Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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”

 

Mehdi Eslamifar | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Mehdi Eslamifar | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Engineering University Kiel | Germany

Profile

Google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Mehdi Eslamifar began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Shahed University, Tehran, where he gained foundational knowledge in agronomic systems and technical agricultural processes. He further pursued a Master of Science in Natural Resources at the University of Tehran, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and environmental resource management. His early academic background established a robust interdisciplinary foundation combining agronomy, resource sustainability, and applied sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Mehdi Eslamifar has developed a diverse professional background spanning both academic and industry roles. His experience as a freelance consultant at Farabin Agri Co. in Tehran allowed him to engage in financial oversight, accounting, and administrative operations within the agricultural sector. Later, he transitioned into academia, serving as a student assistant at the University of Hohenheim, where he contributed to the execution of biogas yield tests. Most recently, he has been working as a research associate at the Institute of Agricultural Process Engineering at Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, where he conducts advanced research using near-infrared (NIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the analysis of agricultural materials.

Contributions and Research Focus

Eslamifar’s primary research focus lies in the application of spectroscopy techniques particularly NIR and NMR for nutrient analysis and quality assessment of agricultural substrates. His expertise includes the development and validation of calibration models to enhance the precision of chemical and physical property measurements. Through his work, he bridges the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical applications in agriculture, ensuring accurate, real-time sensing that supports sustainable land management and precision farming.

Impact and Influence

Eslamifar has contributed to the scientific understanding of how modern sensor technologies can optimize agricultural practices. His work on the on-farm validation of NIR sensors for manure analysis and the application of spectral preprocessing techniques to predict soil properties are notable contributions that have practical implications in farming efficiency and environmental stewardship. These studies demonstrate his commitment to developing tools that enable data-driven decision-making in agriculture, enhancing productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Academic Publications and Citations

Among his scholarly outputs are peer-reviewed publications, including articles in VDI-Berichte and Discover Applied Sciences. These works showcase the innovative integration of spectroscopy and data science for agricultural analysis. His role as lead or contributing author reflects his active engagement in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments. While citation metrics are not detailed here, the topical relevance and publication venues suggest growing recognition within the agricultural and environmental sciences communities.

Technical Skills

Eslamifar’s technical proficiency includes a wide range of analytical and programming tools used in data analysis and modeling. He is skilled in Microsoft Office, SPSS, R, MATLAB, and Python tools essential for processing complex datasets and building predictive models. His hands-on experience with spectroscopy equipment and statistical software enables him to work seamlessly across experimental and computational domains.

Teaching Experience

In his academic journey, Eslamifar has engaged in teaching support roles, including his time as a student assistant at the University of Hohenheim. In this position, he contributed to practical laboratory activities related to biogas production. While formal lecturing roles are not highlighted, his collaborative research work and laboratory supervision indicate experience in guiding students and contributing to the academic learning environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong track record in applied spectroscopy research, Mehdi Eslamifar is positioned to make ongoing contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental monitoring. His interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering, chemistry, and data science, positions him as a forward-thinking scientist capable of leading advancements in precision agriculture. His doctoral work, focused on NIR and NMR spectroscopy, further supports the development of non-destructive, real-time analytical methods for field and laboratory applications.

Notable Publications

On farm validation of different NIR sensors for manure sensing
Authors: E. Thiessen, M. Eslamifar, R. Kock, E. Hartung
Journal: VDI-Berichte 2406
Year: 2022

Effective spectral pre-processing methods enhance accuracy of soil property prediction by NIR spectroscopy
Authors: M. Eslamifar, H. Tavakoli, E. Thiessen, R. Kock, J. Correa, E. Hartung
Journal: Discover Applied Sciences
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Mehdi Eslamifar is a highly capable and innovative agricultural scientist with a solid academic foundation and practical research impact. His work in advanced nutrient sensing technologies demonstrates not only technical excellence but also relevance to global challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability. As he continues to refine his research and expand his scholarly contributions, Eslamifar is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the integration of analytical science and agricultural innovation.

