Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Tshwane University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Mokgadi Precious Mphahlele is an emerging South African chemist specializing in natural product chemistry, drug discovery, and analytical techniques. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg, where her research focused on isolating and synthesizing bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants (Tabernaemontana contorta, Sclerocarya birrea, and Senna italica) for use against resistant bacterial and cancerous cells. Her MSc in Chemistry involved developing a sustained delivery system for Curcuma longa extracts using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Dr. Mphahlele is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology, conducting chemometric analysis and metabolomics on South African medicinal plants. She previously served as a Senior Laboratory Technician at the University of Johannesburg and a Quality Control Lab Assistant at Idwala Industrial Minerals. She has contributed to over ten peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, focusing on phytochemical profiling, structure elucidation, antibacterial and anticancer assays, and natural compound synthesis. Dr. Mphahlele has completed international programs such as the Lancaster University Career Writing Program, and training in Drug Discovery (UC San Diego) and Scientific Writing (Nature Masterclass). Her research interests lie in natural products chemistry, chromatographic method development, molecular networking, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. She is an active member of the Golden Key Honour Society, a Black Women in Science 2024 Fellow, and a reviewer for Taylor & Francis. Dr. Mphahlele’s work bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific innovation, contributing to sustainable health solutions.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar

Featured Publications

  • “Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Sugar from the Inner Bark of Sclerocarya birrea: Insights into Antibiotic and Anticancer Activity”

  • “Antimicrobial Activity of Triterpenoid and Steroidal Cinnamates from Vitellaria paradoxa”

  • “Crystal structure of Staudtienic acid, a diterpenoid from Staudtia kamerunensis Warb.(Myristicaceae)”

  • “Chemical profiling, bio-guided purification, and cytotoxic effect of two African spices: Hypodaphnis zenkeri Engl. Stapf (Lauraceae) and Staudtia kamerunensis warb (Myristicaceae) on human prostate cancer cell lines”

  • “Antibacterial activity and GC-MS profiling of DCM/MeOH extracts of Tabernaemontana contorta Stapf’s leaves, and stem bark from the central region of Cameroon”

 

Ramadan Mekheimer | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Ramadan Mekheimer | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Minia University | Egypt

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer began his academic journey with distinction, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Minia University. He further pursued postgraduate studies in Organic Chemistry, focusing on nitrones, cyclophanes, and the synthesis of azoles, azines, and azoloazines. His doctoral work laid a strong foundation for his later research in heterocyclic chemistry and synthetic methodologies. His academic excellence early in his career was recognized through prestigious academic fellowships, including international training opportunities.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Mekheimer’s academic career has been deeply rooted in Minia University, where he rose steadily through the academic ranks, from a demonstrator to a full professor of Organic Chemistry. His service extended beyond teaching and research to academic governance, including roles on faculty councils, postgraduate and undergraduate education committees, and leadership as the head of the Chemistry Department. His academic roles reflect dedication to institutional development and strategic academic planning.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Mekheimer has carved a niche in the field of organic synthesis, particularly in heterocyclic chemistry. His research centers on developing novel synthetic methodologies for nitrones, azides, and complex heterocyclic systems, often incorporating environmentally friendly techniques. He has shown particular interest in green chemistry, utilizing microwave irradiation, solar energy, and eco-friendly solvents such as water. These approaches align with sustainable chemical practices and highlight his commitment to advancing eco-conscious science.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Mekheimer’s impact is reflected in his collaborative ties with prominent international institutions and agrochemical companies in the USA and Europe. His work has been recognized by national awards from scientific bodies and universities, honoring his excellence in organic chemistry. Additionally, he has been selected as a referee for several high-impact international journals, demonstrating peer recognition of his scientific credibility and integrity. His advisory roles in journals such as Organic Letters and Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews underscore his influence in shaping contemporary chemical literature.

Academic Citations

He has published extensively in reputable international journals, with over 20 recent publications addressing topics like antimicrobial agents, anticancer compounds, fused heterocyclic systems, and green synthesis. His work includes both original research and comprehensive reviews, highlighting his dual focus on innovation and knowledge dissemination. His publications are frequently cited, reflecting their relevance and utility to the scientific community, especially in organic and medicinal chemistry.

Technical Skills and Scientific Expertise

Prof. Mekheimer brings deep expertise in heterocyclic compound synthesis, microwave-assisted organic reactions, photo-assisted green methodologies, and multi-component reactions. He is proficient in employing computational chemistry tools such as molecular docking and DFT studies, further enhancing the scientific value of his experimental findings. His interdisciplinary approach bridges synthetic chemistry with pharmaceutical and materials applications.

