Kedir Derbie Mekonnen | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kedir Derbie Mekonnen | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Wollo University, Ethiopia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Kedir Derbie Mekonnen embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemical engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (2011-2016) from Wollo University, Kombolcha Institute of Technology, Ethiopia, completing a project on bio-ethanol production from corn cob. His academic endeavors culminated in a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (Process Engineering) from Bahir Dar University in 2020. His thesis, Synthesis and Characterization of Biodiesel from Desert Date (Balanites Aegyptiaca) Seed Kernel Oil, reflects his dedication to renewable energy and sustainable chemical processes.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Kedir’s professional career began in December 2016 as a Production Chemist at Kombolcha Tannery PLC. Here, he gained hands-on experience in leather production, waste management, and chemical formulation. Transitioning to academia in 2017, he served as an Assistant Lecturer at Wollo University, later advancing to the position of Lecturer in 2020. His role includes teaching, mentoring students, conducting research, and leading laboratory sessions.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Kedir’s research focuses on biodiesel production, catalysis, and renewable energy. His Master's thesis demonstrates innovative approaches to utilizing desert date seed kernel oil for biodiesel synthesis, addressing global energy challenges. As a lecturer, he actively reviews and conducts research, contributing to Ethiopia’s knowledge base in process engineering.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his work in academia and industry, Kedir has impacted the fields of chemical engineering and renewable energy. His efforts in biodiesel production and waste management have practical implications for sustainable development in Ethiopia. He has also played a vital role in shaping future engineers through his teaching and mentorship at Wollo University.

📖 Academic Cites

Kedir’s academic contributions are recognized in scholarly circles, with publications and research work cited by peers. His focus on biodiesel production and environmental sustainability has garnered attention in the field of chemical engineering.

💻 Technical Skills

Kedir possesses a robust set of technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, SPSS, Design Expert, E-Draw Max, LINGO, Aspen Plus, COMSOL, and MATLAB. These tools empower him to conduct sophisticated simulations, data analyses, and process designs, enhancing his research and teaching capabilities.

🎓 Teaching Experience

As a lecturer at Wollo University, Kedir has enriched the learning experiences of countless students. His responsibilities include preparing and delivering lectures, designing laboratory sessions, advising on student projects, and crafting curriculum materials. His Higher Diploma in Higher Education Teaching further underscores his commitment to educational excellence.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Kedir envisions a future where renewable energy and sustainable chemical processes play a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s development. His work in biodiesel research and education aims to inspire innovation in chemical engineering. By mentoring students and contributing to groundbreaking research, he is leaving a lasting legacy that will shape the next generation of engineers and scientists.

🌟 Key Highlights

  • Innovative Research: Focus on renewable energy through biodiesel production.
  • Industrial Experience: Expertise in leather production and waste management as a Production Chemist.
  • Teaching Excellence: Significant contributions to student learning and mentorship.
  • Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of industry-standard software and tools.
  • Sustainability Advocate: Dedication to environmental sustainability through research and practice.

📖Notable Publications

 

Deepak Poddar | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Deepak Poddar | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Korea University of Technology and Education, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Deepak Poddar began his academic journey with a focus on science, earning his Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C) in Science from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He furthered his passion for polymers by completing a B.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology from the University. He continued with an M.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology at Gujarat University’s Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Ahmedabad. His academic peak came with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Delhi, where his research focused on fabricating bi-facial porous polymeric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

His career reflects diverse experiences in academia and research. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Korea University of Technology and Education, where he develops sustainable food packaging for high-barrier applications. Previously, as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, he contributed to developing paper-based food packaging materials while mentoring graduate students. His three-year tenure as a Guest Faculty at Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi involved teaching chemistry and polymer science and supervising research projects at various academic levels.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research lies at the intersection of polymer science and sustainability. His current focus is on developing eco-friendly and sustainable packaging coatings for food packaging. His Ph.D. research on polymeric scaffolds for biomedical engineering is a testament to his interdisciplinary approach. With expertise in biopolymers, polymeric blends, composites, and nanomaterial synthesis, he has significantly advanced fields such as drug delivery, sensors, and sustainable packaging solutions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His work has earned widespread recognition. He has published 14 journal articles and 7 book chapters, showcasing his scholarly contributions. As a reviewer for reputed journals like Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects and Journal of Polymers and the Environment, he actively supports the global research community. His influence extends beyond academia through his mentoring roles and leadership in collaborative research.

📊 Academic Achievements and Cites

He is a recipient of the Young Research Award (2021) from the Institute of Scholars, reflecting his contributions to material science research. He has also been recognized for his scientific communication, winning the Best Poster Award at the International Conference on Material Science Research (ICMSR) in 2019. Additionally, he qualified for the GATE 2017 in Engineering Sciences (XE) with an All India Rank of 129.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses a versatile skill set that includes project management, experiment design, and data analysis. He is adept at problem-solving and team leadership, making him an effective researcher and mentor. His laboratory expertise spans polymer synthesis, nanomaterial development, and advanced packaging material engineering.

