Ayşe Aytaç | Chemical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Ayşe Aytaç | Chemical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Kocaeli University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Ayşe Aytaç is a distinguished academic recognized for her extensive contributions to materials science, polymer engineering, and advanced functional composites. Her research primarily focuses on the design and development of high-performance polymeric systems, smart coatings, nanostructured materials, and sustainable composites for applications spanning energy, environment, and industrial innovation. Over the course of her career, she has built a strong publication record, with 103 Scopus-indexed documents, 2,358 citations, and an h-index of 22, reflecting her sustained scientific impact and global research visibility. Her work integrates advanced polymer synthesis, structure–property optimization, interfacial engineering, and multifunctional material design, offering innovative solutions that enhance mechanical resilience, thermal stability, and environmental performance. She has played leading roles in national and international research projects, collaborating with universities, industry partners, and research centers across Europe and other regions. These collaborations have strengthened interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and contributed to the development of materials that address real-world challenges, from eco-friendly polymers to biomedical and engineering applications. In addition to her research achievements, Prof. Dr. Ayşe Aytaç is actively involved in academic leadership, supervising graduate students, participating in editorial and reviewing activities, and contributing to scientific committees. Her commitment to mentorship and scientific excellence has helped shape the next generation of researchers. Through her innovative research, international partnerships, and dedication to societal advancement, she continues to make significant contributions to the global scientific community.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Features Publications

Karsli, N. G., & Aytac, A. (2013). Tensile and thermomechanical properties of short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 51, 270–275.

Kemaloglu, S., Ozkoc, G., & Aytac, A. (2010). Properties of thermally conductive micro and nano size boron nitride reinforced silicon rubber composites. Thermochimica Acta, 499(1–2), 40–47.

Karsli, N. G., & Aytac, A. (2011). Effects of maleated polypropylene on the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of short carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. Materials & Design, 32(7), 4069–4073.

Aydın, M., Tozlu, H., Kemaloglu, S., Aytac, A., & Ozkoc, G. (2011). Effects of alkali treatment on the properties of short flax fiber–poly (lactic acid) eco-composites. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 19(1), 11–17.

Ozkan, C., Karsli, N. G., Aytac, A., & Deniz, V. (2014). Short carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites: Effects of different sizing materials. Composites Part B: Engineering, 62, 230–235.

Moshe Mello | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Moshe Mello | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Chemical Engineering | South Africa

Mr. Moshe Mello is an emerging scholar and multidisciplinary engineering professional with expertise spanning chemical engineering, metallurgical production, waste management, and renewable energy systems. He holds a Master of Technology (MTech) in Chemical Engineering from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), where his postgraduate research focused on the desulfurization of tire pyrolytic oil using adsorption and photodegradation—contributing to ongoing global efforts in sustainable fuel development and circular waste-to-energy technologies. His research outputs include peer-reviewed articles published in the Journal of Air and Waste Management (Taylor & Francis) and Chemical Engineering Transactions, reflecting his growing academic impact within waste valorization and environmental process engineering. Mr. Mello’s professional experience integrates academia, laboratory practice, and metallurgical engineering. As a Junior Lecturer at VUT, he has played a pivotal role in curriculum development for Diploma, Advanced Diploma, BEngTech, and postgraduate programs, particularly in Heat and Mass Transfer, Separation Technologies, and Petroleum Engineering electives. He has supervised undergraduate research projects, contributed to teaching and learning innovation, and supported departmental outreach activities. His earlier work as a Laboratory Technician strengthened his proficiency with analytical equipment, experimental method design, and student mentorship. In industry, Mr. Mello served as a Metallurgical Production Engineer (Training) at Samancor Middelburg Ferrochrome, where he led process optimization initiatives, metallurgical control, electrode management, and mass–energy balance assessments. His notable achievements include reducing coke consumption to 17% in SAF operations, saving the company over 50 million rands annually, and developing a recyclable mould-coating product that expanded production capacity and created new employment opportunities. He also contributed to a Blue Drop certification milestone for a public water treatment facility through collaborative undergraduate research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. (2023). Semi-empirical modelling for dissolution of calcium from ironmaking slag in ammonium acetate for CO₂ utilization. Engineering Proceedings

 

Yasmin Shabeer | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Yasmin Shabeer | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Waterloo, Canada