Teaching Experience

Prof. Mekheimer has supervised numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, guiding them in diverse areas of organic synthesis. His mentorship has extended to both national and international institutions, including King Abdulaziz University. He is known for fostering independent thinking and research ethics among his students. Many of his mentees have successfully completed their degrees, with some currently pursuing advanced academic or professional careers, reflecting his influence on the next generation of chemists.

Scientific Collaborations and Global Engagement

He has actively engaged in long-term collaborations with major international agrochemical companies and academic institutions. His work with American Cyanamid, Dupont, Dow Agrochemicals, and Specs and Biospecs (Netherlands) reflects a strong industry-academia linkage. Additionally, his participation in numerous international and regional scientific conferences highlights his global visibility and his role in disseminating new knowledge across borders.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Mekheimer’s legacy lies in his ability to blend academic rigor, innovative synthesis, and sustainable chemistry. His future work is poised to further explore green and bioactive heterocycles, expanding into medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. He continues to inspire through active research, international collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to academic mentorship. His ongoing work contributes to solving real-world challenges in health, environment, and agriculture.

Notable Publications

A novel one‑pot microwave assisted green synthesis of pyridinyl‑1,3,5‑triazine‑2,4‑diamine hybrids as potent antimicrobial agents

  • Authors: Omniya Sayed Zaky, Mohamed Hisham, Mohamed Abd‑Elmonem, Ramadan Yahia, Laila Abdulmohsen Jaragh‑Alhadad, Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer, Gamal El‑Din A. Abuo‑Rahma, Moustafa Sherief Moustafa, Manal Makboul Ebied, Kamal Usef Sadek

  • Journal: BMC Chemistry

  • Year: 2025

A Novel one-pot three-component synthesis of 4-aryl-6-alkylamino/piperidinyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-amines under controlled microwaves irradiation

  • Authors: Laila A. Jaraph-Alhadad, Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer, Mohamed Abd-Elmonem, Moustafa Sherief Moustafa, Afaf Abdel-Hameed, Gamal El-Din A. Abuo-Rahma, Kamal Usef Sadek

  • Journal: Arkivoc

  • Year: 2023

Visible-light assisted base-catalyzed, one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized cinnolines

  • Authors: Ahmed Elkamhawy, Laila Jaragh-Alhadad, Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer, Omeima Abdullah, Mohamed Abd-Elmonem, Moustafa Sherief Moustafa, Afaf Abdel-Hameed, Tahany Mahmoud Mohamed, Kamal Usef Sadek

  • Journal: Green Processing and Synthesis

  • Year: 2023

Recent developments in the synthesis of hybrid heterocycles, a promising approach to develop multi-target antibacterial agents

  • Authors: Kamal Usef Sadek, Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer, Mohamed Abd-Elmonem, Fatma A. Abo-Elsoud, Alaa M. Hayallah, Sara M. Mostafa, Magda H. Abdellattif, Mohammed A.S. Abourehab, Thoraya A. Farghaly, Ahmed Elkamhawy

  • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure

  • Year: 2023

New s-triazine/tetrazole conjugates as potent antifungal and antibacterial agents: design, molecular docking and mechanistic study

  • Authors: Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer, Gamal El-Din A. Abuo-Rahma, Mohamed Abd-Elmonem, Ramadan Yahia, Mohamed Hisham, Alaa M. Hayallah, Sara M. Mostafa, Fatma A. Abo-Elsoud, Kamal Usef Sadek

  • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure

  • Year: 2022

Conclusion

Prof. Ramadan Ahmed Mekheimer exemplifies the ideal of a research-driven academician whose work has both depth and relevance. His journey from a promising scholar to an established authority in organic chemistry reflects dedication, innovation, and academic leadership. His continuous efforts in sustainable chemistry, global scientific collaboration, and mentorship make him a vital asset to the scientific community and a deserving candidate for recognition in research excellence.

