Swati Gangwar | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Swati Gangwar | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Research scholar from Indian institute of Technology, India

Swati Gangwar is a dedicated research scholar currently pursuing her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jammu. With a strong academic foundation marked by a first-class chemical engineering degree from AITH Kanpur and a Master’s degree from Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur, she has steadily advanced her expertise in thermal hydraulics and fluid flow. Under the mentorship of P.K. Vijayan, a distinguished expert with extensive experience at BARC, Swati has focused on natural circulation systems, which are critical in energy-efficient and safe passive heat transfer technologies. Her research contributions include experimental, numerical, and analytical studies of thermosyphon heat transport devices, indoor solar cooktops, and passive cooling systems applicable to renewable energy and nuclear safety sectors. Swati’s work has been published in prestigious international journals such as Nuclear Engineering and Design and IEEE Electrification Magazine, demonstrating her ability to contribute novel insights to her field. With ongoing projects and collaborative efforts, she continues to advance research that bridges theoretical understanding and practical innovation in heat transfer mechanisms, positioning herself as a promising leader in chemical engineering research.

Professional Profile

Education

Swati Gangwar completed her Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Chemical Engineering from AITH Kanpur in 2016, graduating with first-class honors. She pursued her Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering at Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur, completing it in 2019. Her graduate studies laid a solid foundation in core chemical engineering principles, with a growing interest in thermal systems and fluid mechanics. Currently, she is enrolled in a PhD program at the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, focusing on heat transfer and fluid flow under the guidance of Professor P.K. Vijayan. The doctoral program enables her to engage deeply in research related to natural circulation loops, thermosyphon heat transport devices, and their applications in sustainable energy systems and nuclear safety. Her education trajectory reflects a consistent focus on advancing her expertise in thermal hydraulics and related engineering challenges, supported by rigorous academic training and research exposure at premier Indian institutions.

Professional Experience

Swati’s professional experience is primarily academic and research-oriented, centered on her PhD studies at IIT Jammu. She has actively contributed to research projects involving thermosyphon heat transport devices and natural circulation systems, focusing on experimental design, numerical modeling, and performance analysis. Her collaboration with her supervisor, Prof. P.K. Vijayan, who has a rich background in nuclear thermal hydraulics and reactor engineering, has enriched her exposure to practical challenges in energy systems design and safety. Swati has also worked on projects related to solar indoor cooktops, a novel application of thermosyphon technology, reflecting her ability to translate research into practical innovations. She has been involved in publishing several peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals and presenting findings at scientific forums, contributing to the academic community. Although her experience is mainly research-focused, it reflects strong technical skills, teamwork in collaborative environments, and dedication to advancing applied thermal engineering solutions.

Research Interests

Swati’s research interests lie in the field of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and passive cooling systems. Specifically, she focuses on natural circulation loops (NCLs) and thermosyphon heat transport devices (THTDs), which utilize buoyancy-driven flow to enable efficient heat transfer without mechanical pumps. Her work encompasses both single-phase and two-phase natural circulation systems, with a strong emphasis on stability analysis and flow instabilities. She is particularly interested in developing innovative applications of these passive heat transfer technologies, such as solar indoor cooking devices, passive fuel cooling systems in small modular reactors (SMRs), and sustainable energy solutions like solar space heating. Swati’s research aims to address critical challenges in renewable energy and nuclear safety by optimizing thermal-hydraulic performance and enhancing system stability. Her work bridges theoretical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental validations to provide comprehensive insights into these systems’ behavior under various boundary conditions, contributing to safer and more efficient energy technologies.

Research Skills

Swati possesses a robust set of research skills combining experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. She is proficient in designing and conducting experiments related to thermosyphon heat transport devices and natural circulation loops, including setup fabrication, instrumentation, and data acquisition. Her skills include numerical modeling and simulation using system codes to predict thermo-hydraulic behavior and flow stability. She has experience in analytical methods for stability criteria development and performance analysis under varying operating conditions. Swati’s ability to integrate experimental data with numerical models allows her to validate and refine theoretical predictions effectively. Additionally, she has strong scientific writing skills, demonstrated through multiple publications in reputed journals. Her research also involves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools for detailed flow analysis. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing complex research projects further highlights her organizational and teamwork capabilities. Overall, Swati’s research skills position her to make meaningful contributions to passive cooling and heat transfer technologies.

