Tao Yang | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tao Yang | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Technology Beijing, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Tao Yang embarked on his academic journey at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), where he pursued a doctoral degree at the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy from 2012 to 2018. His early research laid a strong foundation in materials science and electrochemistry, setting the stage for his future contributions to sustainable energy and carbon neutrality.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctorate, Prof. Yang continued at USTB as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Materials Science and Engineering (2018-2021). During this period, he expanded his expertise in electrocatalysis and nanogenerator technologies. He then advanced to an associate professor role at the Collaborative Innovation Center of Steel Technology (2018-2021), further enhancing his research impact. Since July 2021, he has served as a full professor at the Institute of Carbon Neutrality at USTB, leading groundbreaking research initiatives in sustainable energy solutions.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yang's research spans multiple critical areas in electrochemistry and energy science, including:

Electrocatalysis & Hydrogen Production: Developing advanced materials for water splitting to generate hydrogen efficiently.

Carbon Dioxide Reduction & Utilization: Innovating techniques to convert CO₂ into valuable chemical fuels, addressing climate change challenges.

Piezoelectricity & Nanogenerators: Exploring self-powered energy harvesting technologies for renewable energy applications.

Electromagnetic Wave Absorption: Investigating materials that mitigate electromagnetic interference, contributing to advanced communication and defense technologies.

📊 Impact and Influence

With over 60 SCI/EI-indexed papers as the first or corresponding author, Prof. Yang has established himself as a prolific researcher. His work has amassed 3,500 citations on Google Scholar, achieving an h-index of 36. Notably, 8 of his papers have been featured as journal covers, and 7 have been recognized as ESI Highly Cited Papers, underscoring the significance of his research in the scientific community.

🏆 Academic Recognitions

Prof. Yang's remarkable contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program

Beijing Outstanding Talent – Young Backbone Individual

Inclusion in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2022-2024) These prestigious honors highlight his sustained excellence and influence in the field of carbon neutrality and energy conversion.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Prof. Yang possesses a deep expertise in advanced material characterization and electrochemical techniques, including: Electrocatalysis testing and analysis, Nanomaterial synthesis and modification, Advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, Computational modeling for material behavior predictions His technical prowess enables him to push the boundaries of innovation in clean energy technologies.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor and doctoral supervisor at USTB, Prof. Yang plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of researchers. He actively mentors Ph.D. and master's students, guiding them in cutting-edge research on sustainable energy solutions. His commitment to academic excellence ensures that his students receive top-tier education and research training.

🌏 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Yang aims to: Expand research on scalable hydrogen production technologies, Develop novel catalysts for efficient CO₂ conversion, Advance self-powered nanogenerator applications, Contribute to global efforts in achieving carbon neutrality His work continues to drive scientific innovation and practical solutions for a more sustainable future, making him a leading figure in electrochemical energy research.

📖Notable Publications

1. Gut dysbiosis is linked to hypertension
Authors: T Yang, MM Santisteban, V Rodriguez, E Li, N Ahmari, JM Carvajal, ...
Journal: Hypertension
Year: 2015

2. Multicomponent intermetallic nanoparticles and superb mechanical behaviors of complex alloys
Authors: T Yang, YL Zhao, Y Tong, ZB Jiao, J Wei, JX Cai, XD Han, D Chen, A Hu, ...
Journal: Science
Year: 2018

3. DSC: Scheduling parallel tasks on an unbounded number of processors
Authors: T Yang, A Gerasoulis
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems
Year: 1994

4. Heterogeneous precipitation behavior and stacking-fault-mediated deformation in a CoCrNi-based medium-entropy alloy
Authors: YL Zhao, T Yang, Y Tong, J Wang, JH Luan, ZB Jiao, D Chen, Y Yang, ...
Journal: Acta Materialia
Year: 2017

5. A comparison of clustering heuristics for scheduling directed acyclic graphs on multiprocessors
Authors: A Gerasoulis, T Yang
Journal: Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing
Year: 1992

6. The gut microbiota and the brain–gut–kidney axis in hypertension and chronic kidney disease
Authors: T Yang, EM Richards, CJ Pepine, MK Raizada
Journal: Nature Reviews Nephrology
Year: 2018

7. Hypertension-linked pathophysiological alterations in the gut
Authors: MM Santisteban, Y Qi, J Zubcevic, S Kim, T Yang, V Shenoy, ...
Journal: Circulation Research
Year: 2017

Frank Efe | Nanotechnology | Material Chemistry Award

Mr. Frank Efe | Nanotechnology | Material Chemistry Award

Morgan State University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Frank Efe's academic journey began at Ibadan Grammar School in Nigeria, where he built a strong foundation in the sciences. His passion for physics and materials science led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Electronics at Ekiti State University, where he graduated with a commendable CGPA of 4.1/5.0. His thirst for knowledge drove him further, leading him to Obafemi Awolowo University for a Master of Science in Material Physics, focusing on semiconductor and ferromagnetic thin-film materials.

