Abu Farzan Mitul | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abu Farzan Mitul | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Leidos | United States

Dr. Abu Farzan Mitul is an accomplished researcher and educator specializing in opto-electronic device fabrication, fiber optic sensing technologies, and nanostructured thin-film materials. His research bridges the intersection of photonics, materials science, and advanced sensing systems — contributing to innovations that enhance environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and biomedical diagnostics. Dr. Mitul earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), USA, where he designed and developed advanced fiber Bragg grating sensors and thin-film photonic devices for multi-parameter sensing applications. His earlier academic training includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Applied Physics, Electronics, and Communication Engineering from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Throughout his career, Dr. Mitul has collaborated with leading U.S. research institutions and agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), and NASA, focusing on next-generation optoelectronic and energy-efficient sensing systems. His extensive publication record spans high-impact journals and international conferences in photonics, sensor technology, and materials characterization. In addition to his research, Dr. Mitul has served as a faculty member and laboratory instructor, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in electronics, photonics, and experimental physics. He is passionate about advancing interdisciplinary research in fiber optic sensing, MEMS/NEMS devices, photonic integrated systems, and nanotechnology-driven device engineering. Dr. Mitul continues to explore innovative pathways toward miniaturized, high-sensitivity photonic systems with applications across environmental, aerospace, and biomedical fields — aligning cutting-edge materials research with sustainable technological development.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar | Linkedin

Featured Publications

Adhikari, N., Dubey, A., Khatiwada, D., Mitul, A. F., Wang, Q., Venkatesan, S., & Qiao, Q. (2015). Interfacial study to suppress charge carrier recombination for high efficiency perovskite solar cells. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 7(48), 26445–26454. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5b08343

Rana, G. M. S. M., Khan, A. A. M., Hoque, M. N., & Mitul, A. F. (2013, December). Design and implementation of a GSM based remote home security and appliance control system. In 2013 2nd International Conference on Advances in Electrical Engineering (ICAEE) (pp. 291–295). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAEE.2013.6750340

Khatiwada, D., Venkatesan, S., Adhikari, N., Dubey, A., Mitul, A. F., Mohammad, L., … & Qiao, Q. (2015). Efficient perovskite solar cells by temperature control in single and mixed halide precursor solutions and films. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 119(46), 25747–25753. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b08667

Mitul, A. F., Mohammad, L., Venkatesan, S., Adhikari, N., Sigdel, S., Wang, Q., … & Qiao, Q. (2015). Low temperature efficient interconnecting layer for tandem polymer solar cells. Nano Energy, 11, 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2014.10.030

Venkatesan, S., Ngo, E. C., Chen, Q., Dubey, A., Mohammad, L., Adhikari, N., … & Qiao, Q. (2014). Benzothiadiazole-based polymer for single and double junction solar cells with high open circuit voltage. Nanoscale, 6(12), 7093–7100. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NR00606H

Islam, M. M., Rafi, F. H. M., Mitul, A. F., Ahmad, M., Rashid, M. A., & Malek, M. F. B. A. (2012, May). Development of a noninvasive continuous blood pressure measurement and monitoring system. In 2012 International Conference on Informatics, Electronics & Vision (ICIEV) (pp. 695–699). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIEV.2012.6317425

 

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

 

Oluwole John Famoriji | Communication Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13301

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oluwole John Famoriji | Communication Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oluwole John Famoriji, Achievers University, Nigeria

Dr. Oluwole John Famoriji is an accomplished academic and professional in the field of Communication Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Achievers University, Nigeria. With a Ph.D. in Electronic Science and Technology from the University of Science and Technology of China, he has a wealth of expertise in antenna array signal processing, wireless communications, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Famoriji has received numerous accolades, including the 2017 Outstanding Research Assistant award and the 2015 CAS-TWAS PhD President Fellowship. He is a member of various professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE), and has actively contributed to academic communities through his leadership and review work for prestigious journals.

Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Oluwole John Famoriji’s academic journey began in Igbajo, Osun State, Nigeria, where he attended Baptist Day School from 1989 to 1995. He laid the foundation of his education in a community that values learning and development. After completing his primary education, he progressed to Kiriji Memorial College, Igbajo, between 1995 and 2001, where his passion for learning and technology continued to grow. Later, he attended Community High School, Igbajo, in 2001–2002, before moving forward with his tertiary education.

Dr. Famoriji’s higher education trajectory was remarkable. He first earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in 2009. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. He pursued a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Communications Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2014, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Electronic Science and Technology from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2019. His early academic endeavors reflected his deep commitment to understanding the world of electronics, communication systems, and their applications in modern society. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future career as a leading scholar in communication engineering.

Professional Endeavors ⚙️

Dr. Famoriji’s professional journey has been both distinguished and impactful. As a professor at Achievers University, Owo, in Nigeria, Dr. Famoriji is at the forefront of educating the next generation of engineers in the field of Electrical and Information Engineering. His expertise spans areas such as Communication Engineering, Antenna Array Signal Processing, Applied Electromagnetics, Wireless Communications, Soft Computing, and Artificial Intelligence.

Over the years, Dr. Famoriji has made significant strides in both teaching and research. He has worked on several high-level research projects, particularly in the area of antenna systems, wireless communication technologies, and artificial intelligence. These research projects have not only advanced knowledge in his field but also enhanced the technological capabilities of his academic and professional community.

Dr. Famoriji’s professional involvement extends beyond the classroom. He is an active member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). His involvement with these organizations has facilitated the exchange of ideas, professional growth, and innovation in the field of engineering.

Contributions and Research Focus 📡

Dr. Famoriji’s research is centered around various cutting-edge fields, including antenna array signal processing, wireless communications, applied electromagnetics, and artificial intelligence. His work on antenna array systems, for example, has opened new avenues for the development of more efficient and effective communication systems, which are crucial in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.

One of his major contributions is his research in RF Propagation and its application in wireless communication systems. This area is critical to ensuring reliable, high-speed communication, especially in remote and urban environments. Additionally, Dr. Famoriji has delved into soft computing and intelligent systems, which are essential for creating smarter, more efficient technologies.

His academic expertise has led to his review and publication of research in several prestigious academic journals, including IEEE Access, IEEE Sensor, Optical Electronics Journal, and Journal of Information Engineering and Applications. These contributions have shaped the discourse within his field, influencing the direction of future research in communication engineering.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Famoriji’s dedication to academic excellence and research has not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious awards, including the 2017 Outstanding Research Assistant award from the Micro-/Nano Electronic System Integration R&D Centre (MESIC), University of Science and Technology of China. He also received the Innovation Spirit Award in 2016 for his exemplary contributions to research and innovation.

One of his most notable recognitions came in 2015 when he was awarded the CAS-TWAS PhD President Fellowship by the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) and The World Academy of Science (TWAS). This fellowship is awarded to a select group of scholars, recognizing their potential for future contributions to scientific knowledge and technological advancements.

Publication Top Notes

A Multiclass Support Vector Machine Based Direction-of-Arrival Estimation Technique using Spherical Antenna Array with Undefined Mutual Coupling

Contributors: Famoriji, O.J.; Shongwe, T.
Journal: Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics
Year: 2024