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.

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

 

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)