Avan Kumar | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Avan Kumar | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Arizona State University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Avan Kumar’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Science and Chemical Technology from Delhi Technological University (DTU) (2013–2017). Building on this strong foundation, he pursued a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, Varanasi (2017–2019), where his research focused on enhancing solar module efficiency using luminescent dyes. His commitment to advancing sustainable technologies culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi (2019–2023), specializing in the application of deep learning and natural language processing (NLP) for sustainable process development. This rigorous academic path laid the groundwork for his later innovations in AI-driven sustainability solutions.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kumar is currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the School of Sustainability, Arizona State University (ASU), USA, under the mentorship of Prof. Bhavik R. Bakshi. Since December 2023, he has been actively engaged in designing customized large language models (LLMs) that extract structured databases from unstructured texts, aiming to create comprehensive life cycle inventories (LCIs) and circular reaction networks, particularly for chemical and plastic industries. His professional endeavors seamlessly blend chemical engineering with advanced AI technologies, showcasing his interdisciplinary expertise.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his academic and research career, Dr. Kumar’s work has revolved around Generative AI, Large Language Models, Explainable AI, Natural Language Processing, and Sustainable Process Development. His doctoral research featured the development of a deep learning-integrated photo-catalyst classification model, data-driven optimization frameworks using Gaussian Process Regression and Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization, and the creation of domain-specific LLMs such as “Extend-SciBERT,” “H2-BERT,” “Recycle-BERT,” and “CCU-LlaMA.” His innovative use of AI tools for chemical sustainability reflects his forward-thinking vision of the industry.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Kumar’s pioneering research has significant implications for green energy transition, plastic circular economy promotion, and carbon capture advancements. His customized language models have streamlined research processes across sectors like hydrogen production and plastic recycling, thus supporting industries to adapt more sustainable practices. By bridging AI and chemical engineering, he influences both academia and industry towards achieving climate goals and sustainability targets.

📚 Academic Citations

While still at an early stage of his postdoctoral career, Dr. Kumar’s contributions, particularly in AI-driven sustainability research, have begun attracting scholarly attention. His interdisciplinary approach promises a growing impact, with citations expected to increase as his LLM models and sustainable frameworks gain wider academic and industrial adoption.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Kumar possesses strong technical skills in Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Explainable Machine Learning (SHAP, GPR), Multi-Objective Optimization (MOBO), Large Language Model Fine-Tuning, and Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Development. His interdisciplinary expertise also extends to Sustainable Process Design, Solar Energy Systems, and Circular Reaction Pathway Mapping, demonstrating a rare blend of computational and engineering acumen.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

During his Ph.D. tenure at IIT Delhi, Dr. Kumar contributed actively to the academic community through mentorship roles and lab supervision. His engagement with students in interdisciplinary projects related to AI in chemical processes fostered a collaborative and innovative learning environment. His teaching philosophy focuses on integrating modern computational tools into chemical engineering curricula to prepare future-ready engineers.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions Highlight

Dr. Kumar’s legacy will be defined by his trailblazing integration of AI into chemical engineering to support sustainable development. His ongoing work at ASU promises to revolutionize the way industries build life cycle inventories and circular process models. In the future, he envisions advancing explainable, domain-specific AI systems that not only enhance industrial efficiency but also promote ecological responsibility. His contributions are poised to play a critical role in shaping next-generation sustainable technologies and AI innovations for environmental stewardship.

📖Notable Publications

An NLP-Based Framework for Extracting the Catalysts Involved in Hydrogen Production from Scientific Literature
Authors: Avan Kumar, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: Computer Aided Chemical Engineering (Book Chapter)
Year: 2023

A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Gradient Boosting Framework for Prediction of the Band Gap of Photo-Active Catalysts
Authors: Avan Kumar, Sreedevi Upadhyayula, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: Digital Chemical Engineering
Year: 2023

Recycle-BERT: Extracting Knowledge about Plastic Waste Recycling by Natural Language Processing
Authors: Avan Kumar, Bhavik R. Bakshi, Manojkumar Ramteke, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2023

Multiobjective Bayesian Optimization Framework for the Synthesis of Methanol from Syngas Using Interpretable Gaussian Process Models
Authors: Avan Kumar, K.K. Pant, Sreedevi Upadhyayula, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2023

A Text Mining Framework for Screening Catalysts and Critical Process Parameters from Scientific Literature – A Study on Hydrogen Production from Alcohol
Authors: Avan Kumar, Swathi Ganesh, Divyanshi Gupta, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Year: 2022

 

Yeshui Zhang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yeshui Zhang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yeshui Zhang began her academic journey with a BSc in Environmental Management from the University of Birmingham, where she established a strong foundation for her multidisciplinary approach to energy and environmental engineering. She then pursued an MSc in Environmental & Energy Engineering at the University of Sheffield, working under the guidance of Prof. Agba Salman. Her academic path culminated in a PhD in Chemical & Process Engineering at the University of Leeds (2014–2017), where her thesis focused on hydrogen and carbon nanotube materials derived from the pyrolysis-catalysis of waste, supervised by Prof. Paul Williams and Dr. Chunfei Wu.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhang currently serves as a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, a position she has held since December 2021. She contributes to both research and teaching within the School of Engineering. Prior to this, she held several research-intensive roles at University College London (UCL), including a prestigious Faraday Institution Research Fellowship (2019–2021) on the NEXTRODE project, which aimed to enhance operando metrology in Li-ion battery electrode manufacturing. From 2018 to 2019, she worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, developing quartz crystal microbalance techniques for high-temperature applications—an initiative funded by the Qatar National Research Fund. Dr. Zhang also provided consultancy to Alchemy TT Corporation in the U.S., focusing on carbon nanomaterials from waste plastics, and previously served as Overseas Outreach Manager for Nangyang Weiter Chemical in China.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Zhang’s research lies at the intersection of sustainable energy, waste valorization, and advanced materials. Her areas of expertise include energy storage materials, lithium-ion battery manufacturing, hydrogen production, plastic waste pyrolysis-catalysis, and the synthesis of carbon nanotubes. She is pioneering new approaches in in-situ acoustic diagnostics and high-temperature quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) systems, advancing real-time analysis in energy materials research. Her work is firmly rooted in circular economy principles, particularly with respect to converting plastic waste into valuable energy resources.

