Shizhen Zhao | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

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

Xianhe Huang | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Xianhe Huang | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

School of Automation Engineering China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Xianhe Huang began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Sichuan University, completed in July 1985. Demonstrating a strong aptitude for the physical sciences, he pursued further education and earned a Master of Engineering from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in March 1988. His educational background laid a robust foundation for his future research in frequency control technologies and precision instrumentation.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

After completing his master’s degree, Prof. Huang commenced his professional career at the Southwest Institute of Electronics Technology, where he held key roles for over a decade. From 1988 to 1991, he served as an Engineer, followed by a tenure as Senior Engineer until 2001, and later as a Researcher until April 2002. In April 2002, he joined the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China as a Professor in the School of Automation Engineering, a position he has held ever since. His transition into academia marked a significant phase in combining research with higher education.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Huang’s research has led to impactful advancements in frequency stability of quartz crystal devices, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors, and atomic clock systems. His work on the thermal and aging behavior of quartz oscillators has been critical for improving precision in timing circuits. He has also significantly contributed to the development of QCM sensors for ultra-sensitive detection in chemical and biological contexts. Additionally, his expertise in atomic clock technologies supports innovations in ultra-precise timekeeping systems, essential for satellite communications and navigation technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Huang is recognized internationally for his leadership in the frequency control community. As an IEEE Senior Member affiliated with the Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control (UFFC) Society, and a Technical Program Committee Member of the IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (IFCS), he plays a vital role in guiding global discourse on time-frequency technologies. His collaborations and contributions continue to shape strategic advancements in automation, metrology, and sensor systems.

📚 Academic Citations

While specific citation metrics are not listed here, Prof. Huang’s scholarly work is well-respected and cited in the academic literature surrounding quartz-based oscillators, atomic precision timing systems, and microbalance sensor technologies. His contributions have informed both foundational studies and real-world applications in timekeeping and detection.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Prof. Huang brings to the field a wealth of technical proficiency, including:

  • Design and optimization of quartz crystal resonators

  • QCM sensor development and calibration

  • Atomic clock integration and performance analysis

  • High-frequency signal stability assessment

  • Electronic circuit design for frequency-sensitive applications
    These skills are instrumental in both his research and mentoring of postgraduate students.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

At UESTC, Prof. Huang is not only a researcher but also a dedicated educator. He has supervised numerous graduate theses and student research projects, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. His teaching emphasizes a solid understanding of physical principles, electronics, and measurement science, with a strong focus on innovation and critical thinking.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Xianhe Huang has established a respected legacy as a pioneer in precision frequency control and sensing technologies. His influence extends from research labs to classrooms, contributing to China’s development in electronic systems and precision engineering. Looking ahead, his research continues to evolve toward next-generation atomic clocks, nano-sensor networks, and AI-assisted time-frequency analysis, promising to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in global communication and measurement technologies.

📖Notable Publications

1. Investigating the Mass Sensitivity of Quartz Crystal Microbalances with Circularly Symmetric Electrodes in the Third Overtone Mode
Authors: M. Wang, Minghao; X. Huang, Xianhe; Q. Huang, Qirui
Journal: Analytical Chemistry
Year: 2024

2. Nanodiamond/Ti₃C₂ MXene-coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance Humidity Sensor with High Sensitivity and High Quality Factor
Authors: Y. Yao, Yao; Q. Chen, Qiao; Y. Li, Yanqi; J. Wang, Jiaqi; C. Chen, Changming
Journal: Rare Metals
Year: 2024

3. Nanochitin/MXene Composite Coated on Quartz Crystal Microbalance for Humidity Sensing
Authors: Y. Li, Yanqi; X. Huang, Xianhe; Q. Chen, Qiao; Y. Yao, Yao; W. Pan, Wei
Journal: Nanomaterials
Year: 2023

4. High-Sensitivity Chitin Nanofiber-Coated Series Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Humidity Sensors
Authors: Q. Chen, Qiao; K. Tan, Ke; X. Huang, Xianhe; G. Yang, Gang; D. Liu, Dong
Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal
Year: 2023

