Chandra Prakash Gour -Geopolymer concrete – Best Researcher Award

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Chandra Prakash Gour -Geopolymer concrete – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chandra Prakash Gour distinguished academic and researcher in the field Geopolymer concrete.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He completed his secondary and higher secondary education in 2011 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Sehore. Pursuing his passion for engineering, he obtained a B. Tech. in Civil Engineering from UIT Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya in Bhopal, India, in 2017. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning an M. Tech. in Structural Engineering in 2019. His academic journey culminated in a Ph. D. in Engineering Material from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal, India, which he completed in 2023.

Experience

He has gained diverse professional experiences, including working with the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and participating in various consultancy projects. His expertise extends to managing and conducting experiments in both concrete technology and surveying labs. His research focuses on sustainable concrete materials, particularly waste management in building construction through geopolymer concrete. He also delves into the microstructure and durability of concrete, with a specific interest in petrography and thin section analysis.

Conferences

He has actively participated in both international and national conferences, showcasing his research and expertise. In 2023, he presented a paper titled “Sustainable Utilization of Bone China as Fine Aggregates in Geopolymer Concrete” at ICRTMD, held at G.A.V. Degree College in Jharjar, Haryana, India. In 2022, he co-authored a paper on the “Comparative Analysis of Drying Shrinkage of Mortar with Varying Ratios of Fly Ash and GGBS,” which was presented at NCGBIS at the Institute of Engineers India, M.P. State Centre Bhopal. Additionally, he attended the International Conference on “Sustainable Materials and Structures for Civil Infrastructures” in 2019, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at UIT-RGTU under TEQP, as well as the International Conference on “Green Building Material and Technology” organized by the Department of Civil Engineering in the same year.

 

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Erdiwansyah – Science and Technology – Best Researcher Award

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Erdiwansyah – Science and Technology – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Erdiwansyah  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Science and Technology. He has been involved in significant research projects, including the production of bio-coke from palm oil solid waste as a high-calorie and environmentally friendly fuel, a project spanning from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, he worked on developing biomass stove innovations using agricultural waste to fry chips in the Saree community of Aceh Besar.

 

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a PhD in Renewable Energy and Technology from Universitas Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. He also earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Serambi Mekkah, also located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Research Area

Renewable Energy, Biomass, Energy Conversions, Combustion, Biodiesel, Technology Renewable Energy.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Victor Klaba – Hydrogeology- Best Researcher Award

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Victor Klaba – Hydrogeology- Best Researcher Award

Mr. Victor Klaba distinguished academic and researcher in the field Hydrogeology. Specialized in hydrogeology for five years, he has developed a range of skills from fieldwork to analysis and interpretation, while collaborating with scientists, water resource managers, and politicians. As water resources are one of the pillars of our societies, this science is crucial for humanity and its future, especially in view of current challenges such as climate change, war, and demographic development. Moreover, he specializes in the study of a specific hydrogeological object: the Karst. Representing the main drinking water resource for 25% of the world’s population, this object is highly vulnerable and difficult to study due to its high degree of heterogeneity and anisotropy.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences and a Master’s degree in 3G, both from the University of Franche-Comté in Besançon, France, through the CMI cursus. Currently, he is a PhD student in Hydrogeology at the same university, enrolled in the Doctoral School of Science and Health.

 

Work Experience

He has interned with the COREAUNA project at the Geological Survey of New Caledonia, where he studied the functioning of the Koné alluvial aquifer through geochemical characterization and contributed to updating the water resource protection policy for Koné and the North Province. Additionally, he interned with the TRANSKARST project at the Chrono-environment Laboratory, where he conducted a study of groundwater circulation in the Montfaucon anticline through rigorous geological analysis, including structure, fracturing, and modeling. In another phase of the TRANSKARST project, he undertook a preliminary study of the Arcier hydrosystem’s functioning through hydrochemical and hydrodynamic characterization, involving fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and further geological modeling of Montfaucon.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Mi Tian- Technological Networks- Best Researcher Award

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Mi Tian- Technological Networks- Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mi Tian holds the position of Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Research in the
Department of Engineering at the University of Exeter, where her focus lies on hydrogen energy,
specifically in the field of solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation. Since her affiliation with the
UoE in 2020, Dr. Tian has been instrumental in securing upwards of £2.7 million in research funding,
with nearly £1 million attributed to her direct initiatives as PI and an additional £1.7 million as Co-I.
Her academic contributions encompass 36 publications in reputable journals, an H-index of 20, two
patents, and a notable contribution to a sector-relevant book. Her recognition in the Top 50 Women in
Engineering in 2020 and subsequent honour as one of the EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassadors
in 2023 not only underscore her personal achievements but also reflect her commitment to promoting
equality, diversity, and inclusion within the engineering field.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Ph.D. in Hydrogen Storage from the University of East Anglia, UK, building upon her prior academic achievements. Her journey began with a BEng in Environmental Engineering from Beijing University of Technology, China, where she laid the groundwork for her passion for environmental sciences. Subsequently, she pursued an MSc by Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, further honing her expertise in this field. With each degree, she delved deeper into her fascination with environmental issues, culminating in her doctoral research focused on hydrogen storage, a crucial aspect of renewable energy technology. Through her academic endeavors, she has become a dedicated scholar contributing to the advancement of sustainable solutions for the future.

