Sharif Iraqu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharif Iraqu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University | India

Dr. Sharif Iraqu is a dedicated researcher and academician in the field of Chemistry, currently serving as a Guest Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, Naveen Government Girls College, Pendra Road, Chhattisgarh. He completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (a Central University established by an Act of Parliament, Government of India), Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, with his doctoral thesis focusing on “Selectivity in metal ion sensing and dye degradation capabilities of chalcopyrite and cadmium sulfide nanoparticles.” He also holds an M.Sc. (2020) and B.Sc. (Hons.) (2018) in Chemistry from the same university. Dr. Iraqu has contributed as a Project Associate at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University under a project funded by the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), Delhi, and has been recognized with prestigious fellowships, including the UGC-University Fellowship (2021–2023) and IUAC Project Fellowship (2023–2024). His research primarily centers on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials with enhanced functionalities for environmental applications, such as wastewater treatment and pollutant removal. His work encompasses photocatalytic dye degradation, heavy metal ion sensing, insecticide detection, and theoretical studies using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to explore molecular interactions and reactivity. Dr. Iraqu’s future research aims to design functional semiconductor nanomaterials and heterojunction architectures for efficient water purification, environmental remediation, and large-scale photocatalytic applications, bridging theoretical insights with experimental advancements for sustainable technological solutions.

Profiles: Orcid 

Featured Publications

"Bi-functional aqueous starch capped CdS quantum dots synthesis and their application as sensor of heavy metal-ions as well as photocatalytic dye degradation, Journal of Molecular Liquids, Sajiya Iraqui; Arati Dubey; Irudhayaraj Savarimuthu; Ajay Shankar; Adhish Jaiswal; Indra Bahadur; Imran Uddin; Faruq Mohammad, 2023"

Damandeep Kaur | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Damandeep Kaur | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Applied Physics 'Nello Carrara' | Italy

Dr. Damandeep Kaur is a dedicated researcher in Materials Science and Engineering, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Applied Physics, CNR, Florence (since July 2024). She earned her Ph.D. (2017–2022) from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, India, where her thesis focused on biobased silica from rice husk and straw for the synthesis of biocompatible glasses. She also holds an M.Sc. in Physics (2011–2013) from Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University, where she studied the optical properties of magnesium borate glasses. With over a decade of academic and research experience, she previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Trento, Italy (2022–2024), and as a Teaching Associate at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (2018–2021). Dr. Kaur has actively participated in numerous international conferences, workshops, and schools across Europe and North America, including events organized by the American Ceramics Society and European Ceramics Society. She is an active member of several professional bodies such as the American Ceramics Society, European Ceramics Society (Italy chapter), and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and contributes to the research community as a reviewer for Frontiers in Oncology. Her technical skills are enhanced through specialized training in COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, and IELTS C1 certification, reflecting her strong interdisciplinary expertise in materials science, optics, and applied research.

Profiles: ScopusOrcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Structural, luminescent and in vitro studies of europium-doped soda lime phosphate glasses, Luminescence, Priya, R.; Kaur, D.; Attri, K.; Kaur, S.; Sharda, D.; Choudhury, D.; Pandey, O.P., 2024"

"Production of silica nanoparticles from rice husk and rice straw by fungal-mediated biotransformation using Pleurotus florida, Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, Kaur, D.; Pandey, O.P.; Reddy, M.S., 2023"

"Effect of Crystalline Ceramic Oxide on the Densification-Crystallization Behavior of Binary Lithium-Di Silicate Glass Compositions, Proceedings of the American Society for Composites - 37th Technical Conference, ASC 2022, Rahman, A.; Kaur, D., 2022"

"In-vitro Reactivity and Antibacterial Activity of Agro-waste Derived Silicate and Phosphate Glasses, Research Square, Kaur, D.; Reddy, M.S.; Pandey, O.P., 2021"

"Agro waste as a source of bioactive glass for targeted drug delivery and bone implantation, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, Damandeep Kaur, 2021"

Peyala Dharmaiah | Thermoelectric Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Peyala Dharmaiah | Thermoelectric Materials | Best Researcher Award

Changwon National University | South Korea

Author Profiles

Scopus

Orcid ID

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Peyala Dharmaiah began his academic journey with a strong foundation in physics, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Sri Venkateswara University, India, where he demonstrated excellence with consistently high grades. His curiosity for advanced materials research led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Advanced Materials Engineering at Kongju National University, South Korea. During his doctoral studies, he worked extensively on thermoelectric materials, focusing on enhancing performance in BiSbTe-based alloys through structural optimization. His early academic path reflects a strong blend of theoretical understanding and practical experimentation, laying the groundwork for his distinguished research career.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Dharmaiah’s professional trajectory spans prestigious institutions in India and South Korea. Beginning as a UGC project fellow at Sri Venkateswara University, he gained valuable experience in luminescent materials and photonic applications. Post-Ph.D., he contributed significantly as a postdoctoral fellow at Kongju National University and later at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), where he specialized in advanced thermoelectric materials and device fabrication. Currently, as a G-LAMP Post-Doctoral Fellow at Changwon National University, he continues to refine his expertise in 2D layered Zintl phase materials and their thermoelectric applications. His career reflects continuous growth, innovation, and leadership in material sciences.

