Gautam Gaikwad | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gautam Gaikwad | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shrimant Babasaheb Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gautam Gaikwad began his academic journey in chemistry with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Barshi (1990–1993). He pursued his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree at the Department of Chemistry, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, between 1993 and 1995, where he laid the foundation for a future in chemical sciences. With a passion for advanced research, he completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, during the period 2005–2011, with a focus on coordination and organometallic chemistry.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Gaikwad has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at AES’ Shrimant Babasaheb Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, Atpadi, since 1995. Over nearly three decades, he has contributed extensively to teaching and mentoring, nurturing generations of undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2013, he was officially recognized as a Ph.D. research guide by Shivaji University, Kolhapur, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gaikwad’s research specialization lies in coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. His scholarly pursuits include exploring metal-ligand complexes, especially copper complexes with iminopyridine ligands, and their catalytic applications. He successfully completed a UGC-funded Minor Research Project titled “Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Study of Copper Complexes with Iminopyridine Ligands” with a grant of ₹75,000. This project underlines his capability in bridging theoretical chemistry with real-world chemical applications.

🧠 Research Activities and Engagement

In addition to his research projects, Dr. Gaikwad has been an active participant in organizing scientific events that foster student engagement and skill development. He served on the organizing committee of workshops on Spectroscopic Techniques and Interpersonal Skill Development in 2018 at his institution, promoting holistic academic enrichment for students and fellow faculty.

🏛️ Administrative Contributions

Dr. Gaikwad holds a variety of administrative responsibilities within his institution. Notably, he is a Member of the College Development Committee at Shrimant Babasaheb Deshmukh Mahavidyalaya, Atpadi, a role he has held since 2018. His participation reflects his dedication to institutional growth and policy planning.

📚 Teaching Experience

Dr. Gaikwad brings with him 24 years of rich teaching experience at the undergraduate level and 6 years at the postgraduate level. His long-standing engagement with students across different academic stages showcases his pedagogical versatility and commitment to academic excellence.

🔬 Technical and Research Skills

He possesses strong technical acumen in the synthesis and characterization of coordination compounds, as well as practical knowledge in catalysis and spectroscopy. His work blends both experimental chemistry and theoretical understanding, essential for driving impactful research in chemical sciences.

🌟 Legacy and Future Vision

Through his enduring dedication to teaching, research, and academic leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gautam Gaikwad has established himself as a pillar of the chemistry department at his institution. As a Ph.D. guide and experienced educator, he continues to shape the next generation of chemists. With ongoing interest in catalysis and organometallic frameworks, his future contributions are poised to address critical challenges in sustainable chemistry and industrial applications.

📖Notable Publications

  • Catalytic assay of Schiff base Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes for N-alkylation of heterocycles with 1,3-dibromopropane
    Journal: Journal of Chemical Sciences
    Year: 2020
    Author: Dr. Gautam Gaikwad

  • Study of Micronutrient Status in Soil of Solapur District
    Journal: International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Biotechnology
    Year: 2019
    Author: Dr. Gautam Gaikwad

  • Catalytic activities of mixed ligand transition metal complexes for N-arylation of heterocycles under mild conditions
    Journal: International Journal of Research and Analytical Review
    Year: 2018
    Author: Dr. Gautam Gaikwad

  • N-Arylation of heterocycles by mixed ligand transition metal complexes under mild conditions
    Journal: Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B
    Year: 2018
    Author: Dr. Gautam Gaikwad

  • N-Arylation of Heterocycles with Schiff Base Transition Metal Complexes Under Mild Conditions
    Journal: Advanced Organic Chemistry Letters
    Year: 2016
    Author: Dr. Gautam Gaikwad

  • Synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of copper(I) complexes containing 2-phenyl-3-(benzylamino)-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-4(3H)-one and triphenylphosphine as ligands
    Journal: Polyhedron
    Year: 2011
    Author: Dr. Gautam Gaikwad

Prof. Huilan Yue | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Huilan Yue | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, CAS, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Education and Academic Background

Prof. Huilan Yue pursued her Ph.D. in Catalytic Chemistry from the Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the guidance of Prof. Jian-Xin Ji. Her dissertation focused on C-C bond formation through the direct reaction of alcohols with alkenes and alkynes. Before that, she completed her M.S. in Phytochemical studies at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she researched the chemical constituents of Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth. under the supervision of Prof. Yun Shao. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Huaibei Normal University.

