Hewen Niu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Hewen Niu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Hewen Niu began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Environmental Engineering developed during his undergraduate studies at a reputed Chinese university. His growing interest in environmental systems and geoscience led him to pursue an advanced integrated program combining master’s and doctoral studies in Physical Geography. During this formative phase, he cultivated a robust understanding of earth systems, hydrology, glaciology, and environmental processes, laying the groundwork for his later specialization in cryospheric sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Niu has been a dedicated researcher at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment & Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, known for its pivotal contributions to the study of arid and cold regions. He is affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, where he serves as a researcher and doctoral supervisor. His postdoctoral engagement in physical geography further solidified his expertise in high-altitude environmental studies, particularly focusing on glacial dynamics and climate interactions in cryospheric zones.

Research Focus and Contributions

His core research interests lie in cryospheric sciences, with emphasis on mountain glacier environments, dissolved organic carbon, and climate-cryosphere interactions. His studies investigate the physicochemical properties of organic compounds in glacial meltwater, contributing to a deeper understanding of how glacial ecosystems respond to environmental stressors. Through collaborative field investigations in alpine and polar regions, Prof. Niu has advanced knowledge on glacier-fed hydrological systems and the role of carbon flux in snow and ice-covered terrains.

Technical Expertise

His research methodology integrates multiple technical competencies including remote sensing, GIS-based environmental modeling, field hydrology, and geochemical analysis. He is proficient in utilizing satellite and ground-based observation systems for data collection and analysis. His skill set also includes interpreting biogeochemical markers in snowpacks and conducting laboratory experiments on glacial sediments and meltwater composition.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Niu has significantly influenced the field of cryospheric science by highlighting the ecological importance of glaciers beyond their role as water reservoirs. His findings have enhanced understanding of biogeochemical cycles in cold regions, particularly the effects of climate change on organic carbon behavior in glaciers. Through his scholarly articles, he has contributed to global discourse on environmental sustainability and climate resilience in mountainous and polar ecosystems.

Academic Citations and Recognition

His research outputs have been widely cited in scholarly publications, demonstrating their scientific value and relevance. He has co-authored multiple high-impact articles in peer-reviewed journals, gaining attention from both national and international scientific communities. His collaborative work with interdisciplinary teams has helped raise the global profile of Chinese cryospheric research.

Teaching and Mentorship

As a Ph.D. supervisor, Prof. Niu is actively involved in mentoring postgraduate students and young researchers. He promotes hands-on learning through field expeditions and collaborative research, fostering scientific curiosity and methodological rigor. His guidance supports the development of skilled professionals in environmental and geographic sciences.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Niu continues to contribute to the strategic advancement of cryospheric science, with a vision for interdisciplinary research that bridges geography, climatology, and environmental chemistry. His future efforts aim to explore the role of glacial ecosystems in global carbon cycles and assess the long-term environmental consequences of ice loss. With a legacy grounded in scientific excellence and ecological awareness, he remains committed to impactful research and academic leadership.

Notable Publications

A review of physicochemical properties of dissolved organic carbon and its impact over mountain glaciers
Authors: Hewen Niu, Mengxue Chen, Shichang Kang, Tanuj Shukla, Huili Qin, Wanni Gao, Shihai Huang, Fu Zhang
Journal: Journal of Mountain Science (J. Mt. Sci.)
Year: 2024

A Study of Chemical Processes of Nitrate in Atmospheric Aerosol and Snow Based on Stable Isotopes
Authors: Mengxue Chen, Hewen Niu, Yankun Xiang
Journal: Atmosphere
Year: 2023

Black carbon and organic carbon dataset over the Third Pole
Authors: Shichang Kang, Yulan Zhang, Pengfei Chen, Jun Guo, Qiang Zhang, Zhaohui Cong, Sarah Kaspari, Lekhendra Tripathee, Tian Gao, Hewen Niu, et al.
Journal: Earth System Science Data
Year: 2022

Investigation of water-soluble organic constituents and their spatio-temporal heterogeneity over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Hewen Niu, Xia Lu, Guibin Zhang, Chitralekha Sarangi
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Year: 2022

Black carbon and dust in the Third Pole glaciers: Revaluated concentrations, mass absorption cross-sections and contributions to glacier ablation
Authors: Yaping Li, Shichang Kang, Xiangyu Zhang, Jianjun Chen, Johannes Schmale, Xiaoqing Li, Yulan Zhang, Hewen Niu, Zhongqin Li, Xiang Qin, et al.
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Year: 2021