Sarika Jain | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award -1759

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Dr. Sarika Jain | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Amity University Haryana, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Sarika Jain’s academic journey is marked by excellence and dedication to the field of mathematics. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Hons.) from Delhi University in 2005, achieving an outstanding 89% score, which laid the foundation for her higher studies. Her passion for mathematics led her to IIT Delhi, where she pursued a Master’s degree in Mathematics and secured a CGPA of 7.13 in 2007. Determined to contribute to research, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program at IIT Delhi, where she worked on Numerical Modeling of the Impact of Urbanization in the DMIC Region on Surface Air Temperature. She successfully completed her coursework with an impressive CGPA of 9.2, showcasing her strong analytical and research capabilities.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

With 15 years of experience, Sarika Jain has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. Her career spans 13 years in teaching and 2 years in the industry, where she has been involved in research, education, and data analysis. She currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Amity University, Gurugram, a role she has been serving in since June 2023, where she is actively engaged in teaching and research. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2012 to 2023, playing a crucial role in academic development and research guidance.

Her teaching career also includes a stint as a Senior Lecturer at IMC, New Delhi (2011-2012) and a Lecturer at WIT, Gurgaon (2009-2010), where she nurtured students in mathematics and computational sciences. Apart from academia, she has industrial experience as an Analyst at MG Mobile Trading Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (2007-2009), specializing in data analysis and mathematical modeling. She also worked as a Subject Matter Expert at Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon (2011), contributing to technical services and assessments.

📚 Research Focus and Contributions

Sarika Jain’s research interests span multiple domains, including Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) Modeling, Statistical Data Analysis, Optimization, Nature-Inspired Algorithms, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Soft Computing. Her Ph.D. research focused on analyzing the impact of urbanization on surface air temperature, using numerical modeling techniques to understand environmental changes in urban regions. Given the increasing concerns about climate change and urban expansion, her research provides valuable insights for sustainable urban development.

Her work in nature-inspired optimization algorithms has further applications in solving large-scale computational problems. By integrating mathematical modeling, AI, and statistical analysis, she has contributed to advancements in climate forecasting, machine learning applications, and optimization techniques.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Sarika Jain’s research has been recognized in high-impact journals and international conferences, reinforcing her influence in computational mathematics and artificial intelligence. Her contributions are documented under her Scopus ID (57220831968) and ORCID ID (0000-0002-4795-9556), which highlight the significance of her work.

Her research in climate modeling and AI-driven predictive analysis has practical applications in urban development, environmental sustainability, and smart city planning. Through her work, she has helped develop advanced forecasting models that aid policymakers and industries in making informed decisions regarding climate adaptation and risk assessment.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognitions

Sarika Jain’s research contributions have been widely cited in academic publications and industry reports. Her work in climate forecasting, statistical modeling, and artificial intelligence applications has served as a foundation for future research in these domains. The growing citations of her publications reflect the relevance and impact of her research in the broader scientific community.

🖥️ Technical Skills

Sarika Jain possesses strong technical expertise in applied mathematics and computational techniques. She has advanced proficiency in Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) Modeling, which is crucial for climate simulations and predictive analytics. Her expertise extends to statistical data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, soft computing, and nature-inspired algorithms, enabling her to create efficient mathematical models for solving complex problems. Her ability to integrate computational intelligence with real-world applications has made her research highly impactful.

🎓 Teaching Experience

As an educator, Sarika Jain has dedicated 13 years to mentoring students in mathematics and computational sciences. Her research-driven approach to teaching helps bridge the gap between theory and practical applications. She specializes in applied mathematics, statistical computing, and algorithmic modeling, ensuring that students gain the necessary skills to analyze and solve real-world challenges.

She fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students, encouraging them to pursue research-based learning. Many of her students have gone on to excel in academia, research, and the tech industry, thanks to her mentorship. Her ability to simplify complex mathematical concepts makes her a respected professor, admired for her teaching methodology and academic leadership.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Sarika Jain’s contributions to academia, research, and industry continue to grow as she explores new advancements in computational mathematics and artificial intelligence. Moving forward, she aims to:

  • Advance her research in climate forecasting using AI and deep learning.
  • Develop innovative nature-inspired algorithms for large-scale optimization problems.
  • Mentor young researchers and students to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.
  • Establish global collaborations for interdisciplinary research in mathematical modeling.

