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

 

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