Zhenzhao Pei | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Zhenzhao Pei | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Hebei University of Engineering, China 

Profiles

Scopus Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zhenzhao Pei embarked on his academic journey with an exceptional foundation in chemical engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where his outstanding performance earned him the Outstanding Graduate Award—a prestigious accolade that foreshadowed a distinguished career. Following this, he broadened his research horizons as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry at Tsinghua University, working under the mentorship of renowned chemist Prof. Wang Xun. His global academic exposure expanded further with a visiting scholar position at California State University, Long Beach School, USA, enriching his perspective on international scientific practices.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Pei currently serves as a Professor and Director of Chemical Engineering at Hebei University of Engineering, where he has assumed numerous leadership roles. He is the Director of the Chemical Engineering Research Institute, and leads the Chemical Process Safety Research Team. In addition, he plays a pivotal role as the Discipline Leader of the Chemical Engineering Program, shaping the academic and strategic direction of the department.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pei’s research portfolio spans key domains such as Novel Chemical Process Design, Industrial Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, Advanced Separation Technologies, and Environmental Chemical Engineering. His innovative work bridges the gap between fundamental chemical theory and real-world industrial applications, making his research highly relevant to both academia and the chemical industry. His contribution to chemical process safety, in particular, has established him as a thought leader in developing safer and more sustainable engineering solutions.

Impact and Influence

With over 40 research papers published, including more than 30 indexed in SCI journals, Dr. Pei has made a notable mark in leading publications like Fuel and Applied Surface Science. His research has supported more than 20 national and provincial-level grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Hebei Provincial Fund. Beyond academia, he has also collaborated extensively with industry, contributing to a number of high-impact R&D projects, showcasing the practical value of his work.

Academic Cites and Recognition

Dr. Pei’s scholarly output has been well-received by the academic community. While citation metrics are not listed, his publication in prestigious journals and sustained funding indicate a significant scholarly presence. His expertise has been further recognized by his appointment as a member of the Hebei Provincial Patent Expert Committee, and his leadership as the former Chair of the Postdoctoral Association of Chemistry at Tsinghua University.

Technical Skills and Expertise

His technical expertise encompasses chemical process engineering, catalysis, environmental technology, and separation science. His research is often characterized by the integration of theoretical modeling with experimental validation, ensuring high precision and practical relevance. Dr. Pei is also adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, managing large-scale research initiatives, and mentoring young scientists in advanced chemical methodologies.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As a professor and academic leader, Dr. Pei is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He is responsible for curriculum design, program coordination, and the supervision of undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students. Through his teaching, he instills a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, while also fostering innovation and critical thinking among students.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With an already distinguished track record, Dr. Zhenzhao Pei continues to expand his influence in the fields of chemical process safety and sustainable industrial chemistry. His leadership in integrating environmental concerns into chemical engineering design positions him as a catalyst for future green innovations. Looking ahead, his continued collaboration with industry and academia promises further advancements in clean technology, process optimization, and environmental sustainability.

Notable Publications

Synthesis of low-temperature NH₃-SCR catalysts for MnOx with high SO₂ resistance using redox-precipitation method with mixed manganese sources
Authors: Zhenzhao Pei, Haiyang Zhao, Haipeng Wang, Guangxi Yu, Hao Wu
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2025

Influences of glycerol-assisted ultrasonic modification on the ultra-low temperature NH₃-SCR MnFeOx catalysts
Authors: Zhenzhao Pei, Zhuyue Fu, Haipeng Wang, Haoran Ni, Tao Guo
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Investigation on denitrification performance of microwave synthesized high-efficiency MnOx catalysts for low-temperature NH₃-SCR
Authors: Zhenzhao Pei, Haipeng Wang, Haiyang Zhao, Chengye He, Zhuo Ji
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2024

 

Jeremie Zaffran | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Jeremie Zaffran | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at CNRS- (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique),  France

Profile

🌟 Early Academic Pursuits

Jeremie Zaffran’s academic journey began with distinction, marked by a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, where he graduated cum laude and ranked among the top of his class. He continued his studies with a Master of Science in Materials Science, specializing in Nanosciences, where his exceptional performance earned him a summa cum laude distinction. His doctoral studies at the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon solidified his expertise, culminating in a PhD in Chemistry awarded with the highest distinction. His thesis laid the groundwork for fast predictions of catalytic reactivity in biomass valorization, merging quantum calculations with statistical analysis.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Jeremie’s professional path reflects a global and multidisciplinary perspective. Starting with his postdoctoral fellowship at the Technion in Israel, he delved into computational design for solar water-splitting catalysts, forging collaborations with experimentalists worldwide. As a Research Assistant Professor at ShanghaiTech University, he expanded his expertise in computational catalysis, designing electrocatalysts for renewable energy applications. Currently, as a tenured research fellow at CNRS and part of the E2P2L lab in Shanghai, he focuses on integrating machine learning with computational chemistry to accelerate catalyst design for sustainable industrial processes.

