Diya Agrawal | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Diya Agrawal | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Birla Institute of Technology and Science | India

Ms. Diya Agrawal is an exceptional dual-degree student pursuing M.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and B.E. (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (2021–2026), maintaining an outstanding CGPA of 9.4. With a strong interdisciplinary background bridging chemistry, chemical engineering, and data analytics, she exemplifies a new generation of researchers passionate about sustainable chemical technologies, carbon capture, and clean energy innovation. Her academic journey reflects a seamless integration of simulation-based process engineering, experimental chemistry, and techno-economic analysis — skills that have enabled her to contribute to advanced industrial and environmental research. Her technical proficiency encompasses Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, Python, MATLAB, SQL, and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and Looker Studio. This versatile toolkit allows her to model complex processes, analyze large datasets, and develop digital solutions for chemical engineering systems. Her innovative approach to reactor and absorber design improved energy efficiency and conversion rates while ensuring process feasibility for sustainable fuel synthesis. In another project, she conducted a techno-economic analysis of biogas-to-bio-CNG conversion using Aspen Plus, where she optimized methane yield (>95%) and evaluated scale-up cost implications for industrial deployment. Her research on Novel Adsorbents for Direct Air Capture (DAC) further illustrates her ability to merge materials chemistry with process engineering. She synthesized amide-based Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) that demonstrated a 25% increase in CO₂ adsorption capacity, providing valuable insights into scalable carbon capture solutions. Complementing this experimental work, she also contributed to literature through her review on “Green Hydrogen Production Pathways for a Sustainable Future with Net Zero Emissions” published in Fuel (2023), where she analyzed over 400 studies to highlight advancements and challenges in the hydrogen economy. Her second publication, “Comparative Study of Modified Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 Adsorbents for CO₂ Capture” (Total Environment Engineering, 2025), has been recognized for its contribution to carbon capture research, garnering early citations in sustainability and materials science literature. To date, Ms. Agrawal has 2 peer-reviewed journal publications, accumulating over 35 citations and an h-index of 2, reflecting her growing research influence in the fields of carbon capture and green hydrogen production. Beyond research, Ms. Agrawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and organizational acumen as the Vice-President of Alchemy, the BITS Chemistry Association, where she led a 25-member team to organize technical fests and academic outreach initiatives. Her excellence has been recognized through the Merit Scholarship (Top 2%) at BITS Pilani Hyderabad in 2025. Ms. Diya Agrawal stands out as a dedicated scholar and an emerging innovator, committed to advancing sustainable chemical processes through an integrated approach combining chemical engineering, environmental science, and data-driven analysis. Her strong research record, academic excellence, and leadership potential position her as a promising contributor to the global transition toward a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Profiles: Scopus | Linkedin

Featured Publications

Velagala, S. K. R., Aniruddha, R., Agrawal, D., Sabri, Y. M., Parthasarathy, R., & Sreedhar, I. (2025). Comparative study of modified Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 adsorbents for stable and enhanced direct air capture of CO₂. Total Environment Engineering.

 Agrawal, D., Mahajan, N., Singh, S. A., & Sreedhar, I. (2023). Green hydrogen production pathways for sustainable future with net zero emissions. Fuel.

Chinedu Okere | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Chinedu Okere | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

University of Houston | United States

Dr. Chinedu (Junior) Okere is a dynamic early-career researcher whose interests span subsurface hydrogen generation, large-scale hydrogen storage in geological formations, experimental and numerical modelling of CO₂ capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), methane leakage from orphaned wells, and drilling/fracturing fluid design and formation-damage mitigation in petroleum reservoirs. His professional trajectory has taken him from graduate research at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing) (M.Eng., 2022) to doctoral studies at the Texas Tech University (Ph.D., 2025) and onward to a post-doctoral appointment in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Houston (from mid-2025). In these roles he has supervised PhD students, managed a U.S. Department of Energy-funded CarbonSAFE project on CO₂ storage, and led the development of grant proposals, patents and peer-reviewed publications. According to his Google Scholar profile he has to date achieved 659 citations and an h-index of 15, with an i10-index of 19. His publication record includes a broad spectrum of articles (20+, depending on counting method) covering topics from “clean hydrogen generation from petroleum reservoirs” to fuzzy-ball fluid‐induced damage in tight reservoirs, reservoir suitability for hydrogen storage, and methane leakage from abandoned wells. Most recently, his first‐author papers (2024-2025) address techno-economic feasibility of in-situ hydrogen production from petroleum reservoirs, SARA-based experimental and numerical investigations of in-situ hydrogen generation, and comparative numerical studies for optimisation of hydrogen production and CCUS strategies. In recognition of his impact he has received numerous honours including the 2024 International Inventions Awards – Hydrogen Energy Best Researcher Award, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers Permian Basin Scholarship. With strong interdisciplinary credentials spanning petroleum engineering, energy systems, reservoir simulation, and hydrogen/CCUS technologies, Dr. Okere stands out as an emerging scholar bridging the conventional oil-&-gas domain with the clean/hydrogen energy transition. His h-index of 15 reflects a solid early‐career impact: it means he has at least 15 publications each cited at least 15 times. (The h-index concept was originally proposed by J. E. Hirsch as a simple measure of productivity and citation impact. Going forward, his strong publication momentum, growing citation base and leadership in grant/industry-adjacent projects suggest that he is well-positioned to further increase both his research output and influence in the hydrogen/CCUS engineering community.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Okere, C. J., & Sheng, J. J. (2023). Review on clean hydrogen generation from petroleum reservoirs: Fundamentals, mechanisms, and field applications. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 101.

