Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

πŸ‘¨β€πŸŽ“Profiles

πŸ‘¨β€πŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xuteng Zhao began his academic journey with a strong foundation in materials science, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Northeast Forestry University (2012.09–2016.06). His early exposure to polymer science laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary approach to energy and catalysis. Motivated by a deep interest in chemical processes, he pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Harbin Engineering University (2016.09–2019.03), where he gained hands-on experience in process engineering and catalysis. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctoral degree in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2019.04–2022.12), marking a transition into the emerging field of electrochemical energy conversion.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ”¬ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhao continued his association with Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a Postdoctoral Fellow (2022.12–2024.11), contributing to cutting-edge research in electrochemical catalysis and thermophysical engineering. His commitment and research excellence led to his promotion as an Associate Researcher in March 2025, where he remains active in both scientific research and academic mentorship. His current role situates him at the forefront of hydrogen production technologies, particularly focusing on alcohol–ammonia-based hydrogen evolution systems.

πŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research is deeply rooted in the development and optimization of electrochemical catalysis technologies for sustainable energy. His primary research focus includes alcohol-ammonia hydrogen production, a promising route for clean hydrogen generation. By integrating principles of thermophysics and catalysis, he has worked on improving the energy efficiency and catalytic performance of these systems. His work bridges materials engineering with chemical process innovation, contributing to the next generation of green hydrogen production technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative research, Dr. Zhao has significantly contributed to the global discourse on renewable energy and hydrogen economy. His studies on novel catalytic materials and ammonia-fueled hydrogen systems are expected to influence future industrial hydrogen production models. By collaborating within interdisciplinary teams at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he supports both academic development and practical technology deployment for carbon-neutral energy solutions.

πŸ“Š Academic Citations and Recognition

Though still early in his career, Dr. Zhao’s research has begun to attract attention in scholarly circles, particularly in electrochemical and energy materials communities. His articles are cited in studies related to electrocatalysis, fuel processing, and ammonia decomposition, contributing to an expanding body of literature in sustainable energy production.

πŸ§ͺ Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhao has mastered a wide array of experimental and analytical techniques essential to catalysis and thermophysical studies. These include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Tafel Polarization and Reaction Kinetics, Gas Chromatography for hydrogen quantification, and material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, and FT-IR. He is also adept at designing custom experimental systems for lab-scale hydrogen production and catalytic performance evaluation.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ« Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an associate researcher, Dr. Zhao actively participates in academic mentorship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He has guided graduate students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. His teaching approach emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experimentation, fostering the next generation of researchers in energy engineering.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhao aims to establish himself as a leading researcher in hydrogen energy and catalysis. His future research will likely delve into scalable hydrogen production techniques, advanced electrocatalyst design, and integration of renewable resources with chemical fuel synthesis. He aspires to develop systems that are not only energy-efficient but also economically viable for real-world deployment. His dedication to clean energy solutions and academic excellence positions him as a promising contributor to the global clean-tech landscape.

πŸ“–Notable Publications

Electrically Driven Gaseous Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production over SiC-Mediated Catalyst without External Heating
Authors: Xiaochao Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Guangzhao Zhou, Ting Chen, Qi Chen, Nicolas Alonso-Vante, Zhen Huang, Yiran Zhang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2025

The influence of phosphorus and CO poisoning on Pd/SSZ-13 with different Al distributions as passive NOx adsorbers
Authors: Yinan Wang, Jiaqi Feng, Ting Chen, Xuteng Zhao, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Nonthermal-Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis Using Feβ‚‚O₃/CeOβ‚‚ Mechanically Mixed with Alβ‚‚O₃: Insights into the Promoting Effect of Plasma Discharge Enhancement on the Role of Catalysts
Authors: Guangzhao Zhou, Ziyu Wang, Xiaochao Wang, Yiran Zhang, Xuteng Zhao, Qi Chen, Ting Chen, Zhen Huang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2024

The interaction between Pd/CeOβ‚‚ crystal surface and electric field: Application to complete oxidation of methane
Authors: Xuteng Zhao, Yinan Wang, Zuwei Zheng, Xuehong Chen, Ting Chen, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Enhancing the NOx storage and hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-13 passive NOx adsorbers by regulating the Al distributions
Authors: Yinan Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Ting Chen, Zuwei Zheng, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2024

Nicholas White | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nicholas White | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Genentech, Inc., United States

πŸ‘¨β€πŸŽ“Profiles

πŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nicholas A. White’s passion for chemistry began during his undergraduate years at Loyola University Chicago, where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry, graduating magna cum laude in 2010. During this time, he conducted research under Prof. James Babler, focusing on chemoselective Ru(III)/NaBH4 reductions. He further advanced his academic career by pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Colorado State University under Prof. Tomislav Rovis, specializing in asymmetric N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reactions.

