Shizhen Zhao | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shizhen Zhao | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic and Research Foundations

Dr. Shizhen Zhao has pursued a career deeply rooted in environmental geochemistry and pollutant dynamics. From the early stages of his academic training, he has been engaged in the study of organic pollutants, combining field-based investigations with advanced numerical simulations to understand their transport, transformation, and long-term impact on ecosystems.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Projects

Currently serving at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Zhao leads multiple high-impact environmental research initiatives. A central focus of his current work is the International Science and Technology Cooperation Project titled:
“Historical evolution of the aquatic environment in the CKDu region of Sri Lanka: Sedimentation of an ancient impoundment lake.”
This project addresses the agricultural water environment in Sri Lanka, specifically examining its links with the chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu)—a significant public health crisis. The project is conducted through China-Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation and aims to reconstruct historical water environment changes using sediment geochemistry and assess their spatiotemporal correlation with CKDu.

🌱 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research stands out in its integration of geochemical tools (e.g., ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, HPLC) with epidemiological data and historical sediment analysis from ancient water tanks (AWTs). His team applies external observation methods, soil and air pollutant analysis, and field sampling techniques, aiming to uncover the origins, behavior, and human health risks of organic contaminants in vulnerable regions. This work represents a pioneering fusion of environmental forensics, historical ecology, and public health research.

🌍 International Cooperation and Collaboration

With over three years of active collaboration with Sri Lankan institutions and nearly 20 academic exchange visits, Dr. Zhao has built strong international ties. His research team also works closely with scholars from Hong Kong, sharing a decade-long history of cooperative projects and joint publications. These collaborations ensure multidisciplinary expertise, complementary methodologies, and smooth project execution.

🧾 Recognitions and Achievements

Dr. Zhao’s excellence has been recognized by several prestigious awards and talent programs, including:

  • Youth Innovation Promotion Association Award, Chinese Academy of Sciences

  • Tu Guangchi Young Scholar B Talent Program

  • Pearl River Talent—Overseas Young Talent Introduction Plan, Guangdong Province

He has also published 5 papers as first/corresponding author in the top-tier journal Environmental Science & Technology, with 2 selected as supplementary cover features—a rare distinction.

📊 Academic Output and Impact

Dr. Zhao has published over 22 SCI-indexed papers, many in high-impact journals. His research contributes significantly to understanding pollutant source attribution, environmental risks, and geochemical reconstruction of aquatic systems in Southeast Asia. His field investigations, especially in CKDu-endemic zones, are backed by rich epidemiological datasets and extensive regional insights.

🛠️ Technical and Field Capabilities

Equipped with advanced instruments and field tools, Dr. Zhao’s laboratory supports:

  • Sediment coring and borehole sampling

  • Chemical characterization of soils and surface sediments

  • Pollutant analysis using ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS
    These resources, combined with strong logistical coordination, enable comprehensive field-to-lab research pipelines.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Shizhen Zhao is a rising leader in the fields of environmental geochemistry, sedimentology, and transboundary water health research. Through cutting-edge science and sustained international cooperation, he is paving the way for new understandings of how environmental degradation intersects with human disease. His work not only deepens the knowledge of CKDu but also lays a robust scientific foundation for future environmental health policies and remediation strategies in affected regions.

📖Notable Publications

Aqueous secondary formation substantially contributes to hydrophilic organophosphate esters in aerosols
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Polycyclic aromatics in the Chang’E 5 lunar soils
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Legacy and currently-used pesticides in sedimentary archives: Anthropogenic footprint in the Pearl River Estuary
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Quantification of micro- and nano-plastics in atmospheric fine particles by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with chromatographic peak reconstruction
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Heavy metals in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Source apportionment and associated health risks
Journal: Environmental Research
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

The Intrinsic Link between Optical Properties and Toxicity of Extractable Organic Matter in Combustion Particles: Mediated by Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds
Journal: Environment and Health
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Neyara Radwan | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neyara Radwan | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Liwa College - Abu Dhabi Campus, United Arab Emirates

👨‍🎓Profiles

👩‍🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Neyara Radwan embarked on her academic journey in Egypt, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Production Engineering & Mechanical Design from Mansoura University. Her early academic pursuits were characterized by a strong foundation in engineering principles, leading to her Bachelor's project on designing belt conveyors for Belkas Sugar Factory. She further honed her expertise with a Master's degree in Production Engineering & Mechanical Design, from the same institution. The focus of her Master's thesis was on the "Utilization of Computer-Aided Expert System for Power Transmission Shaft Design," a work that would lay the groundwork for her future research. In 2008, she earned her Ph.D. in Production Engineering from Benha University, Egypt, with a thesis titled “CAD of Electro-Chemical Honing Machining and Statistical Modeling for Selection of Parameters Influencing Electro-Chemical Honing Process." This work demonstrated her expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques and solidified her role as a leading academic in the field.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Throughout her career, She has held various academic and leadership positions across multiple institutions globally. She has been a Full-time Associate Professor at Liwa College, Abu Dhabi, UAE, as well as a Full-time Associate Professor in the Mechanical Department at Suez Canal University, Additionally, she has served at prestigious institutions such as Al Mareefa University, KSA, and King Abdul-Aziz University, KSA, where she was involved in quality assurance and Ph.D. program development. Her versatility is reflected in her work at both full-time and part-time capacities at institutions like the High Institute for Industrial Building and Production Technology and the Specialized Studies Academy in Egypt, marking her as a well-rounded academic professional with vast international experience.

