John Reynolds | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. John Reynolds | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | United States

Dr. John G. Reynolds, PhD is a Senior Science Advisor for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Explosives Programs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where he supports the Energetic Materials Center and the Forensics Science Center. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Reynolds is a recognized authority in nuclear weapons safety, energetic materials, and chemical weapons countermeasures. His subject matter expertise spans non-shock initiated reactions, thermal aging of energetic components, improvised explosives, and detection technologies. Dr. Reynolds earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford University, following a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an A.A. in Chemical Technology from Merritt College. He conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard and Caltech before entering industry at Chevron Research Company. Since joining LLNL, he has led major national security programs, including NEXESS and the Integrated Data Collection and Analysis Program, coordinating multi-laboratory collaborations across the DOE and DoD. He has authored over 250 publications and patents, with more than 4,257 citations on Google Scholar and 3,233 citations on Scopus. His h-index is 33 on both platforms, reflecting a sustained and impactful research career. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the ACS Petroleum Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award, multiple R&D 100 Awards, and the DOE Excellence Award. He also founded the LLNL OPCW verification laboratory, contributing to global chemical weapons monitoring. Dr. Reynolds’ work has significantly influenced homeland security, chemical detection, and explosives safety worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar 

Featured Publications

  • Gash, A. E., Anderson, N. F., Montgomery, J. L., Hsu, P. C., Coffee, K. R., Guillen, G. J., Hernandez, P. A., Clarke, S. M., Zaka, F., & Reynolds, J. G. (2025). Properties of different LLM-105 preparations. Journal of Energetic Materials, 1–21.

  • Hoffman, D. M., Robertson, E. L., Zaka, F., DeHope, A. J., Harwood, V. L., Panasci-Nott, A. F., McClelland, M. A., & Reynolds, J. G. (2025). Development of parameters for the particle size distribution of TATB. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 50(1), e70007.

  • Moore, J. S., Morrison, K. D., Burnham, A. K., Racoveanu, A., Reynolds, J. G., & Coffee, K. R. (2024). TATB thermal decomposition: An improved kinetic model for explosive safety analysis. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300237.

  • Morrison, K. D., Moore, J. S., Coffee, K. R., Koroglu, B., Burnham, A. K., & Reynolds, J. G. (2024). TATB thermal decomposition: Expanding the molecular profile with cryo-focused pyrolysis GC-MS. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300268.

  • Burnham, A. K., Coffee, K. R., Klunder, G. L., Panasci-Nott, A. F., & Reynolds, J. G. (2024). Towards a heat- and mass-balanced kinetic model of TATB decomposition. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300121.

Mehdi Eslamifar | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Mehdi Eslamifar | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Engineering University Kiel | Germany

Profile

Google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Mehdi Eslamifar began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Shahed University, Tehran, where he gained foundational knowledge in agronomic systems and technical agricultural processes. He further pursued a Master of Science in Natural Resources at the University of Tehran, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and environmental resource management. His early academic background established a robust interdisciplinary foundation combining agronomy, resource sustainability, and applied sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Mehdi Eslamifar has developed a diverse professional background spanning both academic and industry roles. His experience as a freelance consultant at Farabin Agri Co. in Tehran allowed him to engage in financial oversight, accounting, and administrative operations within the agricultural sector. Later, he transitioned into academia, serving as a student assistant at the University of Hohenheim, where he contributed to the execution of biogas yield tests. Most recently, he has been working as a research associate at the Institute of Agricultural Process Engineering at Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, where he conducts advanced research using near-infrared (NIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the analysis of agricultural materials.

Contributions and Research Focus

Eslamifar’s primary research focus lies in the application of spectroscopy techniques particularly NIR and NMR for nutrient analysis and quality assessment of agricultural substrates. His expertise includes the development and validation of calibration models to enhance the precision of chemical and physical property measurements. Through his work, he bridges the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical applications in agriculture, ensuring accurate, real-time sensing that supports sustainable land management and precision farming.