🏛 Professional Career

Prof. Yue is currently affiliated with the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. She has dedicated her career to advancing catalytic chemistry and phytochemical studies, contributing significantly to understanding chemical synthesis and natural product chemistry. Her work is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging chemistry and biology to explore novel catalytic mechanisms and bioactive compounds.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Prof. Yue has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and technology. She was honored as a Kunlun Talent Leading Talent in Qinghai Province. She also received the Qinghai Province Youth Science and Technology Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to research. She was awarded the prestigious “Light of the West” honor from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Leading Talent in Natural Science and Engineering Technology Disciplines in Qinghai Province and a Top-notch Innovative Talent in Qinghai Province.

🔬 Research Contributions and Focus

Prof. Yue’s research primarily focuses on catalytic chemistry, organic synthesis, and natural product chemistry. Her work on C-C bond formation via direct reactions of alcohols with alkenes and alkynes has contributed to advancements in green chemistry and sustainable synthesis. Additionally, her research in phytochemistry has led to the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds from plateau plants, contributing to medicinal and pharmaceutical sciences.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Yue’s research has had a profound impact on both theoretical and applied chemistry. Her contributions to catalytic reactions have paved the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis methods, while her phytochemical studies have provided valuable insights into natural product-based drug discovery. Her work has been widely cited and acknowledged in the scientific community, reinforcing her influence in the field of chemistry and biological sciences.

📖 Academic Citations and Recognition

As a leading researcher, Prof. Yue’s work has been published in high-impact scientific journals, earning significant citations. Her studies on catalytic mechanisms and phytochemical discoveries continue to be referenced by researchers in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and natural product research.

🛠 Technical Expertise

Prof. Yue’s expertise spans several key areas, including:

  • Catalytic chemistry and organic synthesis

  • Green chemistry and sustainable catalytic processes

  • Phytochemical analysis and natural product extraction

  • Spectroscopic techniques for chemical characterization

  • Drug discovery and bioactive compound development

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond her research, Prof. Yue is dedicated to mentoring young scientists and researchers in the fields of chemistry and biology. She plays an active role in training postgraduate students, guiding them in experimental research, and fostering critical thinking in scientific exploration.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yue’s ongoing research aims to further the development of sustainable catalytic processes and the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from plateau plants. Her future work will continue to integrate chemistry and biology to address challenges in pharmaceuticals, environmental sustainability, and synthetic chemistry. As a leader in her field, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of chemical research and contributing to scientific advancements for societal benefit.

📖Notable Publications

  • Additive-free synthesis of β-keto phosphorodithioates via geminal hydro-phosphorodithiolation of sulfoxonium ylides with P₄S₁₀ and alcohols

    • Authors: Jindong Hao, Yufen Lv, Shuyue Tian, Wei Wei, Dong Yi, et al.

    • Journal: Chinese Chemical Letters

    • Year: 2024

  • Metal-free visible-light-mediated aerobic nitrooxylation for the synthesis of nitrate esters with t-BuONO

    • Authors: Yufen Lv, Jindong Hao, Jian Huang, Wei Wei, Dong Yi, et al.

    • Journal: Chemical Communications

    • Year: 2024

  • Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Difunctionalization of Alkynes with Quinoxalin-2(1H)-Ones, P₄S₁₀, and Alcohols

    • Authors: Lianhui Song, Chao Ma, Jian Huang, Wei Wei, Dong Yi, et al.

    • Journal: Journal of Organic Chemistry

    • Year: 2024

  • Characterization of alkaloids and phenolics in Nitraria roborowskii Kom. fruit by UHPLC-triple-TOF-MS/MS and its sucrase and maltase inhibitory effects

    • Authors: Di Wu, Sirong Jiang, Gongyu Wang, Xiaohui Zhao, Huilan Yue, et al.

    • Journal: Food Chemistry

    • Year: 2024

  • Extract of Silphium perfoliatum L. improves lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice by regulating AMPK/FXR signaling pathway

    • Authors: Jiyu Xu, Wenjiang Jing Jia, Guoying Zhang, Dejun Zhang, Xiaohui Zhao, et al.

    • Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

    • Year: 2024

 

Nicholas White | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nicholas White | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Genentech, Inc., United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 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.