🌱 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s work is making a significant impact on green technology development and sustainability. She offers scalable, practical solutions for transforming plastic waste into high-value materials such as hydrogen and carbon nanostructures. Her role in the NEXTRODE project is helping to reshape Li-ion battery manufacturing through improved metrological precision and efficiency, contributing meaningfully to the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems.

📈 Academic Citations and Recognition

While specific citation metrics are not provided, Dr. Zhang’s continuous involvement in high-profile research projects—such as those funded by the Faraday Institution and the Qatar National Research Fund—reflects her growing academic stature and the broad relevance of her work in chemical engineering, energy technology, and materials science.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Zhang possesses a diverse and advanced technical skill set, including expertise in pyrolysis-catalysis systems, high-temperature QCM analysis, operando measurement technologies, battery metrology, and the synthesis of nanomaterials from recycled waste. She is also developing innovative acoustic monitoring systems for in-situ diagnostics in complex energy environments.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, Dr. Zhang is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students in chemical and process engineering. She brings her cutting-edge research into the classroom, inspiring innovation and real-world application among her students. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to teach across a range of topics, including energy systems, environmental remediation, and advanced materials.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhang is positioned to become a leading figure in circular energy systems and sustainable battery technology development. Her future research will continue to integrate waste management with the creation of high-performance materials, particularly in the areas of green hydrogen and carbon-negative technologies. Through her academic and industrial partnerships, she is driving innovations that align with global sustainability goals and a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

📖Notable Publications

Catalysis and absorption behaviors of the shelled-hollow CaO-MgO microspheres on product distributions and desulfurization during waste tire fast pyrolysis
Authors: Qu, B.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, T.; Li, A.; Ji, G.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Effect of reduction temperatures of Ni-modified zeolites on the product distribution, catalyst deactivation, and reaction mechanism during polypropylene pyrolysis
Authors: Qu, B.; Wang, T.; Ji, X.; Zhang, Y.; Ji, G.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Pyrolysis-catalytic gasification of plastic waste for hydrogen-rich syngas production with hybrid-functional Ni-CaO–Ca₂SiO₄ catalyst
Authors: Qin, T.; Ji, G.; Qu, B.; Derksen, J.J.; Zhang, Y.
Journal: Carbon Capture Science and Technology
Year: 2025

Ni transformation and hydrochar properties during hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose
Authors: Zhao, P.; Yu, S.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zhou, H.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Pyrolysis-catalysis of waste tire to enhance the aromatics selectivity via metal-modified ZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Qu, B.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, T.; Li, A.; Ji, G.
Journal: Process Safety and Environmental Protection
Year: 2024

Zhongsheng Wang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zhongsheng Wang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Central South University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🔬 Academic and Professional Background

Mr. Zhongsheng Wang is a Doctoral Candidate at Central South University, specializing in lithium battery electrolyte research. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to battery technology and regulation. His work has led to publications in high-impact journals, reflecting his dedication to advancing the field of energy storage.

⚡ Research and Innovations

Mr. Wang focuses on lithium battery electrolytes, with a particular interest in low-temperature lithium battery technology. His research explores novel strategies to improve battery performance, efficiency, and durability in extreme conditions. He has contributed to understanding battery interfacial reactions, proposing the bond-level control theory for electrode-electrolyte interfaces.

🏆 Completed/Ongoing Research Projects

His research spans various aspects of battery technology, including battery regulation techniques. As part of the Central South University Graduate Innovation Program, he has led multiple projects aimed at improving lithium battery performance in low-temperature environments.

📊 Citation Index and Contributions

Mr. Wang’s research has been recognized in the scientific community, with his work accumulating 8 citations. He has successfully analyzed battery system evolution processes and developed multiple low-temperature lithium battery systems, contributing to advancements in battery theory.

📑 Patents and Publications

Mr. Wang has published several papers in prestigious journals, including Advanced Functional Materials, Energy Material Advances, EcoMat, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and Chemical Science. His innovative research has also resulted in two patents, further demonstrating his impact in the field.

🤝 Collaborations

Mr. Wang has collaborated with researchers on multiple studies, leading to publications in renowned journals such as Advanced Functional Materials and Colloids and Interface Chemistry in Chemical Science. These collaborations have strengthened the research and development of next-generation lithium batteries.

🔍 Areas of Research

  • Lithium Battery Electrolytes

  • Low-Temperature Lithium Battery Technology

  • Electrode-Electrolyte Interface Reactions

  • Battery Regulation Techniques

🌟 Future Contributions

Mr. Wang’s research continues to push the boundaries of battery technology, particularly in developing novel electrolyte formulations that enhance lithium battery performance at low temperatures. His work is expected to have a lasting impact on energy storage solutions, paving the way for next-generation batteries with improved efficiency and reliability.

📖Notable Publications