Jacinta Okwako | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jacinta Okwako | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Jacinta Okwako at University of Nairobi, Kenya

Jacinta Akoth Okwako is a dynamic and forward-thinking researcher specializing in renewable energy technologies, photoelectrochromic devices, and energy policy analysis. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Nairobi, focusing on the fabrication and characterization of doped tungsten oxide nanoparticles for smart window applications. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, Jacinta brings a multidisciplinary perspective that combines physics, policy, and practical engineering solutions to advance sustainable infrastructure. Her work has been published in leading scientific journals and presented at high-level international conferences, showcasing her as a rising expert in solar-powered intelligent building systems.

🔹Professional Profile:

Orcid Profile

🎓Education Background

  • Ph.D. in Physics (2020 – Present)
    University of Nairobi, Kenya
    Dissertation: Fabrication and Characterization of Doped Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticles for Photoelectrochromic Device Applications

  • M.Sc. in Energy Policy (2016 – 2018)
    Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES), Algeria
    Dissertation: Assessing Implementation of Energy Efficiency and Management in Industries – A Case of Kenyan Industries

  • M.Sc. in Physics (2013 – 2019)
    University of Nairobi, Kenya
    Dissertation: Optical and Electrical Characterization of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ Thin Film Deposited by SILAR Technique

  • Bachelor of Education (Science) – Physics & Mathematics (2008 – 2012)
    University of Nairobi, Kenya – Second Class Honors, Upper Division

  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (2003 – 2006)
    Moi Forces Academy – Mombasa – Mean Grade: A

💼 Professional Development

Jacinta Okwako is currently a Physics Lecturer at the Kenya Institute of Survey and Mapping since January 2020. She previously served as a Physics and Mathematics teacher at multiple institutions including Windle Trust Kenya (Dadaab Refugee Camp), Kianda School (Nairobi), and Moi Forces Academy (Mombasa). Her teaching background is complemented by active research collaborations with institutions in Korea and international participation in renewable energy conferences and workshops. Her ability to integrate education with applied science highlights her strength as both a mentor and a researcher.

🔬Research Focus

  • Photoelectrochromic and Electrochromic Smart Window Technologies

  • Doped Nanomaterials for Solar Energy Applications

  • Sustainable Building Design and Energy Efficiency

  • Thin Film Deposition Techniques

  • Energy Policy Implementation and Industrial Energy Management

  • Light Modulation and Thermal Control in Materials Science

  • Interdisciplinary Renewable Energy Systems

📈Author Metrics:

  • Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals:

    • Energies, Electrochimica Acta, Electrochemistry Communications, and IEEE Nano

  • Google Scholar Citations: Data not public, but publications are cited in high-quality, peer-reviewed outlets

  • Key Collaborations: With researchers from Korea Institute of Renewable Energy, including co-authored international papers and IEEE conference proceedings

  • Notable Research Contributions: Development of co-doped WO₃ and hybrid materials for self-powered smart windows and energy-efficient devices

Awards & Honors

  • 3rd Best Poster Presentation Award – SE4A Summer School, Cameroon (2017)

  • Participant – Summer School on Renewable Energy, Cologne, Germany (2017)

  • Presenter – Solar Energy Materials & Applications Conference, Tunisia (2017)

  • Certification – Lay Counselling by KEEP & UKAid (2016)

  • Entrepreneurship Workshop Graduate – Kenya School of Monetary Studies (2014)

📝Publication Top Notes

1. Enhanced Photoelectrochromic Performance of WO₃ Through MoS₂ and GO–MoS₂ Quantum Dot Doping for Self-Powered Smart Window Application

  • Journal: Energies

  • Date: May 8, 2025

  • DOI: 10.3390/en18102411

  • Authors: Jacinta Akoth Okwako, Seung-Han Song, Sunghyoek Park, Sebastian Waita, Bernard Aduda, Young-Sik Hong, Chi-Hwan Han

  • Highlights:
    This study introduces a novel doping strategy using MoS₂ and GO–MoS₂ quantum dots to enhance the photoelectrochromic efficiency of tungsten oxide (WO₃). The work presents a self-powered smart window prototype, offering significant improvements in light modulation and energy harvesting capabilities.