Awards

She has garnered notable recognition for her contributions to engineering and sustainability, earning accolades such as being named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering for Sustainability in 2020. Her commitment to advancing the role of women in engineering was further underscored by her appointment as an EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassador, a position she has held since 2023. Additionally, her expertise and dedication to her field have led to her induction as a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (IOM3) in 2022, a prestigious honor reflecting her standing among her peers. Through her advocacy, leadership, and scholarly achievements, she continues to inspire and drive positive change in the realms of engineering and environmental sustainability.

 

Academic experience

She brings a wealth of professional experience to her current role as Senior Lecturer and Director of PGRs at the University of Exeter, UK, where she has been serving since 2022. Prior to her current position, she served as a Lecturer at the same institution from 2020 to 2022, where she demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and student development. Before joining the University of Exeter, she contributed to groundbreaking research as a Research Associate at the University of Bath, UK, from 2017 to 2020. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in her field, fostering the growth of the next generation of researchers, and making impactful contributions to academia and beyond.

Achievements

• Established the Hydrogen Storage Lab at the University of Exeter with 5 PGRs, 2 PDRAs and 1
Research Fellow.
• Secured over £2.7 million in research funding as PI and Co-I from prestigious bodies.
• Published 36 research papers in renowned journals and holds two patents in her field.
• Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering
• Honoured as one of EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassadors.

📝🔬Publications📝

Vatis Christian Kemezang – Environmental economics – Best Researcher Award

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Vatis Christian Kemezang – Environmental economics – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Vatis Christian Kemezang  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Environmental economics. He has also completed several professional development courses in scientific writing, statistical analysis, and the use of statistical software. Kemezang is a native French speaker, with a strong command of the English language, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Network of Young Economists of the ECA. He is a respected researcher and educator in his field, and is well-known for his expertise in economics and sustainable development. In his free time, Kemezang enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, and is passionate about finding ways to make a positive impact on the world.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He is currently pursuing his PhD in Economics at the University of Douala in Cameroon. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Science in Monetary and Banking Economics in 2018, also at the University of Douala. His undergraduate studies led to a Bachelor of Science in Money, Banking, and Finance from the University of Dschang in 2015. His academic journey began with earning his Baccalaureate A4 in 2012 from Lycee Bilingue de Bépanda in Douala, Cameroon.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

He has held various teaching positions in academia. Since 2019, he has been serving as a Lecturer at the Institut Universitaire des Grandes Écoles des Tropiques (IUGET), where his responsibilities include teaching courses in Banking and Finance, preparing and assessing exams, supervising students in their research projects, and participating in pedagogical projects and academic event organization.

In 2020, he also worked as a Lecturer at the Institut Catholique de Bafoussam (ICAB), where he taught courses in Capital Market and was involved in exam preparation and assessment.

Additionally, from 2020 to 2022, he served as a Part-time Lecturer at the Institut Universitaire de Technologie de Douala (IUT) in Cameroon. In this role, he taught courses in DUT, FI at the Department of GLT, facilitated seminars and practical work, monitored and evaluated students, and contributed to pedagogical projects and academic event organization.

 

CERTIFICATS

He has obtained several certificates covering a range of topics. In 2023, he completed a certificate on preparing an inventory of greenhouse gases under the Enhanced Transparency Framework by the FAO. In 2022, he earned a certificate from IDEP (CEA) on “The African Continental Free Trade Area: The Role Of Parliament and other non-state actors.” Further, he attended sessions on scientific article writing and scientific writing methodology and principles, including fraud detection tools, interpretation, and eliminating similarities. These sessions were conducted by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and the Transport and Applied Logistics Laboratory at the University of Douala, respectively.

Moreover, he has engaged in online learning through platforms like OpenClassrooms. He completed courses on various subjects such as initiating R language programming, creating clear and impactful statistical reports, inferential statistics, analyzing and modeling time series, and mastering the basics of probability. These certificates demonstrate his commitment to continuous learning and skill development in diverse areas related to his field.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