📖Notable Publications

Divided opposition strategy in particle swarm framework for constrained optimization problem

Authors: Sarika Jain, Rekha Rani, Pradeep Jangir, Seyed Jalaleddin Mousavirad, Ali Wagdy Mohamed

Journal: Results in Control and Optimization

Year: 2025-03

A hybrid Mountain Gazelle particle swarm-based algorithm for constrained optimization problems

Authors: Rekha Rani, Vanita Garg, Sarika Jain, Harish Garg

Journal: Evolving Systems

Year: 2025-02

A review of nature-inspired algorithms on single-objective optimization problems from 2019 to 2023

Authors: Rekha Rani, Sarika Jain, Harish Garg

Journal: Artificial Intelligence Review

Year: 2024-04-24

Diagnostic Efficacy of LAMP Assay for Human Fungal Pathogens: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah, Sarika Jain, Shweta Singh, Zeeshan Fatima, Saif Hameed

Journal: Current Fungal Infection Reports

Year: 2023-09

Efficacy of LAMP assay for Mycobacterial spp. detection to prevent treatment delays and onset of drug resistance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah, Sarika Jain, Zeeshan Fatima, Saif Hameed

Journal: Drug Target Insights

Year: 2023-06-07

Prediction of temperature for various pressure levels using ANN and multiple linear regression techniques: A case study

Authors: Sarika Jain, Sarita Rathee, Ajay Kumar, Anivel Sambasivam, Rahul Boadh, Tushar Choudhary, Parveen Kumar, Pravin Kumar Singh

Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings

Year: 2022

 

Jun Dang | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Dang | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

He pursued his passion for natural product chemistry and Tibetan medicine during his formative academic years. His early work focused on exploring the unique biodiversity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, setting the foundation for his lifelong dedication to the chemical biology of natural products. His advanced studies led him to a role as a master’s advisor and eventually to his appointment as an associate researcher at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

💼 Professional Endeavors

He currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research. He is an active member of the Ethnic Medicine Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and a Director of the Qinghai Pharmaceutical Association. Recognized for his contributions to natural sciences, he has been inducted into prestigious programs, including the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghai Province’s Kunlun Talents∙High-End Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talents Program.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

He specializes in the accurate discovery of functional components from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's unique biological resources. His innovative methods target protein agonists or inhibitors, elucidating molecular mechanisms for disease intervention. Through these pioneering studies, he bridges chemical biology with practical health applications, enriching the field with novel approaches to isolating and purifying bioactive compounds.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With 47 SCI-indexed publications and 26 granted Chinese national invention patents, Dr. Dang’s research has profoundly impacted both academia and industry. His 1150 citations, averaging 15.13 citations per article, highlight the relevance of his work. Additionally, his leadership in enterprise projects demonstrates a strong connection between scientific discovery and economic benefit, advancing pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

📚 Academic Cites and Publications

His academic contributions include 76 publications, of which 47 are SCI-indexed papers authored or co-authored as the first or corresponding author. These articles span innovative discoveries in bioactive compounds, contributing significantly to chemical biology and natural product research. He also served as the lead editor for a special issue on bioactive compounds and their molecular mechanisms against diseases.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His expertise encompasses advanced techniques in natural product chemistry, protein expression, and molecular biology. He has mastered isolating bioactive compounds and identifying their therapeutic targets, applying enzymatic, cellular, and animal model evaluations to ensure robust results.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Dang has guided numerous master’s students, fostering the next generation of researchers in natural product chemistry and Tibetan medicine. His leadership extends beyond academia, where he collaborates with national and international researchers, amplifying the reach of his mentorship.

🎯 Legacy and Future Contributions

He envisions a future where the rich biodiversity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is harnessed to solve global health challenges. By focusing on molecular mechanisms of disease intervention, he aims to create impactful, sustainable solutions in pharmaceuticals and natural medicine. His innovative methods and collaborative efforts ensure that his legacy will inspire ongoing advancements in chemical biology and natural product research.