🏗️ Contributions and Research Focus

Jeremie’s contributions span heterogeneous catalysis modeling, renewable energy applications, and advanced computational techniques like DFT and microkinetic simulations. His projects address critical challenges in biomass transformation, solar water splitting, and CO₂ valorization. He has developed machine learning models to predict catalytic activity and mechanisms, reducing the need for exhaustive computational resources. Jeremie’s interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical insights and practical applications, resulting in innovative solutions for green chemistry.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Jeremie’s work has been recognized through numerous awards and honors, such as the prestigious Lady Davis Fellowship and the Grand Technion Energy Program Fellowship. His academic excellence is underscored by distinctions at every level of his education. Furthermore, his leadership in securing competitive grants has brought substantial funding to projects focused on sustainable chemistry, totaling millions in financial support.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups, Jeremie has shaped the landscape of computational catalysis. His research has influenced industrial partners, such as Solvay, and academic communities alike. With a robust portfolio of high-impact publications, he has contributed to fields ranging from photocatalytic hydrogen production to CO₂ utilization. His leadership in combining artificial intelligence with chemical research positions him as a pioneer in the digital transformation of catalysis.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Jeremie’s work continues to inspire innovation in green chemistry. By mentoring the next generation of scientists and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, he is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. His legacy includes not only his scientific advancements but also his commitment to bridging academic and industrial research, ensuring that his contributions endure for decades to come.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Unveiling the phenol direct carboxylation reaction mechanism at ZrO2 surface”

    • Authors: Kaihua Zhang, Changru Ma, Sebastien Paul, Jeremie Zaffran*
    • Journal: Molecular Catalysis
    • Year: 2024

  • “Photocatalytic dihydroxylation of light olefins to glycols by water”

    • Authors: Chunyang Dong, Yinghao Wang, Ziqi Deng, et al., Jeremie Zaffran, Andrei Y. Khodakov*, Vitaly V. Ordomsky*
    • Journal: Nature Communications
    • Year: 2024

  • “Upgrading the density functional theory with machine learning for the fast prediction of polyaromatic reactivity at bimetallic catalysts”

    • Authors: Jérémie Zaffran*, Minyang Jiao, Raphaël Wischert, Stéphane Streiff, Sébastien Paul
    • Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
    • Year: 2024

  • “Deoxydehydration of glycerol to allyl alcohol catalyzed by ceria-supported rhenium oxide”

    • Authors: Karen Silva Vargas, Marcia Araque, Jeremie Zaffran, Benjamin Katryniok*, Masahiro Sadakane*
    • Journal: Molecular Catalysis
    • Year: 2023

  • “Direct Photocatalytic Synthesis of Acetic Acid from Methane and CO at Ambient Temperature using Water as Oxidant”

    • Authors: Chunyang Dong, Maya Marinova, Karima Ben Tayeb, et al., Jeremie Zaffran, Andrei Y. Khodakov*, Vitaly V. Ordomsky*
    • Journal: The Journal of the American Chemical Society
    • Year: 2023

  • “Identifying Metal-Halogen bonding for Hydrogen Induced Acid Generation in Bifunctional Catalysis”

    • Authors: Yong Zhou, Martine Trentesaux, Jean-Charles Morin, et al., Jérémie Zaffran*, Vitaly Ordomsky*
    • Journal: ACS Catalysis
    • Year: 2023

  • “Catalytic selective oxidation of isobutane in a decoupled redox-process”

    • Authors: Li Zhang, Jeremie Zaffran, Franck Dumeignil, Sébastien Paul*, Axel Lofberg, Benjamin Katryniok*
    • Journal: Applied Catalysis A: General
    • Year: 2022

  • “Theoretical Insights into the Formation Mechanism of Methane, Ethylene, and Methanol in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis at Co2C Surfaces”

    • Authors: Jeremie Zaffran*, Bo Yang*
    • Journal: ChemCatChem
    • Year: 2021

  • “First-Principles-Based Microkinetic Simulations of CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over Intermetallic GaPd2”

    • Authors: Panpan Wu, Jeremie Zaffran, Bo Yang*
    • Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
    • Year: 2020

  • “Fast Prediction of Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity on Carbon Nanotubes with a Localized Geometric Descriptor”

    • Authors: Kunran Yang†, Jeremie Zaffran†, Bo Yang*
    • Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
    • Year: 2020