Hee-Tae Jung | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Hee-Tae Jung | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | South Korea

Professor Hee-Tae Jung is a leading global scientist in chemical and biomolecular engineering whose research centers on developing advanced functional nanomaterials and nanostructures to address critical climate-related and environmental challenges. As Chair Professor at KAIST and Director of multiple international research centers including the Saudi Aramco-KAIST CO₂ Management Center and the KAIST-UCB-VNU Global Climate Change Research Center, he leads multidisciplinary teams focused on creating transformative technologies for greenhouse gas mitigation, sustainable energy production, and high-performance sensor systems. His research group, OOEM, pioneers both top-down and bottom-up nanofabrication approaches, introducing innovations such as secondary sputtering, soft-lithography, supramolecular self-assembly, and advanced nano-patterning. These techniques enable precise control of material architectures to achieve unprecedented performance in catalytic, sensing, and energy-conversion applications. A central aim of his work is to bridge fundamental nanoscience with industrial-scale practical devices, accelerating translation of high-impact research into real-world environmental solutions. Professor Jung’s contributions span CO₂ reduction systems, bifunctional water-splitting catalysts, MXene-based gas sensors with ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratios, deep-learning-assisted chemical sensing, high-density nanoparticle generation via carbothermal shock, and large-area supramolecular alignment. His research has been published in top-tier journals including Nature Electronics, Science Advances, Advanced Materials, Nature Nanotechnology, and ACS Nano. With an exemplary record of leadership serving as President of the Korean Environmental Science Society and Associate Editor for several international journals and numerous prestigious awards, Professor Jung is recognized as one of the most influential scientists in nanomaterials, CO₂ management, and climate-centric engineering innovation. His work continues to shape the future of sustainable materials and technologies.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Continuous biochemical profiling of the gastrointestinal tract using a multiparametric smart capsule. (2025). Nature Electronics, 8, 844.

  • Continuous flow-reactor with superior production rate and stability for CO₂ reduction using semiconductor photocatalysts. (2023). Energy & Environmental Science, 16, 2689.

  • Exploring optimal water splitting bifunctional alloy catalyst by Pareto active learning. (2023). Advanced Materials, 35, 2211497.

  • Atomic-scale homogeneous Ru–Cu alloy nanoparticles for highly efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction. (2022). Advanced Materials, 34, 22055270.

  • Generation of high-density nanoparticles in the carbothermal shock method. (2021). Science Advances, 7, eabk2984.

 

Khandoker Samaher Salem | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Khandoker Samaher Salem | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Khandoker Samaher Salem’s academic foundation is rooted in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, where she graduated with top honors. Driven by a passion for materials science and sustainability, she pursued advanced studies abroad, earning both a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering and a Ph.D. in Forest Biomaterials from North Carolina State University. Her graduate and doctoral training provided her with a strong interdisciplinary background, blending the fundamentals of polymer science, nanomaterials, and bio-based materials engineering.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Salem currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Dhaka. Her academic career has steadily progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, reflecting her commitment to teaching, curriculum development, and institutional service. Her teaching portfolio covers a wide range of specialized subjects, including Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, and Chemical Technology, with a focus on pulp and paper, cellulosic fibers, and wood chemistry. She is actively involved in multiple university-level committees such as course development, academic discipline, and Outcome-Based Education (OBE) implementation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Salem’s research is centered on the fabrication and characterization of bio-based and polymeric materials with sustainable applications. Her work involves the development of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films for packaging, biopolymer nano-hybrids, and grafted polymers, utilizing techniques such as freeze drying, cryogenic processing, solution casting, and composite lamination. Her scientific contributions aim to advance the fields of renewable materials and green chemistry, aligning with global sustainability goals. She also explores performance evaluation of these materials using both classical and advanced analytical tools.

Technical Proficiencies

Her laboratory competencies span a diverse range of material fabrication and testing techniques. She is adept in using instrumentation such as Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Instron mechanical testing, thermal analysis systems (DSC, TGA, DMA), FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, and optical profilometry. She also employs niche equipment like the Emtec TSA Softness Measurement Instrument and conducts permeability assessments (WVTR, OTR). Her computational skills extend to ImageJ, Origin Lab, ChemDraw, Adobe Creative Suite, and specialized software for materials analysis.