Impact and Influence

Eslamifar has contributed to the scientific understanding of how modern sensor technologies can optimize agricultural practices. His work on the on-farm validation of NIR sensors for manure analysis and the application of spectral preprocessing techniques to predict soil properties are notable contributions that have practical implications in farming efficiency and environmental stewardship. These studies demonstrate his commitment to developing tools that enable data-driven decision-making in agriculture, enhancing productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Academic Publications and Citations

Among his scholarly outputs are peer-reviewed publications, including articles in VDI-Berichte and Discover Applied Sciences. These works showcase the innovative integration of spectroscopy and data science for agricultural analysis. His role as lead or contributing author reflects his active engagement in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments. While citation metrics are not detailed here, the topical relevance and publication venues suggest growing recognition within the agricultural and environmental sciences communities.

Technical Skills

Eslamifar’s technical proficiency includes a wide range of analytical and programming tools used in data analysis and modeling. He is skilled in Microsoft Office, SPSS, R, MATLAB, and Python tools essential for processing complex datasets and building predictive models. His hands-on experience with spectroscopy equipment and statistical software enables him to work seamlessly across experimental and computational domains.

Teaching Experience

In his academic journey, Eslamifar has engaged in teaching support roles, including his time as a student assistant at the University of Hohenheim. In this position, he contributed to practical laboratory activities related to biogas production. While formal lecturing roles are not highlighted, his collaborative research work and laboratory supervision indicate experience in guiding students and contributing to the academic learning environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong track record in applied spectroscopy research, Mehdi Eslamifar is positioned to make ongoing contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental monitoring. His interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering, chemistry, and data science, positions him as a forward-thinking scientist capable of leading advancements in precision agriculture. His doctoral work, focused on NIR and NMR spectroscopy, further supports the development of non-destructive, real-time analytical methods for field and laboratory applications.

Notable Publications

On farm validation of different NIR sensors for manure sensing
Authors: E. Thiessen, M. Eslamifar, R. Kock, E. Hartung
Journal: VDI-Berichte 2406
Year: 2022

Effective spectral pre-processing methods enhance accuracy of soil property prediction by NIR spectroscopy
Authors: M. Eslamifar, H. Tavakoli, E. Thiessen, R. Kock, J. Correa, E. Hartung
Journal: Discover Applied Sciences
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Mehdi Eslamifar is a highly capable and innovative agricultural scientist with a solid academic foundation and practical research impact. His work in advanced nutrient sensing technologies demonstrates not only technical excellence but also relevance to global challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability. As he continues to refine his research and expand his scholarly contributions, Eslamifar is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the integration of analytical science and agricultural innovation.

Zhaodi Xia | Analytical Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Ms. Zhaodi Xia | Analytical Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Northwest University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Born in Longxi, Gansu, Ms. Zhaodi Xia has shown exceptional academic prowess throughout her educational journey. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Shanxi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, followed by a Master’s in Modern Chinese Medicine. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine at Northwest University, with a specialized focus on Biotechnology, Metabolomics, and Transcriptomics. Her consistent academic performance earned her several prestigious honors, including First Class Academic Scholarships and National Encouragement Scholarships throughout her studies.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Zhaodi Xia is actively engaged in numerous scientific projects and institutional collaborations. She has contributed to the Enterprise Innovation Platform and participated in various projects funded by the Shaanxi Provincial Key R&D Program and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her roles have included project application, experimental task execution, and conclusive reporting. She is also familiar with drug development processes such as GCP certification, clinical trials, and animal modeling, specifically in studying conditions like sepsis and Alzheimer’s disease.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research delves deep into the pharmacological and chemical characterization of traditional Chinese medicines, particularly Codonopsis pilosula, Panax ginseng, and Bupleurum chinense. Zhaodi has co-authored multiple publications, notably on immunomodulatory effects, multi-omics analysis, and comparative chemical profiling using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Her expertise also extends to molecular techniques such as WB, QPCR, and immunohistochemistry, and she is proficient in analytical methods including HPLC and UPLC-MS.

📈 Impact and Influence

Zhaodi’s academic impact is evident from her multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals like Biomedical Chromatography and Journal of Ethnopharmacology. She has helped uncover the pathogenesis of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and proposed novel models and compounds for their treatment. Her research has contributed significantly to the standardization and modernization of Chinese herbal medicine, especially in areas like quality evaluation, metabolomics, and prescription optimization.

