Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

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

zeyad A. H. Qasem | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13382

Published on by Research Awards

Dr. zeyad A. H. Qasem | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. zeyad A. H. Qasem, Donghai Laboratory, Zhejiang University, China

Dr. Zeyad Abdulaziz Hazaea Qasem is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher at Donghai Laboratory, Zhejiang University, China, with a strong background in communication and information engineering. Born in Taiz, Yemen, he holds a Ph.D. from Xiamen University and has conducted advanced research at top Chinese institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University. With extensive academic and industrial experience—including work with Huawei and several universities—Dr. Qasem’s research spans nano-devices, telecommunications, and digital systems. He is a recipient of the Best Overseas Research Award from Xiamen University and is widely recognized for his innovative contributions to engineering and communication technologies.

Profile

Google Scholar

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zeyad Abdulaziz Hazaea Qasem’s academic journey began in Taiz, Yemen, where he completed his high secondary education at Al Hurria High School in 2005. From a young age, Dr. Qasem exhibited a strong passion for science and technology, particularly in the field of telecommunications and networking. This passion led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Networking from Djillali Liabés University in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, which he completed in 2010.

Not resting on his laurels, he immediately advanced his education by enrolling in a Master’s program at the same university, specializing in Digital Systems of Telecommunications. He completed his Master’s degree in 2012, further honing his skills in the increasingly vital field of communication engineering.

Driven by a desire for research excellence, Dr. Qasem moved to China in 2017, where he embarked on a Ph.D. in Communication and Information Engineering at Xiamen University. His academic perseverance culminated in a doctoral degree in 2021, during which he laid the foundation for impactful scientific research in communication technologies.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Qasem’s career reflects a rare blend of academic knowledge and practical industry experience. Before his postdoctoral research positions, he held multiple key roles in the telecommunications sector, notably with Huawei Company in Yemen from 2014 to 2017, where he worked as a Core Network Engineer for GSM, CDMA, and LTE technologies. His tenure at Huawei equipped him with invaluable practical insights and earned him the Outstanding Technical Engineer Award in 2016.

Dr. Qasem also contributed to academia as a part-time lecturer at several Yemeni universities, including International Emirate University and LIMKOKWING University of Creative Technology. These roles showcased his commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers even while pursuing a parallel career in industry.

Since 2022, he has served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Peking University and a Visiting Scholar at the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute—two of China’s most prestigious institutions. In 2023, he joined the Donghai Laboratory at Zhejiang University, where he currently works on cutting-edge research in nano-devices and communication systems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Qasem’s research lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, digital communication systems, and network engineering. His contributions include exploring novel solutions for efficient data transmission, next-generation wireless communication, and nano-device integration.

His doctoral and postdoctoral research focuses on enhancing communication infrastructure and developing futuristic nano-scale technologies for more resilient and efficient systems. His work supports the global demand for faster, more secure, and more intelligent communication systems, making a significant contribution to the digital transformation age.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Dr. Qasem has been widely recognized for his contributions in both academia and industry. Among his most notable achievements are:

  • 🥇 Best Overseas Research Award (2021) from Xiamen University

  • 🏅 Outstanding Technical Engineer from Huawei (2016)

  • 🎓 Multiple professional certifications, including:

    • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

    • Computer Maintenance Diploma (EMICOM Institute, Algeria)

    • Huawei “Train the Trainer” Certification

    • Training in FLUKE NETWORKS (USA)

These accolades not only validate his academic and technical excellence but also highlight his global exposure and adaptability.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Qasem’s work has left a noticeable footprint on both national and international research platforms. His Google Scholar profile showcases a growing list of publications and citations, reflecting the relevance and application of his research across global scientific communities.

His teaching roles have influenced students in Yemen and China, bridging cultural and academic gaps and promoting the advancement of science and technology in developing nations. As a researcher, he is building technological solutions that promise to revolutionize communication infrastructure, particularly in areas with growing data demands.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Qasem is well-positioned to become a leading global voice in communication and nano-device research. His interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering principles with real-world applications, makes him a valuable asset to the international scientific community.

He aims to expand collaborative research, enhance telecommunication infrastructure for underdeveloped regions, and contribute to the green transition of digital technologies. His current role at Donghai Laboratory opens the door to transformative innovations that could define the next decade of smart connectivity.

Dr. Qasem’s legacy is still in the making, but his vision, determination, and accomplishments already make him a suitable candidate for prestigious research honors, including the Best Researcher Award.

Underwater image transmission using spatial modulation unequal error protection for internet of underwater things

Author: H Esmaiel, ZAH Qasem, H Sun, J Wang, NU Rehman Junejo
Journal: Sensors
Year: 2019

Multi-stage feature extraction and classification for ship-radiated noise

Author: H Esmaiel, D Xie, ZAH Qasem, H Sun, J Qi, J Wang
Journal: Sensors
Year: 2021