Wenxiu Cao | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Wenxiu Cao | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Hunan City University | China

Assoc prof. Wenxiu Cao is an emerging researcher at the Key Laboratory of Low Carbon and Environmental Functional Materials of Hunan Province, working within the College of Materials and Chemical Engineering at Hunan City University, Yiyang, China. His work aligns with some of the most rapidly advancing fields in materials science, environmental chemistry, and sustainable technology innovation. As part of a leading research group focused on low-carbon and environmentally functional materials, Wenxiu Cao contributes to addressing global challenges related to energy efficiency, pollution control, and ecological sustainability through advanced material design and chemical engineering approaches. At Hunan City University, his research environment supports interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing him to investigate the development, characterization, and application of innovative materials with environmental benefits. His work often intersects with cutting-edge themes such as low-carbon technologies, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems, adsorption-based purification processes, nanostructured functional materials, and green chemical engineering. Through these areas, he contributes to solving real-world environmental issues connected to industrial emissions, renewable energy conversion, wastewater treatment, and sustainable manufacturing. His role at the Key Laboratory also involves contributing to scientific initiatives dedicated to reducing environmental footprints and developing functional materials capable of improving air and water quality. As an active researcher, Wenxiu Cao participates in experimental design, synthesis and fabrication of advanced materials, performance optimization, and analytical characterization using modern instrumental techniques. His work supports the creation of environmentally friendly material systems with high stability, efficiency, and applicability across industrial and environmental sectors. He also engages in scientific writing, data analysis, and academic collaboration, contributing to publications, laboratory innovation, and the knowledge exchange within his department and the broader scientific community. Being part of a provincial-level key laboratory places him at the center of technological advancement in Hunan Province, where research outcomes are expected to support China’s broader goals in carbon neutrality, sustainable development, and green transformation. His contributions help advance the mission of the College of Materials and Chemical Engineering by fostering high-impact research, contributing to student training, and strengthening the university’s academic profile. Through his ongoing work, Wenxiu Cao continues to build a promising research career focused on sustainable materials, environmental protection technologies, and innovations that support a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future. His dedication to advancing low-carbon material science highlights his commitment to both academic excellence and societal benefit.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, J., Cao, W., Xu, S., Liu, L., Tang, H., Hu, N., & Zhang, W. (2025). Disaccharide/UiO-66(Zr) composites for selective dye adsorption: Synergistic mechanisms. Journal of Chromatography A, 2025(11), Article 466568.

Fu, S., Wang, F., Chen, X., Cao, W., Wang, L., & Tang, Y. (2025). Mechanism of synergistic Ce–Mn catalysis for one-step highly selective cyclohexane oxidation to KA-oil. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2025(10-29).

Cao, W., Yuan, B., Zhuo, O., Li, Y., & Luo, W. (2022). Selective adsorption of CO₂/N₂ promoted by polar ligand functional groups of metal–organic frameworks. Journal of Porous Materials, 29(2), 1–12 (if page numbers unavailable, omit).

 

Aboothahir Afzal | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Aboothahir Afzal | Chemistry| Editorial Board Member 