📖Notable Publications

  1. Practically complementary size exclusion chromatography and reversed-phase liquid chromatography for the preparative separation of structurally similar flavone-C-glycosides
    • Authors: Dang, J., Lv, Y., Abd. El-Aty, A.M., Li, G.
    • Journal: Journal of Chromatography A
    • Year: 2025
  2. Isolation of highly polar galloyl glucoside tautomers from Saxifraga tangutica through preparative chromatography and assessment of their in vitro antioxidant activity
    • Authors: Tong, Y., Chu, M., Zhou, J., Abd El-Aty, A.M., Dang, J.
    • Journal: BMC Chemistry
    • Year: 2024
  3. Innovative orthogonal two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography × supercritical fluid chromatography with a phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase for the preparative isolation of diarylheptanoids
    • Authors: Dang, J., Tong, Y., Wang, Q., Li, G., Abd El-Aty, A.M.
    • Journal: Journal of Chromatography A
    • Year: 2024
  4. Protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by 3-caffeoylquinic acid isomers isolated from Saxifraga tangutica
    • Authors: Tong, Y., Li, G., Shi, X., Abd El-Aty, A.M., Dang, J.
    • Journal: RSC Advances
    • Year: 2024
  5. Impact of Preparative Isolation of C-Glycosylflavones Derived from Dianthus superbus on In Vitro Glucose Metabolism
    • Authors: Lin, Z., Zhou, X., Yuan, C., Dang, J., Li, G.
    • Journal: Molecules
    • Year: 2024
  6. An Integrated Strategy for Investigating Antioxidants from Ribes himalense Royle ex Decne and Their Potential Target Proteins
    • Authors: Liu, C., Lei, Y., Liu, Y., Dang, J., Wu, M.
    • Journal: Antioxidants
    • Year: 2023
  7. Medium- and High-Pressure Integrated Chromatographic Strategies for the Isolation and Purification of Free Radical Inhibitors from Dracocephalum heterophyllum
    • Authors: Lv, Y., Wang, Z., Wang, Q., Dang, J.
    • Journal: Separations
    • Year: 2022
  8. Preparative isolation of antioxidative furanocoumarins from Dracocephalum heterophyllum and their potential action target
    • Authors: Lv, Y., Li, C., Wang, Z., Li, G., Dang, J.
    • Journal: Journal of Separation Science
    • Year: 2022
  9. Integrated chromatographic approach for the discovery of gingerol antioxidants from Dracocephalum heterophyllum and their potential targets
    • Authors: Dang, J., Lv, Y., Li, C., Li, G., Wang, Q.
    • Journal: Analytical Methods
    • Year: 2022
  10. Ethyl Acetate Extract of Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis via Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism, Oxidative Stress and Inhibiting Inflammation
    • Authors: Fang, Y., Sun, D., Li, G., Wang, Q., Dang, J.
    • Journal: Separations
    • Year: 2022

 

Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Egyptian Drug Authority, Egypt

 Profiles👨‍🎓

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 2005. He furthered his education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from 2013 to 2017, followed by a Doctoral degree in the same field from 2017 to 2020. His rigorous academic training laid a solid foundation for his expertise in laboratory quality control and chromatography methodologies.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

He has held significant positions at the Egyptian Drug Authority, where he has contributed to both technical and managerial roles. As a Lab Manager since January 2022, he successfully led the lab to achieve ISO accreditation 17025, demonstrating his commitment to adhering to international quality standards. Prior to this, he served as a Technical Manager from March 2018 to January 2022, where he tackled technical challenges and trained new personnel, ensuring the laboratory's operational excellence.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research contributions are notable, particularly in the field of analytical chemistry. His publications include innovative studies on simultaneous determination methods for pharmaceuticals, such as: "A sustainable model for the simultaneous determination of tadalafil and dapoxetine hydrochloride in their binary mixture: Overcoming the challenges of environmental, operational, and instrumental variability for spectral data", "Green electrochemical approach for simultaneous quantification of Dapoxetine hydrochloride and Tadalafil integrating design of experiments and functional principal component analysis", His work on validation using accuracy profiles of HPLC-UV methods and optimizing HPLC methods through response surface and tolerance analysis has significantly advanced laboratory practices.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His influence extends beyond his immediate work environment. His efforts in achieving ISO accreditation for the laboratory have set a benchmark for quality standards in the region. His published research provides valuable insights into sustainable practices and methodology improvements, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

📚 Academic Cites

With eight published papers in top-tier journals, He has established a strong presence in the field of analytical chemistry. His work is widely cited, reflecting the relevance and applicability of his research in advancing laboratory methodologies and quality control processes.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses a comprehensive skill set in laboratory quality control, particularly in chromatography methodologies. His expertise includes: Methodology validation, HPLC and UV spectrophotometry, Data analysis and interpretation, Training and mentoring laboratory personnel.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

While specific details about his teaching experience were not mentioned, His role in training new personnel suggests a commitment to knowledge transfer and education within his professional environment. His ability to overcome technical challenges further indicates a strong foundation for imparting practical skills to others.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

His contributions to the field of analytical chemistry and laboratory quality control are commendable. As he continues to build on his expertise and experience, he is likely to play a crucial role in advancing sustainable practices and enhancing quality standards within the pharmaceutical industry. His future work may focus on integrating innovative analytical techniques and promoting environmental sustainability in laboratory practices.

Notable Publications📖