Edouard, M. N., Okere, C. J., Ejike, C., Dong, P., & Suliman, M. A. M. (2023). Comparative numerical study on the co-optimization of CO₂ storage and utilization in EOR, EGR, and EWR: Implications for CCUS project development. Applied Energy, 347, 121448.

Eyitayo, S. I., Okere, C. J., Hussain, A., Gamadi, T., & Watson, M. C. (2024). Synergistic sustainability: Future potential of integrating produced water and CO₂ for enhanced carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Journal of Environmental Management, 351, 119713.

He, J., Okere, C. J., Su, G., Hu, P., Zhang, L., Xiong, W., & Li, Z. (2021). Formation damage mitigation mechanism for coalbed methane wells via refracturing with fuzzy-ball fluid as temporary blocking agents. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 90, 103956.

Okere, C. J., Su, G., Zheng, L., Cai, Y., Li, Z., & Liu, H. (2020). Experimental, algorithmic, and theoretical analyses for selecting an optimal laboratory method to evaluate working fluid damage in coal bed methane reservoirs. Fuel, 282, 118513.

Tao, X., Okere, C. J., Su, G., & Zheng, L. (2022). Experimental and theoretical evaluation of interlayer interference in multi-layer commingled gas production of tight gas reservoirs. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 208, 109731.

Okere, C. J., & Sheng, J. J. (2024). A new modelling approach for in-situ hydrogen production from heavy oil reservoirs: Sensitivity analysis and process mechanisms. Energy, 302, 131817.

Opara, S. U., & Okere, C. J. (2024). A review of methane leakage from abandoned oil and gas wells: A case study in Lubbock, Texas, within the Permian Basin. Energy Geoscience, 5(3), 100288.

Hengfu Shui | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13551

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Prof Dr. Hengfu Shui | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Hengfu Shui, Anhui University of Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Hengfu Shui is a renowned expert in coal chemistry and organic chemical engineering at Anhui University of Technology, China. With a Ph.D. from East China University of Science & Technology, his research spans coal liquefaction, clean utilization, and coal-derived materials. Over his distinguished career, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Dean of the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Vice President of the university. Dr. Shui has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, including NSFC key grants, the 863 and 973 Programs, and Sino-Japanese collaborations. His pioneering work contributes significantly to energy science and chemical engineering.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dr. Hengfu Shui’s academic journey began with a deep-rooted passion for energy and chemical engineering. In 1983, he entered the East China University of Science & Technology, majoring in Chemical Engineering for Energy Sources. During his undergraduate studies, he explored complex chemical processes, including molecular sieve adsorption and abruption, laying a strong foundation for his future research endeavors. After graduating in 1987, he pursued graduate education at the Anshan Research Institute for Thermal Energy (1990–1992), where he specialized in organic chemical engineering and focused on coal needle coke feedstock preprocessing techniques.

Determined to advance in research, he returned to his alma mater for his doctoral studies (1995–1997), where he developed expertise in solvent deasphalting of residues using mixed C4 solvents and in the modification of paving asphalt — a niche area crucial for the improvement of heavy oil processing and asphalt technology.

Experience

Dr. Hengfu Shui’s academic journey at Anhui University of Technology (AHUT) is a testament to his dedication and leadership in higher education. Beginning his career as a lecturer in 1987, he was promoted to associate professor in 1998 and achieved the rank of full professor by 2002. His administrative acumen and academic vision led him to occupy several key leadership positions within the university, including serving as Dean of the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering from 2003 to 2012, Director of the Department of Scientific Research from 2012 to 2017, Dean of the Graduate School from 2017 to 2019, and since 2019, Vice President of AHUT. Complementing his domestic achievements, Dr. Shui also broadened his academic horizons internationally through a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Tohoku University in Japan from 2000 to 2002. There, under the mentorship of Professor Iino Masashi, he conducted advanced research on coal structure and its aggregation behavior—critical to improving coal reactivity and conversion efficiency—thereby enhancing both his scientific perspective and international research collaborations.

Research Focus

Prof. Hengfu Shui’s research portfolio is both expansive and deeply impactful, particularly in the field of coal chemistry and clean energy transformation—an area of critical importance within China’s evolving energy and environmental framework. His primary research interests encompass coal liquefaction and clean utilization, coal tar pitch emulsification, coal needle coke production, and the study of coal structure and its aggregation behaviors. These focus areas not only address pressing scientific challenges but also offer practical pathways for optimizing fossil fuel use and minimizing environmental impact. Prof. Shui has led five major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), including a key project, and has played a pivotal role in several high-profile national programs such as the 863 High-Tech Program, the 973 National Basic Research Program, and the Strategic Chinese-Japanese Joint Research Program. Additionally, he has contributed to an international cooperative project under Anhui Province. Through these efforts, Prof. Shui has been instrumental in advancing technologies for converting coal into cleaner fuels and high-value chemical products, thus promoting sustainable industrial practices and energy innovation.