1. Climate mitigation technology for holistic resource management in sub-Saharan Africa:
Impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Energy and Climate Change
2024-04 | Journal article
DOI: 10.1016/j.egycc.2024.100135
CONTRIBUTORS: Ivette Gnitedem Keubeng; Vatis Christian Kemezang
2. An insight on non-standard asset pricing: does COVID-19 matter in the crypto-asset
market?
SN Business & Economics
2024-02-07 | Journal article
DOI: 10.1007/s43546-023-00616-z
Part of ISSN: 2662-9399
CONTRIBUTORS: Prince HIKOUATCHA; Guillaume Tchoffo; Vatis Christian Kemezang;
Jules Roger Feudjo
3
3. Balancing short-term costs and long-term benefits: an analysis of the impact of
hydroelectric power generation on electricity prices volatility in Cameroon
Sustainable Energy Research
2024-02-05 | Journal article
DOI: 10.1186/s40807-024-00099-y
Part of ISSN: 2731-9237
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Vatis Christian Kemezang
4. Measuring market risk with GARCH models under Basel III: Selection and application
on German firms
SN Business & Economics
The revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Vatis Christian Kemezang ; Djou Ilaire, Ivette Keubeng Gnitedem
5. How energy transition and FinTech influence the income inequality in Sub-Saharan
Africa: Evidence from panel-corrected standard errors approach
Next Energy
The second revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Vatis Christian Kemezang
6. Balancing environmental sustainability and international trade: A dynamic analysis of
factors influencing renewable energy generation in Cameroon
Environment, Development and Sustainability
The revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Vatis Christian Kemezang
7. Reducing price volatility in Sub-Saharan Africa through agricultural productivity:
Evidence from a panel data analysis
Next Energy
The second revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Ivette Keubeng Gnitedem; Vatis Christian

Denny Ng – Optimisation of network – Best Researcher Award

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Denny Ng – Optimisation of network – Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Denny Ng distinguished academic and researcher in the field Optimisation of network. He  holds a distinguished position as the Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology at Sunway University Malaysia, where he continues to shape the future of engineering education and research. Prior to this role, he served as the Head of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

Prof. Ng earned his Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia. With expertise spanning various domains, including sustainable production and consumption strategies, optimization of the palm oil industry’s value chain, energy management, and resource conservation, he has authored over 250 publications, attaining an impressive h-index of 43.

Academic and Research Leadership:

At the University of Nottingham, Malaysia, Prof. Ng held pivotal roles such as Head of Business Engagement and Innovation Services (BEIS), Professor of Process Design and Integrated Biorefinery, and Founding Director of the Centre of Sustainable Palm Oil Research (CESPOR). His contributions to academia and research have been recognized globally, as evidenced by his election as Chair of Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS) and receipt of prestigious awards such as the Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Augustine S H Ong International Special Award on Innovations and Inventions in Palm Oil (Young Scientist).

Professional Affiliations and Accolades:
Prof. Ng’s professional affiliations include Fellowship with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in the United Kingdom, Fellowship with The Higher Education Academy (UK), and memberships in esteemed engineering institutions. He has been honored with numerous awards, including recognition as one of the Top 2% of scientists in his field by the Stanford List and acknowledgment as one of the most innovative individuals shaping the future of Asia by GenerationT.asia (GEN.T List Honours).

Impact and Recognition:

Prof. Ng’s impact extends beyond academia, as he actively engages in industrial consultation projects, leveraging his research output to address real-world challenges. His efforts have been supported by over RM 3 million in research grants from government and industry sources. He has been celebrated for his contributions to science and technology, receiving accolades such as the Global IChemE Young Chemical Engineer of the Year and the Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian Award for Scientific and Technological Development. He exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and innovation in sustainable engineering. His multifaceted contributions to research, education, and industrial collaboration underscore his commitment to advancing engineering solutions for a sustainable future.

Awards

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Ir. Denny K. S. Ng has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and accolades, affirming his exceptional contributions to engineering, technology, and sustainable development.

Recognized as the Best Engineering and Technology Scientist in Malaysia for 2024 by Research.com, Prof. Ng’s groundbreaking research and innovative solutions have garnered widespread acclaim. His outstanding achievements have also been acknowledged internationally, with consecutive appearances on the renowned Stanford List, ranking among the Top 2% of scientists in his main subfield discipline in 2023, 2021, and 2019.

In 2021, Prof. Ng was honored with the esteemed Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Augustine S H Ong International Special Award on Innovations and Inventions in Palm Oil by the Malaysian Oil Science and Technology community, underscoring his pioneering work in sustainable palm oil research.

His impact extends beyond academia, as evidenced by his recognition as a Finalist of The Principal’s Research Impact and Engagement (PRIME) Awards: Established Academic Award 2021 at Heriot-Watt University, showcasing his dedication to impactful research and engagement.

Acknowledged as One of the most innovative people and ideas shaping the future of Asia by GenerationT.asia (GEN.T List Honours 2019), Prof. Ng’s visionary approach to entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact has been instrumental in shaping the region’s trajectory.

Among his notable achievements, Prof. Ng was named the 2018 Top Research Scientist in Malaysia by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field. Additionally, he was honored with the prestigious Vice Chancellor Award in 2018 from the University of Nottingham, UK, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the institution.

Internationally, Prof. Ng’s excellence has been celebrated with awards such as The 1st World Wu Clans Excellence Award in 2017. He was also recognized as an Honoree of the Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians Award in 2017, emphasizing his significant contributions to scientific and technological development.

His early career achievements were highlighted when he qualified as a Finalist for the Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians Award in 2015, reflecting his promising trajectory in scientific and technological advancement.

Prof. Ng’s multifaceted contributions, innovative research, and dedication to sustainability have earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his position as a trailblazer in the field of engineering and technology.