📚 Academic Citations

Her notable articles include: “Immunomodulatory effects and multi-omics analysis of Codonopsis pilosula”, “Comparison of chemical constituents of Bupleurum marginatum and Bupleurum chinense using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS”, and “Identification of Bupleurum and its confused products using ITS2 barcode”. These works have been cited in academic circles focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), clinical pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry.

💻 Technical Skills

Ms. Xia possesses a solid foundation in both laboratory and computational skills. She is certified with the National Computer Level 2 and adept at using statistical and graphing tools like SPSS, GraphPad Prism, and Origin. She also has hands-on experience with commonly used research software, as well as AI-assisted search and integration technologies. Her technical capacity makes her a valuable contributor to data-intensive and cross-disciplinary research environments.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Though primarily focused on research, Zhaodi Xia has demonstrated strong mentoring and presentation skills. She has received accolades such as the First Prize at the Postgraduate Innovation and Development Forum and Third Prize at the Shanghai Postgraduate Academic Forum. Her active involvement in academic conferences, including the Chinese Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Annual Meeting, reflects her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Xia stands as a promising young scholar in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Preparations. Her innovative work bridges classical ethnopharmacology and modern analytical techniques. She is well on her way to establishing a legacy in precision herbal therapy, personalized medicine, and multi-omics-driven drug discovery. With her strong foundation, excellent research record, and collaborative spirit, she is poised to make long-lasting contributions to the global advancement of herbal pharmacology and integrative medicine.

📖Notable Publications

  • Immunomodulatory effects and multi-omics analysis of Codonopsis pilosula
    Authors: Zhaodi Xia, Xia Liu, Liguo Tong, Han Wang, Mali Feng, Xiaohu Xi, Pan He, Xuemei Qin
    Journal: Biomedical Chromatography
    Year: 2021

 

  • Comparison of chemical constituents of Bupleurum marginatum var. stenophyllum and Bupleurum chinense DC. using UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS based on a metabonomics approach
    Authors: Zhaodi Xia, et al.
    Journal: Biomedical Chromatography
    Year: 2021

 

  • Research progress on metabolomics in the quality evaluation and clinical study of Panax ginseng
    Authors: Zhaodi Xia, et al.
    Journal: Biomedical Chromatography
    Year: 2023

 

Chengming Wang | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Chengming Wang | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Huazhong Agricultural University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Chengming Wang began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science  and a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from Wuhan University, one of China’s top institutions. He later earned his Ph.D. in Material Engineering from Fukui University in Japan, where he specialized in material science. His postdoctoral fellowship in Food Science and Engineering at Huazhong Agricultural University marked a turning point, integrating chemical principles with food processing technologies.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Wang serves at Huazhong Agricultural University, where he specializes in oils and fats processing and the comprehensive utilization of by-products. He has made significant contributions as a first or corresponding author of over 100 academic papers, authored 2 monographs, and holds 16 invention patents. His interdisciplinary approach combines fundamental research with real-world industrial applications, impacting both academic progress and national agricultural development.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Wang’s work extends to the bioconversion and detoxification of agricultural by-products from rapeseed, peanut, cottonseed, tea seed, Pistacia seed, and jatropha. His research highlights include the development of non-toxic, probiotic rapeseed meal and the extraction and application of valuable bioactive compounds from rapeseed, such as proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and peptides. He has also pioneered the creation of functional peanut-based products, including beverages and nutrient solutions, and developed advanced methods for gossypol detoxification and protein enrichment in cottonseed. In addition, he has worked on the green processing and modification of tea saponins and the biochemical degradation of rapeseed peels for tannin extraction. His exploration of using straw as a raw material for liquid fuel production further demonstrates his commitment to sustainable and innovative bioprocessing technologies.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Prof. Wang’s work has directly influenced food safety, waste minimization, and green energy. Many of his technologies, especially those for biodiesel production from waste oils and rapeseed by-product utilization, have transitioned from lab-scale innovations to industrial applications. His research supports sustainable agricultural practices, contributes to rural economic development, and provides solutions for environmental preservation.

