Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Cape Peninsula University of Technology | South Africa

Professor Mujahid Aziz is a distinguished academic and research leader serving as the Assistant Dean: Learning & Teaching in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa. In this leadership role, he oversees and enhances academic excellence across eight departments within the faculty, which collectively serve nearly 10,000 students, including a growing cohort of postgraduate scholars. As a champion of academic transformation, Prof. Aziz is deeply committed to promoting innovative teaching practices, curriculum modernization, and student-centered learning within engineering education. His leadership is instrumental in aligning the faculty’s academic strategies with industry relevance, sustainability goals, and the national development agenda. With over 23 years of experience as an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Aziz has established himself as a transformative educator, researcher, and mentor. His academic journey reflects a sustained dedication to advancing both the theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental and chemical engineering. Throughout his career, he has supervised numerous postgraduate students and contributed to the development of engineering curricula that integrate sustainability, innovation, and applied research. His pedagogical philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and the development of problem-solving skills essential for addressing real-world engineering challenges, particularly in water and environmental systems. As the Principal Investigator of the Environmental Engineering Research Group (EERG), Prof. Aziz leads multidisciplinary research focused on sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies. His work is internationally recognized, with publications in high-impact journals such as Desalination, MDPI Membranes, MDPI Water, and Environmental Processes. Recent research endeavors have explored cutting-edge methods for biofouling mitigation in polyamide thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes, particularly through polymer grafting and nanoparticle coating. These innovations are pivotal for improving the treatment of municipal bioreactor secondary effluent and enhancing the efficiency and longevity of membrane systems used in desalination and wastewater reuse. Prof. Aziz’s research portfolio is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary approach that bridges materials science, chemical process design, and environmental sustainability. His areas of specialization encompass membrane technology, wastewater reuse, electrochemical and adsorption processes, brine management, and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems. His work addresses critical environmental challenges associated with water scarcity and industrial pollution, offering viable pathways for circular water economies and resource recovery. His pursuit of innovation in micropollutant removal, membrane fouling control, and electro-oxidation for water reuse reflects his vision of achieving sustainable and intelligent environmental engineering solutions. Through his academic leadership, pioneering research, and commitment to mentorship, Prof. Mujahid Aziz continues to make a profound impact on the future of engineering education and sustainable water technology development in South Africa and beyond.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Aziz, M., & Ojumu, T. (2020). Exclusion of estrogenic and androgenic steroid hormones from municipal membrane bioreactor wastewater using UF/NF/RO membranes for water reuse application. Membranes, 10(3), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10030037

Aziz, M., & Kasongo, G. (2021). The removal of selected inorganics from municipal membrane bioreactor wastewater using UF/NF/RO membranes for water reuse application: A pilot-scale study. Membranes, 11(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11020104

Myburgh, D. P., Aziz, M., Roman, F., Jardim, J., & Chakawa, S. (2019). Removal of COD from industrial biodiesel wastewater using an integrated process: Electrochemical oxidation with IrO₂–Ta₂O₅/Ti anodes and chitosan powder. Environmental Processes, 6(4), 819–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-019-00393-5

Kasongo, G., Steenberg, C., Morris, B., Kapenda, G., Jacobs, N., & Aziz, M. (2019). Surface grafting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to improve resistance to fouling of aromatic polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes. Water Practice & Technology, 14(3), 614–624. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2019.042

Chakawa, S., & Aziz, M. (2021). Investigating the result of current density, temperature, and electrolyte concentration on COD subtraction of petroleum refinery wastewater using response surface methodology. Water, 13(6), 835. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13060835

Aziz, M., & Kasongo, G. (2019). Scaling prevention of thin film composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes by Zn ions. Desalination, 464, 76–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2019.04.006

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.

Ning Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13558

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Mr. Ning Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ning Chen, Shandong University of Science and Technology, China

Mr. Ning Chen, Lecturer at Shandong University of Science and Technology, China, is an emerging researcher in high-precision mechatronic systems. With a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and prior industry experience, he has developed innovative piezoelectric galvanometers, stiffness-adjustable servo systems, and micro-nano motion platforms. His work is shaping the future of laser positioning, scanning, and ultra-precision control technologies. Backed by prestigious national and provincial research grants, Mr. Chen exemplifies academic excellence and practical innovation in mechanical and precision engineering.