Teaching Experience and Academic Service

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Salem engages actively in undergraduate and postgraduate instruction, with class sizes ranging from 40 to 65 students. She has designed and delivered core and elective courses in polymer science and chemical engineering. Beyond teaching, she serves in advisory and curriculum roles, contributing to policy-making in academic and administrative spheres. Her involvement in student advising and undergraduate admissions underscores her holistic approach to academic mentorship.

Research Recognition and Honors

Dr. Salem’s scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple competitive awards. These include first prize in a materials-focused Make-a-thon at NC State University and a prestigious enhancement fellowship for graduate students. Her research has earned national accolades, such as the National Science and ICT Fellowship, and university-level scholarships for academic distinction. These honors reflect her consistent performance as a top-tier scholar and emerging leader in materials research.

Industrial Exposure and Practical Insights

Dr. Salem complements her academic knowledge with hands-on exposure to industrial practices through various study tours across Bangladesh and the United States. These experiences have deepened her understanding of industrial chemical processes, quality control systems, utility operations, and sustainable material production, thereby enhancing her teaching and research with practical relevance.

Organizational Involvement and Outreach

She has demonstrated leadership in organizing international scientific events, such as the International Conclave on Materials, Energy and Climate, in partnership with the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM). Her involvement in community outreach programs in the U.S. during her studies—through initiatives like the ‘Cultural Corps’ and international festivals—highlights her commitment to intercultural exchange and science communication.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Salem maintains active memberships in leading professional organizations including the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), and the Bangladesh Chemical Society (BCS). These affiliations provide her with a global platform for networking, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Salem aims to further integrate sustainable materials into mainstream engineering applications through cutting-edge research and academic leadership. She envisions a future where biodegradable and bio-sourced materials replace conventional plastics, with her research group at the forefront of this transition. Her dedication to innovation, pedagogy, and sustainability positions her as a catalyst for scientific progress in materials engineering both locally and internationally.

📖Notable Publications

Advances in barrier coatings and film technologies for achieving sustainable packaging of food products – a review
Authors: P. Tyagi, K.S. Salem, M.A. Hubbe, L. Pal
Journal: Trends in Food Science & Technology, 115, 461–485
Citations: 340
Year: 2021

Hydrogel-based sensor networks: Compositions, properties, and applications — A review
Authors: X. Sun, S. Agate, K.S. Salem, L. Lucia, L. Pal
Journal: ACS Applied Bio Materials, 4(1), 140–162
Citations: 250
Year: 2020

Comparison and assessment of methods for cellulose crystallinity determination
Authors: K.S. Salem, N.K. Kasera, M.A. Rahman, H. Jameel, Y. Habibi, S.J. Eichhorn, …
Journal: Chemical Society Reviews, 52(18), 6417–6446
Citations: 243
Year: 2023

Polyethylene glycol functionalized carbon nanotubes/gelatin-chitosan nanocomposite: An approach for significant drug release
Authors: S. Sharmeen, A.F.M.M. Rahman, M.M. Lubna, K.S. Salem, R. Islam, M.A. Khan
Journal: Bioactive Materials, 3(3), 236–244
Citations: 109
Year: 2018

Cellulase in waste management applications
Authors: M.N. Khan, I.Z. Luna, M.M. Islam, S. Sharmeen, K.S. Salem, T.U. Rashid, …
Journal: New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Citations: 56
Year: 2016

 

Nader Ghaffari Khaligh | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nader Ghaffari Khaligh | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Malaya, Malaysia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Nader Ghaffari Khaligh embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Chemistry, where he developed a strong foundation in chemical principles and practical applications. He further honed his expertise by earning a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Shahid Beheshti University, specializing in advanced synthesis and chemical methodologies. His passion for organic synthesis and catalysis led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Guilan, Iran, where he focused on innovative catalytic systems and sustainable chemical transformations.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since 2015, Dr. Khaligh has been a dedicated researcher at the Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Center, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. His work involves cutting-edge research in catalysis, sustainable chemistry, and novel chemical reagent development. He has actively collaborated with leading scientists and research institutions, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry and efficient catalytic processes. In addition to his research, he plays a crucial role in scientific publishing as the Associate Editor and Section Editor of two prestigious international journals and serves on the editorial board of several others.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Khaligh’s research is centered on both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and environmentally friendly chemical transformations. His significant contributions include the development of ionic liquids, functional polymers, and novel multi-task reagents for efficient organic synthesis. His pioneering work in the synthesis of heterocycles and advanced catalytic systems has opened new avenues in medicinal and material chemistry. His research plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges related to energy, sustainability, and green chemistry.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Khaligh’s outstanding contributions to the scientific community have been recognized internationally. He has been honored as one of the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University for six consecutive years (2019–2024), both in the Career-Long Citation Impact and Annual Recognition categories. His research has not only influenced academia but also industries focused on sustainable chemistry and innovative material design.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognitions

His extensive body of work, including research papers, reviews, and mini-reviews, has garnered widespread recognition, with numerous citations from fellow researchers. His publications have significantly contributed to advancements in catalysis, organic synthesis, and sustainable materials, earning him a strong academic reputation. As an editor and peer reviewer, he plays a key role in maintaining high standards in scientific publishing and guiding emerging researchers.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Khaligh possesses expertise in various analytical and synthetic techniques, including:

  • Catalysis Development (Heterogeneous & Homogeneous)
  • Ionic Liquids and Functional Polymers
  • Synthesis of Heterocycles
  • Green and Sustainable Chemistry
  • Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques (NMR, IR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, GC-MS)

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Alongside his research, Dr. Khaligh is actively involved in academic mentorship and training young scientists. He has supervised and guided students in advanced chemical synthesis, catalysis, and materials research. His mentorship has helped shape the next generation of chemists and researchers, emphasizing innovative problem-solving and sustainable scientific practices.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong track record in research and scientific impact, Dr. Khaligh continues to explore new frontiers in green chemistry and sustainable catalysis. His future work aims to further enhance eco-friendly chemical processes, develop high-efficiency catalytic materials, and contribute to the advancement of cleaner, more sustainable industrial applications. His dedication to research, publication, and mentorship ensures a lasting legacy in the field of chemistry and catalysis.

📖Notable Publications

Synthesis and characterization of 5-cyclopentylsulfanyl-3H-[1,3,4]thiadiazole-2-thione and study of its single-crystal structure, FTIR spectra, thermal behavior, and antibacterial activity

Authors: N.F.A. Basir, Nurul Fatimah Abdul, M. Ghafarikhaligh, Mahta, M.R.B. Johan, Mohd Rafie Bin, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry

Year: 2024

Synthesis, Characterization, and the Study of Thermal Behavior and Catalytic Activity of a Halogen-free Dicationic Ionic Liquid

Authors: L. Zaharani, Lia, S. Johari, Suzaimi, M.R.B. Johan, Mohd Rafie Bin, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Catalysis Letters

Year: 2024

Tribological behavior of sulfonitrided tribofilm generated from non-corrosive dimercaptobenzothiadiazole-based additives as effective boundary lubrication layer

Authors: C. Ong, Chiuling, Y.C. Lai, Yew Chong, W.K. Tang, Wai Kit, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari, J. Juan, Joonching

Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids

Year: 2024

Determining the pKa1 and pKa2 Values of 4,4′-Trimethylenedipiperidine (TMDP), a Diprotic Organic Base with Unknown pKa Values

Authors: L. Zaharani, Lia, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Journal of Solution Chemistry

Year: 2024

Bis[1,3-di(4-piperidinium)propane] di-hydrogensulfate mono-sulfate trihydrate: An organic molten salt containing simultaneous acceptor-donor hydrogen bonding and Brönsted acid for homogeneous catalysis

Authors: L. Zaharani, Lia, M.J. Rafie, Mohd Johan, N.G. Ghaffari Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari

Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure

Year: 2024

 

 

Eugene Mananga | Nuclear Magnetic Resonance | Best Researcher Award 1739

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Prof. Dr. Eugene Mananga | Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) | Best Researcher Award

The City University of New York United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Eugene Stéphane Mananga began his academic journey in Cameroon, where he demonstrated exceptional talent in physics and mathematics. He completed his B.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry from the University of Yaoundé in 1990, ranking among the top 5% of his class. He continued his studies, earning an M.Sc. in Physics (1991) and a DEA in Physics (1992), securing first rank. His academic curiosity led him to pursue a Doctorate in Mechanics - Solitons (1992-94), though he did not defend his thesis. His academic ambitions took him to The City University of New York (CUNY), where he earned multiple advanced degrees, including an M.A. in Physics (2002), an M. Phil. in Physics (2004), and a Ph.D. in Physics (2005) under the mentorship of Distinguished Professor Steven G. Greenbaum. His doctoral research set the stage for groundbreaking work in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and condensed matter physics.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mananga has held prestigious positions at Harvard University, MIT, CUNY, New York University (NYU), and Brookhaven National Laboratory, contributing significantly to medical physics, solid-state NMR, and nuclear medicine. He has been a:

Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School (2011-14) and the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), France (2009-11), working on neuroimaging and nuclear medicine.

Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and National High Magnetic Field Lab, specializing in high-field NMR applications.

NSF/AGEP-MAGNET Chancellor Fellow at CUNY (2005-07), demonstrating excellence in research and education.

Dr. Mananga’s interdisciplinary expertise spans across physics, engineering, medical sciences, and sustainability, reflecting his broad academic interests and impact.

🏆 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mananga’s research has significantly advanced solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), quantum physics, and medical imaging. He is best known for his work on the Floquet-Magnus expansion, a mathematical technique widely applied in NMR spectroscopy and condensed matter physics. His key contributions include:

Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: His work on dipolar recoupling techniques has improved signal processing in high-field NMR.

Quantum Physics & Magnonics: He has extended the Floquet-Magnus expansion theory, enabling new applications in quantum mechanics and spintronics.

Medical Imaging & Nuclear Medicine: His research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital has contributed to better diagnostic imaging techniques in nuclear medicine.

Sustainability & Materials Science: His recent studies at Harvard University (HES, 2022) focus on sustainable materials and their applications in energy storage and green technology.

His ability to bridge physics, engineering, and medicine highlights his interdisciplinary impact on modern science.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Mananga’s research has led to pioneering advancements in NMR spectroscopy, quantum physics, and medical imaging. His work has been widely cited, influencing scientists, engineers, and medical researchers across disciplines. Some key aspects of his influence include:

Academic Citations & Recognition: His publications, particularly on the Floquet-Magnus expansion and solid-state NMR, have been cited hundreds of times in prestigious journals.

Mentorship & Collaboration: He has collaborated with leading institutions, including Harvard, MIT, CUNY, NYU, and Brookhaven National Laboratory, mentoring students and researchers worldwide.

Technical Contributions: His research has improved NMR techniques, quantum computing principles, and sustainable material applications.

Dr. Mananga’s contributions continue to shape scientific advancements in multiple fields.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Mananga possesses expertise in advanced scientific techniques, including:

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Quantum Physics & Spintronics

Medical Imaging & Nuclear Medicine

Biostatistics & Applied Mathematics

Sustainable Materials & Green Technology

His strong computational and analytical skills allow him to solve complex problems across physics, chemistry, and medical sciences.

📚 Teaching Experience

Dr. Mananga has a strong background in academia, having taught and mentored students at: City University of New York (CUNY), New York University (NYU), Harvard Medical School. His dedication to education has inspired numerous students to pursue careers in physics, engineering, and medical sciences.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Mananga’s legacy lies in his ability to integrate physics, medical imaging, and sustainable materials science. His future contributions are expected to:

Advance quantum computing and solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Enhance nuclear medicine techniques for better diagnostics

Promote sustainability in energy storage and materials science

Mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers

His pioneering research and interdisciplinary approach ensure that his work will continue to impact science, technology, and medicine for decades.

📖Notable Publications

Introduction of the Floquet-Magnus expansion in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: ES Mananga, T Charpentier
Journal: The Journal of Chemical Physics, 2011

Facile synthesis of the Basolite F300-like nanoscale Fe-BTC framework and its lithium storage properties
Authors: X Hu, X Lou, C Li, Y Ning, Y Liao, Q Chen, ES Mananga, M Shen, B Hu
Journal: RSC Advances, 2016

High pressure NMR study of water self-diffusion in NAFION-117 membrane
Authors: JRP Jayakody, PE Stallworth, ES Mananga, J Farrington-Zapata
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 2004

On the Floquet–Magnus expansion: Applications in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and physics
Authors: ES Mananga, T Charpentier
Journal: Physics Reports, 2016

NMR investigation of water and methanol transport in sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfones for fuel cell applications
Authors: JRP Jayakody, A Khalfan, ES Mananga, SG Greenbaum, TD Dang
Journal: Journal of Power Sources, 2006

Finite pulse width artifact suppression in spin-1 quadrupolar echo spectra by phase cycling
Authors: ES Mananga, YS Rumala, GS Boutis
Journal: Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 2006

Efficient theory of dipolar recoupling in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance of rotating solids using Floquet–Magnus expansion: Application on BABA and C7 radiofrequency
Authors: ES Mananga, AE Reid, T Charpentier
Journal: Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, 2012