📚 Academic Citations

With over 100 academic publications, Prof. Wang has made lasting contributions to journals and conferences across disciplines. His research is widely cited in areas such as oil processing chemistry, natural product utilization, and bioenergy production, positioning him as a leading authority in the field.

🧪 Technical Skills

Prof. Wang’s diverse technical expertise includes:

  • Analytical chemistry techniques for quality and contaminant analysis in oils.

  • Material science applications in catalysis and adsorption.

  • Extraction technologies for phytochemicals and bioactives.

  • Biodiesel synthesis using novel catalytic methods.

  • Pilot-scale equipment operation and product scale-up.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Prof. Wang is also a passionate educator, mentoring graduate and doctoral students in food chemistry, natural products, and oil processing technologies. He emphasizes a research-integrated teaching approach, ensuring students gain practical skills and scientific insight aligned with industry needs.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Dr. Chengming Wang’s legacy lies in his role as a bridge between science and industry, combining academic excellence with meaningful societal impact. His efforts in food safety, green processing, and renewable energy offer solutions to some of today’s most pressing global challenges. Moving forward, he aims to expand industrial-scale applications, explore health-enhancing properties of plant-derived compounds, and continue mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

📖Notable Publications

Bleaching of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. Oil Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Adsorbent: Kinetics and Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Dong, Y.; Wang, C.; Gao, Y.; Xu, J.; Ping, H.; Liu, F.; Niu, A.
Journal: Foods
Year: 2025

Mesophilic Argonaute-Based Single Polystyrene Sphere Aptamer Fluorescence Platform for the Multiplexed and Ultrasensitive Detection of Non-Nucleic Acid Targets
Authors: Lu, Y.; Wen, J.; Wang, C.; Wang, M.; Jiang, F.; Miao, L.; Xu, M.; Li, Y.; Chen, X.; Chen, Y.
Journal: Small
Year: 2024

Procyanidin A1 and its digestive products alleviate acrylamide-induced IPEC-J2 cell damage through regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Yan, F.; Lu, Q.; Wang, C.; Liu, R.
Journal: Food Science and Human Wellness
Year: 2024

Acrylamide in food: Occurrence, metabolism, molecular toxicity mechanism and detoxification by phytochemicals
Authors: Yan, F.; Wang, L.; Zhao, L.; Wang, C.; Lu, Q.; Liu, R.
Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology
Year: 2023

Autocatalytic formed bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulated with Co nanoparticles as highly efficient catalyst for activation of peroxymonosulfate toward degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Lu, Y.; Li, Y.-K.; Huang, C.; Chen, R.; Chen, Y.; Wang, C.
Journal: Reactive and Functional Polymers
Year: 2023

Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Nutrition Care, Australia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics (2009-2012) from the University of Calicut, India, where she developed a strong foundation in materials science. She then pursued an M.Tech in Materials Science and Technology with a specialization in Nanotechnology (2013-2016) at the University of Mysore, India, securing an impressive GPA of 9.00/10.00. Her passion for advanced materials, point-of-care diagnostics, and biomedical applications led her to the Monash–Bath Global PhD Programme (2019-2024). During her Ph.D. at Monash University, Australia, and the University of Bath, UK, she conducted extensive research in disease diagnostics, microfluidic devices, antimicrobial resistance, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Thulya has amassed significant experience in academia, research, and industry. Currently, she is serving as a Senior Quality Control Chemist at Nutrition Care Pharmaceuticals, Victoria, Australia (September 2024 – Present), where she plays a crucial role in ensuring pharmaceutical product quality and safety. Alongside her industry experience, she has an extensive teaching background as a Teaching Associate at Monash University (2021-2024), mentoring students in first-year to final-year undergraduate chemistry courses. She has also contributed to pharmacy education at the University of Bath, UK (2023-2024) and has taught master's courses in Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University. Her academic contributions are complemented by her role as a Programme Officer – Scientist B (2016-2018) at the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), India, where she was actively involved in STEM education and scientific research projects.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Thulya’s research revolves around point-of-care disease diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and Process Analytical Technology (PAT). She has significantly contributed to the development of microfluidic point-of-care devices for early and precise disease detection. Her expertise in chemometrics and machine learning has enhanced diagnostic accuracy, making disease detection more efficient. She has also conducted extensive research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its public health implications, contributing valuable insights into combatting drug-resistant pathogens. Additionally, her work in biomaterials and regenerative medicine has facilitated advancements in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Her research expertise extends to vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Infrared (IR), Raman, UV-Vis-NIR, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), which she employs for material characterization and quality control in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Thulya’s research holds significant global relevance in healthcare, materials science, and pharmaceuticals. Her work in point-of-care diagnostics and antimicrobial resistance research is crucial in the fight against drug-resistant infections. By developing microfluidic devices and novel biomaterials, she is helping advance personalized medicine and regenerative therapies. Her expertise in Process Analytical Technology (PAT) methods ensures high-quality control standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing, impacting both industrial and clinical applications.