Kerala Government polytechnic college kozhikode | India

Dr. Aboothahir Afzal is a highly dedicated and accomplished physicist with nearly two decades of continuous teaching, research, and academic leadership experience. Currently serving as Assistant Professor of Physics at Thunchan Memorial Government College, Tirur, Kerala (under the University of Calicut), he has been actively engaged in teaching B.Sc. and M.Sc. Physics courses since 2011, following his initial academic tenure at The New College (Autonomous), Chennai. With a strong passion for student-centered learning, he incorporates Research-Based Pedagogical Tools (RBPT) and innovative teaching strategies to enhance analytical thinking and practical skills among learners. Dr. Afzal has handled a wide range of subjects, including Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Computational Physics using Python, Mechanics, and Mathematical Physics, shaping the academic foundation of countless students over nineteen years. Dr. Afzal’s research contributions span dielectric spectroscopy, computational physics, materials science, amorphous pharmaceuticals, nonlinear optical crystals, and molecular dynamics. He has authored and co-authored impactful publications in reputed journals such as Indian Journal of Physics, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Materials Today: Proceedings, Chemistry Select, and Results in Chemistry. His doctoral research at the University of Calicut centered on broadband dielectric and DFT investigations of glass-forming pharmaceutical systems. He has completed a UGC-funded Minor Research Project and continues to supervise research, including guiding a Ph.D. scholar working on ionogels for electrochemical applications. His expertise includes advanced instrumentation such as broadband dielectric spectrometers, DSC, XRD, FTIR, and UV spectroscopy, along with computational tools like Gaussian and GaussView. In addition to research, Dr. Afzal demonstrates strong administrative and leadership abilities. He has served as Head of the Department since 2020 and contributed significantly as a member of curriculum design committees, NSS Program Officer, NAAC Committee member, Program Manager for Continuing Education, and coordinator of national workshops on computational physics and astronomical data analysis. His active participation as resource person, invited speaker, and trainer at national and international events reflects his commitment to academic development. He has attended numerous refresher courses, RBPT workshops, and specialized training programs, including a prestigious national research internship at IIT Bombay. Beyond academics, Dr. Afzal is known for mentoring students, supporting higher education aspirations, and participating in community-oriented activities, including deputation as Assistant Hajj Officer in Saudi Arabia. A multilingual scholar with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, he continues to contribute meaningfully to physics education, research, and institutional development.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Hemalatha, A., Afzal, A., Muthu, S., Raja, M., Sevvanthi, S., Manonmani, J., & Senthil, S. (2023). A combined experimental and theoretical studies on non-centrosymmetric NLO single crystal of L-Norvalinium hydrogen maleate. AIP Conference Proceedings.

Baiju, S., Afzal, A., Thayyil, M. S., Al-Otaibi, J. S., & Ali, S. K. (2023). Computational studies on anticancerous Camptothecin and its derivative Camp-10 by density functional theory. Results in Chemistry, 5, 100837.

Hemalatha, A., Muthu, S., Afzal, A., Ramesh, P., Raja, M., Manonmani, J., & Senthil, S. (2023). Investigation on crystal structure, spectroscopic, electronic and NLO analysis of a non-centrosymmetric NLO single crystal: L-Leucinium hydrogen maleate (LLM). AIP Conference Proceedings.

Hemalatha, A., Afzal, A., Muthu, S., Raja, M., & Senthil, S. (2022). Growth, molecular structure and characterization of L-Isoleucinium hydrogen maleate hemihydrate (LIM) NLO single crystal by density functional theory. Materials Today: Proceedings, 56, 1–7.

Poovingal, N. N. M., Thayyil, M. S., Afzal, A., & Govindaraj, G. (2022). Thermal and dielectric studies on orientationally disordered crystal: Cyclobutanol. Indian Journal of Physics, 96, 1649–1659.

 

Yuxuan Zhu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yuxuan Zhu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

The Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization | China

Dr. Zhu Yuxuan is a dedicated and highly motivated researcher in Materials Science and Engineering, specializing in materials chemistry and electrocatalytic membrane water treatment. Currently pursuing a PhD at Tiangong University (2021–2025), a Double First-Class institution, she focuses on the development of nano conductive carbon membranes and advanced solutions for industrial wastewater purification. Her doctoral work builds upon her strong foundation from both her Master’s (2018–2021) and Bachelor’s (2014–2018) degrees in Materials Science at Shandong Jianzhu University, where she gained extensive expertise in inorganic chemistry, solid-state physics, material testing, functional inorganic materials, and nanomaterials. Throughout her academic journey, she has engaged in impactful scientific research projects, including contributions to the Jiangxi Provincial Key R&D Program and the National Key R&D Program, where she played a crucial role in developing innovative electrochemically enhanced membrane separation methodologies, leading research teams, coordinating project milestones, and preparing comprehensive technical reports. Zhu Yuxuan has demonstrated exceptional scholarly productivity, having published nine first-author papers in respected journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal (IF 13.4), Separation and Purification Technology (IF 8.2), Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (IF 7.4), Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and others across Q1 and core-indexed journals. In addition to her strong publication record, she has contributed to five authorized patents, covering innovations in porous carbon composite materials, supercapacitor electrode materials, mesoporous carbon-metal oxide composites, and laboratory equipment design, reflecting both scientific ingenuity and practical engineering capability. Her research excellence has earned her numerous awards, including the Excellent Report Award at the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Membrane Forum (2024), university scholarships, and multiple provincial-level recognitions in academic competitions such as the “Internet+,” “Challenge Cup,” and energy conservation contests. Beyond her scientific achievements, she has held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the College Student Union and active member of the University Association for Science and Technology, earning distinctions as an Excellent Student Cadre and Outstanding Graduate Student in Social Practice. She possesses strong technical skills, including computational simulation (MS simulation, molecular dynamics) and proficiency in advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, IR spectroscopy, LC-MS, UV spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and Raman spectroscopy. With a robust academic background, extensive research experience, and a proven record of innovation, Zhu Yuxuan continues to make significant contributions to the fields of materials chemistry, electrocatalysis, and environmental water treatment.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhu, Y. (2026). Mediation of superoxide radicals enhances the efficient degradation of dimethylacetamide in continuous flow-through three-dimensional electrochemical membrane reactor. Separation and Purification Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.135619