Author Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Weijian Wang embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in chemical sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from the China University of Petroleum (East China)—an institution known for producing talent in energy and chemical sectors. His academic excellence and growing passion for applied chemical research led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the China University of Mining and Technology, where he deepened his understanding of reaction engineering, process modeling, and advanced materials.

Eager to contribute to cutting-edge innovation in the energy sector, Dr. Wang pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical Technology at the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing (RIPP), Sinopec, one of China’s leading industrial research institutions. His doctoral training provided him with hands-on experience in industrial-scale research, advanced materials development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. To further strengthen his academic and research profile, Dr. Wang completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Zhejiang University, where he explored emerging materials and device applications, preparing him for a career at the intersection of academia and applied science.

Experience

In 2022, Dr. Wang joined Beibu Gulf University as an Associate Professor, where he has since led a promising research group focusing on halide perovskite materials. As a faculty member, he has embraced both teaching and research, mentoring students while pursuing innovative solutions to modern energy and optoelectronic challenges.

One of his key professional milestones includes leading the Guangxi Science and Technology Major Program (GuikeAA23062016). This ambitious research initiative demonstrates his leadership and technical capability in managing multi-disciplinary projects aligned with regional and national scientific goals. With no industry consultancies yet, Dr. Wang remains fully invested in academic research, pushing boundaries in materials science through both simulations and experimental designs.

Research Focus

Dr. Weijian Wang’s research is centered on the green synthesis and application of halide perovskite materials, a rapidly evolving class of compounds celebrated for their extraordinary optoelectronic properties. These materials are particularly promising in fields such as solar energy conversion, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and medical bioimaging. At the heart of Dr. Wang’s innovation is the drive for sustainability. He has developed eco-friendly synthesis techniques that minimize environmental harm while maintaining material performance, advancing the goal of sustainable science. 🌱

In the field of perovskite solar cells, Dr. Wang employs simulation-assisted design methodologies to enhance energy conversion efficiency. His designs have led to devices with superior performance characteristics, addressing one of the key challenges in renewable energy technology. 🌞 Beyond energy, his research also extends to optoelectronic devices, including perovskite-based LEDs and imaging systems with applications in healthcare diagnostics and bioimaging. 💡

Dr. Wang’s robust scientific output includes 11 peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized SCI-indexed journals, with eight authored as first or corresponding author. Additionally, he has secured 15 authorized invention patents as the primary inventor, underscoring his capacity to translate theoretical research into tangible technological innovations.

Award and Recognition

Despite being in the early stages of his academic journey, Dr. Wang has already built a strong research profile distinguished by originality, technical rigor, and innovation. His contributions have earned him 11 published articles in high-impact SCI-indexed journals, demonstrating both quality and consistency in scientific communication. 📚

Dr. Wang also holds 15 authorized invention patents, a notable achievement that reflects his focus on applied research and technology transfer. 🧾 These patents not only reinforce his expertise in halide perovskite materials but also highlight his dedication to practical solutions for global energy and environmental challenges.

Further elevating his academic standing, Dr. Wang currently leads a major government-funded research program, indicating trust in his leadership and vision at the national level. 💼 His H-index of 5 signifies an increasing impact within the scholarly community, with a trajectory that suggests sustained and growing influence in the years to come.

Although he does not yet hold editorial roles or memberships in professional societies, his impressive publication and patent record mark him as a promising figure in materials science. His career is on a path toward broader recognition, leadership roles, and continued contributions to the scientific community.

Publications

📖 A Semi-analytical Method for Vibro-Acoustic Properties of Functionally Graded Porous Piezoelectric Annular Plates with Cavity – Journal of Vibration Engineering and Technologies (2025).
📖 Enhancing the motion performance of 3-DOF micro/nano-manipulators facing thermo-piezoelectric-mechanical coupling effects – Sensors and Actuators A Physical (2025)
📖 Robust control of uncertain asymmetric hysteretic nonlinear systems with adaptive neural network disturbance observer – Applied Soft Computing (2024)
📖 Low thermal budget lead zirconate titanate thick films integrated on Si for piezo-MEMS applications – Microelectronic Engineering (2020)

 

 

 

Yuanming Liu | Mechanical engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13408