📈 Academic Citations & Recognition

As a dedicated researcher, Dr. Thulya has contributed to several peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and industry reports, showcasing her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Her work has gained recognition in materials science, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceutical research, further solidifying her reputation as a pioneering scientist in her field.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Thulya possesses a comprehensive technical skill set, making her a versatile scientist in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and materials science research. Her expertise includes chemometrics and machine learning for data analysis, microfluidic device development for disease diagnostics, and advanced spectroscopy techniques such as Infrared (IR), Raman, UV-Vis-NIR, and AFM for material characterization. She is also skilled in Process Analytical Technology (PAT), quality control, and pharmaceutical product evaluation, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

📚 Teaching & Mentorship

With her strong academic background, Dr. Thulya has played a pivotal role as a Teaching Associate at Monash University and the University of Bath. She has mentored students at various levels, from undergraduate chemistry courses to final-year pharmacy and master's programs in materials science and engineering. Her interdisciplinary expertise allows her to provide valuable insights to students in chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship has contributed to the academic growth of many aspiring scientists and industry professionals.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil continues to drive innovation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Her contributions to point-of-care diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance research, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine will pave the way for new treatments, medical technologies, and quality control advancements. As she continues her journey as a Senior Quality Control Chemist in Australia’s pharmaceutical sector, she will play a key role in enhancing healthcare solutions and ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products. Her passion for scientific discovery and translational research will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

📖Notable Publications

  1. Evolution of vibrational biospectroscopy: multimodal techniques and miniaturisation supported by machine learning
    Authors: Mclean A., Veettil T.C.P., Giergiel M., Wood B.R.
    Journal: Vibrational Spectroscopy
    Year: 2024

  2. Revolutionising Health Science: A Historical and Future Perspective on Multimodal, Miniaturisation, and Machine Learning in Biospectroscopy
    Authors: Aaron McLean, Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil, Magdalena Giergiel, Bayden R. Wood
    Journal: Preprint
    Year: 2024

  3. A Multimodal Spectroscopic Approach Combining Mid-infrared and Near-infrared for Discriminating Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria
    Authors: Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil, Kamila Kochan, Galain C. Williams, Kimberley Bourke, Xenia Kostoulias, Anton Y. Peleg, Dena Lyras, Paul A. De Bank, David Perez-Guaita, Bayden R. Wood
    Journal: Analytical Chemistry
    Year: 2024

  4. Illuminating Malaria: Spectroscopy’s Vital Role in Diagnosis and Research
    Authors: Bayden R. Wood, John A. Adegoke, Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil, Ankit Dodla, Keith Dias, Neha Mehlawat, Callum Gassner, Victoria Stock, Sarika Joshi, Magdalena Giergiel et al.
    Journal: Spectroscopy Journal
    Year: 2024

  5. Ultrafast and Ultrasensitive Bacterial Detection in Biofluids: Leveraging Resazurin as a Visible and Fluorescent Spectroscopic Marker
    Authors: Neha Mehlawat, Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil, Rosemary Sharpin, Bayden R. Wood, Tuncay Alan
    Journal: Analytical Chemistry
    Year: 2024

 

 

4o