Awards and Honors

Swati Gangwar’s recognition primarily stems from her academic excellence and research contributions during her ongoing PhD. While specific external awards or honors were not explicitly mentioned, her work’s acceptance and publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals such as Nuclear Engineering and Design and IEEE Electrification Magazine are significant markers of her research quality and impact. Being mentored by a leading expert in the field, Prof. P.K. Vijayan, also adds to her academic prestige. Her participation in advanced research projects and collaborations, coupled with acceptance of her work in reputed journals, reflects peer recognition within the scientific community. Future recognition may include awards related to innovations in renewable energy or nuclear safety, given the societal relevance of her research areas. Encouragingly, her trajectory and ongoing scholarly output suggest a promising career with potential for further accolades and honors as she continues to contribute to her field.

Conclusion

Swati Gangwar exemplifies a promising young researcher with strong academic foundations, relevant professional experience, and a clear focus on impactful research in thermal hydraulics and fluid flow. Her work on natural circulation loops and thermosyphon devices addresses important challenges in renewable energy and nuclear safety, combining theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches. With multiple high-quality journal publications and ongoing innovative projects, she is steadily establishing herself as a capable and impactful researcher. To strengthen her profile further, opportunities to demonstrate leadership in research projects, increase engagement with the wider scientific community through conferences, and pursue external funding or patents would be beneficial. Overall, Swati’s dedication and contributions position her well as a deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award, highlighting her potential as a future leader in engineering research.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Insight on the steady-state performance of single-phase Natural circulation loops
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Swati Gangwar, P. K. Vijayan, Goutam Dutta
    Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Design, Volume 440, 114128

  2. Title: Insights on the instability and stabilizing techniques for natural circulation loops
    Year: 2025
    Authors: P. K. Vijayan, Swati Gangwar, Dev Banitia, U. C. Arunachala, S. Nakul, D. N. Elton, K. Varun
    Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Design, Volume 438, 114017

  3. Title: Intrinsically Safe Thermohydraulic Designs for SMRs: Design advantages and challenges
    Year: 2024
    Authors: P. K. Vijayan, Swati Gangwar
    Journal: IEEE Electrification Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 4, pp. 75–83
    DOI: 10.1109/MELE.2024.3473332

  4. Title: CFD analysis of the steady-state performance of a cooktop integrated Thermosyphon heat transport device with two bends
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Sonu Kumar, Pallippattu Krishnan Vijayan, Swati Gangwar, Satya Sekhar Bhogilla
    Journal: Heat Transfer Engineering Journal (Accepted for publication)

  5. Title: Experimental performance of a novel solar indoor cooktop using THTD
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Swati Gangwar, A. Budakoti, S. S. Bhogilla, G. Dutta, P. K. Vijayan
    Journal: ASTFE Digital Library, Begell House Inc.

Meijin Guo | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Meijin Guo | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at East china university of science & technology, China

Professor Meijin Guo is a renowned scholar in the field of bioengineering, currently serving as a full professor at the School of Bioengineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST). With over two decades of academic and research experience, she has made significant contributions to microbial fermentation, stem cell bioprocessing, and metabolic regulation. Professor Guo holds a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from ECUST, a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Guizhou University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Jiangxi Agricultural University. Her research has been instrumental in advancing technologies related to the large-scale production of mesenchymal stem cells, as well as in understanding the metabolic mechanisms of microbial synthesis under stress conditions. As a leading figure in national scientific projects, she has played key roles in high-impact studies supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Professor Guo has authored numerous influential papers and serves as a co-corresponding author on multiple internationally recognized publications. Her work has also earned her prestigious national and provincial awards in scientific advancement. She is deeply committed to integrating engineering principles with biotechnology to solve real-world problems, bridge academic research and industrial applications, and foster innovation in biosciences.

