Naikun Shen | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Naikun Shen | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Guangxi Minzu University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

  • Scopus Profile
  • ORICD Profile

    🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

    Dr. Naikun Shen’s academic journey began with a deep curiosity about the microbial world and its hidden potential. He pursued his doctoral degree in microbiology, laying a strong foundation in microbial ecology and biochemical processes. During his early academic years, he demonstrated a keen interest in sustainable biotechnologies, particularly the use of microorganisms in environmental remediation and resource recovery. His scientific acumen and commitment to eco-innovation were evident even in his formative years, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of environmentally friendly research solutions.

    👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

    Dr. Shen currently serves as a Professor and Department Head at Guangxi Minzu University, where he is also a respected master’s supervisor. Over the years, he has developed a specialized niche in the development and utilization of microbial resources, spearheading research programs that convert waste into valuable bio-products. His professional career is marked by strategic leadership and scientific rigor. With over seven major provincial and ministerial-level projects under his leadership, Dr. Shen has successfully translated research from the lab into real-world applications. In addition, he has contributed to two consultancy and industry collaborations, demonstrating the real-world viability of his innovations. His work often bridges academia and applied science, especially in green chemistry and bio-conversion technologies.

    🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

    Dr. Shen’s research is centered on the biodegradation of waste resources, particularly shrimp and crab shells and feathers. By constructing unique microbial communities and leveraging enzyme-based methods, his team efficiently breaks down these wastes into amino acids, lactate calcium, and chitin—critical inputs for various industrial and agricultural applications. What sets his work apart is the completely environmentally friendly approach: the degradation process relies solely on microbial strains or enzymes, without producing secondary pollution. This has positioned his work as a model for sustainable waste valorization in the context of circular economy and green manufacturing. Moreover, Dr. Shen’s research on transforming chitin into chitin oligosaccharides and shell oligosaccharides has opened new avenues in biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental protection. His commitment to practical, clean, and scalable solutions has helped push the boundaries of microbial resource utilization.

    🏆 Accolades and Recognition

    Dr. Shen’s exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of the Second Prize of the Guangxi Science and Technology Progress Award (4/9)—a prestigious recognition that reflects the regional and national significance of his work. In addition to accolades, Dr. Shen holds 12 published or in-process Chinese patents, demonstrating the novelty and commercial potential of his innovations. His publication record includes over 100 academic papers, of which 28 are indexed in SCI journals, underscoring both the depth and global reach of his research.

    🌏 Impact and Influence

    Dr. Shen’s work has made a profound impact on multiple fronts:

    • Environmental sustainability: His research contributes significantly to waste reduction and resource recovery.

    • Green chemistry: His microbial methodologies serve as models for low-impact industrial processes.

    • Academic advancement: His research outputs and mentorship continue to nurture the next generation of scientists.

    While he does not currently hold formal editorial or collaborative positions, his published work has influenced the scientific community through high citation value and practical utility.

    🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

    Dr. Naikun Shen’s legacy lies in his pioneering approach to microbial biotechnology for environmental applications. As the global scientific community turns increasingly toward sustainable solutions, his work will remain relevant and impactful. Looking ahead, Dr. Shen aims to expand his research into biomedical applications of chitin derivatives, enhance industry-university partnerships, and contribute further to policy-oriented innovations in green technology. His vision includes developing globally scalable microbial systems for biodegradable waste management, thus helping nations meet climate and sustainability goals.

    📖Notable Publications

    Enhanced chitinase production by Bacillus paralicheniformis GXMU-J23.1: Optimization, genomic insights, and chitin degradation mechanism
    Authors: Xie, J.; Zhang, L.; Yang, K.; Zhang, H.; Jiang, M.; Liao, S.; Yang, D.; Shen, N.
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    Year: 2025

    Halobacillus rhizosphaerae sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium with protease activities isolated from the rhizosphere soil of the mangrove Acanthus ebracteatus
    Authors: Yin, D.; Xie, J.; Liu, R.; Song, C.; Liang, Y.; Huang, H.; Huang, Y.; Long, R.; Shen, N.; Yan, B. et al.
    Journal: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology
    Year: 2025

    A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Unveils the Mechanisms of Response in Feather Degradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-7
    Authors: Song, C.; Liu, R.; Yin, D.; Xie, C.; Liang, Y.; Yang, D.; Jiang, M.; Zhang, H.; Shen, N.
    Journal: Microorganisms
    Year: 2024

    A new strain of Rhodococcus indonesiensis T22.7.1<sup>T</sup> and its functional potential for deacetylation of chitin and chitooligsaccharides
    Authors: Xie, J.; Yin, D.; Ou, J.; Lu, B.; Liao, S.; Yang, D.; Zhang, H.; Shen, N.
    Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
    Year: 2024

