Kaihui Zhao | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaihui Zhao | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Yunnan university, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kaihui Zhao’s journey into atmospheric science began with a B.S. in Atmospheric Science from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, where he studied under the mentorship of Prof. Jia Liang. Driven by a strong curiosity for environmental dynamics, he further pursued a Ph.D. in Applied Meteorology at the same institution under the joint supervision of Prof. Yunxuan Bao and Prof. Jianping Huang. During his doctoral tenure (2014–2019), he gained international exposure through a visiting Ph.D. program at NOAA-CREST, City University of New York, where he collaborated with Prof. Fred Moshary. This experience deeply enriched his expertise in ozone pollution and transboundary air quality dynamics, laying a solid foundation for a career devoted to atmospheric environmental research.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Following his Ph.D., Dr. Zhao worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher and later an Associate Researcher at the School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, under Prof. Zibing Yuan. He joined the School of Earth Sciences at Yunnan University in 2022 as an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor. Throughout his academic career, he has taken on numerous leadership roles including:

  • Committee Member of the Ozone Pollution Control Committee of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences

  • Guest Editor for Atmosphere (MDPI)

  • Youth Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Earth Sciences and Environment

  • Peer Reviewer for top-tier journals like Atmospheric Environment, Remote Sensing, Environmental Research Letters, and more.

Dr. Zhao is also a recognized expert for Yunnan Provincial Environmental Protection funding programs.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s scientific contributions span a variety of interdisciplinary domains:

  • Stratosphere-Troposphere Ozone Exchange: He investigates how stratospheric intrusions contribute to surface-level ozone spikes, especially in complex terrains like the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.

  • Nonlinear Ozone-Precursor Dynamics: His research dissects how ozone responds to various precursor emissions in photochemically active regions.

  • Synergistic Control of Ozone and PM2.5: Dr. Zhao emphasizes integrated pollution control strategies, which is vital for effective air quality management.

  • AI in Environmental Science: He applies deep learning and graph neural networks to enhance the accuracy of ozone forecasting models.

As Principal Investigator, he has led over 10 major national and provincial research projects, funded by the NSFC, Yunnan Provincial Government, and other entities. He has also participated in key R&D programs related to air pollution control technologies across China.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhao’s expertise and dedication have earned him multiple honors:

  • Youth Talent under Yunnan’s “Xingdian Talent Support Program”

  • Donglu Young Scholar, Yunnan University’s high-impact talent introduction initiative

  • Multiple awards from the Xianyang Science and Technology Progress and Meteorological Societies, including a First Prize in Science and Technology Achievement (2021)

In addition to his scientific honors, he received an Outstanding Award in the 18th Teaching Competition at Yunnan University, demonstrating excellence in both research and pedagogy.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhao has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact scientific papers published in journals such as Environment International, Atmospheric Environment, Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, and Journal of Environmental Sciences. His work is widely cited and referenced in both academic and governmental environmental circles. He is a lead author of the “China Blue Book on Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Ozone Pollution” (2020, 2023) and the public-oriented “Q&A on Ozone Pollution Prevention and Control,” both of which inform national strategies for air quality improvement.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhao stands at the intersection of atmospheric science, environmental policy, and machine learning. His legacy lies in bridging rigorous environmental modeling with actionable solutions that address regional and national air quality issues. Looking ahead, he continues to explore the frontier of AI-enhanced environmental forecasting. His upcoming projects aim to integrate satellite remote sensing, large-scale atmospheric modeling, and machine learning into a unified framework for pollution prediction—potentially revolutionizing how governments respond to and mitigate air quality hazards.

📖Notable Publications

A novel approach to identify the spatial characteristics of ozone-precursor sensitivity based on interpretable machine learning
Authors: Huiling He; Kaihui Zhao; Zibing Yuan; Jin Shen; Yujun Lin; Shu Zhang; Menglei Wang; Anqi Wang; Puyu Lian
Journal:  Environmental Sciences
Year: 2025

Attention scores and peak perception in long-term ozone prediction using deep learning
Authors:Zhihao Xu; Danni Xu; Wenguang Li; Puyu Lian; Yuheng Chen; Fangyuan Yang; Kaihui Zhao
Journal:  Environmental Sciences
Year: 2025

Optimizing Ozone Control Strategies for Chinese Megacity Clusters Under the Influence of Stratospheric Intrusion
Authors: Kaihui Zhao; Wen Chen; Puyu Lian; Danni Xu
Journal: Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Year: 2025

Characterization and Source Apportionment Analysis of PM2.5 and Ozone Pollution over Fenwei Plain, China: Insights from PM2.5 Component and VOC Observations
Authors: Litian Xu; Bo Wang; Ying Wang; Huipeng Zhang; Danni Xu; Yibing Zhao; Kaihui Zhao
Journal: Toxics
Year: 2025