5. Study of Force-Frequency Characteristics in AT-Cut Strip Quartz Crystal Resonators with Different Rotation Angles
Authors: G. Yang, Gang; X. Huang, Xianhe; K. Tan, Ke; Q. Chen, Qiao; W. Pan, Wei
Journal: Sensors (Switzerland)
Year: 2023

Yong Jyun Wang | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Yong Jyun Wang | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Yong Jyun Wang embarked on his academic journey in the field of Materials Science, and he is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, expecting to graduate in 2025. His early academic foundation laid the groundwork for his deep engagement in the synthesis and property analysis of advanced functional materials, particularly focusing on oxide thin films.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Throughout his doctoral studies, Mr. Wang has actively participated in significant national research projects, including the MOST-113-2639-M-007-001–ASP, which centers on the development and future application of high-entropy epitaxial films. He has gained valuable experience in cutting-edge material fabrication techniques, with an emphasis on physical vapor deposition (PVD). His professional training is complemented by collaborative efforts within interdisciplinary research teams aiming to push the boundaries of electronic material design.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Wang’s primary research has revolved around two-dimensional bismuth oxychalcogenides, particularly Bi₂O₂Se, targeting its integration into next-generation electronic and memory devices. Through compositional engineering and non-volatile modulation techniques, he has pioneered the development of p-type Bi₂O₂Se with high mobility, making it feasible for integration with its native n-type counterpart. This paves the way for complementary circuits, enhancing the material’s potential in versatile electronic systems. Furthermore, his innovative approach to non-volatile control enables memory functionalities, expanding the application horizon of Bi₂O₂Se in advanced backend electronics.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Despite being at an early stage in his career, Mr. Wang has already made notable contributions to the materials science community. His work has been featured in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications and Advanced Materials, indicating strong recognition from the academic community. His insights into high-mobility semiconducting materials have opened new research avenues for low-power electronics and neuromorphic computing.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Mr. Wang is proficient in advanced thin-film fabrication methods, especially physical vapor deposition, and skilled in material characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrical transport measurements. His technical versatility allows for comprehensive investigations into both structural and electronic properties of novel materials.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

While pursuing his Ph.D., Mr. Wang has actively mentored undergraduate and junior graduate students, assisting them in lab training and project supervision. His role as a peer mentor has not only contributed to the academic growth of his colleagues but also strengthened his capabilities in scientific communication and leadership.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Wang’s work on Bi₂O₂Se has established a strong foundation for complementary logic and memory device platforms, essential for the advancement of low-dimensional nanoelectronics. Looking ahead, he aspires to continue his research into functional oxide materials, explore heterogeneous integration, and contribute to the development of energy-efficient and intelligent device systems. His vision includes bridging fundamental material science with practical applications in flexible electronics, smart sensors, and neuromorphic systems.

📖Notable Publications

ZrO₂-HfO₂ Superlattice Ferroelectric Capacitors With Optimized Annealing to Achieve Extremely High Polarization Stability
Authors: Y.K. Liang, W.L. Li, Y.J. Wang, L.C. Peng, C.C. Lu, H.Y. Huang, S.H. Yeong, …
Journal: IEEE Electron Device Letters
Year: 2022

Electric-field control of the nucleation and motion of isolated three-fold polar vertices
Authors: M. Li, T. Yang, P. Chen, Y. Wang, R. Zhu, X. Li, R. Shi, H.J. Liu, Y.L. Huang, …
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2022

High entropy nonlinear dielectrics with superior thermally stable performance
Authors: Y.J. Wang, H.C. Lai, Y.A. Chen, R. Huang, T. Hsin, H.J. Liu, R. Zhu, P. Gao, C. Li, …
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2023

Flexible magnetoelectric complex oxide heterostructures on muscovite for proximity sensor
Authors: Y.J. Wang, J.W. Chen, Y.H. Lai, P.W. Shao, Y. Bitla, Y.C. Chen, Y.H. Chu
Journal: npj Flexible Electronics
Year: 2023

Quasi-static modulation of multiferroic properties in flexible magnetoelectric Cr₂O₃/muscovite heteroepitaxy
Authors: Y.H. Lai, P.W. Shao, C.Y. Kuo, C.E. Liu, Z. Hu, C. Luo, K. Chen, F. Radu, …
Journal: Acta Materialia
Year: 2023