    Antimicrobial mechanisms and antifungal activity of compounds generated by banana rhizosphere Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-2 against fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
    Authors: Lu, J.; Huang, Y.; Liu, R.; Liang, Y.; Zhang, H.; Shen, N.; Yang, D.; Jiang, M.
    Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
    Year: 2024

Kaihui Zhao | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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

Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Technology Puducherry, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar’s academic foundation in civil and environmental engineering has been both distinguished and impactful. He earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering (with Distinction) from the Government College of Engineering, Karad, Maharashtra, in 1989. With a growing interest in environmental sustainability, he pursued a M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering from VNIT (then Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering), Nagpur, completing it in 1992. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in January 1998, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to water and wastewater management research.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

With over 33 years of research experience, Prof. Ghangrekar has served in pivotal academic and research roles. He is currently affiliated with the National Institute of Technology Puducherry, where he continues to mentor students, guide doctoral research, and lead innovations in environmental engineering. Notably, he was the first Indian researcher to initiate studies in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)—a cutting-edge domain in bioelectrochemistry focusing on simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ghangrekar has made foundational contributions in environmental biotechnology and sustainable water treatment. His work on Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactors includes advancements in their design, operation, and maintenance, as well as in granulation and startup techniques. He has also been instrumental in developing low-cost sewage treatment methods using high-rate anaerobic technologies, such as anaerobic filters and baffled reactors. His research portfolio extends to microbial fuel cells, bio-energy recovery, desalination, and reuse of treated wastewater, all contributing significantly to decentralized and sustainable sanitation systems.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Prof. Ghangrekar’s impact transcends academic boundaries. As a pioneer in bioelectrochemical systems in India, he has shaped national dialogue on wastewater reuse, energy recovery, and cost-effective water treatment. His expertise has influenced public policy, industrial practices, and academic curricula. By integrating engineering with ecological and socio-economic considerations, he has fostered interdisciplinary approaches to solving real-world environmental challenges.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though specific citation data is not included here, Prof. Ghangrekar’s pioneering status and three-decade-long contributions suggest a significant academic footprint. His early adoption and promotion of microbial fuel cell research in India, alongside publications and collaborations, have positioned him as a highly respected figure in environmental and civil engineering communities.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Research Expertise

Prof. Ghangrekar is equipped with an exceptional array of technical competencies:

  • Design and operation of UASB and anaerobic treatment systems

  • Microbial fuel cell technology for electricity generation from waste

  • Wastewater desalination techniques

  • Integration of anaerobic-aerobic package systems for decentralized sewage treatment

  • Systems for treated wastewater reuse and public water supply optimization

His practical research has resulted in real-world applications, especially in low-income or rural areas where resource-efficient treatment systems are essential.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout his academic tenure, Prof. Ghangrekar has been a guiding force for students, researchers, and young professionals. His mentorship has been critical in producing new leaders in environmental engineering. He is known for blending rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on experimentation, especially in designing bio-treatment systems and evaluating their socio-technical impact.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an innovator, educator, and policy influencer, Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar leaves a lasting legacy in India’s environmental engineering landscape. His commitment to sustainable wastewater treatment, bioenergy recovery, and reuse technologies continues to inspire the next generation of scientists. Looking forward, his research is poised to contribute to smart city infrastructure, eco-sanitation models, and carbon-neutral wastewater systems, ensuring cleaner, energy-efficient, and resilient urban and rural water management for the future.

📖Notable Publications

Performance evaluation of hybrid electrochemical oxidation and ultraviolet light-based persulfate process for the abatement of sodium dodecyl sulfate from wastewater
Authors: A. Ahmad, M. Priyadarshini, M.M. Ghangrekar, R.Y. Surampalli
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2025

3D g‑C₃N₄/WS₂/Agarose Aerogel Photocatalyst for Near-Complete Degradation of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Batch and Continuous Flow Modes
Authors: M.V.L. Gnanaguru, D. Dey, M.M. Ghangrekar, R.K. Sen, S. Chowdhury
Journal: ACS ES&T Engineering
Year: 2025

Catalysing holistic wastewater treatment, electricity generation, and emerging contaminant removal in a pre-pilot Fenton-microbial fuel cell
Authors: A. Dhanda, L.P. Thulluru, R. Raj, B.K. Dubey, M.M. Ghangrekar
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Year: 2025

Improving algae-assisted bioelectrochemical system with the integration of advanced cell disruption process for lipid recovery: A mini-review
Authors: A. Tripathi, S. Das, M.M. Ghangrekar, B.K. Dubey
Journal: [No source information available]
Year: 2025

Sulfonated titanium nanotubes-modified clayware membranes for enhanced performance and cost-effective microbial fuel cell applications
Authors: A. Dhanda, L.P. Thulluru, S. Chowdhury, B.K. Dubey, M.M. Ghangrekar
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2025