Throughout his career, Professor Ir. Denny K. S. Ng has played an integral role in various international and national scientific committees, conferences, and events, showcasing his commitment to advancing the fields of engineering and chemical sciences. As an esteemed member of the International Scientific Committee for the International Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES) since 2018, Prof. Ng contributes his expertise to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability on a global scale. His leadership extends to serving as the Conference Chair of the 33rd Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers (SOMChE 2022) from 2021 to 2022, where he facilitated discussions on cutting-edge research and industry trends. Additionally, he has lent his expertise to numerous committees, including the Local Scientific Committee for the International Conference on Energy Materials (ICEM) 2021 and the Scientific Committee for the YSN-ASM International Scientific Virtual Conference (ISVC) 2021, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the scientific agenda and fostering collaboration among researchers. Prof. Ng’s involvement in international programs such as the 9th PSE Asia 2020 and the 17th Congress of the Asian-Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering in 2017 highlights his dedication to promoting excellence in research and innovation on a global scale. Domestically, he has served as a Representative of National Committee Member and contributed his expertise to various symposiums and conferences, including the Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers (SOMChE) and the Process System Engineering Asia (PSE Asia) series. Prof. Ng’s leadership and active participation in these committees underscore his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collaboration within the scientific community.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Lakmali Weerasena – Ecological Conservation Award – Best Researcher Award

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Lakmali Weerasena – Ecological Conservation Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lakmali Weerasena distinguished academic and researcher in the field Ecological Conservation. She specializes in scientific computing with a particular focus on analyzing complex optimization problems and designing efficient algorithms using graph data structures for modeling and data analysis, both theoretically and in practical applications. Her research interests span various domains including engineering, conservation biology, and management science, where she explores emerging models. Drawing from classical optimization techniques, statistical concepts, and modern methodologies such as machine learning, she seeks to address multifaceted challenges. Her contributions extend beyond theoretical investigations to applied research, as evidenced by her publications across diverse areas in applied mathematics, operations research, and statistics in esteemed scientific journals. Furthermore, she actively engages with the academic community by organizing conference sessions and presenting her research as both an invited and contributing speaker, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in her field.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

Lakmali Weerasena holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Clemson University, where she completed her dissertation on “Approximation in Multiobjective Optimization with Applications,” under the guidance of Professor Margaret Wiecek. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University, focusing on optimization models for designing spatially compact ecological reserve systems, supervised by Professor Emeritus Douglas Shier. Lakmali’s academic journey began at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Mathematics. Additionally, she pursued non-degree graduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, delving into Introduction to Machine Learning offered by the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering during the spring of 2023. With her diverse educational background spanning across mathematics, optimization, and machine learning, Lakmali Weerasena exhibits a multidisciplinary approach to her academic pursuits.

 Work experiences

 

She has built a distinguished career in academia, currently serving as the UC Foundation Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga since August 2022. Prior to this role, she held positions as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the same institution from August 2016 to August 2022, and as Assistant Professor of Mathematics (Limited Term) at Albany State University from August 2015 to May 2016. Earlier in her career, she served as a Lecturer at Kennesaw State University from August 2014 to May 2015 and as a Visiting Lecturer. Her academic journey began at Clemson University, where she served as a Graduate Teacher of Record from August 2007 to December 2013 while completing her Ph.D. in Operations Research. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of mathematics education and research, allowing her to excel in her current role as an esteemed faculty member.

Teaching Experience

In her tenure at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, TN, USA, since August 2016, she has demonstrated her versatility and expertise in teaching across a wide range of courses in the Department of Mathematics. Her teaching portfolio encompasses both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering topics such as computational and applied mathematics, probability and statistics, mathematical statistics, operations research (both linear and nonlinear), applied statistics, mathematical programming, introductory statistics, discrete mathematics for computer science, elementary linear algebra, calculus, and precalculus. Additionally, she supervises graduate-level courses focused on doctoral research, graduate research, and thesis preparation. Through her dedication and proficiency in teaching diverse mathematical subjects, she plays a pivotal role in fostering students’ understanding and appreciation for mathematics at both introductory and advanced levels.