His selection as a research fellow at Tohoku University and continued service as vice president of AHUT reflect the high regard in which he is held, both nationally and internationally.

Publications

📘 Enhancing the activity and sulfur tolerance of LaMnO3-based perovskite catalysts for VOCs total oxidation by tuning configurational entropy – Separation and Purification Technology (2025) – Cited by 3 articles.
📘 Temperature regulating the directional catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of lignin over a in situ topologically prepared NiRu/Al2O3 – Chemical Engineering Science (2025) – Cited by 2 articles.
📘 Relationship between pyrolytic sulfur migration behavior and structural composition of high-sulfur fat coal – Fuel (2025) – Cited by 3 articles
📘 Emerging Photothermal Materials from Lignin and Coal for Solar Vapor Generation – Advanced Functional Materials (2025) – Cited by 3 articles

Longxing Liao | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13160

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Dr. Longxing Liao | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Longxing Liao, Jimei University, China

Dr. Longxing Liao is an accomplished researcher and academic affiliated with Jimei University, China. With expertise in marine engineering and renewable energy systems, Dr. Liao focuses on innovative solutions for sustainable development in coastal and maritime environments. He has contributed to cutting-edge research in renewable energy integration, resource optimization, and advanced marine technology applications. Dr. Liao’s work aims to promote environmental sustainability and economic growth through the development of efficient energy systems and technologies, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in his field.

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Longxing Liao embarked on his academic journey with a strong passion for engineering and innovation. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree, laying the groundwork for a career focused on advancing knowledge and technological progress. Early in his studies, Dr. Liao developed an interest in high-performance manufacturing processes and chemical mechanical polishing, which would later become his primary areas of research. This foundational phase of his academic career equipped him with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills necessary to excel in the competitive field of mechanical and marine engineering.

Professional Endeavors 🔧

Currently, Dr. Liao serves as a lecturer and postgraduate supervisor at the School of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering at Jimei University, China. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of engineers and researchers. He is not only an educator but also a hands-on researcher who has managed several high-impact projects. Dr. Liao has successfully secured funding for research initiatives from prestigious organizations, including:

  • The National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • Provincial and Municipal Natural Science Foundations
  • The Provincial Education Department

These projects have allowed Dr. Liao to explore innovative approaches to mechanical engineering challenges, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.

Contributions and Research Focus 🛠️

Dr. Liao’s research primarily focuses on chemical mechanical polishing and high-performance manufacturing. His work in these areas has led to the publication of over 20 SCI-indexed papers in top-tier international journals, such as Applied Surface Science and the Journal of Manufacturing Processes. These publications are widely recognized for their innovative methodologies and impactful findings, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in manufacturing and surface science.

Additionally, Dr. Liao holds an impressive portfolio of over 20 invention patents, with many ranked in the top two positions. His patented innovations demonstrate practical applications of his research, particularly in optimizing manufacturing processes and advancing material sciences.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Liao’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Among his many accolades are:

  • Second Prize of the Liaoning Provincial Patent Award in 2022 (ranked 2/6).
  • First Prize of the China Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Innovation Achievement Award (ranked 9/10).

Dr. Liao’s commitment to fostering talent is evident in his guidance of undergraduate teams to achieve notable success:

  • Two National Third Prizes in the China Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Innovation and Creativity Competition.
  • One National Second Prize in the National College Students’ Social Practice and Science Contest on Energy Saving, Emission Reduction, and Environmental Protection.

Furthermore, he was personally honored with the First Prize in the 2024 Young Teachers’ Award, highlighting his dual excellence as an educator and researcher.

Publication Top Notes📝

A novel process of chemical-mechanical fluid-solid coupling polishing with high-quality and high-efficiency for turbine blisk

Author: Luo, S., Liao, L., Wang, Y.

Journal: Manufacturing Processes

Year: 2024

Structural design and hydrostatic analysis of an intelligent glass cleaning robot

Author: Wang, B., Liao, L., Zhou, M., Lin, Q., Chen, L.

Journal: The International Society for Optical Engineering, 

Year: 2024

Study on the mechanism of chemical mechanical polishing on high-quality surface of single crystal diamond

Author: Liao, L., Luo, S., Chang, X., Li, S., Shutin, D.

Journal: Manufacturing Processes

Year: 2023

Geometric design and dynamic characteristics of a novel abnormal cycloidal gear reducer

Author: Mo, J., Gong, X., Luo, S., … Chang, X., Liao, L.

Journal: Advances in Mechanical Engineering

Year: 2023,

Study on hydrodynamic lubrication and friction reduction performance of spur gear with groove texture
Author: Chang, X., Renqing, D., Liao, L., … Huang, Y., Luo, S.

Journal: Tribology International

Year:  2023