Continuously observed light absorbing impurities in snow cover over the southern Altai Mts. in China: Concentrations, impacts and potential sources
Authors: Xiaolin Zhong, Shichang Kang, Wen Zhang, Jian Yang, Hewen Niu, Ying Liu, Jun Guo, Xiaoqing Li, Pengfei Chen, Xuejun Wang
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Year: 2021

 

Lilyan Alsaka | Environmental Chemistry| Environmental Chemistry Award

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Mrs. Lilyan Alsaka | Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry Award

University of Technology Sydney, Australia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Lilyan Alsaka’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Building and Construction Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Engineering at the same university. These formative studies laid the foundation for her deep-rooted interest in sustainable engineering and environmental protection. With a solid base in both structural and environmental engineering principles, her early academic pursuits reflected a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through technical excellence. She further enhanced her qualifications with a Diploma in Chemistry Techniques and a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques from TAFE NSW, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and practical expertise.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

With over 20 years of combined academic, research, and professional experience, Mrs. Alsaka has played pivotal roles in environmental engineering, focusing on pollution control, wastewater management, and soil remediation. She has worked across multiple sectors—academic, governmental, and research-intensive environments—translating complex scientific research into applicable field solutions. Her work includes environmental impact assessments (EIA), waste stabilization, and transboundary water policy development. She also holds an HSE Leadership Certification, contributing to safe and sustainable engineering practices in all her professional roles.

🔬 Research Focus and Technical Contributions

Mrs. Alsaka’s research is distinguished by its applied focus on water and soil remediation, particularly in challenging areas like PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid) removal, heavy metal extraction using hydrogel-based and electrokinetic systems, and advanced landfill leachate treatment. Her hydrogel composite-based systems have shown remarkable efficiency in removing contaminants such as chromium, nickel, and copper, reflecting her ability to integrate innovative materials science with environmental engineering. In addition, her membrane technologies for desalination and reactive barrier designs using iron slag underline her multidisciplinary expertise.

🌏 Impact and Global Engagement

Mrs. Alsaka has made significant contributions at both local and international levels. From analyzing pollution in the Tigris River in Mosul to engaging in international programs on shared water resource management, her work bridges scientific research and global environmental policy. Her participation in these programs has not only influenced policy development for sustainable water use but also demonstrated her role as a global advocate for responsible environmental governance.

📚 Academic Contributions and Citations

As a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in her final year, Mrs. Alsaka has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, focusing on emerging contaminants, remediation technologies, and water quality improvement. These publications have contributed significantly to the scientific discourse around sustainable engineering practices and are referenced within academic and policy-making circles. Her technical reports, funding proposals, and scholarly articles are a testament to her research rigor and scholarly impact.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Mrs. Alsaka is proficient in a wide range of technical and laboratory skills, including TAFE-certified environmental monitoring techniques, ISO 14001 auditing, and laboratory testing of groundwater, soil, and wastewater. She is experienced with membrane filtration systems, hydrogel synthesis, and solid waste stabilization methods. Her strong command of Microsoft Office tools, environmental risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory reporting procedures positions her as a technically agile environmental engineer.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Beyond her research, Mrs. Alsaka has served as a lecturer and student supervisor, nurturing young minds in the field of environmental engineering. Her mentorship of career professionals and students alike underscores her dedication to capacity-building and academic growth. With experience in lab training, technical instruction, and stakeholder engagement, she effectively bridges academia and real-world environmental solutions.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Mrs. Alsaka is poised to make lasting contributions in the areas of clean water access, PFAS remediation, and international water policy. Her interdisciplinary expertise, coupled with a strong ethical foundation and a vision for sustainability, positions her as a leader in next-generation environmental solutions. Her legacy will be one of innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.

