Oluwakemi Florence Falana | Technological Networks | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Oluwakemi Florence Falana | Technological Networks | Young Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology Akure | Nigeria

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Oluwakemi Florence Falana began her academic journey at Temidire Nursery and Primary School, Ondo (1990–1995) before proceeding to St. Louis Secondary School, Ondo State (1995–2001). Her passion for science and human health drove her into the field of Food Science and Technology, starting with a National Diploma at Ondo State Polytechnic (2003–2005). She further earned her B.Tech (Hons) degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (2006–2010), followed by an MSc at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (2011–2014). Her academic progression culminated in a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology (Human Nutrition) from FUTA in 2025, demonstrating her consistency, focus, and dedication to specialized research in human nutrition.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Falana’s professional development has been enriched through academic research, conference participation, and active engagement with national professional bodies. Her membership with the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (since 2008) and the Nigerian Society of Nutrition (2025) reflects her professional recognition. Her NYSC service and training in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention further highlight her community-oriented professional development.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her research primarily explores the nutritional, functional, and therapeutic potentials of underutilized crops such as breadfruit, cassava, and African yam beans. She has consistently examined how these food resources can be enriched and processed to combat malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol-related conditions. Her doctoral thesis (2025) on poundo-breadfruit enriched with legumes and brans demonstrates an innovative approach to food diversification and functional food development.

Impact and Influence

Through her scholarly contributions, Dr. Falana has provided evidence-based insights into functional foods that can address nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle-related diseases. Her journal publications on proximate, mineral, sensory, and functional evaluations of enriched breadfruit-based meals are valuable references for both industry practitioners and academic researchers. By presenting her works in international conferences, she has contributed to discussions on sustainable food systems and innovative dietary solutions for Africa.

Academic Cites

Her published works in reputable journals such as Food Chemistry Advances and Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Alimentaria stand as academic milestones. These contributions not only expand the scope of knowledge in food science but also serve as citable references for future research on food functionality, product development, and nutrition interventions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Falana’s academic legacy lies in her ability to bridge traditional foods with modern nutritional science, promoting healthier dietary alternatives for African communities. Her research on the valorization of underutilized crops positions her as a contributor to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). In the future, her work is likely to influence policy formulation, curriculum development, and industrial applications in food processing and nutrition.

Conclusion

Dr. Oluwakemi Florence Falana represents a dynamic scholar whose academic growth, research contributions, and professional engagements highlight her as a promising figure in food science and nutrition. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied research, her influence is poised to extend beyond academia into practical solutions that address malnutrition, chronic diseases, and food sustainability challenges. Her trajectory suggests that she will continue to leave a lasting impact on the academic community, industry, and society at large.

Notable Publications

“Quality evaluation and pasting properties of poundo-breadfruit blends enriched with African yam beans (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa Harms), wheat bran and rice bran flours" 

  • Author: Oluwakemi Florence Falana; Sunday Abiodun Malomo; Oluwole Steve Ijarotimi
  • Journal: Food Chemistry Advances
  • Year: 2025

 

Meng Yao | High-Barrier Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Meng Yao | High-Barrier Materials | Best Researcher Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Meng Yao began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Engineering from the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology. During his doctoral training, he developed a strong foundation in chemical engineering and advanced materials research, which set the stage for his future academic career. His early academic pursuits reflect a consistent commitment to exploring the interface of chemistry, engineering, and material sciences, ensuring a solid platform for impactful research contributions.

Professional Endeavors

In 2019, Prof. Yao joined the College of Chemical Engineering at Qingdao University of Science and Technology as a Tier-5 recruited talent. Currently serving as the Director of the Teaching and Research Office and as a Master’s Supervisor, he actively contributes to both academic leadership and student mentorship. His professional journey is marked by a blend of administrative excellence, research supervision, and innovative academic program development, particularly within graduate programs in Chemical Engineering, Light Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yao’s research contributions primarily center on biomass-based functional materials and biomimetic structurally colored materials, with applications in high-performance packaging, optical anti-counterfeiting, and advanced photonic structures. He has published over 20 SCI-indexed papers in high-impact journals, including Advanced Functional Materials, Chemical Engineering Journal, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Additionally, his innovative work has resulted in 2 granted invention patents. His research reflects a forward-looking approach, bridging sustainability, functionality, and cutting-edge material design.

