Shizhen Zhao | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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

Alwyn Henriques | Reaction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Alwyn Henriques | Reaction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

University of the West Indies, Jamaica

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Alwyn Henriques began his academic journey at Wolmer’s Boys’ School (2009–2013), where he excelled in a broad range of CSEC subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Information Technology, and Caribbean History. He continued his studies with CAPE Unit 1 courses in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. His academic path advanced further at the University of the West Indies (2014–2021), where he completed undergraduate studies in Chemistry, reaching Levels 2 and 3, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical and applied chemistry.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Alwyn has engaged in diverse professional roles that reflect a combination of scientific, technical, and customer service expertise. At the National Health Fund (NHF), he served as a Pharmacy Assistant in June 2018 and 2019, where he introduced and advised on the use of digital solutions like a quick prescription mobile application and self-serve kiosk services. He also assisted in medication packing, gaining practical insight into pharmaceutical distribution. In September 2017, he worked as a Chemistry Lab Technician at the Convent of Mercy (Alpha), where he prepared laboratory apparatus and ensured safety protocols for chemical experiments. His earlier experience at RADA in August 2017 involved organizing agricultural seminar documents as a file clerk.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Alwyn’s most significant research contributions came during his internship at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) in July 2021. There, he explored the chemical transformation and pharmacological behavior of cannabis-derived compounds, focusing on the conversion of cannabidiol (CBD) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THC spoilage to cannabinol (CBN), and the redox-based metabolism of these compounds in the body. His research also delved into wastewater chemical analysis, pharmaceutical development processes, cacao bean applications in food and medicine, and cannabis-derived renewable materials—demonstrating a strong orientation toward sustainable and innovative chemistry.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Alwyn’s multidisciplinary career showcases a commitment to socially impactful science. His promotion of digital health services at NHF and exploration of plant-based compounds for pharmaceuticals mark him as a forward-thinking individual attuned to modern healthcare, sustainability, and biotechnology trends. He contributes to Jamaica’s evolving landscape of scientific development, especially in areas of public health innovation and natural product chemistry.

🧠 Technical Skills

Alwyn’s technical skill set includes laboratory preparation of chemicals and apparatus, cannabinoid conversion and pharmacokinetics, wastewater analysis, pharmaceutical formulation, data organization, and customer support systems. His adaptability in both scientific and service-oriented environments illustrates a strong balance of precision, communication, and innovation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Although he has not held a formal teaching post, Alwyn’s role as a lab technician involved active support of educational activities by preparing experiments and maintaining a safe and functional learning environment. This experience has equipped him with the foundational skills for future roles in academic support or technical instruction.

📚 Academic Cites and References

While no formal publications have been cited, Alwyn’s research during his SRC internship likely contributed to internal reports or scientific reviews. His professional references include Norman Biggs, a Justice of the Peace, Adriel Albert-James, a Chemistry Lecturer and Researcher, and Nickeisha Stephenson, a customer service and loan advisor, all of whom can attest to his character and capability across various fields.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Alwyn Henriques is a promising scientific professional with a unique blend of academic, research, and service-oriented experience. His passion for natural product chemistry, commitment to sustainable innovation, and fluency in digital healthcare solutions set the stage for impactful contributions in the future. As he continues to grow, he is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the advancement of biomedical science, renewable resources, and public health technologies.

📖Notable Publication

Cannabinoid spoilage, metabolism and cannabidiol (CBD) conversion to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) mechanisms with energetic parameters

Authors:
Alwyn Henriques

Journal:
Journal of Cannabis Research

Year:
2025

Yang Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Yang Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shaanxi University of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Yang Liu pursued his academic journey in the field of chemistry, specializing in organic synthesis and materials chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Wuhan University (2007-2010), one of China’s top institutions known for its excellence in scientific research. Prior to that, he completed his M.S. in Pesticide Science at Huazhong Normal University (2004-2007), where he developed expertise in chemical applications for agriculture and materials science. His strong educational foundation has equipped him with the skills to advance research in organic synthesis and material chemistry.

🏛️ Professional Experience

Dr. Liu has been an integral part of the Shaanxi University of Technology since 2011, where he has contributed extensively to research and education in organic and materials chemistry. His tenure at the university has been marked by innovative research, mentorship of students, and collaborations in interdisciplinary scientific projects. His work focuses on the development of new organic compounds and material applications, helping to bridge the gap between fundamental chemistry and industrial applications.

🔬 Research Interests and Contributions

Dr. Liu’s research primarily revolves around organic synthesis and materials chemistry, two fundamental areas that drive advancements in pharmaceuticals, polymers, and functional materials. His expertise in organic chemistry enables him to design and synthesize novel compounds, while his focus on materials chemistry allows him to explore their potential applications in nanotechnology, coatings, and sustainable materials. His contributions have significant implications for industrial development, environmental sustainability, and advanced material engineering.

📚 Academic Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s research has contributed to the advancement of chemical synthesis techniques and material applications, influencing both academic research and industry practices. His work is instrumental in addressing challenges in organic material development, pesticide formulation, and new material innovations. As a researcher and educator, he has played a vital role in training the next generation of chemists and materials scientists at Shaanxi University of Technology.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

With a strong background in organic chemistry, Dr. Liu possesses expertise in synthetic methodologies, reaction mechanisms, and material characterization techniques. His work involves advanced chemical analysis, spectroscopic methods (NMR, IR, UV-Vis), chromatography techniques (HPLC, GC-MS), and material testing. His interdisciplinary approach integrates chemical engineering and materials science, making significant contributions to applied chemistry research.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor at Shaanxi University of Technology, Dr. Liu has been dedicated to mentoring students, guiding research projects, and promoting scientific innovation. His teaching focuses on organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and materials chemistry, ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. His mentorship has helped students engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the field of applied chemistry.

🌍 Future Contributions and Legacy

Dr. Yang Liu’s work continues to shape the future of organic synthesis and materials science, contributing to sustainable chemical development, novel material applications, and advancements in industrial chemistry. As global industries focus more on green chemistry and innovative material design, his expertise will play a crucial role in developing environmentally friendly and high-performance materials. His contributions to academic research, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration ensure a lasting impact on the field of chemistry.

📖Notable Publications

The Development and Preparation of Novel Gel Emulsion Systems Based on a Cholesterol Star-Shaped Derivative
Authors: Shuaihua Liu, Tian Yao, Donghui Xia, Quan Liu, Guanghui Tian, Yang Liu
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025

The Development and Preparation of Novel Gel Emulsion Systems Based on a Cholesterol Star-Shaped Derivative
Authors: Yang Liu
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025

Synthesis of a Cholesterol Derivative and Its Application in Gel Emulsion Preparation
Authors: Yang Liu, Shuaihua Liu, Qiang Zhang, Guanghui Tian
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2024

Progress in Preparation and Application of Gel-Emulsions
Authors: Yang Liu, Shuaihua Liu, Junhong Wang, Qiang Zhang, Guanghui Tian
Journal: Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
Year: 2024

The mini-review for synthesis of core@Ag nanocomposite
Authors: Rui Wu, Fagen Zhang, Xiaohui Ji, Yang Liu, Xiaohua Guo, Gunghui Tian, Bo Liu
Journal: Arabian Journal of Chemistry
Year: 2022