Yasmin Shabeer is a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Electrochemical Engineering and Battery Systems, currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Michael Fowler. She holds a B.Tech in Rubber and Plastics Technology from Anna University, India, and has gained extensive research experience in high-energy-density aluminum-air batteries, lithium-ion thermal modeling, metal-air battery comparative studies, and corrosion analysis of Al6061 electrodes. Her research focuses on integrating experimental electrochemical techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), distribution of relaxation time (DRT) analysis, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), with advanced data-driven approaches including machine learning models for predicting polarization behavior, corrosion current density, and impedance parameters, alongside life cycle assessment (LCA) for environmental sustainability. She has contributed to the design, prototyping, and optimization of battery systems through systematic experimental studies, collaboration with industry partners like AlumaPower and Stellantis, and applied modeling using MATLAB, COMSOL, Python, and simulation software for design-of-experiments (DoE). Yasmin has authored five peer-reviewed publications with 111 citations and an h-index of 4, reflecting the impact of her work on the field of sustainable energy storage. She has been recognized with awards including the Bhattacharyya Award, Mitacs Graduate Fellowship, Devani Charities Graduate Award, and International Master’s Award of Excellence, highlighting her academic excellence, innovation, and leadership potential. Beyond research, she has served as a teaching assistant, laboratory manager, Mitacs mentor, and graduate student leader, demonstrating her commitment to education, mentorship, and community engagement. With expertise spanning electrochemical systems, material characterization, battery optimization, AI-assisted modeling, and sustainability analysis, Yasmin combines scientific rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical innovation, positioning her as a promising future leader in clean energy technology, electrochemical research, and sustainable battery solutions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Mevawalla, A., Shabeer, Y., Tran, M. K., Panchal, S., Fowler, M., & Fraser, R. (2022). Thermal modelling utilizing multiple experimentally measurable parameters. Batteries, 8(10), 147

  2. Madani, S. S., Shabeer, Y., Allard, F., Fowler, M., Ziebert, C., Wang, Z., & Panchal, S. (2025). A comprehensive review on lithium-ion battery lifetime prediction and aging mechanism analysis. Batteries, 11(4), 127.

  3. Shabeer, Y., Madani, S. S., Panchal, S., Mousavi, M., & Fowler, M. (2025). Different metal–air batteries as range extenders for the electric vehicle market: A comparative study. Batteries, 11(1), 35.

  4. Madani, S. S., Allard, F., Shabeer, Y., Fowler, M., Panchal, S., & Ziebert, C. (2025). Exploring the aging dynamics of lithium-ion batteries for enhanced lifespan understanding. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2968(1), 01201.

  5. Shabeer, Y., Madani, S. S., Panchal, S., & Fowler, M. (2025). Performance optimization of high energy density aluminum–air batteries: Effects of operational parameters and electrolyte composition. Future Batteries, 100082.

Yasmin Shabeer’s work advances the development of high-performance, sustainable energy storage systems by integrating experimental electrochemistry, machine learning, and life cycle assessment. Her research directly contributes to cleaner energy technologies, efficient battery design for electric vehicles, and environmentally responsible industrial applications, driving innovation in both science and industry.

Vijyendra Kumar | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vijyendra Kumar | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Raipur Institute Of Technology Raipur, India

Dr. Vijyendra Kumar is a distinguished researcher and academic leader in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, currently serving as HOD & Associate Professor at RIT Raipur, with extensive experience in wastewater treatment, heterogeneous Fenton catalysts, process intensification, and sustainable environmental technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from NIT Raipur in 2019, focusing on the application and reuse of heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for industrial and synthetic wastewater treatment under the guidance of Dr. P. Ghosh. Dr. Kumar also holds an M.Tech in Environmental Chemical Engineering (CPI 8.64) and a B.E. in Chemical Engineering (CPI 7.41) from RITEE, Raipur. His professional journey spans over a decade and includes roles as Postdoctoral Research Associate at IIT Guwahati, Temporary Faculty at NIT Raipur, Project Engineer at PLIPL Raipur, Senior and Junior Research Fellow at NIT Raipur, and Assistant Professor at RITEE Raipur, where he has contributed significantly to research, teaching, mentorship, and departmental leadership. Dr. Kumar’s research interests focus on advanced oxidation processes, wastewater remediation, catalyst development, green energy materials, and sustainable chemical processes, supported by strong research skills in gas chromatography, UV-Vis spectroscopy, BET analysis, CHNS analysis, TOC analysis, and photochemical reactor operations. He has authored over 50 publications with 1,451 citations and an h-index of 22, including articles in high-impact Scopus and SCI-indexed journals, and 12 book chapters with renowned publishers such as Elsevier and De Gruyter. He has actively participated in national and international conferences, faculty development programs, and professional communities, holding memberships