Conferences

Invited Presentations
1. Breadth First Search Algorithm to Identify Connected Reserve Systems, ASB Special Session
on Women in Biology Inspired by Women in Biology, March 2024, Association of Southeastern
Biologists
2. A Sequential Approach to the Design of Compact and Connected Reserve Systems, Research
Colloquium in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka, January 2024.
3. An integrated approach to the design of compact and connected reserve systems, AWM Special
Session on Exploring the Intersection of Mathematics and Ecology: Research Applications and
Findings, September 2023, AWM Research Symposium.
4. Spatially explicit mathematical model for invasive species management, AMS Special Session
on New Developments in Operations Research and Management Sciences I, October 2022, 2022
Fall Southeastern Sectional Meeting.
5. Advancing local search approximations for multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems,
Department of Mathematics Colloquium, October 2021, UTC, TN, US
6. An approximation approach for the generalized multiobjective set cover problem, Multi-Criteria
Decision Making (MCDM) section, INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the
Management Sciences) Conference, October 2021, California.
7. An approximation algorithm for the generalized multiobjective set cover problem, Approximation
Approaches for Multiobjective Optimization in stream Multiobjective Optimization session
under Multiobjective Optimization, 31st European Conference on Operational Research Conference,
July 2021, Athens, Greece (supported by UTC SimCenter grant).
8. Design of an algorithm with multiple-cost efficient rules for the generalized multiobjective set
cover problem, SimCenter and Department of Mathematics Colloquium, April 2021, UTC, TN,
USA.
9. Generalized set cover problem with conflict objective functions: algorithm and applications in
ecological conservation., Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) section, INFORMS (Institute
for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Conference, October 2019, Seattle, USA
(supported by UTC grant).
10. Combinatorial optimization for ecological conservation, the 43rd Annual Meeting of the SIAM
Atlantic Section, September 2019, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, TN (supported by
UTC grant).
11. Approximation method for optimum design of a fin, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville,
Knoxville, TN, February 14, 2019 (supported by Department of Mathematics, The University
of Tennessee at Knoxville).
12. Multiobjective design of a fin in a steady-state regime, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)
section, INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Conference,
November 2018, Arizona, USA (supported by UTC grant).

Awards

She has mentored several students who have received prestigious awards and recognition for their academic achievements. Chathuri Aththanayaka participated in and presented a poster at the AWM Research Symposium, supported by the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF DMS 2113506) in 2023. Christopher Tompkins received the NCUR Support Award from UTC in the same year. Delwyn Sam and Jonathan Stegmann were both honored with the Honor College Student Award from UTC in 2021 and 2018, respectively, highlighting their exceptional academic performance and contributions. Dell Zimmerman was granted the Scholarship, Engagement, the Arts, Research, Creativity, & Humanities (SEARCH) grant at UTC in 2018, where Dr. Soubantika Palchoudhury led the project. Additionally, Nichols Graham received the Undergraduate Research Award from Albany State University in 2016, recognizing his outstanding research endeavors under her guidance. These accolades underscore her dedication to mentoring and nurturing talented students, fostering their growth and success in academia.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

1. Weerasena L., Aththanayaka C., Bandara D., Advances in the decision-making of set covering
models under uncertainty, Annals of Operations Research (forthcoming, 2024):
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany).
2. Fadul M., Reising D., Weerasena L., Loveless T.D., Sartipi M., Tyler J., Improving RF-DNA
Fingerprinting Performance In An Indoor Multipath Environment Using Semi-Supervised Learning,
IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security (2024): 1-16
(Publisher: IEEE).
3. Fadul M., Reising D., Weerasena L., An Investigation into the Impacts of Deep Learning-based
Re-sampling on Specific Emitter Identification Performance, The Journal of Engineering (2023):
1:11 (Publisher: Wiley, New Jersey, US).
4. Weerasena L., Shier D., Tonkyn D., McFeaters M., Collins C., Sequential approach to reserve
design with compactness and contiguity considerations, Ecological Modelling (2023): 478:10281
(Publisher: Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands). CrossRef Google Scholar
5. Weerasena, L., Ebiefung, A., Skjellum, A., Design of a heuristic algorithm for the generalized
multi-objective set covering problem, Computational Optimization and Applications (2022): 82:717-
751
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
6. Weerasena, L., Hunt, N., Bandara, D., McKnight, M., Spatially Explicit Multi-objective Mathematical
Model for Invasive Species Management, Biological Invasions (2022): 24:1839–1862
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
7. Belinskiy, B., Hinton, D., Weerasena, L., Khan, M., On the Sturm–Liouville problem describing
an ocean waveguide covered by pack ice, Applicable Analysis (2021): 1-23
(Publisher: Taylor and Francis, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
8. Weerasena, L., Advancing local search approximations for multiobjective combinatorial optimization
problems Journal of Combinatorial Optimization (2021): 1-24.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
9. Weerasena, L., Belinskiy, B. P., Hiestand, J. W., Optimal effectiveness and efficiency of a fin in
steady-state: multiobjective approach Optimization and Engineering (2020): 1157-1180.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
10. Weerasena, L. Algorithm for Generalized multiobjective set covering problem with an application
in ecological conservation, Int. J. of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation (2020):
Volume 10 No.2, 167 – 186.
(Publisher: Inderscience, Geneva, Switzerland) CrossRef Google Scholar
11. Belinskiy, B. P., Hiestand, J. W., Weerasena, L., Optimal design of a fin in a steady-state regime.
Applied Mathematical Modeling (2020): Volume 77, Part 2, 1188-1200.
(Publisher: Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands) CrossRef Google Scholar
12. Gunasekera, S., Weerasena, L., Saram, A., Ajumobi, O., Exact inference for the Youden index to
discriminate individuals using two-parameter exponentially distributed pooled samples, Biostatistics
& Epidemiology (2019): 38-61.
(Publisher: Taylor and Francis, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
13. Weerasena L., Wiecek M.M., A tolerance function for the multiobjective set covering problem.
Optimization Letters (2018): 1–19.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
14. Palchoudhury S., Jungjohann K.,Weerasena L., Arabshahi A., Gharge U., Albattah A., Miller
J., Patel K., Holler R., Enhanced legume root growth with pre-soaking in α Fe2O3 nanoparticle
fertilizer. Royal Society of Chemistry Advances (2018): 24075–24083.
(Publisher: The Royal Society of Chemistry, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
15. Vanderpooten D., Weerasena L., Wiecek M.M., Covers and approximations in multiobjective
optimization. Journal of Global Optimization (2017): 67(3) 601–619.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar

Laurent Lagadic – Chemical Environmental Safety Award – Industry Impact Award

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Laurent Lagadic – Chemical Environmental Safety Award – Industry Impact Award

Dr. Laurent Lagadic distinguished academic and researcher in the field Chemical Environmental Safety. Laurent is a Member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) since 1995. He was the Chair of the Scientific Committee and co-organiser of the 15th and 26th SETAC Europe Annual Meetings (~2000 delegates each). He was elected in 2012 as the Vice-President of SETAC-Europe and officiated as President from May 2013 to May 2014. He joined the SETAC World Council from 2012 to 2015. Laurent left the SETAC Europe Council in May 2015 but is still involved in different activities of the Society, including the Endocrine Disruption Testing and Risk Assessment Interest Group (EDTRA IG) and the Sounding Board of SETAC Europe for EFSA’s Stakeholder Bureau.

His dedication to advancing the field of ecotoxicology and his commitment to education, mentorship, and collaboration make Laurent Lagadic a respected leader in his field, with a profound impact on both scientific research and environmental policy.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a BSc in Organism and Population Biology from the University of Paris XI, Orsay, France (1985), an MSc in Experimental Ecology from the University of Pau & Pays de l’Adour, France (1986), a PhD in Fundamental Toxicology from the University of Paris XI, Orsay, France (1991), and a Habilitation (Accreditation to supervise research; HDR) from the University of Rennes 1, France (1999).

His professional experience includes roles such as Scientific Assistant granted by Sandoz, Basel, Switzerland (1988-1991), Scientific Trainee granted by Bayer AG, Monheim, Germany (1989-1990), Post-doctoral Fellow at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK (1991-1992), Junior Scientist at the Seine-Normandie Water Agency, Paris, France (1992-1994), Senior Scientist (CR1) at the French National Institute for Agriculture Research (INRA), Rennes, France (1994-2003), Research Director (DR2) at INRA, Rennes, France (2003-2014), Scientific Manager, Senior Science Fellow – Aquatic Ecotoxicology at Bayer AG, R&D, Crop Science Division, Monheim, Germany (2014-2020), and currently, he serves as Scientific Manager, Senior Science Fellow – Environmental Safety Assessment and Strategy (ESAS) at Bayer AG, R&D, Crop Science Division, Monheim, Germany.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Throughout his illustrious career, Laurent Lagadic has been recognized with several prestigious honors and awards for his outstanding contributions to the field of ecotoxicology:

  • He was awarded the Dufrenoy Research Fellowship from the French Agriculture Academy, Paris, in 1989, in recognition of his early research endeavors.
  • In 1991, Laurent was granted the esteemed Lavoisier Post-doctoral Fellowship by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this fellowship, he resided at the Maison Française d’Oxford, furthering his research and academic collaborations.
  • His significant contributions to the field were acknowledged with the AstraZeneca Best Publication Award of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Europe Geographic Unit, in 2011. This award highlights his excellence in scientific publication and research dissemination within the European ecotoxicology community.

Professional experience:

He has held various significant positions throughout his career, including roles at esteemed organizations such as Sandoz in Basel, Switzerland, where he served as a Scientific Assistant from 1988 to 1991. Following this, he embarked on a Scientific Trainee position at Bayer AG in Monheim, Germany, from 1989 to 1990.

Continuing his journey, Laurent Lagadic transitioned to a Post-doctoral Fellow role at Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, UK, where he further honed his research skills from 1991 to 1992. Subsequently, he joined the Seine-Normandie Water Agency in Paris, France, as a Junior Scientist from 1992 to 1994, contributing to environmental research initiatives.

His career then flourished at the French National Institute for Agriculture Research (INRA) in Rennes, France, where he served in various capacities. Initially, he held the position of Senior Scientist (CR1) from 1994 to 2003, followed by a promotion to Research Director (DR2) from 2003 to 2014, where he provided leadership in ecological research endeavors.

In 2014, he transitioned to Bayer AG’s R&D, Crop Science Division, based in Monheim, Germany, assuming the role of Scientific Manager and Senior Science Fellow specializing in Aquatic Ecotoxicology. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in developing strategies for assessing the environmental impact of agricultural products.