His academic excellence and research potential brought him to the United States, where he earned another Master of Science in Physics at Morgan State University, achieving an impressive CGPA of 3.9/4.0. His research in thin-film materials and nanotechnology positioned him as a rising scholar in the field.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Frank Efe's professional career blends both research and data analytics. As a materials scientist, he specializes in the synthesis and characterization of semiconductor and ferromagnetic thin films, which have applications in cutting-edge technologies such as spintronics, solar cells, and sensors. His expertise includes using advanced characterization techniques like X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

Beyond research, he also worked on a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project as a data analyst, where he assessed students' motivation, curiosity, and success rates. This interdisciplinary experience showcases his ability to bridge scientific research with educational development.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Frank’s research centers on thin-film materials, particularly iron-platinum nanomaterials, which have extensive applications in magnetic storage devices, reflective coatings, and high-power electronic devices. His recent focus is on the development of 2D semiconductor materials that exhibit superior high-temperature and high-power performance, making them ideal for next-generation electronics and energy devices.

His ability to synthesize, analyze, and optimize materials for industrial applications demonstrates his deep expertise in nanotechnology and material physics.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Frank’s work has gained recognition both in academic circles and professional communities. His contributions in thin-film research and semiconductor materials are paving the way for advancements in energy-efficient electronics and durable electronic components.

His leadership and contributions have earned him numerous awards, including:
✅ Award of Recognition, Morgan State University, Physics Department (2023)
✅ Sigma Pi Sigma Award for high scholarship and service in Physics & Astronomy (2023)
✅ Academic Achievement Trailblazer Award, Morgan State University (2023)
✅ Best Paper Award, ASEE Conference, Baltimore Convention Centre (2023)

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

Frank’s research outputs are gaining traction within the scientific community. His work has been cited in multiple journals and conferences, particularly in the areas of thin-film materials, nanotechnology, and semiconductor physics. His recognition at ASEE and Morgan State University symposiums further underscores his impact as a researcher.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Frank possesses a diverse set of technical skills, including expertise in:
✔ Material synthesis & thin-film deposition techniques
✔ X-ray diffractometry (XRD) & Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
✔ Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) & Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
✔ UV-Vis Spectrophotometry & Raman Spectroscopy
✔ Four-point probe measurements for electrical characterization
✔ Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
✔ Data analysis & statistical modeling (NSF-funded research experience)

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Frank has not only contributed to research but has also mentored students and assisted in laboratory experiments at Morgan State University. His involvement in physics education and mentoring younger scientists ensures the transfer of knowledge and the nurturing of future materials scientists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Frank Efe is committed to pushing the boundaries of nanomaterial research and advancing semiconductor technology. His long-term goal is to contribute to the development of high-performance, sustainable electronic materials that will shape the future of energy storage, computing, and advanced electronics.

📖Notable Publications

Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Pyrolyzed Mg – ZnO Thin Film Coatings on Mild Steel

Authors: Victor Adewale Owoeye, Mojisola Olubunmi Nkiko, Frank O. Efe, Abiodun Eyitayo Adeoye, Enoch Debayo Ogunmola, Ayodele Nicholas Orelusi

Journal: Chemistry of Inorganic Materials

Year: 2025

Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Cobalt Sulphide Nanofilms for Optoelectronic Applications

Authors: Joseph Onyeka Emegha, Kenneth Onyenike, Rita Omamuyovwi Jolayemi, Chioma Adaku Ejelonu, Frank Efe, Odunayo Tope Ojo

Journal: Chemistry of Inorganic Materials

Year: 2024

Engaging University Students in Practical Physics Labs through Motivational Active Learning

Authors: Oluwapemiisin Akingbola, Pelumi Abiodun, Oludare Owolabi, Frank Efe, Hannah Abedoh

Journal: Conference Paper

Year: 2024

Deposition of Stoichiometry-Tailored Amorphous Cu-S Thin Films by MOCVD Technique

Authors: Olofinjana Bolutife, Fabunmi Tobiloba Grace, Efe Frank Ochuko, Fasakin Oladepo, Adebisi Adebowale Clement, Eleruja Marcus Adebola, Akinwunmi Olumide Oluwole, Ajayi Ezekiel Oladele Bolarinwa

Journal: Phase Transitions

Year: 2023

Magnetic Relaxation in Epitaxial Films with In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Anisotropies