Impact and Influence

Beyond his publications, Prof. Yao’s influence extends to the wider scientific community. He serves as a Youth Committee Member of the Fine Chemicals Professional Committee of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China (CIESC), where he contributes to advancing the field of chemical engineering at a national level. His role as a mentor in national innovation and entrepreneurship programs further amplifies his impact, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Academic Citations

Prof. Yao’s publications in Q1 journals with high impact factors-some exceeding IF 19-demonstrate the visibility and relevance of his research within the international scientific community. Several of his works have been highlighted in journal features and professional press reports, reflecting both academic recognition and practical importance. His scholarship is widely cited, particularly in areas such as sustainable materials, functional films, and photonic crystal technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yao’s academic legacy is being shaped by his dual commitment to advancing sustainable material solutions and training future scholars. His pioneering work in stimulus-responsive photonic crystals and biomimetic starch composite films lays the groundwork for transformative applications in security, food packaging, and green technologies. Looking forward, his contributions are poised to influence both academia and industry, aligning with global efforts toward sustainability, functional innovation, and environmentally conscious engineering solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, Prof. Meng Yao exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished researcher whose academic pursuits, professional leadership, and impactful research make him a strong candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge fundamental science with practical applications, combined with his mentorship and service to the academic community, ensures that his influence will continue to grow, leaving a lasting legacy in chemical engineering and materials science.

Notable Publications

"High barrier paper-based materials with optical anti-counterfeiting performance." 

  • Author: Jiang Y, Tu W, Ma J, Wang W, Cheng H, Zhang X, Meng Y
  • Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
  • Year: 2025

"Manipulation of random laser by the bandgap in three-dimensional SiO2 photonic crystals" 

  • Author: Lv H, Shi B, Zhang Y, Guo J, Meng Y, Wang X.
  • Journal: Journal of Luminescence
  • Year: 2024

"A novel paper-based composite film with enhanced oxygen and water vapor barrier properties." 

  • Author: Chen X, Xiao B, Yang Y, Jiang Y, Song X, Chen F, Wang W, Wu J, Meng Y
  • Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
  • Year: 2024

"Biomimetic Robust Starch Composite Films with Super-Hydrophobicity and Vivid Structural Colors. " 

  • Author: Wang Y, Fan J, Zhao H, Song X, Ji Z, Xie C, Chen F, Meng Y.
  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Year: 2023

"The Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Galena: Crystal, Surface, Floatability and Reagents" 

  • Author: Zhang X, Zhu Y, Mkhonto PP, Meng Y, McFadzean B, Ngoepe PE, O’Connor C.
  • Journal: Separation & Purification Reviews
  • Year: 2023

 

Hesham Moustafa | Polymer Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hesham Moustafa | Polymer Science | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Standards | Egypt

Author Profile

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Orcid ID

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DR. HESHAM MOUSTAFA: A VANGUARD OF NANOMATERIALS AND SUSTAINABLE SCIENCE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Hesham Moustafa began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, in 1996. Demonstrating a strong inclination towards applied sciences, he pursued a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry at Al-Azhar University from 2001 to 2004, where he explored the influence of fillers and plasticizers on rubber materials. His passion for research led him to France, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Université de Haute Alsace (UHA), in collaboration with CNRS-Mulhouse, between 2009 and 2013. His doctoral dissertation focused on the fire resistance of crosslinked polymer assemblies—a subject at the intersection of materials science and safety engineering.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Moustafa’s career seamlessly blends academia, industrial applications, and international collaborations. His academic appointments include teaching pivotal subjects like Standardization, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control at Ain Shams University and Applied & Industrial Chemistry at Benha University. In parallel, he has been deeply involved in global training programs and research fellowships in countries like Canada, France, Sweden, and Jordan, refining his expertise in nanomaterials, quality infrastructure, ISO certifications, and polymeric material testing.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON POLYMER SCIENCE