📖Notable Publications

Eco-friendly kappa-carrageenan-nano zerovalent iron hydrogel water and wastewater purification
Authors: Rokhsare Kardani, Sudesh Yadav, Ali Altaee, Lilyan Alsaka, John Zhou
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025

A Review of Hydrogel Application in Wastewater Purification
Authors: Lilyan Alsaka, Lina Alsaka, Ali Altaee, Syed Javaid Zaidi, John Zhou, Tayma Kazwini
Journal: Separations
Year: 2025

Iron slag permeable reactive barrier for PFOA removal by the electrokinetic process
Authors: Namuun Ganbat, Faris M. Hamdi, Ibrar Ibrar, Ali Altaee, Lilyan Alsaka, Akshaya K. Samal, John Zhou, Alaa H. Hawari
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2023

Jiying Zhu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

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

Emmanuel Kwaku Manu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Manu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of New England, Australia

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Emmanuel Kwaku Manu embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in Economics and Entrepreneurship Development Studies at the University for Development Studies, Ghana, where he earned his B.A. in 2012. His quest for knowledge led him to further his studies at the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, where he earned his MHons in 2018. His academic pursuits culminated in 2024 when he completed his Ph.D. in Economics at the University of New England, Australia, showcasing his dedication to the field of economics and research.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Emmanuel has gained diverse teaching and professional experience, with his academic career spanning multiple countries and institutions. He has been a Casual Lecturer at the University of New England, Australia, where he taught various courses in Business Analytics, Macroeconomics, and Analytics for Business Research. Additionally, he has worked in several professional roles, including research internships with organizations like Action Aid Ghana and monitoring roles with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). His work in these organizations demonstrates a broad interest in economic development, social issues, and policy implementation.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Emmanuel’s research interests are rooted in applied microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and health economics. He also explores energy economics, financial economics, and entrepreneurship. His research has contributed to understanding key economic trends and is instrumental in examining the effects of energy policies on economic growth. Emmanuel's work has practical implications for the management and entrepreneurship sectors, particularly in emerging economies. His broad research focus is aligned with his career goal of driving socio-economic change through impactful economic strategies.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Emmanuel has made significant strides in his field, presenting at international conferences such as the People Events-Climate Change and Sustainability conference in Italy in 2023. His work, particularly in health economics and energy economics, continues to influence both academic and policy-making circles. Through his roles in conferences and research, Emmanuel has contributed to the growing dialogue around sustainable energy policies and economic development, especially in the African context.

Academic Cites 📚

Although Emmanuel has recently completed his Ph.D., his academic journey has already earned recognition within the academic community. His research has not only been presented at global conferences but is also cited in discussions around economic modeling, sustainable energy economics, and entrepreneurship. His work is expected to generate more citations as his contributions to the field continue to grow and evolve.

Technical Skills 💻

Emmanuel is proficient in several analytical software tools, which are essential for data analysis and economic modeling. These tools include SPSS, STATA, E-VIEWS, and R-programming software, which he has applied in his research and teaching. Additionally, his proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint highlights his ability to present complex data and research in an accessible format to diverse audiences.

Teaching Experience 📖

Emmanuel has been an educator at various levels, with a notable role as a Casual Lecturer at the University of New England. His courses, such as Introduction to Business Analytics, Macroeconomics, and Business Research Analytics, reflect his ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in economics. His teaching experience also spans multiple countries, with roles as a Teaching Assistant in China and Ghana, providing him with a broad, international perspective on education.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Emmanuel is committed to continuing his academic and professional journey. With a strong foundation in economics and a growing body of work, his future contributions are poised to influence economic policy, particularly in the areas of health, energy, and entrepreneurship. As he moves forward, Emmanuel is dedicated to mentoring students and driving the development of innovative economic strategies that will help address pressing global challenges. Through his ongoing research and teaching, Emmanuel aims to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of economics and sustainable development.

📖Notable Publications

Achieving environmental sustainability in Africa: The role of financial institutions development on carbon emissions

Authors: Chen, G.S.; Manu, E.K.; Asante, D.

Journal: Sustainable Development

Year: 2023

Examining Finance-Growth Nexus: Empirical Evidence From the Sub-Regional Economies of Africa

Authors: Haibo, C.; Manu, E.K.; Somuah, M.

Journal: SAGE Open

Year: 2023

Economic Growth and Environmental Quality: Analysis of Government Expenditure and the Causal Effect

Authors: Donkor, M.; Kong, Y.; Manu, E.K.; Ntarmah, A.H.; Appiah-Twum, F.

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Year: 2022

The impact of banks’ financial performance on environmental performance in Africa

Authors: Haibo, C.; Manu, E.K.

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Year: 2022

Regional heterogeneities in the absorptive capacity of renewable energy deployment in Africa

Authors: Manu, E.K.; Chen, G.S.; Asante, D.

Journal: Renewable Energy

Year: 2022