Authors: Abdellah Lisfi, Frank Efe, Manfred Wuttig

Journal: Applied Physics A

Year: 2023

 

Thi Sinh Vo | Chemical Engineering | Material Chemistry Award

Ms. Thi Sinh Vo | Chemical Engineering | Material Chemistry Award

Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

She demonstrated a passion for materials science and engineering early in her academic journey. She earned her B.S. in Materials Science from Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City – University of Science (2014), where she developed a foundational understanding of advanced materials. Pursuing further specialization, she obtained her M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Daegu University, South Korea (2018), supported by a prestigious full scholarship. Her academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea (2023), where she delved deeply into polymer-composite materials.

💼 Professional Endeavors

She has cultivated a dynamic research career, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Sungkyunkwan University. Prior to this, she was a Research Assistant at the Complex Materials Engineering & Systems (COME) Lab, where she contributed to groundbreaking advancements in flexible composites, biosensors, and filtration membranes. Her role extended beyond research to mentoring graduate students and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, reflecting her commitment to academic and professional growth.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research centers on polymer-composite materials, with applications spanning: Electromechanical Sensors: Flexible composites for human motion sensing. Biosensors: Nanocomposite-based solutions for detecting diabetes and Alzheimer’s diseases. Water Treatment: Development of composite membranes for dye removal and water filtration. Her work combines materials science, engineering, and chemistry to tackle pressing challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability. Through projects supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, she has contributed to pioneering innovations in these domains.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 35 peer-reviewed publications and 550+ citations, Her research has gained global recognition. Her findings have advanced the fields of functional composites and sensors, earning her multiple prestigious awards such as the Best Paper Award and Scientific Excellence Achievement Award. Notably, her article in ACS Applied Bio Materials was featured on the cover page, highlighting the impact and originality of her work.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Her scholarly contributions have been widely cited, reflecting her influence on the academic community. Her articles are featured in leading journals, and her research has been recognized with numerous accolades, including: International Research Awards for innovations in nanomaterials and biosensors. Best Researcher Awards across various fields like Materials Science and Chemical Engineering. Excellence in Academic Contributions, showcasing her leadership in interdisciplinary research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She is proficient in an array of advanced analytical techniques, including: Material Characterization: XRD, SEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. Electrochemical Analysis: Tafel polarization, impedance spectroscopy, and biosensing performance evaluation. Her expertise ensures a comprehensive approach to assessing and enhancing the properties of composite materials.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout her academic journey, She has mentored graduate students, fostering their growth in research methodologies and professional development. Her role as a mentor underscores her dedication to creating a collaborative and supportive research environment.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her work has established her as a leader in materials science and engineering. Her contributions to sustainable technologies, particularly in healthcare and water treatment, are paving the way for innovative solutions to global challenges. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her research into emerging composite technologies and inspire future scientists through teaching and mentorship.

📖Notable Publications

 

Premnath Kumar | Electrocatalyst | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Premnath Kumar | Electrocatalyst | Best Researcher Award

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🧑‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Premnath Kumar's academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, earning a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. from Thiruvalluvar University, Tamil Nadu. His postgraduate research involved the synthesis and characterization of BiOCl/α-Fe2O3 photocatalysts, marking his early interest in materials for energy applications. His academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same university, focusing on cost-effective, platinum-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

He expanded his expertise as an International Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, from 2022 to 2024. Collaborating with leading scientists, including his mentor, Dr. Piyasan Praserthdam, he contributed to cutting-edge advancements in electrocatalysis and nanomaterials for energy conversion.

🧪 Research Focus and Contributions

His research emphasizes sustainable energy solutions through nanomaterials, electrocatalytic processes, and supercapacitor technology. Key contributions include:

  • Development of platinum-free catalysts for hydrogen production.
  • Investigations into nanomaterials for enhanced energy storage and conversion.
  • Promoting photocatalysis for green energy applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His work directly supports global sustainability goals by advancing affordable and efficient green energy technologies. His research findings have gained recognition for their potential to revolutionize hydrogen production and energy storage systems, with implications across academia and industry.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Kumar's publications have been cited extensively, reflecting the academic and practical value of his contributions to chemistry and renewable energy.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

His proficiency spans analytical and electrochemical techniques, including:

  • XRD, SEM, EDX, FT-IR, UV-Vis, PL, and XPS for material characterization.
  • Advanced electrochemical methodologies like cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and HER/OER analysis.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

He has played an instrumental role in mentoring students and junior researchers, sharing his knowledge in electrocatalysis and nanotechnology to inspire the next generation of chemists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

He aims to further his impact in renewable energy technologies by exploring innovative materials and processes. His dedication to green energy solutions positions him as a thought leader in chemistry and sustainable development.

