Liang Wang | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Liang Wang | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

Head of the Learning Department from Anhui University of Technology, China

Wang Liang is a highly motivated and innovative undergraduate student with a strong passion for energy materials research, particularly in the field of battery technology. His academic journey has been marked by a proactive approach toward scientific inquiry and a strong inclination for hands-on experimental work. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty members, Wang has immersed himself in laboratory research since his early undergraduate years, engaging in the preparation, analysis, and optimization of advanced electrode materials. He has consistently demonstrated leadership through his role in competitive innovation and entrepreneurship contests, securing numerous awards at national and provincial levels. Wang has also shown an ability to translate scientific ideas into practical research outcomes, applying for national-level innovation training programs and contributing to scientific publications and patent submissions. His strong academic standing is complemented by his organizational involvement, including roles such as study committee member and department vice minister. With a solid foundation in both theory and practice, Wang Liang represents a new generation of researchers who combine scientific curiosity with social responsibility. His early achievements signal great promise for a future in high-impact materials science research and sustainable energy solutions.

Professional Profile

Education

Wang Liang is currently an undergraduate student majoring in materials science and engineering. Since the beginning of his academic career in 2022, he has shown exceptional academic and extracurricular engagement. He was selected to work under the supervision of Dr. Junzhe Li through a mentor allocation system, beginning his scientific training by attending group meetings and following graduate students in laboratory work. His education combines a rigorous curriculum in materials synthesis, electrochemistry, and characterization methods with practical exposure to experimental research. Wang has undertaken academic coursework in energy storage systems, inorganic chemistry, and solid-state physics, while simultaneously gaining research experience through university-sponsored programs. He has successfully applied for and led a National Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Project and is involved in writing and submitting academic papers to SCI-indexed journals. He has also completed national training programs in entrepreneurship and innovation offered by institutions such as Zhejiang Gongshang University and Anhui University of Technology. These educational experiences, paired with his drive for independent learning and innovation, have provided Wang with a solid and versatile foundation for further research-oriented graduate education in advanced energy materials and electrochemical technologies.

Professional Experience

Although still an undergraduate, Wang Liang has built an impressive portfolio of pre-professional experience through active participation in research and innovation initiatives. His early involvement in experimental laboratory work began in December 2022 under the mentorship of Dr. Junzhe Li. By the summer of 2023, Wang had already engaged in hands-on research on antimony-based sulfide anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. He remained on campus during summer breaks to continue his experiments, develop laboratory techniques, and deepen his understanding of scientific literature. In April 2024, he successfully applied for a national undergraduate innovation training project, and in May, he filed a national invention patent related to battery material design. His work has led to the preparation of a review article targeting the journal Materials Review and a research paper currently under review in an SCI Zone 2 journal. Wang also gained experience leading student innovation projects, serving as a team leader in several national and provincial entrepreneurship competitions. In addition to his research engagements, he has taken on roles such as counselor assistant and vice minister in the academic department, enhancing his organizational and leadership abilities. This combination of scientific and managerial experience has equipped him with a unique skill set for a future in academia or industry.

Research Interest

Wang Liang’s primary research interests lie in the development of novel anode materials for next-generation energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. He has focused on exploring the electrochemical performance and structural optimization of advanced materials such as antimony-based sulfides and Ni-doped FeSe@C composites. His academic curiosity extends to the interface chemistry, charge-discharge mechanisms, and cycling stability of these electrode materials. Wang is especially interested in how modifications at the nano and microstructural levels can lead to improvements in energy density, conductivity, and mechanical stability. He has demonstrated a strong interest in bridging the gap between theoretical modeling and practical application, often combining material characterization with electrochemical testing in his work. His long-term goal is to contribute to the development of high-performance, sustainable energy systems that support the global transition to renewable energy. As part of his undergraduate research, Wang is currently working on a project involving concentration gradient tuning in Ni-doped materials, aiming to enhance their functionality as sodium-ion battery anodes. His vision involves integrating fundamental research with real-world application, contributing to breakthroughs in energy efficiency, battery lifespan, and environmental sustainability through material innovation.