Currently, he continues to excel at Bayer AG, where he serves as a Scientific Manager and Senior Science Fellow specializing in Environmental Safety Assessment and Strategy (ESAS), contributing his expertise to furthering environmental sustainability efforts within the Crop Science Division.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hemamalini Rawindran distinguished academic and researcher in the field Life Cycle Analysis. As a Research Officer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in 2023, she was primarily engaged in a project funded by Yayasan UTP focused on analyzing the nutritional values of protein-rich microalgae-palm kernel expeller bio-composite feeds. Additionally, she conducted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies pertaining to membrane utilization for remediating microalgal wastewater and the upcycling of microplastics in marine environments.

Transitioning to her role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia from September 2023 to the present, she has been actively involved in a HiCoE project grant. Her responsibilities include the development of a solid matrix polymer inclusion membrane, where she is tasked with creating a mathematical model to evaluate electrodriven ion flux into the membrane. Moreover, she conducts sustainable metric analyses on the polymer inclusion membrane and assesses ion migration using a dual casting solution approach. In addition to her research duties, she is also involved in reviewing technical papers and converting findings into coherent paragraphs for publication.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a PhD in Science by Research (Grade A) from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, completed between 2020 and 2023, which was funded by the prestigious HiCoE grant focusing on the thermochemical conversion of biomass. During her doctoral studies, she notably contributed to the development of a novel attached microalgal system and spent three months on a Fellowship under AMTEC at UTM. She demonstrated remarkable productivity by authoring 7 papers and co-authoring 20 papers. Additionally, she supervised 7 Final Year Project (FYP) students, resulting in 3 Q1 and 1 Q2 publications. Furthermore, she actively participated in educational activities, conducting laboratory sessions and tutorials for undergraduate (UG) students. She also provided assistance to UG students in virtual reality and augmented reality STEM-based classes, showcasing her commitment to fostering learning environments. Her academic excellence was recognized with the High Achiever Award and Graduate on Time (GOT) award.

Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master’s in Science by Research (Grade B) at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS from 2016 to 2019. This program, funded by a PETRONAS Research grant, focused on the elimination of surfactants in produced water from Enhanced Oil Recovery. During this time, she authored 2 papers and gained valuable experience through conducting laboratory and tutorial sessions for foundation students. She also spent one year on attachment at AMTEC, UTM, focusing on membrane development.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Tunku Abdul Rahman College / Campbell University, USA, which she completed from 2011 to 2014. Her Final Year Project (FYP) explored the effect of carbonated beverages on human tooth density, and she graduated with Second Upper Class honors.

Research Colloborations

She has actively engaged in various collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the University of Tasmania (UTas), Australia, Petronas Research Sdn Bhd, Aston University, UK, and AMTEC at UTM. Notably, her collaborative efforts have led to significant contributions in several areas.

One of her notable achievements includes the development of a polymer inclusion membrane using a dual-solution casting approach, aimed at enhancing membrane technology. Additionally, she conducted a comprehensive review on the environmental sustainability aspects, focusing on the greenness of polymer inclusion membranes.

Moreover, she demonstrated her commitment to sustainability by repurposing spent coffee grounds for cultivating attached microalgae, as highlighted in Aston University’s bulletin. This innovative approach garnered attention for its eco-friendly application.

Her research findings have been published in high-impact journals, including a notable publication in a Q1 journal with an Impact Factor (IF) of 15.9 (RSER) in 2017-2018, focusing on the development of PVDF-TiO2 membrane for treating oil and gas surfactant-rich wastewater. Additionally, her work during a three-month fellowship in 2021 resulted in publications in two journals: one with a Q2 IF of 2.6 (Molecular Biotechnology) and another with a Q1 IF of 8.9 (Environmental Research), focusing on the development of a PET membrane from waste drinking bottles for treating microalgal harvested wastewater.

Furthermore, she successfully completed a mini-project funded by Petronas Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), where she developed a membrane validation method for Petronas surfactants using HPLC. This endeavor resulted in the development of a membrane capable of treating surfactant-rich produced water with an impressive 98% rejection rate, as published in a Q1 journal with an IF of 11.1 (JCP).

Throughout her collaborations and individual projects, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and dedication to advancing sustainable membrane technologies and addressing environmental challenges in various industrial sectors.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Sumanta Chowdhury -Materials for Energy and Environment Award – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Sumanta Chowdhury -Materials for Energy and Environment Award – Best Researcher Award

Mr.Sumanta Chowdhury distinguished academic and researcher in the field Materials for Energy and Environment. The individual possesses a robust skill set and extensive experience in various areas of synthetic chemistry, material characterization, and applications of reticular frameworks (RFMs) such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). His expertise spans from the synthesis and nano-crystallization of RFMs to the development of RFM-based materials like electrospun nanofibrous membranes. He is well-versed in employing diverse synthetic techniques including solid-state, solution-phase, microwave, room temperature, and microfluidic synthesis.

Moreover, he is proficient in handling a wide range of instruments for material characterization. This includes UV-Visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermo gravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry, gas chromatography, elemental analysis, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. He possesses advanced skills in sample preparation, data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting associated with these techniques.