Impact of stratospheric intrusions on surface ozone enhancement in Hong Kong in the lower troposphere: Implications for ozone control strategy
Authors: Kaihui Zhao; Yuheng Chen; Puyu Lian; Wenguang Li; Fangyuan Yang; Xiufang Zhang; Ruowen Yang
Journal: Atmospheric Environment
Year: 2024

Jiying Zhu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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

Jia Huang | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jia Huang | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

China Agricultural University, China

👨‍🎓Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Jia Huang began her academic journey in Animal Science at Nanjing Agricultural University (2017–2021), where she excelled in major courses such as Animal Biochemistry, Genetics, Nutrition, and Reproduction. She demonstrated academic excellence from an early stage. She was awarded the National Encouragement Scholarship and the Three Good First-Class Scholarship, reflecting both her diligence and outstanding performance.

🧪 Professional Endeavors & Internships

Throughout her academic life, Jia Huang actively engaged in hands-on training and field practice. During internships such as the Feed Science Internship (2019), she participated in designing feed formulas for various livestock. Her work at Huai’an Jielong Animal Husbandry involved practical techniques like artificial insemination and dairy cow examination. R language data analysis, and egg quality determination, showcasing a well-rounded practical skill set and a strong collaborative spirit.

🔬 Contributions & Research Focus

Jia Huang’s research reflects a keen focus on animal nutrition and immunity, especially in young animals. She led a national-level innovation project (2019–2020) under the supervision of Dr. Fan Hongjie, developing a multivalent recombinant Lactobacillus vector vaccine for porcine viral diarrhea—handling lactic acid bacteria cultivation, PCR, RNA extraction, and protein expression. She later conducted research on the effects of indole-3-formaldehyde feed additives (2020–2021), working with both mice and piglets, and was rated excellent in her project outcomes. Currently, as part of her master’s thesis, she investigates the replacement of antibiotics in broiler feed using plant essential oils and organic acid microcapsules, applying RT-PCR, enzyme activity assays, 16s microbiome analysis, and volatile fatty acid testing—culminating in a publication in Poultry Science (IF = 4.4), with a second paper under review.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Jia Huang’s research aligns with global efforts to reduce antibiotic use in animal husbandry and promote sustainable, safe food systems. Her scientific insights contribute to better understanding intestinal health, immunity, and metabolic nutrition, directly impacting public health and animal welfare. She is driven by a vision: ensuring people eat better meat, eggs, and milk while prioritizing agricultural stability and national well-being. Her work is not only academically significant but socially conscious.

📚 Academic Citations & Publications

Jia has already made her mark academically, with one Zone 1 SCI paper published in Poultry Science and another in Animal Nutrition in progress. These early publications signal her capacity to contribute meaningfully to peer-reviewed literature, especially in the fields of nutritional immunology and molecular nutrition.

💻 Technical Skills

Jia possesses robust technical expertise in both laboratory techniques and data analysis. She’s proficient in SPSS, GraphPad Prism, EndNote, and adept with R language for data visualization. Her practical skills include bacteria and cell culture, aseptic operations, intestinal tissue analysis, and vaccine development. She regularly uses platforms like Lianchuan Bio Cloud for correlation heatmaps, highlighting her modern approach to scientific research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching & Leadership Experience

Jia’s leadership capabilities were evident during her tenure as the Discipline Inspection Committee Member of the Party Branch for Poultry Nutrition Graduate Students at China Agricultural University (2021–2022). Through this role, she gained experience in academic integrity, peer management, and teamwork. Her enthusiasm for scientific seminars and mentoring also suggests she will be a strong educator and guide for future scholars.

🌱 Legacy & Future Contributions

With a deep-seated passion for scientific research, Jia Huang is poised to become a thought leader in the field of animal nutrition and immunology. Her interests lie in tackling nutritional metabolic diseases, intestine-immune interactions, and molecular regulatory pathways, especially for young animals. She stands committed to enhancing animal welfare, ensuring sustainable agriculture, and improving food quality for human consumption. Her integrity, persistence, and vision point toward a future marked by innovation and impact.

Qingyan Cheng | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Qingyan Cheng | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hebei University of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Cheng earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nankai University, Tianjin, in 2001. Soon after, she undertook a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Tianjin University in the College of Chemical Engineering and Technology from 2001 to 2003. Her early academic journey laid the foundation for a career centered around interdisciplinary research and advanced chemical engineering processes.

🧑‍🏫 Academic Appointments

Dr. Cheng has been a core faculty member at Hebei University of Technology since 2003. She served as an Associate Professor in the College of Chemical Engineering and Technology from 2003 to 2009. In 2009, she was promoted to Professor, a position she continues to hold today. Her academic leadership has been instrumental in guiding the department’s research focus and curriculum development.