2. Tailor-made Anodically Coloring Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Electrochromic Materials Derived from Phenothiazine Cores

  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta

  • Date: December 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2024.145156

  • Authors: Sunghyeok Park, Hyojin Cho, Abdullah Bin Faheem, Seunghan Song, Hung Van Tran, Jacinta Akoth Okwako, Kyung-Koo Lee, Chi-Hwan Han, Young S. Park, Sungjun Hong

  • Highlights:
    This research develops hybrid electrochromic materials with phenothiazine core derivatives, enabling advanced optical tunability and coloring performance in smart window applications.

3. Synergistic Effects of Co-Doping WO₃ with Al and Pt on Photoelectrochromic Performance

  • Journal: Electrochemistry Communications

  • Date: August 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2024.107762

  • Authors: Jacinta Akoth Okwako, Seung Han Song, Sunghyoek Park, Hung Van Tran, Bernard O. Aduda, Sebastian Waita, Young-Sik Hong, Sungjun Hong, Chi-Hwan Han

  • Highlights:
    Investigates the co-doping of WO₃ with aluminum and platinum, resulting in improved optical contrast, response speed, and overall photoelectrochromic behavior, enhancing the potential for next-gen smart windows.

4. Performance Comparison of Different Methyl Group Positioning on Salicylic Acid Sensitizers for Photoelectrochromic Device

  • Conference: IEEE 23rd International Conference on Nanotechnology (NANO)

  • Date: July 2, 2023

  • DOI: 10.1109/NANO58406.2023.10231267

  • Authors: Seok In Lee, Jacinta Akoth Okwako, Seung Han Song, Sunghyoek Park, Thuy Thi Dao, Hung Van Tran, Bernard O. Aduda, Sebastian Waita, Young-Sik Hong, Kyungwon Kwak, et al.

  • Highlights:
    Compares the photoelectrochromic efficiency of salicylic acid-based sensitizers with different methyl group positions. The study informs molecular design strategies for improved device performance in solar-responsive electrochromic systems.

.Conclusion:

Ms. Jacinta Akoth Okwako is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award given her innovative contributions to renewable energy materials science, especially in the niche of photoelectrochromic devices and smart windows, a field with strong sustainability relevance. Her multidisciplinary approach, international collaborations, and solid publication record demonstrate her research excellence and potential to significantly advance solar-powered intelligent building systems.

To further strengthen her candidacy, efforts towards enhancing research visibility, patenting innovations, and expanding leadership roles would be beneficial. Nonetheless, her current achievements and trajectory clearly position her as a rising leader and a worthy recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Sowrov Komar Shib | Renewable Energy | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Sowrov Komar Shib | Renewable Energy | Young Researcher Award

Research Assistant, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Bangladesh

Sowrov Komar Shib is an ambitious and driven Electrical and Electronics Engineering student at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), with a focus on IoT, renewable energy systems, power electronics, and VLSI design. Recognized for his award-winning ideas and research, Sowrov has published and presented papers at international conferences. He is passionate about advancing technology through collaborative leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning.

🔹Professional Profile:

Google Scholar Profile

🎓Education Background

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)
January 2021 – Present (Expected Graduation: May 2025)
CGPA: 3.94/4.00
Relevant Courses: Power System Analysis, Renewable Energy Systems, Digital System Design, Programming Language, VLSI, Telecommunication Engineering

💼 Professional Development

  • Research Assistant at ReGED (Dec 2023 – Nov 2024)
    Collaborated on renewable energy integration research, which led to an IEEE publication. Designed simulations using MATLAB, Python, and Simulink, contributing to data analysis and presentation of findings.

  • General Student Member at IEEE AIUB Student Branch (Sep 2023 – Present)
    Actively participated in networking, technical workshops, webinars, and publication initiatives with fellow members and professionals in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

🔬Research Focus

Sowrov has authored several papers in notable international conferences and journals. His most recent work, “Perspectives and Pathways to a Carbon-free Advanced Power Network (CAPN) in Bangladesh for Sustainable Development,” is under review with Elsevier, highlighting his research on sustainable energy solutions. He has also presented at IEEE TENCON 2024 and SAGE-Grace 2024, further showcasing his contributions to the field of renewable energy.