💼 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.

🔬 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.

🧪 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.

📚 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.

👨‍🏫 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.

🚀 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.

📖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

Hang Gao | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hang Gao | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Yangzhou University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Hang Gao's academic journey began at Hubei Normal University, where he earned a B.S. in Chromatography (2007-2011), laying a strong foundation in analytical chemistry. He then pursued an M.S. in Organic Synthesis and Asymmetric Catalysis (2012-2015) at Wenzhou University, gaining expertise in chemical reactions and synthesis. His academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. from Nanjing University (2017-2021), where he focused on electrochemiluminescence (ECL), aggregation-induced emission (AIE), and sensor development, pivotal areas in modern analytical chemistry.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Following his Ph.D., Hang Gao embarked on his postdoctoral research as an Associate Research Fellow at Nanjing University (2021-2024). His work in this role involved pioneering advancements in luminescent materials with applications in biosensing, chemical analysis, and optical imaging. His transition to Yangzhou University as a faculty member further solidified his commitment to research and mentorship in chemistry.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Hang Gao’s research primarily revolves around high-efficiency luminescent materials, particularly in photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence. His work contributes significantly to bioanalysis, chemical sensing, single-entity microscopy imaging, and optical display technologies. By integrating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and sensor technology, his research enhances analytical methodologies, offering greater sensitivity and accuracy in chemical and biological detections.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His innovative work in luminescent materials has set new benchmarks in analytical chemistry, influencing both academia and industry. The potential applications of his research extend to medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and advanced display technologies, making his contributions vital to multiple scientific domains.

📊 Academic Citations and Publications

Hang Gao has authored numerous high-impact publications, showcasing his extensive research in electrochemiluminescence and photoluminescence-based sensors. His papers are well-cited, reflecting their significance in the analytical chemistry community. His work continues to contribute to the advancement of luminescent sensing technologies and their real-world applications.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Hang Gao possesses expertise in:
✔ Chromatography techniques for analytical separation
✔ Organic synthesis and catalytic processes
✔ Electrochemiluminescence-based sensor development
✔ Single-entity microscopy imaging techniques
✔ Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) research
His technical prowess enables the development of cutting-edge chemical sensors and novel luminescent materials.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a faculty member at Yangzhou University, Hang Gao plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of chemists. He integrates advanced research techniques into academic curricula, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in analytical and materials chemistry. His mentorship extends to guiding graduate students in high-impact research.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Hang Gao’s ongoing research promises breakthroughs in luminescent materials and sensing technologies. His contributions will likely redefine bioanalytical methods, improve chemical detection systems, and advance display technologies. As he continues to innovate, his influence in analytical chemistry will inspire future scientists to explore new frontiers in optical sensing and imaging technologies.

📖Notable Publications

Long-term stable electrochemiluminescence of perovskite quantum dots in aqueous media

Authors: Zhong-Xia Wang, Kai-Qi Liu, Feng Li, Heng-Ye Li, Wei Wang, Hang Gao

Journal: Chemical Communications

Year: 2024

Aggregation‐induced delayed electrochemiluminescence of organic dots in aqueous media

Authors: Hang Gao, Shen‐Yu Shi, Shu‐Min Wang, Qian‐Qian Tao, Hui‐Li Ma, Jun Hu, Hong‐Yuan Chen, Jing‐Juan Xu

Journal: Aggregate

Year: 2024

Water-ultrastable perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals tailored by surface-confined strategy for amaranth sensing in food samples

Authors: Lei Hu, Kai-Qi Liu, Feng Li, Heng-Ye Li, Wei Wang, Hai-Lin Fang, Hang Gao, Zhong-Xia Wang

Journal: Food Chemistry

Year: 2024

An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence assay for nucleic acid detection based on carboxyl functionalized polymer dots

Authors: Nan Zhang, Zi-Yuan Zhao, Hang Gao, Yue Yu, Jian-Bin Pan, Hong-Yuan Chen, Jing-Juan Xu

Journal: Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry

Year: 2021

Molecular Engineering of Polymer Dots for Electrochemiluminescence Emission

Authors: Hang Gao, Nan Zhang, Jun Hu, Jian-Bin Pan, Yixiang Cheng, Hong-Yuan Chen, Jing-Juan Xu

Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials

Year: 2021