Zhu, Y. (2025, December). B–N bond-mediated boron-doped chitosan-derived carbon membranes for efficient and stable electro-synthesis of H2O2. Journal of Alloys and Compounds. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.185001

Zhu, Y. (2025). An ultrathin Al2O3 ceramic membrane prepared by organic-inorganic blending with solvent evaporation and high-temperature sintering for highly efficient oil/water separation. Journal of Water Process Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107116

Zhu, Y. (2025). Conductive carbon/Al2O3 mixed-matrix membrane cathode for efficient electrocatalytic production of H2O2. Separation and Purification Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.134120

Zhu, Y. (2025). Continuous flow-through electro-Fenton membrane reactor with Fe–N4-doped carbon membrane as cathode for efficient removal of dimethylacetamide. Separation and Purification Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129290

Zhu, Y. (2025). Electrochemical reactor with carbon membrane electrodes for efficient phenol removal via anode and cathode synergism. NPJ Clean Water. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-024-00432-4

William Gardner | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. William Gardner | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

University of California, Davis | United States

Dr. William A. Gardner is an esteemed scholar and pioneer in statistical signal processing, particularly renowned for his foundational contributions to cyclostationary signal processing theory and methods. His postsecondary education began with a Certificate in Aircraft Radio Repair (1961) at Keesler Air Force Base, followed by coursework in electronics and electrical engineering at Foothill College and Stanford University, where he earned his M.S. in Electrical Engineering (1967). He pursued further graduate studies at MIT and Bell Labs, and earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1972). Dr. Gardner joined the University of California, Davis in 1972, where he advanced to Professor VII before becoming Professor Emeritus in 2001. Over his career, he supervised numerous M.S. and Ph.D. theses focused on statistical signal processing, especially the exploitation of cyclostationarity in communications and signals intelligence. In 1986, Dr. Gardner founded Statistical Signal Processing, Inc. (SSPI), a private research firm dedicated to advanced algorithm development for radio reconnaissance, signals intelligence, and cellular communications. The firm, which operated for 25 years, licensed its technologies to major corporations including Apple Inc. and Lockheed Martin. Post-retirement, he continued research collaborations—most notably with Prof. Antonio Napolitano—on advanced statistical cyclicity and nonstationary signal behavior. His recent work has expanded into electromagnetic modeling of cosmic plasma and laboratory-confined plasma, supporting paradigm-challenging efforts such as the Plasma Universe, Thunderbolts Project, and the SAFIRE Project, all aimed at redefining astrophysical theory and clean energy generation. Dr. Gardner is the author of four influential books, including Introduction to Random Processes and Statistical Spectral Analysis, and editor of Cyclostationarity in Communications and Signal Processing. He has contributed chapters to five other books, authored or co-authored over 110 peer-reviewed journal papers, and holds 15 U.S. patents. His academic impact is reflected in a citation count exceeding 7489, an h-index of 33, and continued recognition for shaping the theoretical underpinnings of modern signal processing. He has delivered invited lectures globally and remains a thought leader across academia, industry, and emerging scientific paradigms.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gardner, W. A. (2002). Exploitation of spectral redundancy in cyclostationary signals. IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, 8(2), 14–36.

Gardner, W. A. (1990). Introduction to random processes: With applications to signals and systems. McGraw-Hill.