Research Skills

Wang Liang has developed a wide range of research skills relevant to the field of materials science and battery technology. Through his involvement in laboratory experiments and innovation projects, he has become proficient in the synthesis and characterization of electrode materials, including techniques such as ball milling, calcination, and hydrothermal synthesis. He is skilled in conducting electrochemical measurements such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In addition, Wang has experience in using analytical tools like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural and morphological analysis. He is adept at interpreting scientific literature and presenting research findings in both written and oral formats. Wang has also demonstrated competence in academic writing, having authored a Chinese review paper and contributed to an SCI journal manuscript currently under review. His ability to coordinate with team members and manage research timelines as a project leader shows strong project management and collaboration skills. Moreover, his familiarity with patent writing and innovation proposal drafting indicates maturity in scientific communication. These combined technical, analytical, and soft skills provide a strong foundation for advanced research and problem-solving in the energy materials domain.

Awards and Honors

Wang Liang has been recognized with a diverse array of awards and honors that reflect both his academic excellence and innovation potential. In 2024 alone, he secured the Silver Prize in the Chizhou Guichi Entrepreneurship Top Ten Team Selection Competition and another Silver Award at the China International College Student Innovation Competition as a team leader. He also won a First Prize at the China Youth College Student Innovation Environmental Competition and a Third Prize at the Deep Blue Cup National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Earlier achievements include a National Silver Award at the 2023 Jinglian Cup Innovation Contest and a First Prize at the National College Innovation Project Presentation Contest. His personal academic accolades include the 2024 National Encouragement Scholarship, Excellent Class Cadre Award, and Three Good Student Award in 2023. Wang also holds certifications in core professional competencies (CVCC), emergency response, and has completed multiple national training programs in innovation and entrepreneurship. His leadership roles in academic departments and as counselor assistant further highlight his balanced development in academics and student affairs. These awards not only validate his academic rigor but also his problem-solving, creativity, and leadership in research and innovation activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wang Liang is a standout candidate for recognition as an emerging researcher in the field of energy materials and battery technology. At just 21 years of age, he has already demonstrated the qualities of a future scientific leader—innovation, diligence, technical proficiency, and academic maturity. His strong foundation in materials science, coupled with practical research experience and an impressive track record in national competitions, sets him apart among his peers. Wang’s commitment to linking theory with experimental practice is evident in his ongoing research projects, published works, and patent filings. His ability to work collaboratively, manage research projects, and communicate complex ideas effectively makes him highly suited for continued academic research or professional R&D roles. While he is still in the early phase of his scientific career, his accomplishments and potential clearly align with the values recognized by awards that celebrate research excellence. With further opportunities for graduate-level research and international exposure, Wang Liang is poised to make meaningful contributions to sustainable energy technologies and advanced functional materials in the near future. He is highly deserving of encouragement, mentorship, and recognition on platforms dedicated to celebrating young scientific talent.

Maryam Noorafshan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maryam Noorafshan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at University of Hormozgan, Iran

Dr. Maryam Noorafshan is an accomplished physicist specializing in computational condensed matter physics. Born on September 20, 1983, she has developed a robust academic and research career, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Hormozgan, Iran. With a passion for advancing knowledge in material sciences, Dr. Noorafshan has focused her research on investigating the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials using advanced computational methods. Her prolific contributions to peer-reviewed journals underscore her commitment to impactful research. Beyond academia, her experience as a visiting researcher at Uppsala University, Sweden, reflects her ability to collaborate internationally and contribute to solving global scientific challenges. Dr. Noorafshan is a dedicated researcher with an unwavering focus on the application of physics to address modern scientific and technological needs.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Noorafshan’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Theoretical Physics from Shiraz University, Iran, in 2005. She pursued a Master’s degree in the same field at Shiraz University, completing it in 2007. She then achieved a PhD in Computational Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Isfahan, Iran, in 2017. Her education reflects a steady progression toward specialization in condensed matter physics, a field requiring a deep understanding of quantum mechanics and material properties. Additionally, her time as a visiting researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden in 2016 provided her with exposure to advanced research environments and cutting-edge computational techniques. This solid academic foundation has prepared her for a successful career in research and academia.