Professional Profile

Education

Meijin Guo’s academic foundation reflects a strong interdisciplinary background that underpins her distinguished research career in bioengineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology (1998–2001), where she began specializing in microbial metabolism and fermentation technologies. Her doctoral research laid the groundwork for her later contributions to bioreactor design and metabolic regulation. Prior to that, she obtained a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Guizhou University (1995–1998), focusing on microbial physiology and enzyme production. This period shaped her understanding of the biological and functional diversity of microorganisms, which remains central to her work. She started her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Jiangxi Agricultural University (1988–1992), where she gained a solid grasp of plant and soil sciences, giving her early insight into life sciences from an agricultural perspective. Her seamless transition across agronomy, microbiology, and biochemical engineering highlights her multidisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing challenges across the life science spectrum. With this broad educational foundation, Professor Guo has cultivated a research style that bridges fundamental biology and practical engineering solutions, making her uniquely positioned to lead innovative research projects in the rapidly evolving field of biological engineering.

Professional Experience

Professor Meijin Guo has built a robust professional career centered on academic research and biotechnological innovation. She currently holds a professorship in the School of Bioengineering at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), a role she has occupied since October 2010. In this position, she leads multiple research projects, mentors graduate students, and contributes to academic development within the institution. Prior to this role, she served as an associate professor at ECUST from November 2005 to September 2010, furthering her work in fermentation optimization and bioreactor engineering. Between October 2004 and October 2005, she expanded her academic horizons with a research stint at the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom, where she engaged in international collaboration and broadened her scientific perspectives. From July 2001 to September 2004, she worked as an assistant researcher at the Biotechnology Center of Jiangxi Agricultural University, initiating her professional research journey with a focus on microbial technology and fermentation systems. Throughout her career, Professor Guo has consistently demonstrated a commitment to translating scientific knowledge into scalable biotechnological applications, earning respect in academic and industry circles alike. Her diverse experience underscores her capabilities as a leader in bioengineering and applied life sciences.

Research Interest

Professor Meijin Guo’s research interests lie at the intersection of microbial biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and stem cell bioprocessing. Her work primarily focuses on the development and scale-up of bioreactors for the mass production of stem cells, with a particular emphasis on mesenchymal stem cells derived from human embryonic and umbilical cord sources. She is passionate about optimizing bioreactor environments to preserve stem cell activity and function while enabling reproducibility at industrial scales. Another major aspect of her research involves exploring the stress-induced metabolic regulation of microbial systems, especially in vitamin B12 biosynthesis by Pseudomonas denitrificans under oxygen-limited conditions. Her research integrates omics technologies and computational modeling, including computational fluid dynamics, to understand and control bioprocess variables. Additionally, she has shown a keen interest in bioprocess parameter optimization, cell metabolism, and organoid-based toxicity screening platforms. This interdisciplinary approach allows her to develop innovative solutions for therapeutic applications and industrial biotechnology. Through collaboration with clinicians and bioengineers, she aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical or commercial implementation. Her ongoing projects reflect her commitment to applying systems biology and process engineering tools to improve biomanufacturing practices and advance personalized medicine through scalable and efficient bioprocesses.

Research Skills

Professor Meijin Guo brings an exceptional suite of research skills that reflect her deep engagement with modern bioengineering methodologies. She is highly experienced in bioreactor design and scale-up, with specific expertise in stirred suspension systems for stem cell culture. Her ability to integrate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling into bioprocess development enables predictive design and real-time optimization of large-scale cell cultures. She is also proficient in microbial metabolic engineering, particularly for vitamin B12 biosynthesis under stress conditions, leveraging molecular biology tools to dissect and manipulate key biosynthetic pathways. In addition, she employs high-throughput screening technologies and label-free imaging platforms for compound toxicity studies using organoids, demonstrating her strength in cutting-edge cellular analysis techniques. Professor Guo also excels in experimental planning, data analysis, and scientific communication, often serving as co-corresponding author on high-impact journal publications. She is adept at leading multidisciplinary research teams and managing complex, large-scale projects funded by national and institutional grants. Her collaborative mindset and technical versatility enable her to adapt to rapidly evolving research challenges and contribute meaningfully to both fundamental research and translational applications. Through her skills, she not only drives scientific discovery but also enhances the reproducibility and scalability of biotechnological processes.