Furthermore, his expertise extends to various applications of RFMs including heterogeneous catalysis, gas adsorption, water remediation, gas sensing, and anticancer drug delivery. He has hands-on experience in conducting in-vitro cell culture studies for evaluating the effectiveness of RFM-based drug delivery systems. Overall, his proficiency and experience make him a valuable asset in research and development efforts related to RFMs and their applications.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He completed his Masters in Chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry from the University of Calcutta in 2017, graduating with First Class honors. During his post-graduation, he worked on a project titled “Core/Shell Ru@SiO4 catalyst: Preparation, Characterization and application in Organo-nanocatalysis” under the guidance of Prof. Dilip Kumar Maity (FRSC) at the Department of Chemistry, Rajabazar Science College/University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India from 2016 to 2017.

Subsequently, he contributed to the DST-SERB funded project “Development of Pristine Graphene as a Catalyst Support” from 2018 to 2020. This research endeavor was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Prem Felix Siril and Prof. Subrata Ghosh, both esteemed professors at the School of Chemical Science, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Academic Achievements/Awards

He has garnered several notable academic achievements and awards throughout his career. In June 2018, he achieved a remarkable rank of 31 (LS) in the Joint CSIR-UGC Junior Research Fellowship & Eligibility for Lectureship (NET, Chemistry) for Chemical Sciences, demonstrating his proficiency in the field. Additionally, in the same year, he secured a commendable rank of 1209 (93.8 percentile) in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE, Chemistry), further attesting to his academic prowess.

His contributions to research have been recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Best Poster Award in Catalysis for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (CEES-2023) and CO2 INDIA NETWORK- 2nd Annual Meet, held from 25-27th September, 2023, at IIT Mandi. Furthermore, his self-designed scientific illustration was selected as the “Inside Cover Art” in the RSC Environmental Science: Water Research and Technology journal, published in 2024.

He is also a Certified Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry since 2023, highlighting his commitment to professional development and recognition within the scientific community. Moreover, his dedication to research has been further affirmed by securing a Core Research Grant from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) for the project titled “Sustainable Green Hydrogen Production from Glycerol using Continuous Flow Photoreforming: Process and Catalyst Development.”

Teaching/Mentoring Experience

He has extensive experience in teaching and mentoring within the academic realm. He has mentored numerous postgraduate students for their thesis submissions as part of the requirements for the award of their degrees. Notable examples include guiding Parul Sharma for her thesis titled “Lewis & Bronsted Dual Acidic Site Promoted Catalysis for Biodiesel Production” submitted in 2020, and overseeing Muskan Kaur’s thesis on “Design of ZIF-COF Composite for CO2 and epoxide conversion to cyclic carbonates” submitted in 2022. Additionally, he supervised Arun Singh’s thesis on “Investigation of ionic-COFs As Catalytic Support to Silver Nanoparticles for CO2 Adsorption and Dye Degradation” also submitted in 2022, and Ekta Malik’s thesis on “External Surface Area Modulation of Covalent Organic Polymers to Remove Permanganate Ion at an Unprecedented Rate” submitted in 2023. Currently, he is supervising Santanu Saha for his upcoming thesis titled “Covalent Organic Nanospheres for Therapeutic Application and Their Interplay with Immune System,” which is expected to be submitted in 2024.

In addition to mentoring, he has served as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in Inorganic Chemistry Practical Coursework for M.Sc. students from 2019 to 2021. His responsibilities included teaching theory and practical classes, conducting hands-on laboratory experiments, drafting test papers, organizing exams and viva sessions, and grading assessments. His dedication to teaching and mentoring underscores his commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Conferences/Symposiums:

He has actively participated in various conferences, symposiums, and seminars, showcasing his research findings and staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. At the Modern Trends in Inorganic Chemistry (MTIC XVIII) in December 2019 held at IIT Guwahati, he presented a poster titled “Microwave Assisted Green Synthesis of Nanostructured Zinc Glutarate as Potential Heterogeneous Catalyst for CO2 Conversion.”

Moreover, he presented another poster titled “Systematic Thiol Decoration in a Redox-Active UiO-66-(SH)2 Metal–Organic Framework: A Case Study under Oxidative and Reductive Conditions” at the International Symposium on Advanced Microscopy and its Applications in Materials Science-2022 held at IIT Madras in November 2022.

In September 2023, he participated in the Catalysis for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (CEES-2023) and CO2 INDIA NETWORK- 2nd Annual Meet at IIT Mandi, where he presented a poster titled “Can active sites promote thermocatalytic CO2 conversion without engaging in CO2 adsorption?”

He also attended a One Day Seminar on BET Surface Area Characterization and Powder Rheology held on 24th Feb 2020. Additionally, he actively participated in online events such as the ACS Spring 2021 conference held from April 5-16 and the International Adsorption Society Webinar Series on Porous Frameworks and Reticular Nano-Synthesis by Prof. Rahul Banerjee on August 9, 2022. These engagements demonstrate his commitment to staying informed about the latest developments in his field and contributing to the scientific community.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