Chinedu Okere | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 14012

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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.

Yonas Gezahegn | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yonas Gezahegn | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Nestle Purina/Washington State University | United States

Dr. Yonas A. Gezahegn is a distinguished research and development engineer specializing in thermal and food process engineering, with extensive expertise in microwave-assisted thermal sterilization and pasteurization, heat and mass transfer, biochemical engineering, and food safety. With over 15 years of academic and industry experience, Dr. Gezahegn has developed a strong reputation for integrating engineering principles with advanced experimental and computational methods to optimize food processing and thermal treatment technologies. His research bridges the gap between fundamental engineering science and industrial applications, ensuring both efficiency and safety in food production systems. Dr. Gezahegn’s academic training includes a PhD in Biological Systems Engineering (Food Engineering) from Washington State University, where he focused on optimization of microwave-assisted thermal sterilization and pasteurization processes using analytical models and computer simulations. His prior degrees include a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from Addis Ababa University, and a Bachelor’s in Food and Biochemical Technology from Bahir Dar University, where his research addressed critical challenges in oil and fat extraction, fermentation, and food quality assessment. Currently serving as R&D Process Engineer – Thermal Process Expert at Nestle Purina, Dr. Gezahegn leads projects on process improvement, thermal sterilization validation, and retort commissioning for low-acid and acidified food products. He has successfully managed large-scale research projects, including microwave-assisted thermal processing of breaded meats, temperature distribution studies, and process optimization for commercial food production. His work also encompasses pilot-plant scale-up, analytical characterization, and data-driven modeling to ensure precise control of thermal processing conditions. Dr. Gezahegn has published over 12 peer-reviewed journal articles in top-tier journals, including the Journal of Food Engineering, Current Research in Food Science, Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, Food Science and Nutrition, and LWT – Food Science and Technology. His publications focus on microwave-assisted processing, dielectric properties of foods, thermal pasteurization optimization, and oil extraction technologies. Notably, his research has led to multiple patents, including a utility model for screw expeller-based shea butter extraction and pending patents on gluten-free pizza crust and crispy breaded food processes. His work has been widely cited in the food engineering and process optimization communities, highlighting his influence in both academic and industrial research. In addition to research, Dr. Gezahegn has contributed extensively to industry-academic collaborations, securing competitive grants such as the USDA-NIFA and WSU Hatch projects totaling over USD 4 million, and Ethiopian national projects on drying and fermentation of plant-based products. Dr. Gezahegn published 12+ peer-reviewed articles, 550 Citations and 10 H-index.  His projects integrate  analytical modeling, simulation, experimental validation, and process design to improve efficiency, safety, and nutritional quality in food production. Dr. Gezahegn has served as a reviewer for journals including Applied Food Research, Journal of Food Engineering, and the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, reflecting his standing in the research community. His leadership extends to professional societies, including IFT, IMPI, SoFE, and ASABE, and he has held roles such as President of the Food Engineering Club and departmental representative in the Graduate and Professional Student Association. Overall, Dr. Gezahegn’s work demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing food engineering, thermal process optimization, and industrial innovation, making significant contributions to improving food safety, process efficiency, and product quality. His research portfolio combines rigorous academic scholarship with practical applications, establishing him as a leading expert in thermal food processing and microwave-assisted sterilization technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Gezahegn, Y., Tang, J., et al. (2024). Development and validation of engineering charts: Heating time and optimal salt content prediction for microwave assisted thermal sterilization. Journal of Food Engineering, 369, 111909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2023.111909

Gezahegn, Y., Yoon-Ki, H., Tang, J., et al. (2023). Development and validation of analytical charts for microwave assisted thermal pasteurization of selected food products. Journal of Food Engineering, 349, 111434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2023.111434

Zhou, X., Gezahegn, Y., et al. (2023). Theoretical reasons for rapid heating of vegetable oils by microwaves. Current Research in Food Science, 7, 100641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100641

Gezahegn, Y., Tang, J., Sablani, S., et al. (2021). Dielectric properties of water relevant to microwave assisted thermal pasteurization and sterilization of packaged foods. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 74, 102837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2021.102837

Gezahegn, Y., Emire, S., & Asfaw, S. (2016). Optimization of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter quality using screw expeller extraction. Food Science & Nutrition, 4(6), 840–847. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.351

Gezahegn, Y., Emire, S., & Asfaw, S. (2016). Effect of processing factors on Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter extraction. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 66, 172–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2015.10.036

 

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.