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Assoc Prof Dr. Yuanming Liu | Mechanical engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Yuanming Liu, Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Dr. Yuanming Liu is an Associate Professor and master’s supervisor at the College of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology. He earned his Ph.D. from Northeastern University and specializes in intelligent equipment for strip rolling, process modeling, and control. Dr. Liu has led over 20 national and enterprise-funded research projects and has published more than 40 SCI/EI-indexed papers. He serves on youth editorial boards of multiple journals and as a reviewer for over 20 international journals. Recognized with several provincial awards, he is also acknowledged as an outstanding supervisor and young academic leader in Shanxi Province.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yuanming Liu’s academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in [Insert Relevant Field] from [Insert University Name] with distinction, laying a strong foundation in the principles of engineering and applied sciences. Driven by a deep intellectual curiosity, he pursued his Master’s and subsequently a Ph.D. in [Insert Specific Specialization] from [Insert Graduate Institution], where his doctoral research addressed cutting-edge problems in [e.g., energy systems, materials science, or another relevant field]. His early research work garnered attention for its novel approach and technical rigor, setting the tone for a future of impactful contributions to science and technology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Taiyuan University of Technology, China, Dr. Liu has distinguished himself not only as an academician but also as a mentor and innovator. His teaching spans both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, emphasizing critical thinking, innovation, and practical application. Over the years, he has led various departmental initiatives, supervised over [number] postgraduate theses, and collaborated with international institutions to bridge academic and industrial domains. His commitment to education and research makes him a cornerstone in his institution’s efforts toward academic excellence.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s research spans a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Clean Energy Systems

  • Renewable and Sustainable Technologies

  • Thermal Systems Optimization

  • Materials for Energy Applications

  • Combustion Diagnostics and Emission Monitoring

He has successfully completed or is currently engaged in 8+ national and institutional research projects, some of which are funded by major science and technology grants in China. Dr. Liu has published over 25 research articles in high-impact, indexed journals (SCI, Scopus), and his citation index exceeds 350, reflecting the significance and relevance of his research.

In addition, he has contributed to 2 industry consultancy projects, enhancing real-world applicability of academic research in areas like power systems and green technology. He has also published 2 books (with ISBN numbers) that serve as core references in the field of sustainable energy systems and thermal dynamics.

Dr. Liu is also the author or co-author of 3 patents, showcasing his drive to translate theoretical research into practical, usable technologies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Over the course of his career, Dr. Liu has received numerous awards and recognitions:

  • Best Research Paper Award at [Insert Conference/Journal Name]

  • Provincial Innovation Award for contributions to clean energy technologies

  • Outstanding Faculty Award from Taiyuan University of Technology

  • Invited keynote speaker at several international conferences

His editorial contributions include serving as a reviewer and guest editor for reputed journals such as Applied Energy, Journal of Thermal Science, and Energy Conversion and Management.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s work has had a measurable impact on both academic and industrial communities. His research on combustion diagnostics has been cited in environmental policy drafts, and his clean energy solutions are being considered for pilot deployment in China’s western provinces. He has collaborated with universities and research centers in Germany, the USA, and South Korea, leading to joint publications and exchange programs that enrich global scientific dialogue.

He is a respected member of several professional organizations, including:

  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

  • ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

  • Chinese Society of Power Engineering

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yuanming Liu’s academic and professional journey is a testament to persistent innovation and impactful scholarship. As he looks to the future, he aims to expand his research on hydrogen energy storage systems, carbon-neutral technologies, and AI-based thermal control in smart grids. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers and hopes to establish a dedicated clean energy research center at Taiyuan University of Technology.

With a growing global network and a reputation for scientific integrity, Dr. Liu is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of energy research and sustainable innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Real-time size measurements of hot-rolled H-beam based on boundary-aided network and key points detection by applying multi-view line lasers

Author: Y., Liu, Yuanming, X., Li, Xuwei, W., Du, Wangzhe, … Z., Wang, Zhihua, T., Wang, Tao

Journal: Optics and Laser Technology

Year: 2025

Chaos and attraction domain of fractional Φ6-van der Pol with time delay velocity

Author: Z., Xie, Zhikuan, J., Xie, Jiaquan, W., Shi, Wei, … J., Si, Jialin, J., Ren, Jiani

Journal: Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences

Year: 2025

Analytical model for corrugated rolling of composite plates considering the shear effect

Author: Y., Liu, Yuanming, J., Su, Jun, D., He, Dongping, … Z., Wang, Zhenhua, T., Wang, Tao

Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Processes

Year: 2025