Awards and Honors

Professor Meijin Guo has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of her scientific contributions to biochemical engineering and biotechnology. In 2002, she was part of a research team that won the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award (Second Class) from the State Council of China for their work on parameter-driven optimization and scale-up techniques in fermentation bioreactors. She was again honored in 2011 with another Second-Class National Award for Scientific and Technological Progress, recognizing her work in developing fermentation optimization technologies based on physiological and process information analysis. These accolades underscore her leadership in bridging theoretical and practical aspects of bioprocess engineering. Additionally, in 2003, she received a First-Class Provincial and Ministerial Science and Technology Progress Award from the Shanghai Municipal Government for her contributions to the production of thermostable phytase enzymes and gene identification related to high-activity phytase, highlighting her role in enzyme biotechnology. These awards, granted at both national and regional levels, reflect her sustained impact in the scientific community and her capacity to drive innovation in applied life sciences. Professor Guo’s honors not only recognize past achievements but also affirm her ongoing role as a pioneer in the field of biological engineering in China.

Conclusion

Professor Meijin Guo stands as a leading figure in China’s bioengineering landscape, with a career that combines scientific depth, technical innovation, and a collaborative spirit. Her academic journey from agronomy to microbiology and biochemical engineering has shaped a uniquely interdisciplinary research profile. Over the years, she has played a key role in advancing scalable bioprocessing systems, metabolic regulation studies, and the integration of computational modeling with experimental biology. Her extensive publication record and multiple research grants—both national and institutional—demonstrate her status as a trusted and capable leader in scientific inquiry. Through her work on stem cell bioreactors and vitamin biosynthesis, she has made critical contributions to biomanufacturing and therapeutic development. The national recognition she has received, including two prestigious State Scientific and Technological Progress Awards, affirms the real-world impact of her research. As science and technology continue to evolve, Professor Guo remains committed to mentoring young researchers, fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships, and applying engineering principles to solve complex biological challenges. Her continued leadership ensures that the bridge between scientific research and industrial innovation remains strong, timely, and impactful. In every aspect of her professional life, she embodies the values of rigor, creativity, and purpose-driven science.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: De Novo synthesis of selenium-doped CeO2@Fe3O4 nanoparticles for improving secondary metabolite biosynthesis in Carthamus tinctorius cell suspension culture
    Authors: K. Ashraf, Z. Liu, Q.U. Zaman, … M. Guo, A. Mohsin
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Scalable Matrigel-Free Suspension Culture for Generating High-Quality Human Liver Ductal Organoids
    Authors: S. Gong, K. He, … Z. Yang, M. Guo
    Year: 2025

  3. Title: Temporal dynamics of stress response in Halomonas elongata to NaCl shock: physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic insights
    Authors: J. Yu, Y. Zhang, H. Liu, … M. Guo, Z. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7

  4. Title: Uncovering impaired mitochondrial and lysosomal function in adipose-derived stem cells from obese individuals with altered biological activity
    Authors: B. Wang, G. Zhang, Y. Hu, … M. Guo, H. Xu
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

  5. Title: Sustainable biosynthesis of lycopene by using evolutionary adaptive recombinant Escherichia coli from orange peel waste
    Authors: M. H. Hussain, S. Sajid, M. Martuscelli, … M. Guo, A. Mohsin
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  6. Title: A novel perspective on the role of long non-coding RNAs in regulating polyphenols biosynthesis in methyl jasmonate-treated Siraitia grosvenorii suspension cells
    Authors: Z. Liu, M. Guo (Meihui), A. Mohsin, … Z. Wang, M. Guo (Meijin)
    Year: 2024

  7. Title: A machine learning-based approach for improving plasmid DNA production in Escherichia coli fed-batch fermentations
    Authors: Z. Xu, X. Zhu, A. Mohsin, … M. Guo, G. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

  8. Title: Uncovering the Role of Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase in Boosting Chlorogenic Acid Accumulation in Carthamus tinctorius Cells under Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation
    Authors: Z. Liu, X. Zhu, A. Mohsin, … Y. Zhuang, M. Guo
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  9. Title: Research on the Transient Expression of a Novel PCV2 Capsid Fusion Protein in HEK293F Cells
    Authors: Q. Luo, Y. Peng, M. Ali (Mohsin), Y. Zhuang, M. Guo
    Year: 2024

  10. Title: Polyphenol oxidase inhibition by Saccharomyces cerevisiae extracts: A promising approach to prevent enzymatic browning
    Authors: Z. Liu, H. Ding, M. Martuscelli, … M. Guo, Z. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5