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Kumar, V., Mohapatra, T., Dharmadhikari, S., & Ghosh, P. (2020). A review paper on heterogeneous Fenton catalyst: Types of preparation, modification techniques, factors affecting the synthesis, characterization, and application in the … Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 15(1), 1–34.

  2. Vijyendra Kumar, P. G., Pandey, N., & Dharmadhikari, S. (2019). Degradation of mixed dye via heterogeneous Fenton process: Studies of calcination, toxicity evaluation and kinetics. Water Environment Research, 91(24), 1–12.

  3. Mohapatra, T., Kumar, V., Sharma, M., & Ghosh, P. (2021). Hybrid Fenton oxidation processes with packed bed or fluidized bed reactor for the treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater: A review. Environmental Engineering Science, 38(6), 443–457.

  4. Suraj, P. G., Vijyendra Kumar, P., & Thakur, C. K. (2019). Taguchi optimization of COD removal by heterogeneous Fenton process using copper ferro spinel catalyst in a fixed bed reactor: RTD, kinetic and thermodynamic study. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 7(6), 103488.

  5. Sahu, G., & Kumar, V. (2021). The toxic effect of fluoride and arsenic on behaviour and morphology of catfish (Clarias batrachus). Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 20(1), 371–375.

 

Sun Chenyu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sun Chenyu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at Shandong University, China

Sun Chenyi is a dedicated researcher in the field of materials science, currently pursuing a combined Master’s and Ph.D. degree at Shandong University. His work primarily focuses on the development of advanced energy storage systems, particularly lithium-sulfur batteries, where he has made significant contributions through innovative research and publications. Sun has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leading to several accolades and recognition for his research achievements. With a solid foundation in materials science and engineering, Sun possesses a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making him a valuable asset to the scientific community. His leadership experience as a student council president further highlights his ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively with peers. As he continues to advance his research, Sun is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the field, focusing on enhancing battery technologies and exploring new materials for energy applications.

Professional Profile

Education

Sun Chenyi’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Shandong University of Science and Technology, where he graduated in July 2020. His coursework included fundamental subjects such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and solid-state physics, laying a strong groundwork for his future studies. Since September 2020, he has been enrolled in a dual Master’s and Ph.D. program at Shandong University, specializing in materials and chemical engineering. His advanced studies encompass modern research methodologies in materials, thermodynamics, and electrochemical kinetics, equipping him with essential theoretical and practical skills. Sun’s academic endeavors have not only deepened his understanding of materials science but also fostered his interest in the electrochemical behavior of materials, particularly in energy storage applications. This rigorous education has shaped him into a competent researcher, ready to tackle complex challenges in the field.

Professional Experience

Sun Chenyi has accumulated valuable professional experience through his ongoing research at Shandong University. He has been actively involved in projects focusing on lithium metal anodes and lithium-sulfur batteries since 2020. His work addresses critical challenges in the commercialization of lithium batteries, such as dendrite growth and volume expansion of lithium metal anodes. Sun has successfully designed and modified current collectors to enhance the stability of lithium metal batteries, resulting in multiple high-impact publications. Additionally, he is engaged in research measuring diffusion coefficients of metallic melts under strong magnetic fields, aiming to improve the understanding of liquid-solid phase transitions. His hands-on experience with cutting-edge research techniques, combined with his leadership as a student council president at his previous university, reflects his capability to lead and collaborate effectively in diverse research settings. Sun’s professional background demonstrates his commitment to advancing materials science and energy technologies.