Huiqin jia | Engineering | Women Researcher Award | 13437

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Prof. Huiqin jia | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Huiqin jia, xi’an shiyou university, China

Prof. Huiqin Jia, a distinguished faculty member at Xi’an Shiyou University, China, is a leading expert in multiphase flow detection methods and related signal processing algorithms. With a Ph.D. earned in 2003 and rich experience across academia and industry, she has spearheaded over 20 high-impact scientific research projects and collaborated with major enterprises such as CNOOC, Sinopec, and PetroChina. Her prolific contributions include 70+ published papers, 20+ patents, and numerous software copyrights. Her innovative work in ultrasound, radio frequency, and optical detection techniques has significantly advanced measurement technologies in the oil and gas sector.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Huiqin Jia embarked on her academic journey with a solid foundation in engineering and applied sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in 2003, demonstrating early excellence in scientific inquiry and dedication to solving real-world engineering problems. Her passion for technological innovation and multidisciplinary research guided her path toward applied instrumentation and process control — especially in fields closely tied to energy systems and industrial measurement technologies.

During her early academic years, Prof. Jia laid the groundwork for what would become a prolific research career. Her graduate and doctoral work shaped her interest in multiphase flow systems, a complex and essential area for oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Following her doctoral studies, Prof. Jia gained extensive experience in industry, which significantly enriched her practical understanding of engineering challenges. Her transition to academia marked a new chapter, where she blended theoretical insight with field-based application.

As a professor at Xi’an Shiyou University, she has led more than 20 national, provincial, and ministerial research projects, including strategic collaborations with industrial leaders such as CNOOC Oilfield Services, Sinopec, and PetroChina. This strong academia-industry synergy has allowed her to translate scientific theories into commercially viable and technologically advanced products.

Her leadership roles also extend to academic peer review, currently serving as a reviewer for the Journal of Measurement and Control Technology, a testament to her respected authority in the field.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Jia’s research primarily focuses on multiphase flow detection methods, a challenging area critical to process control in petroleum and chemical industries. She has developed groundbreaking technologies, including:

  • An ultrasound-based detection system for measuring flow characteristics in oil and gas extraction.

  • A radio frequency method for water content measurement.

  • An optical detection system for foam content analysis.

These innovations are not just academic; they are the basis for several instruments now used in industry to improve operational safety, accuracy, and efficiency.

Her contributions have resulted in:

  • Over 70 published research papers, many in high-impact SCI and Scopus-indexed journals.

  • More than 20 authorized invention patents.

  • Over 30 software copyrights.

  • 10 consultancy/industry projects, demonstrating applied impact.

  • One published book with ISBN.

  • 13 citation index entries, marking the influence of her work across scholarly networks.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Jia is widely recognized for her contributions to both science and society. She is a respected member of:

  • The China Petroleum Society

  • The China Instrument and Control Society

Her selection as a nominee for the Women Research Award is a reflection of her role as a trailblazer among women in engineering and instrumentation. Her continued contributions, especially in male-dominated technical fields, highlight her as a role model for aspiring women researchers.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The impact of Prof. Jia’s work goes beyond academic citations. Her innovative measurement tools have real-world utility, enabling better monitoring and control in energy production processes. Her close collaborations with China’s major oil enterprises demonstrate her role in bridging the gap between research and industry, influencing both technological advancement and economic development.

Her consultancy projects not only solve industry-specific problems but also foster long-term research alliances that enable sustainable innovation in the field of process measurement and automation.

🔗 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Huiqin Jia’s legacy is already marked by a blend of academic excellence, industrial collaboration, and technological innovation. Looking forward, she is well-positioned to:

  • Expand research into AI-enhanced signal processing for multiphase systems.

  • Mentor the next generation of female scientists and engineers.

  • Further strengthen the link between academic research and practical industrial solutions.

Her work is setting a high standard for applied instrumentation research in China and internationally, offering innovative solutions to long-standing engineering challenges.

📄 Publication Top Notes

Artificial neural network model based on improved VMD algorithm to monitor sand mass flow rate in natural gas pipeline

Author: H., Jia, , , F., Li, FeHuiqini, … J., Zhao, Jiaxuan, Z., Sun, Zhimeng
Journal: Measurement
Year: 2025

Design and simulation of small-sized antenna in microwave transmission method for water content measurement instrument

Author: H., Jia, Huiqin, D., Wan, Dandan, J., Zhou, Jiacheng, Y., Wei, Yi
Journal: Measurement and
Year: 2024