📈Author Metrics:

Sowrov has authored several papers in notable international conferences and journals. His most recent work, “Perspectives and Pathways to a Carbon-free Advanced Power Network (CAPN) in Bangladesh for Sustainable Development,” is under review with Elsevier, highlighting his research on sustainable energy solutions. He has also presented at IEEE TENCON 2024 and SAGE-Grace 2024, further showcasing his contributions to the field of renewable energy.

🏆Awards and Honors:

  • Dean’s Awards for outstanding academic performance (Multiple semesters)

  • Magna Cum Laude (Silver Medal) – Graduating with distinction from AIUB, Class of 2025 (Expected)

  • 70% Academic Scholarship for consistent excellence

  • Best Paper Award at UMYGRACE 2024, Indonesia for “Smart IoT-enabled Solar Power Supervision and Regulation System”

  • VLSI Competition at MindSpark23 – Secured 5th Position in a national-level competition

  • IEEE TENCON 2024, SAGE-Grace 2024, ICA-SYMP’2025, and I-Coste 2024 – Accepted and presented papers in international conferences.

📝Publication Top Notes

1. IoT-based Smartgrid System for Continuous Power Supply in Smart Cities

  • Authors: SK Shib, DR Dipto, MTI Mim, MA Islam, R Akter, A Shufian
  • Conference: 2024 3rd International Conference on Advancement in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Year: 2024
  • Abstract: This paper explores the potential of IoT technologies in smart grids for ensuring continuous and reliable power supply in smart cities. It discusses the integration of IoT-based solutions to monitor, control, and manage power distribution efficiently, thereby enhancing the resilience and sustainability of urban power systems.

2. Smart IoT-enabled Solar Power Supervision and Regulation System

  • Authors: SK Shib, MT Rahman, DR Dipto, A Shufian, MSR Zishan, R Basak
  • Publication: BIO Web of Conferences 144, 02004
  • Year: 2024
  • Abstract: The paper presents an IoT-enabled solar power supervision and regulation system. It discusses the use of IoT sensors to monitor the performance of solar power systems in real-time and regulate their output to optimize energy distribution. This system is especially useful for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid efficiently.

3. Design and Feasibility of Off-Grid Photovoltaic Charging Stations for EVs in Remote Areas

  • Authors: MI Hossain, SK Shib, DR Dipto, T Banik, A Shufian, MMH Emon
  • Conference: 2024 International Conference on Innovation and Intelligence for Informatics and Computing
  • Year: 2024
  • Abstract: This research investigates the design and feasibility of off-grid photovoltaic (solar) charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in remote areas. The study highlights the potential of using renewable energy in areas with limited access to grid electricity, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for electric vehicle charging.

4. Perspectives and Pathways to a Carbon-free Advanced Power Network (CAPN) in Bangladesh for Sustainable Development

  • Authors: A Shufian, MT Rahman, SK Shib, DR Dipto, S Kabir, SA Fattah
  • Publication: Cleaner Energy Systems 10, 100172
  • Year: 2025
  • Abstract: This paper proposes a carbon-free advanced power network (CAPN) for Bangladesh, aiming to transition the country toward sustainable energy solutions. It discusses the pathways to integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid, with a focus on policy recommendations, technical challenges, and the economic impact of such a transition.

5. Fuzzy Logic-controlled Three-phase Dynamic Voltage Restorer for Enhancing Voltage Stabilization and Power Quality

  • Authors: A Shufian, SK Shib, DR Dipto, MT Rahman, N Hannan, SA Fattah
  • Publication: International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems 166, 110517
  • Year: 2025
  • Abstract: This research introduces a fuzzy logic-controlled three-phase dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) designed to improve voltage stabilization and power quality in electrical systems. The paper presents the design and simulation results for a DVR that uses fuzzy logic to dynamically adjust the voltage to compensate for power quality issues, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery.

Conclusion:

Sowrov Komar Shib is a highly deserving candidate for the Young Researcher Award based on his exceptional academic record, innovative research contributions, and demonstrated passion for renewable energy and smart grid systems. His work not only advances the field of electrical and electronics engineering but also contributes to global sustainability efforts, particularly in renewable energy integration and IoT-based power solutions. With a strong foundation and the potential for further development, Sowrov’s research will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of energy systems.

To maximize his potential, focusing on broadening his research collaborations, increasing practical applications of his work, and publishing in high-impact journals will allow him to refine his skills and make an even greater impact in his field.