Dr. Hesham Moustafa’s work lies at the confluence of nanotechnology, environmental sustainability, and polymeric chemistry. His current research focuses on the biosynthesis and integration of nanomaterials into polymer matrices to develop advanced functional materials such as:

  • Smart sensors for intelligent food packaging,

  • Nanomembranes for toxic metal and microbial removal from polluted water,

  • Photocatalytic materials for water purification and dye removal,

  • And certified reference materials (CRMs) for enhancing the reliability of water activity devices and polymer quality control.

His interdisciplinary approach connects food security, water treatment, environmental safety, and biopolymer innovation, making his contributions relevant across sectors.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Through his participation in renowned international conferences, including ECCM18 (Greece), APME 2015 (Japan), and Eurofillers (Germany and France), Dr. Moustafa has presented pioneering work on polymer blends and sustainable composites. His influence extends beyond research into regulatory training and quality systems, with certifications and training in ISO/IEC 17025, 17034, and 17043, equipping institutions with tools for global trade and safety compliance. His work is shaping the next generation of eco-friendly materials and water purification technologies.

ACADEMIC CITES

Dr. Moustafa’s research has gained recognition in scientific communities worldwide, with his doctoral and postdoctoral work frequently cited in nanomaterial science, food packaging, water treatment, and polymer technology domains. His innovative methodologies and material syntheses continue to inspire further investigations into sustainable nanocomposites.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Hesham Moustafa is a trailblazer in nanotechnology and sustainable materials research. As he advances through his post-doctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University (Canada) focusing on nanomembranes for water purification, his legacy is growing stronger. He is poised to make further impactful contributions in global water safety, food preservation, and eco-conscious industrial design. His visionary research holds promise for addressing some of the 21st century’s most pressing challenges—pollution, food degradation, and material sustainability.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Participated in SIDA's International Training Program for building quality infrastructure aligned with ISO standards.

  • Engaged in nanomaterials safety training at CNRS, Strasbourg, and polymer characterization at École des Mines, Nancy.

  • Scored a perfect 100/100 in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training at Dalhousie University.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

"Surface grafting GO nanoplatelets with antimicrobial rosin acids for strengthening photocatalytic of chitosan/gelatin nanocomposites" 

  • Author: Hesham Moustafa; Emad M. Ahmed; Mohamed Hemida; Marwa Rabee; Heba Isawi
  • Journal: Diamond and Related Materials
  • Year: 2025

"Impact of different types of treated nanoclays on physico-mechanical, thermal and antibacterial properties of EPDMgMA nanocomposites" 

  • Author: Fatehy M. Abdel-Haleem; Mohamed Hemida; Hesham Moustafa
  • Journal: Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology
  • Year: 2025

"Intelligent packaging films based on two-dimensional nanomaterials for food safety and quality monitoring: Future insights and roadblocks" 

  • Author: Hesham Moustafa; Mohamed H Hemida; Mohamed A Nour; Ahmed I Abou-Kandil
  • Journal: Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials
  • Year: 2025

"Using natural antioxidant Rhubarb extracts in PVA/chitosan bio-adsorbent films for efficient removal of cationic and anionic dyes from polluted water" 

  • Author: Heba Isawi; Emad M. Ahmed; Marwa Rabee; Hesham Moustafa
  • Journal: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
  • Year: 2025

"Improvement of hybrid polyvinyl chloride/dapsone membrane using synthesized silver nanoparticles for the efficient removal of heavy metals, microorganisms, and phosphate and nitrate compounds from polluted water" 

  • Author: Hesham Moustafa; Mohamed A. Shemis; Emad M. Ahmed; Heba Isawi
  • Journal: RSC Advances
  • Year: 2024