📚 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

With a strong commitment to education, He has taught undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. At Netaji Subhas University of Technology, he conducted classes on chemistry and polymer science and guided research projects across academic levels. His ability to mentor students reflects his dedication to fostering new talent in polymer science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

He aims to continue advancing the frontiers of polymer science, particularly in sustainable packaging, biomedical engineering, and drug delivery systems. His legacy includes contributions to eco-friendly materials and mentoring the next generation of researchers. As he moves forward, he remains committed to interdisciplinary research, global collaborations, and creating impactful innovations in materials science.

🏆 Extracurricular and Awards

His multifaceted personality shines through his extracurricular achievements. He was part of the winning team in an inter-college cricket tournament at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences. His leadership and teamwork skills are evident both on and off the field. Notably, he secured the Global Korea Scholarship 2024 for his postdoctoral research program, further highlighting his academic excellence.

🌱 Vision for the Future

With a solid foundation in polymer science and technology and a focus on sustainable development, Dr. Poddar envisions contributing to global challenges such as waste reduction and eco-friendly material innovation. His interdisciplinary expertise and leadership qualities ensure a promising future of impactful contributions to science and society.

📖Notable Publications

Development of electrosprayed assisted shellac-MOF particle coated paper for food packaging and its environmental impacts

  • Authors: Poddar, D., Pandey, K., Kim, S.-J., Yoo, H.M.
  • Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Vanadium pentoxide-based nanomaterials for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater to avoid negative effects on the environment and human health

  • Authors: Bansal, S., Singh, A., Poddar, D., Jain, P.
  • Journal: Sustainable Environment and Health: Practical Strategies (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

In-situ fabrication of poly-l-lactide & its application as a glass fiber polymer composites using resin transfer molding

  • Authors: Kim, S.-J., Pandey, K., Poddar, D., Yoo, H.M.
  • Journal: Polymer Composites
  • Year: 2024

Borophene-Based Materials for Gas and Wearable Sensing Applications

  • Authors: Kumar, S., Kashyap, S., Ansari, U., Sarkar, A., Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Engineering Materials (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

Boron-Based Two-Dimensional Nanosheets in Energy Devices

  • Authors: Ansari, U., Kashyap, S., Kumar, S., Poddar, D., Singh, A.
  • Journal: Engineering Materials (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

Shellac: Bridging the gap between chemistry and sustainability—A comprehensive review of its multifunctional coating applications for food, drug, and paper packaging

  • Authors: Sharma, S., Samrat, Goyal, P., Sarkar, A., Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry
  • Year: 2024

Effect of Bulk and Surface Properties of Polymeric Scaffolds on Its Applications in Tissue Engineering

  • Authors: Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Tailored Functional Materials for Clean and Sustainable Development (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

A review on green approaches utilizing phytochemicals in the synthesis of vanadium nanoparticles and their applications

  • Authors: Bansal, S., Singh, A., Poddar, D., Thakur, S., Jain, P.
  • Journal: Preparative Biochemistry and Biotechnology
  • Year: 2024

 

Azadeh Hamedi | Medicinal Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Azadeh Hamedi | Medicinal Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

 Profiles👨‍🎓

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Azadeh Hamedi embarked on her academic journey with a Pharmacy Doctorate (Pharm D) from the School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (1997-2003). This foundation in pharmacy was further refined with her Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy from Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (2003-2008). Her dedication to pharmacognosy was evident early in her studies, setting the stage for her career.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Her career showcases a strong commitment to pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical research. She began as an Assistant Professor at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, teaching and researching within the Department of Pharmacognosy from 2009 to 2015. Her position advanced to Associate Professor in 2015, where she continues to instruct and lead research initiatives. Additionally, She serves as a Research Leader at the Medicinal Processing Research Center since 2014, directing crucial projects in medicinal plant processing and application.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research spans various aspects of pharmacognosy, with a focus on medicinal plants, glycomics, and their pharmacological applications. Her postdoctoral fellowship at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics (2007-2008) highlights her expertise in glycoscience and collaborative research. Dr. Hamedi has authored 79 publications, which reflect her deep exploration into the therapeutic potentials of bioactive compounds in plants.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her research has made substantial contributions to pharmacognosy and related disciplines, influencing the academic community and impacting practical medicinal applications. Her published work has fostered new directions in pharmacognosy, particularly within Iran’s pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to both national and international advancements in the understanding of medicinal plants.

📈 Academic Cites and Recognitions

Dr. Hamedi’s publications have garnered numerous citations, underscoring her work's influence. Her contributions are well-regarded in the academic community, and she continues to receive recognition for her impactful studies and findings in pharmacognosy.

🛠 Technical Skills

Dr. Hamedi possesses extensive skills in medicinal plant processing, analytical methods in pharmacognosy, and glycomics. Her background in these advanced techniques is instrumental in her research and allows her to make meaningful advancements in her field.

🏫 Teaching Experience

As a faculty member at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, She has a rich teaching history. She has educated and mentored numerous students, passing on her expertise in pharmacognosy and related sciences. Her teaching contributions support the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy lies in her dedication to pharmacognosy and her contributions to medicinal plant research. With her continued focus on high-impact research and mentorship, her future contributions promise to further advance the field of pharmacognosy and inspire upcoming scientists. Her ongoing leadership in medicinal research initiatives positions her as an influential figure in the field.

📖Notable Publications