📖Notable Publications

A comprehensive review and perspective of recent research developments, and accomplishments on structural-based catalysts; 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructured electrocatalysts for hydrogen energy production

  • Authors: Kumar, P., García, A., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Year: 2024

Nonylphenol polybenzoxazines-derived nitrogen-rich porous carbon (NRPC)-supported g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite for efficient high-performance supercapacitor application

  • Authors: Selvaraj, K., Yu, B., Spontón, M.E., Sayed, S.R.M., Kannaiyan, D.
  • Journal: Soft Matter
  • Year: 2024

Renovated FeCoP-NC nanospheres wrapped by CoP-NC nanopetals: As a tremendously effectual and robust MOF-assisted electrocatalyst for hydrogen energy production

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Maia, G., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: Environmental Research
  • Year: 2024

Double role of CTAB as a surfactant and carbon source in Ni-Mo2C/GA composite: As a highly active electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Arumugam, M., Maia, G., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta
  • Year: 2023

Reduced nickel on cobalt sulphide with carbon supported (Ni-CoS/C) composite material as a low-cost and efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Arumugam, M., Jagannathan, M., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta
  • Year: 2022

Carbon supported nickel phosphide as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Murthy, A.P., Bezerra, L.S., Maia, G., Madhavan, J.
  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Year: 2021

Martin Gilar | Chromatography | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Martin Gilar | Chromatography | Best Researcher Award

Waters Corporation, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Martin Gilar completed his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry in 1996 from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague. His thesis, focused on the chiral separation of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, established his early interest in complex analytical challenges. With an MSc in Chemistry from the same institution, Dr. Gilar also gained expertise in organic technology, further refining his skills with a certificate in Pharmaceutical Analytical Methods from the Institute of Medical Postgraduate Education, Charles University.

💼 Professional Endeavors

He began his career as a Senior Staff Scientist at the Faculty Hospital of Charles University, Prague, where he led clinical studies and developed methods for drug monitoring and enantioseparation. His subsequent work at the National Institute of Health in Prague saw him pioneering capillary gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography methods to phenotype cytochrome P450 markers. He joined Waters Corporation in Milford, Massachusetts, where he continues to serve as a Research Fellow. Over more than two decades at Waters, he has made transformative advancements, from LC-MS analysis of oligonucleotides to multi-dimensional separations of complex proteins and peptides. He also contributed to the commercialization of impactful products like RapiGest and HILIC SPE plates, underscoring his contributions to both academia and industry.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research is deeply rooted in separation science, particularly in liquid chromatography (LC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and LC-MS methods. He has explored diverse biomolecules, from oligonucleotides to glycopeptides, establishing techniques that have refined the precision of these separations. His pioneering work includes the development of multi-dimensional protein separation techniques with MS detection and contributions to capillary electrophoresis instrumentation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Gilar has made a significant impact on analytical chemistry, particularly in chromatography and oligonucleotide analysis. His methodologies are widely adopted in fields spanning pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics. His expertise is further recognized by prestigious accolades such as the Jaroslav Janak Medal from the Czech Academy of Science and the Chromatographic Society Jubilee Medal, underscoring his lasting influence in chromatography.

📈 Academic Citations and Patents

His innovations are not only influential in publications but also in patents. He holds several U.S. and international patents, including patents for solid-phase extraction devices and mass-spectrometric purification methods for biopolymers. These innovations have facilitated efficient sample preparation and complex biopolymer purification, enabling more accurate and high-throughput analyses. His work continues to be highly cited in academic circles, reflecting its foundational impact on modern analytical techniques.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise spans LC, UPLC, HPLC, and capillary electrophoresis for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. He has a deep knowledge of ion-pairing techniques, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), and two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC). His extensive experience with mass spectrometry (MS) and advanced detection systems has also supported his development of industry-leading techniques in protein, peptide, and oligonucleotide analysis.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Throughout his career, Dr. Gilar has been committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists. His early role as a Staff Scientist at Northeastern University included supervising Ph.D. students and developing analytical instrumentation. His ongoing work at Waters Corporation has also involved leading and managing research teams, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovative research.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

His contributions have established a legacy in chromatography, particularly in innovative separation techniques and practical applications in biotechnology. His continued research at Waters Corporation promises to advance analytical chemistry, driving the field toward more precise, efficient, and reliable methods. As he remains active in both research and mentorship, His influence is set to endure, shaping the analytical landscape for years to come.

📖Notable Publications