of μTAS and parallel reaction monitoring
  • Authors: Kim, K. H., Lee, S. Y., Baek, J. H., Lee, S. Y., Kim, J. Y., & Yoo, J. S.
    Journal: PROTEOMICS–Clinical Applications
    Year: 2021
Absolute Quantification of N-Glycosylation of Alpha-Fetoprotein Using Parallel Reaction Monitoring with Stable Isotope-Labeled N-Glycopeptide as an Internal Standard
  • Authors: Kim, K. H., Lee, S. Y., Kim, D. G., Lee, S. Y., Kim, J. Y., & Yoo, J. S.
    Journal: Analytical Chemistry
    Year: 2020
BMDMSNP: A comprehensive ESI-MS/MS spectral library of natural compounds
  • Authors: Lee, S., Hwang, S., Seo, M., Shin, K. B., Kim, K. H., Park, G. W., & No, K. T.
    Journal: Phytochemistry
    Year: 2020
Mass spectrometry analysis of glycoprotein biomarkers in human blood of hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Authors: Kim, K. H., Kim, J. Y., & Yoo, J. S.
    Journal: Expert Review of Proteomics
    Year: 2019
Parallel reaction monitoring with multiplex immunoprecipitation of N-glycoproteins in human serum for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Authors: Kim, K. H., Park, G. W., Jeong, J. E., Ji, E. S., An, H. J., Kim, J. Y., & Yoo, J. S.
    Journal: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
    Year: 2019