πŸ’Ό Professional Endeavors

Dr. White is currently a Sr. Principal Scientist in the Department of Synthetic Molecule Process Chemistry at Genentech, Inc., where he leads the development of innovative and phase-appropriate processes for producing high-quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). His industry experience also includes a formative internship at TOLMAR Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to pharmaceutical manufacturing and process development.

πŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his career, Dr. White has contributed to advancing synthetic organic chemistry, with a particular emphasis on catalysis and process chemistry. His postdoctoral work at MIT with Prof. Stephen L. Buchwald was centered on developing Pd-catalyzed C–N couplings using amine bases, providing valuable methodologies for pharmaceutical synthesis.

🌍 Impact and Influence

At Genentech, Dr. White’s work directly supports the delivery of safe and effective medicines. His ability to translate cutting-edge synthetic chemistry into scalable, robust manufacturing processes plays a key role in the company’s mission to bring novel therapeutics to patients.

πŸ§ͺ Technical Skills

Dr. White has a diverse technical skill set that includes: Asymmetric catalysis, Pd-catalyzed C-N bond formation, N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis, API process development, Pharmaceutical formulation and troubleshooting, Process scale-up and manufacturing support.

πŸ“š Academic Contributions

Dr. White has actively published in high-impact journals, contributing to the fields of synthetic organic chemistry and process development. His research bridges fundamental catalysis with practical applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ« Mentorship & Training

In addition to his research and industry roles, Dr. White has mentored junior scientists and interns, fostering talent development within Genentech and beyond, reflecting his commitment to building future leaders in chemistry.

πŸš€ Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. White continues to innovate at the interface of synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical development. His ongoing work aims to refine and optimize chemical processes that can accelerate drug development timelines while ensuring quality and sustainability in pharmaceutical production.

πŸ“–Notable Publications

Fit-for-Purpose Synthesis of a KRASG12C Covalent Inhibitor, via a Diastereoselective Hayashi Arylation
Authors: C. Molinaro, N. Wong, N.A. White, S. Malhotra, F. Gosselin
Journal: Organic Process Research and Development
Year: 2024

Streamlined Synthesis of SHP2 Inhibitor GDC-1971 Enhanced by a Telescoped Schotten-Baumann SNAr and Reactive Crystallization Cascade
Authors: L.E. Sirois, N.A. White, J. Shen, F. St-Jean, F. Gosselin
Journal: Organic Process Research and Development
Year: 2024

Aryl Halide Cross-Coupling via Formate-Mediated Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Y. Cho, Y.-H. Chang, K.P. Quirion, Z.H. Strong, Z.J. Dubey, N. Nguyen, S. Lee, N.S. Taylor, J.M. Hoover, N.A. White, P. Liu, M.J. Krische
Journal: Nature Chemistry
Year: 2025

Manufacturing Process for 6-Bromo-N,N-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-amine, a Key Intermediate in the Synthesis of KRAS G12C Inhibitor Divarasib
Authors: J. Shen, N.A. White, Q. Tian, L.E. Sirois, H. Zhang, F. Gosselin
Journal: Organic Process Research and Development
Year: 2024

Second-Generation Atroposelective Synthesis of KRAS G12C Covalent Inhibitor GDC-6036
Authors: J. Xu, N-.K. Lim, J.C. Timmerman, J. Shen, K. Clagg, U. Orcel, R. Bigler, E. Trashsel, R. Meier, N.A. White, J.A. Burkhard, L.E. Sirois, Q. Tian, R. Angelaud, S. Bachmann, H. Zhang, F. Gosselin
Journal: Organic Letters
Year: 2023