Research Interests

Sun Chenyi’s research interests primarily focus on the development of advanced materials for energy storage applications, specifically lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries and lithium metal anodes. He is particularly interested in addressing the challenges associated with lithium metal batteries, including dendrite formation and polysulfide shuttle effects, which hinder their commercial viability. Sun’s research aims to enhance the electrochemical performance and stability of these batteries through innovative material design and modification techniques. He explores the use of functional materials and structural engineering to optimize electrode configurations, thereby improving charge/discharge efficiency and battery lifespan. Additionally, his work encompasses theoretical calculations related to adsorption energy and electronic properties, utilizing advanced computational tools like VASP and Materials Studio. Sun is keen on expanding his research scope to include other areas of materials science and engineering, aiming to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions.

Research Skills

Sun Chenyi possesses a robust set of research skills that make him proficient in the field of materials science. He is well-versed in first-principles calculations and computational modeling, utilizing software tools such as VASP and Materials Studio for electrochemical analyses. His ability to perform independent theoretical calculations allows him to analyze adsorption energies and electronic properties effectively. In addition to his computational expertise, Sun has hands-on experience in experimental techniques related to battery fabrication and characterization. He is skilled in synthesizing novel materials and modifying existing structures to enhance electrochemical performance. Sun’s research also includes a strong understanding of thermodynamic principles and kinetics, which are critical for exploring new battery technologies. Furthermore, his leadership and organizational skills, demonstrated through his experience as a student council president, enhance his ability to collaborate with colleagues and manage research projects efficiently. Together, these skills position Sun as a competent and innovative researcher in the field.

Awards and Honors

Sun Chenyi has received numerous awards and honors throughout his academic career, recognizing his dedication and excellence in research. In 2024, he was awarded the Excellent Academic Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the area of lithium-sulfur batteries. Additionally, he has earned several academic scholarships from Shandong University, including the First-Class Academic Scholarship in 2021 and the Second-Class Academic Scholarship in 2023, which reflect his consistent academic performance. His commitment to academic excellence was also recognized with the Freshman Scholarship during his initial years at the university in 2020 and 2022. These accolades underscore Sun’s dedication to his research endeavors and his potential for future contributions to the scientific community. As he continues his academic journey, these honors serve as a testament to his capabilities and commitment to advancing materials science.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Publication: 3D lithiophilic collector coated by amorphous g-C3N4 enabling Ultra-Stable cycling Li metal batteries
    Authors: Gao, L., Sun, C., Li, X., Bai, Y., Bian, X.
    Year: 2024
  2. Publication: Enhanced Al-Storage Performance by Electronic Properties Optimization and Structural Customization in MOF-Derived Heterostructure
    Authors: Kang, R., Du, Y., Zhang, D., Chen, G., Zhang, J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4
  3. Publication: Configurational Entropy Strategy Enhanced Structure Stability Achieves Robust Cathode for Aluminum Batteries
    Authors: Kang, R., Zhang, D., Du, Y., Chen, G., Zhang, J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4
  4. Publication: Enhanced d-p Orbital Hybridization for Lithium Polysulfide Capturing and Lithium Deposition Inducing of AgVO3 Skeleton Enabling High-Performance Li-Sulfur Batteries
    Authors: Sun, C., Gao, L., Rong, W., Bai, Y., Bian, X.
    Year: 2024
  5. Publication: Functional lithiophilic skeleton/evolving lithium sulfide artificial protective layer for dendrite-free Li metal anode
    Authors: Sun, C., Gao, L., Rong, W., Tian, X., Bian, X.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3
  6. Publication: Modification of 2D materials using MoS2 as a model for investigating the Al-storage properties of diverse crystal facets
    Authors: Kang, R., Du, Y., Zhang, D., Chen, G., Zhang, J.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6
  7. Publication: Highly stable lithium metal anode enabled by constructing lithiophilic 3D interphase on robust framework
    Authors: Kang, R., Du, Y., Zhou, W., Chen, G., Zhang, J.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 9
  8. Publication: Ultrafast microwave-induced synthesis of lithiophilic oxides modified 3D porous mesh skeleton for high-stability Li-metal anode
    Authors: Sun, C., Gao, L., Yang, Y., Zhang, D., Bian, X.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11
  9. Publication: Amorphous TiO2-x modified Sb nanowires as a high-performance sodium-ion battery anode
    Authors: Gao, L., Lu, D., Yang, Y., Liu, S., Bian, X.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 8
  10. Publication: Morphology-tunable synthesis of CuO modified with Cu-Zn/Cu-Sn intermetallic compounds as high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries
    Authors: Zhang, D., Wang, C., Yang, Y., Sun, C., Bian, X.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 11