Ms. Kaniza Islam | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

The Ohio State University | United States

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Kaniza Islam began her academic journey in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering, laying a strong foundation in structural analysis, mechanics, and computational modeling. Her undergraduate thesis addressed the structural behavior of ship girders under uniformly distributed loading, showcasing early proficiency in applied mechanics and problem-solving. Her exceptional academic record reflects a consistent commitment to academic excellence and technical depth.

Professional Endeavors

Building on her undergraduate background, Kaniza transitioned into the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering, where she gained comprehensive research and teaching experience across several academic institutions. Her professional journey includes roles as a lecturer, graduate teaching assistant, and research associate. These positions have allowed her to contribute meaningfully to both academic instruction and advanced engineering research, particularly in energy storage systems and combustion technologies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Kaniza’s primary research centers on the interfacial degradation mechanics of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), an area critical to advancing safe and efficient next-generation energy storage. Her work specifically investigates the role of elasto-plastic deformation in solid electrolytes and its effect on electrode–electrolyte interface stresses. This unique integration of fracture mechanics, continuum mechanics, and energy device modeling bridges theoretical understanding with real-world application. Her contributions aim to mitigate degradation mechanisms and improve the mechanical reliability of ASSBs.

Impact and Influence

Her research is already influencing the understanding of mechanical interactions in electrochemical systems. With a publication in a reputed energy storage journal and poster presentations at institutional research events, her work contributes to the foundational understanding needed for the development of durable and efficient solid-state batteries. Additionally, her role as a peer reviewer for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) reflects her growing reputation within the academic community.

Technical Skills

Kaniza has developed an impressive technical toolkit through rigorous coursework and research. Her skills encompass continuum mechanics, strength of materials, elasticity, and fracture mechanics, along with modeling ceramic and polymer materials. She is also proficient in energy device design and simulation, virtual modeling of combustion systems, and the use of computational tools for mechanical and materials analysis. These competencies are critical to her work on solid-state battery degradation and broader engineering problems.

Teaching Experience

She has extensive teaching experience, both as a lecturer and a teaching associate. She has delivered over 350 hours of theoretical instruction and has administered multiple undergraduate engineering courses, including mechanical systems, thermal fluids, and measurement and data analysis. Her ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences and mentor undergraduate research projects highlights her strong pedagogical capabilities and dedication to academic mentorship.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Kaniza Islam’s work sits at the intersection of mechanics and electrochemistry, addressing one of the key challenges in energy storage interfacial mechanical failure. Her current and future research is likely to contribute significantly to the development of longer-lasting, safer batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage. As she advances in her doctoral studies, her work is expected to yield deeper insights and practical solutions, positioning her as a rising expert in battery mechanics.

Notable Publication

The role of elasto-plastic deformation in solid electrolytes on the electrode–electrolyte interfacial stresses of all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Islam, K., & Katsube, N.
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Kaniza Islam exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher: technical depth, interdisciplinary expertise, and a commitment to solving real-world problems. Her combined contributions to teaching, research, and academic service make her a valuable asset to the engineering and energy storage community. With her growing influence and dedication, she is well poised to make lasting contributions in the field of solid-state batteries and mechanical engineering.

Prof. Berrichi Amina | Materials Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

University of Ain Temouchent, Algeria

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Berrichi Amina began her academic journey with a strong foundation in process engineering, obtaining her State Engineering Degree in Process Engineering in 2010. She further pursued a Master’s degree in Catalysis and Green Chemistry in 2011, highlighting her early interest in sustainable and environmentally conscious chemistry. Her passion for catalysis research led her to complete a Ph.D. in Catalysis and Green Chemistry in 2015, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly chemical processes. In recognition of her academic excellence and research contributions, she earned her University Habilitation in 2019, acquiring the rank of Maître de Conférence A (Associate Professor).

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Berrichi serves as an enseignante-chercheure (teaching-researcher) at the University of Ain Temouchent in Algeria, where she has been actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and scientific research. Her dual role enables her to shape future generations of chemists while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of green chemistry and catalysis.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her core research revolves around heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, and green chemistry approaches for organic synthesis. A notable highlight of her doctoral research includes the synthesis of propargylamines using gold nanoparticle-based catalysts, an area with promising applications in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Prof. Berrichi has explored the development of novel catalytic systems and eco-compatible reaction pathways, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

🌍 International and Industrial Exposure

Prof. Berrichi enriched her academic training through various internships, including a final-year research placement at Université Laval in Québec, Canada, within the Department of Soil and Agro-Food Engineering, where she worked at the agro-food engineering laboratory. She also undertook short-term industry-oriented internships, such as at Hassi Messaoud’s Sonatrach BASP Unit in 2010, gaining firsthand experience in the energy sector. More recently, she participated in a short-term research stage at the UCCS Catalysis and Solid State Chemistry Laboratory (2022–2023), further advancing her expertise in catalyst design and application.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Her technical expertise spans a wide spectrum of catalysis-related skills, including the synthesis and characterization of supported nanoparticles, reaction mechanism studies, and green chemical process optimization. She is also skilled in handling advanced analytical instruments and conducting interdisciplinary research connecting catalysis with environmental and industrial chemistry.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

With years of experience as a university lecturer, Prof. Berrichi has been deeply engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate education. She supervises doctoral students and master’s theses, guiding them in both theoretical knowledge and experimental research in green chemistry and catalysis. Her mentorship has contributed to cultivating a new generation of skilled and environmentally conscious chemists.

📚 Impact and Influence

Through her academic and research activities, Prof. Berrichi plays a vital role in promoting sustainable chemical practices in Algeria and the broader scientific community. Her work supports the development of greener synthesis routes, contributing to environmental protection and responsible chemical production. Her commitment to knowledge dissemination and cross-border academic collaboration is evident in her international training and research efforts.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Amina Berrichi continues to be a significant figure in the field of green catalysis and nanostructured materials. Her future contributions are expected to delve deeper into the use of innovative nanocatalysts for sustainable transformations, bridging fundamental research and real-world application. With her blend of teaching, research, and international collaboration, she is shaping both the academic landscape and the future of green chemistry in Algeria and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

Green Synthesis of Bioactive Pyrrole Derivatives via Heterogeneous Catalysts Since 2010
Authors: Berrichi Amina, Bachir Redouane
Journal: Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2025

The first gold nanoparticles supported SBA-15 functionalized aminopropylsylane as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of β-acetamido ketone derivatives
Authors: Yadi Hind, Bailiche Zahra, Berrichi Amina, Bachir Redoaune
Journal: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis
Year: 2024

Catalysts For Propargylamines Synthesis Via A3, AHA, and KA2 Coupling – A Review
Authors: Amina Berrichi, Redouane Bachir, Sumeya Bedrane
Journal: Current Organic Chemistry
Year: 2023

Advances in Pyrazoles Rings’ Syntheses by Heterogeneous Catalysts, Ionic Liquids, and Multicomponent Reactions – A Review
Authors: Nassima Medjahed, Zahira Kibou, Amina Berrichi, Noureddine Choukchou-Braham
Journal: Current Organic Chemistry
Year: 2023

Iron phosphate nanoparticles as an effective catalyst for propargylamine synthesis
Authors: Mohammed El Amine Drici, Berrichi Amina, Bachir Redouane, Beldjilali Mohammed, Bedrane Sumeya, Mansour Debdab
Journal: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis
Year: 2023

Kaniza Islam | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award