Gardner, W. A., Napolitano, A., & Paura, L. (2006). Cyclostationarity: Half a century of research. Signal Processing, 86(4), 639–697.

Gardner, W. A., & Robinson, E. A. (1989). Statistical spectral analysis—A nonprobabilistic theory. Prentice-Hall.

Gardner, W. A. (1994). Cyclostationarity in communications and signal processing. IEEE Press.

Gardner, W. A. (2002). Signal interception: A unifying theoretical framework for feature detection. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 36(8), 897–906.

Gardner, W. A., Brown, W., & Chen, C. K. (1987). Spectral correlation of modulated signals: Part II—Digital modulation. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 35(6), 595–601.

Gardner, W. A., & Franks, L. E. (1975). Characterization of cyclostationary random signal processes. IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 21(1), 4–14.

Gardner, W. A., & Spooner, C. M. (1992). Signal interception: Performance advantages of cyclic-feature detectors. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 40(1), 149–159.

Parvaneh Nakhostin Panahi | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Parvaneh Nakhostin Panahi | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Zanjan, Iran.

Parvaneh Nakhostin Panahi, born in 1980 in Ardebil, Iran, is a prominent figure in Applied Chemistry. She holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree from the University of Tabriz, specializing in catalysis and environmental applications. Panahi’s research focuses on optimizing nanocatalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NOx, crucial for environmental pollution control. She is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Zanjan, Iran, contributing significantly to the advancement of catalytic science for sustainable development.

Professional Profiles:

Education 🎓

Parvaneh Nakhostin Panahi is an accomplished academic in Applied Chemistry, having graduated from the University of Tabriz, Iran. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry in 2003, followed by a Master’s degree in 2005, focusing on the impact of organophosphorous compounds on coking rates during naphtha pyrolysis. In 2014, she obtained her Ph.D., researching selective catalytic reduction of NOx using mono and bi-metals nanocatalysts on common supports. Currently based at the University of Zanjan, Iran, she contributes to the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science. Her work underscores a dedication to advancing catalytic technologies for environmental and industrial applications, reflecting her commitment to the field of applied chemistry.

Research

Parvaneh Nakhostin Panahi’s research primarily focuses on catalysis and environmental applications within the field of Applied Chemistry. Her notable contributions include the study of selective catalytic reduction of NOx using nanocatalysts supported on common substrates. This research aims to optimize catalytic systems for enhanced efficiency in reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, crucial for mitigating environmental pollutants. Panahi’s work also explores the design and characterization of mono and bi-metallic nanocatalysts, aiming to improve their performance and durability in industrial applications. Her efforts underscore a commitment to developing sustainable technologies that address critical environmental challenges through innovative catalytic solutions

📚 Publications:

  1. NO reduction over nanostructure M-Cu/ZSM-5 (M: Cr, Mn, Co and Fe) bimetallic catalysts and optimization of catalyst preparation by RSM
    • Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2013
    • Citations: 98
  2. Modelling and optimization of Mn/activate carbon nanocatalysts for NO reduction: comparison of RSM and ANN techniques
    • Environmental Technology, 2013
    • Citations: 64
  3. Characterization and activity of alkaline earth metals loaded CeO2–MOx (M= Mn, Fe) mixed oxides in catalytic reduction of NO
    • Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2014
    • Citations: 54
  4. Ultrasound-assistant preparation of Cu-SAPO-34 nanocatalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3
    • Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2015
    • Citations: 53
  5. Optimization of Cu/activated carbon catalyst in low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO process using response surface methodology
    • Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, 2013
    • Citations: 37
  6. Photocatalytic activity of cation (Mn) and anion (N) substitution in LaCoO3 nanoperovskite under visible light
    • Rare Metals, 2020
    • Citations: 33
  7. Comparative study of ZSM‐5 supported transition metal (Cu, Mn, Co, and Fe) nanocatalysts in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
    • Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2017
    • Citations: 32
  8. A modelling study and optimization of catalytic reduction of NO over CeO2–MnOx (0.25)–Ba mixed oxide catalyst using design of experiments
    • Environmental Technology, 2014
    • Citations: 29
  9. Simulation of methanol synthesis from synthesis gas in fixed bed catalytic reactor using mathematical modeling and neural networks
    • International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 2012
    • Citations: 29