Professional Experience

Since 2017, Dr. Noorafshan has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Hormozgan, Iran. In this role, she has contributed to both teaching and research, mentoring students and advancing the university’s research agenda. Her experience includes the use of density functional theory (DFT) to explore materials’ electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. Her role as a visiting researcher at Uppsala University allowed her to work in an international research environment, enhancing her global perspective and collaborative skills. Dr. Noorafshan’s professional experience highlights her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge while fostering the next generation of physicists.

Research Interests

Dr. Noorafshan’s research interests lie in the fields of computational condensed matter physics and material science. Her primary focus is on using density functional theory (DFT) and other computational methods to study the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. She is particularly interested in materials with applications in renewable energy, such as semiconductors for solar cells. Her work on Kondo behavior, electronic structure analysis, and the effect of hydrostatic pressure on material properties underscores her commitment to addressing fundamental questions in physics while exploring practical applications. Dr. Noorafshan’s research contributes to the development of materials that are essential for future technological advancements.

Research Skills

Dr. Noorafshan possesses advanced computational skills, particularly in density functional theory (DFT), first-principles calculations, and materials modeling. Her expertise includes analyzing magnetic, electronic, and optical properties of complex materials. She has a proven ability to design and execute computational experiments, interpret results, and contribute to high-impact publications. Her experience with various software tools and programming languages used in computational physics enhances her research productivity. Additionally, her international collaboration experience has honed her ability to work in diverse research teams and tackle interdisciplinary challenges.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not listed in her curriculum vitae, Dr. Noorafshan’s achievements include her selection as a visiting researcher at Uppsala University, Sweden, a recognition of her research potential and capability. Her consistent publication record in reputable journals highlights her contributions to the field of condensed matter physics. Her work on renewable energy materials, particularly those relevant to solar cells, positions her as a valuable researcher addressing global scientific challenges.

Conclusion

Dr. Maryam Noorafshan is a dedicated physicist with significant expertise in computational condensed matter physics. Her strong educational background, professional experience, and focused research interests make her a valuable contributor to the field. With advanced computational skills and a growing body of impactful research, she exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher. While further recognition through awards and interdisciplinary collaborations would strengthen her profile, Dr. Noorafshan’s current achievements and potential position her as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Study of ab initio calculations of structural, electronic and optical properties of ternary semiconductor Ga1-xInxSb alloys”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M., Heydari, S.
    • Year: 2024
  • “Density functional study of electronic, elastic and optical properties of GaAs1−xNx (x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) alloys”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1
  • “Effect of hydrostatic pressure on electronic structure and optical properties of InAs: A first principle study”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4
  • “First principle calculations of hydrostatic pressure effect on the Kondo behavior and magnetic properties of CePdBi”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M.
    • Year: 2019
  • “LDA + DMFT and LDA + U study of the electronic and magnetic properties of DyFeSi”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 4
  • “Density functional investigation of Kondo behavior, electronic structure and magnetic properties of CeRuPO-nano-layer”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M., Nourbakhsh, Z.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 1
  • “First-Principle Study of the Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Nd1−xLaxFeSi Alloys (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1)”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M., Nourbakhsh, Z.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 1
  • “The effect of Ce dilution on the ferromagnetic ordering and Kondo behavior of CeRuPO”
    • Authors: Noorafshan, M., Nourbakhsh, Z.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 2
  • “Frequency dependency of magnetic susceptibility in SP magnetite grains”
    • Authors: Hamedpour Darabi, M., Noorafshan, M., Dearing, J.
    • Year: 2012