🧑‍🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research interests span across a wide range of fields, including Optimization, Lean Manufacturing, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, and Solid Waste Management. Her focus on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing processes and energy systems has made significant contributions to both the theoretical and practical aspects of these disciplines. She has contributed to sustainable engineering systems by optimizing operation and enhancing renewable energy technologies. Her work emphasizes optimal scheduling operations, integration of AI for operational efficiency, and advancing quality management practices in industrial environments.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her academic and professional influence extends globally through her work in teaching, research, and industry applications. Her contributions have been recognized in various prestigious awards, including the Certificate of Excellence as Best Global Educator and the Global Award from the International Research Academy of Science and Arts (IRASA). She has impacted both the academic community and industry by promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, and circular economy approaches, notably in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 waste management goals. Through her numerous awards, including the Golden Academic Award from Tradepreneur Global (2022), she has established herself as a leading voice in engineering education and research. Her extensive list of citations and publications further amplifies her reach and impact in the global academic community.

📚 Academic Cites and Research Recognition

Her research has garnered substantial recognition, with her contributions being cited extensively across various journals and international conferences. Her work on optimization and sustainable engineering has been pivotal in developing better operational strategies in industrial systems, contributing to both academic literature and real-world applications. She has received multiple research excellence awards from universities like Suez Canal University, highlighting her dedication to advancing knowledge in production engineering and sustainable systems.

🧰 Technical Skills

She is proficient in a diverse set of technical skills related to industrial and production engineering, including Optimization Algorithms, Lean Manufacturing Techniques, and AI Applications in Engineering Systems. She has applied these skills to enhance operational efficiency, improve quality management, and design sustainable energy systems. Her expertise also spans across renewable energy technologies, systems operation, and optimal scheduling, making her a significant contributor to both energy and manufacturing industries.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

She has an extensive teaching career, spanning over two decades, during which she has mentored undergraduate and graduate students across various academic institutions in Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Her role as an educator has not only involved teaching core engineering concepts but also guiding students in conducting high-impact research in optimization, sustainable manufacturing, and energy systems. Her teaching approach integrates practical applications with theoretical knowledge, preparing her students to tackle real-world challenges in industrial management and engineering.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy in academia and research is defined by her commitment to promoting sustainability and innovation in engineering. She has significantly contributed to research in the fields of renewable energy, lean manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, making strides toward more efficient and environmentally friendly industrial practices. Moving forward, She is dedicated to advancing the field of sustainable engineering through interdisciplinary research that bridges technology, management, and energy systems. She aims to continue her legacy by mentoring the next generation of engineers and contributing to global sustainability goals, particularly in the context of waste management and circular economy approaches.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Her exceptional contributions to education and research have been recognized through numerous awards. Some of her notable accolades include: Excellence Award from the Faculty of Economics and Administration at King Abdulaziz University, Global Award for Most Outstanding Engineering Educator, Golden Academic Award from Tradepreneur Global, Global Academic Excellence Award from ICWP, Global Service to Humanity Award from ADlafrica,

📖Notable Publications

  1. Computational Analysis of MHD Nanofluid Flow Across a Heated Square Cylinder with Heat Transfer and Entropy Generation
    • Authors: Madhu Sharma, Bhupendra K. Sharma, Chandan Kumawat, Arun K. Jalan, Neyara Radwan
    • Journal: Acta Mechanica et Automatica
    • Year: 2024
  2. The Varying Viscosity Impact in an Inclined Peristaltic Channel with Diffusion‐Thermo and Thermo‐Diffusion
    • Authors: Anum Tanveer, Sharak Jarral, A. Al‐Zubaidi, Salman Saleem, Neyara Radwan
    • Journal: ZAMM - Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics
    • Year: 2024
  3. Applications of Lubrication Approximation Theory in the Analysis of the Roll‐Coating Using a Tangent Hyperbolic Fluid Model
    • Authors: Hafiz Muhammad Atif, Iffat Zaka, Neyara Radwan, Muhammad Asif Javed, Mubbashar Nazeer, Salman Saleem
    • Journal: ZAMM - Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics
    • Year: 2024
  4. Chromium Contamination and Effect on Environmental Health and Its Remediation: A Sustainable Approaches
    • Authors: Shiv Prasad, Krishna Kumar Yadav, Sandeep Kumar, Neha Gupta, Marina M.S. Cabral-Pinto, Shahabaldin Rezania, Neyara Radwan, Javed Alam
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    • Year: 2021
  5. Strength and Flexural Behavior of Steel Fiber and Silica Fume Incorporated Self-Compacting Concrete
    • Authors: Abdalla M. Saba, Afzal Husain Khan, Mohammad Nadeem Akhtar, Nadeem A. Khan, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Michal Petrů, Neyara Radwan
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
    • Year: 2021
  6. Measuring Industrial Symbiosis Index Using Multi-Grade Fuzzy Approach
    • Authors: Kalyan C., Abhirama T., Mohammed N.R., Aravind Raj S., Jayakrishna K.
    • Journal: Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering
    • Year: 2019