🌍 International Experience

Expanding her academic horizons, Dr. Cheng served as a Visiting Scholar at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in the United States during 2015–2016. Hosted by the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Engineering, this experience enriched her global perspective and fostered international collaborations in cutting-edge research.

🔬 Research and Expertise

While specific research themes are not listed here, Dr. Cheng’s long-standing association with chemical engineering institutions and international exposure suggests expertise in applied chemistry, process engineering, and interdisciplinary research. Her work likely involves innovative reaction mechanisms, materials development, and sustainable processing technologies, aligning with current global priorities in chemical engineering.

📚 Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Cheng is also actively involved in graduate and undergraduate education, mentoring numerous students and young researchers. She emphasizes analytical thinking, lab-based problem-solving, and integration of theory with industrial applications. Her mentorship has guided many students toward successful academic and industry careers.

🧭 Legacy and Future Directions

With a career marked by academic excellence and international collaboration, Dr. Cheng continues to contribute to the global chemical engineering community. Her future endeavors are likely to include expanding collaborative research networks, advancing green chemical technologies, and mentoring future generations of chemical engineers.

📖Notable Publications

Electrochemical performance of hydrothermally synthesized manganese dioxide as anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jintao Wang, Qiqi Zhang, Zhiyong Mao, Qilin Dai, Qingyan Cheng
Journal: International Journal of Electrochemical Science
Year: 2025

In situ hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin over Ni–Co–P/HAP with formic acid as a hydrogen source
Authors: Mingxing Duan, Qingyan Cheng, Mingming Wang, Yanji Wang
Journal: RSC Advances
Year: 2021

Co(II) Schiff Base Complex Supported on Nano‐Silica for the Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexene: Reaction Pathways and Overoxidation on the Experimental and Calculated Mechanism
Authors: Mingxing Duan, Xinguo Wang, Wenjing Peng, Dongjie Liu, Qingyan Cheng, Qiusheng Yang
Journal: ChemistrySelect
Year: 2021

Zhilin Xia | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhilin Xia | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hubei Engineering University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Zhilin Xia embarked on his academic journey in 2010 at the China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in 2014. His curiosity and commitment to the field of technology led him to pursue a Master's Degree at the same institution from 2014 to 2017. During this period, he deepened his knowledge in his chosen area, which prepared him for his future academic endeavors. Building upon his solid foundation, he advanced to the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he pursued his Doctoral Degree from 2017 to 2021. His doctoral research expanded his expertise and led to significant discoveries that contributed to his field.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Zhilin Xia’s professional journey is marked by both academic research and industrial experience. In June 2021, he joined Shandong University as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Here, he honed his research skills, contributing to various projects and advancing the knowledge in his area of specialization. Simultaneously, from 2021 to 2023, he worked as an R&D Engineer at Shenzhen Changlong Technology Co., Ltd., bridging the gap between academia and industry. His work there reflected his ability to apply theoretical research to real-world challenges.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Zhilin Xia’s research interests primarily focus on engineering and technology with a particular emphasis on advanced materials, nanotechnology, and energy systems. His work on material science and innovative manufacturing techniques has significant applications in sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection. As a postdoctoral researcher and R&D engineer, he has contributed to the development of novel materials and technologies, aiming to address global challenges in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Zhilin Xia’s work has had a notable influence on both academic research and industrial applications. Through his postdoctoral research and collaboration with Shandong University and Shenzhen Changlong Technology Co., he has contributed to the development of new technologies that bridge academic theory with industrial practice. His academic insights and technical expertise are helping shape the future of engineering and technology innovation. His research, particularly in nanotechnology and energy systems, has the potential to create long-lasting impacts in the fields of renewable energy and environmental protection, making his contributions valuable to both academia and society.

📚 Academic Cites

Zhilin Xia’s research outputs have been widely recognized in the academic community, reflected in the citations of his published papers. These citations demonstrate the relevance and significance of his work in advancing knowledge in his field. His ability to contribute to high-impact journals has helped establish him as an expert, and his growing body of work continues to inspire new research directions.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Zhilin Xia’s academic and professional experience has equipped him with an extensive skill set, making him proficient in various analytical techniques and laboratory practices. His technical expertise includes: Nanomaterials Synthesis and Characterization, Energy System Optimization, Materials Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Data Analysis and Modeling. These skills are integral to his contributions to both research and industrial applications, especially in the development of cutting-edge technologies.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As an Associate Lecturer at Hubei Engineering University, Zhilin Xia has demonstrated a passion for educating and mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, practical problem-solving, and a hands-on approach to learning. He actively guides students in their research projects and prepares them for real-world challenges by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Zhilin Xia aims to continue his research and teaching efforts, pushing the boundaries of engineering and material science. His focus will remain on the development of sustainable technologies that address pressing environmental and energy challenges. Through his work, he hopes to leave a legacy of advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a new generation of innovative thinkers in the field of engineering and technology.

📖Notable Publications