Contributions and Research Focus

The central theme of Dr. Dharmaiah’s research is thermoelectric materials for power generation and cooling applications. He has developed advanced synthesis and processing methods such as spark plasma sintering, hot pressing, and atomization techniques to produce high-performance materials suitable for commercialization. His innovations include hierarchical structures, nanocomposites, and microstructural engineering for performance enhancement. Beyond BiSbTe alloys, his research extends to layered Zintl phases, manganese silicides, and doped glass-ceramics, showcasing versatility. His patents on thermoelectric alloys and multi-layered structures highlight his contribution to both academic and industrial applications.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Dharmaiah’s work has advanced the field of thermoelectrics by bridging laboratory-scale research with industrial-scale production methods. His ability to produce high-quality thermoelectric powders in bulk and fabricate large-diameter samples demonstrates the commercialization potential of his research. His awards for oral and poster presentations, including recognition from the Korean Institute of Metals and Materials, underscore the impact of his findings in global scientific forums. Moreover, his guidance to students and collaborative projects have amplified his influence within the research community.

Academic Citations and Recognition

With numerous conference presentations across Korea, the USA, Canada, China, and India, Dr. Dharmaiah has established himself as a global voice in thermoelectric materials research. His published patents serve as a benchmark for innovative manufacturing methods in the field. Recognitions such as the Research Note Award at KIST, best presentation awards, and photography excellence awards highlight his multifaceted talent in both technical and creative aspects of research dissemination. His citations and continued participation in high-level academic conferences reinforce his credibility as a leading researcher.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Dharmaiah’s legacy lies in his systematic contributions to advancing thermoelectric technology from conceptual research to real-world applications. His pioneering methods of powder synthesis, consolidation, and device fabrication have set a strong foundation for next-generation renewable energy solutions. Looking ahead, his ongoing work on 2D layered Zintl materials promises breakthroughs in sustainable energy harvesting technologies. With his blend of technical expertise, innovative patents, and academic mentorship, he is poised to make impactful contributions that will shape the future of energy materials research globally.

Conclusion

Dr. Peyala Dharmaiah exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated researcher whose career reflects academic brilliance, technical innovation, and global impact. From his early academic pursuits to his current advanced research roles, he has consistently contributed to the progress of thermoelectric materials science. His patents, publications, and awards highlight both originality and practical relevance. With a promising trajectory, Dr. Dharmaiah stands out as a strong candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award, symbolizing excellence, innovation, and lasting influence in the field of advanced materials.

Notable Publications

“Development of two-dimensional layered ZnSb-based thermoelectric materials via alkali metal alloying

  • Author: P. Dharmaiah*, G.M. Park, M. Heo, J. Ju, H.S. Kim, H.J. Park, S.O. Won, T.H. Kim, S.K. Kim, J.S. Kim, S.H. Baek
  • Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
  • Year: 2025

"Enhancement of thermoelectric properties in p-type ZnSb alloys through Cu-doping and synthesis of layered structure materials

  • Author: R Yemmi, BEK Swamy, KM Manjunath, K Yusuf, AM Aljuwayid
  • Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
  • Year: 2024

"Why is it challenging to improve the thermoelectric properties of n-type Bi2Te3 alloys?

  • Author: P Dharmaiah, SJ Jung, JS Kim, SK Kim, SH Baek
  • Journal: Applied Physics Reviews
  • Year: 2024

"Advancement of thermoelectric performances through the dispersion of expanded graphene on p-type BiSbTe alloys

  • Author: E.H. Go, R. Vasudevan, B. Madavali, P. Dharmaiah, M.W. Shin, S.H. Song, S.J. Hong
  • Journal: Powder Metallurgy
  • Year: 2023

"Optimization of mixed grain size structure for enhancement of thermoelectric figure of merit in p-type BiSbTe-based alloys

  • Author: P Dharmaiah, DH Kim, J Kwon, Y Lee, S Geum, G Lee, M Kang, SJ Hong
  • Journal: Journal of Materials Science
  • Year: 2022