Assist. Prof. Dr. TESFAYE HAILE HABTEMARIAM | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. TESFAYE HAILE HABTEMARIAM | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. TESFAYE HAILE HABTEMARIAM , Green Chemistry , Inorganic Chemist at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Dr. Tesfaye Haile Habtemariam, is an Ethiopian inorganic chemist and Assistant Professor at Wolaita Sodo University. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he specializes in inorganic materials, nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry. He earned both his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Addis Ababa University and undertook a research visit at the University of Nottingham, UK. Dr. Tesfaye has held leadership roles, including Head of the Chemistry Department at Wolaita Sodo University. An active member of prestigious chemical societies like the American Chemical Society and Royal Society of Chemistry, he contributes significantly to research in MOFs, photocatalysis, and nanomaterials. Dr. Tesfaye is well-regarded for his community-oriented research, particularly in water treatment and environmental remediation, and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications. His commitment to scientific innovation and education makes him a valuable contributor to both national and international scientific communities.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Tesfaye Haile Habtemariam is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. His consistent research output, international exposure, impactful studies in environmental and materials chemistry, and leadership roles reflect a well-rounded academic profile. His work in nanotechnology and MOFs addresses pressing global issues, reinforcing his candidacy for this prestigious recognition. He is an exemplary researcher contributing meaningfully to science, innovation, and academic mentorship, making him a strong nominee for the “Best Researcher Award”.His impactful research on environmentally focused nanomaterials, global academic recognition, consistent publication record, and leadership in Ethiopian higher education underscore his contributions to science, innovation, and sustainable development.He exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher with international collaborations, practical solutions, and dedication to academic excellence, making him an outstanding nominee for this honor.

🎓Education:

Dr. Tesfaye received both his advanced degrees in Inorganic Chemistry from Addis Ababa University. He completed his M.Sc. (2008–2010) with research focused on inorganic synthesis, followed by a Ph.D. (2014–2019), where he explored novel metal-organic frameworks and porous materials for environmental applications. During his Ph.D., he was awarded an opportunity to conduct part of his research at the University of Nottingham, UK, under the supervision of Prof. Neil R. Champness, gaining international exposure and experience in cutting-edge material science. This academic journey laid the foundation for his career in materials chemistry, environmental catalysis, and nanotechnology. His educational path reflects strong theoretical and applied understanding in inorganic chemistry, further enriched by hands-on laboratory skills and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This robust background enables him to contribute significantly to both teaching and research in the field of chemistry at national and international levels.

🏢Work Experience:

Since October 29, 2010, Dr. Tesfaye Haile Habtemariam has served as an Assistant Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia. Over the years, he has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate chemistry courses, mentoring students, and leading numerous research projects. From October 2019 to November 2021, he served as the Head of the Department of Chemistry, where he played a crucial role in strengthening teaching, research, and community engagement activities in line with national education policy. Dr. Tesfaye has established himself as a proactive academician with expertise in nanotechnology, MOFs, and adsorptive materials. His collaborative approach has led to productive research engagements and multiple publications. He also contributed to institutional development and curriculum improvements while promoting sustainable technologies for environmental management. His experience integrates research, administration, and teaching—making him a well-rounded academic leader and contributor to Ethiopia’s scientific development.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Tesfaye has received several honors recognizing his academic and research contributions. In 2019, he won a year’s subscription to ChemComm awarded at the PACN Congress by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This reflected his active participation and engagement with international scientific forums. Earlier in 2015, he was awarded a UNESCO-IHE short course scholarship for “Nanotechnology for Water and Wastewater Treatment” held in Delft, The Netherlands, which enhanced his expertise in water purification technologies using nanomaterials. These awards not only highlight his scientific curiosity but also his commitment to global knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Tesfaye is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC), the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the Chemical Society of Ethiopia, affirming his engagement with the global scientific community. These accolades demonstrate both his potential and proven track record in sustainable science and innovation.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Tesfaye’s research focuses on the synthesis and application of inorganic and nanostructured materials for environmental and energy-related challenges. His core interests include the design and spectroscopic study of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for use in photocatalysis, water and wastewater treatment, and removal of toxic contaminants. He also investigates adsorptive materials, exploring their capacity to eliminate pollutants such as heavy metals and dyes from aqueous systems. Additionally, he works on nanotechnology applications for antibacterial activity, leveraging biosynthesized nanoparticles from plant extracts for sustainable health applications. A particular strength of his research lies in green synthesis methods, combining traditional knowledge with modern chemistry to produce eco-friendly materials. His interdisciplinary work links material science, environmental chemistry, and nanotechnology, aiming to develop low-cost, efficient, and scalable solutions for real-world environmental problems in Ethiopia and beyond.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Nutritional and Mineral Composition of Amaranthus caudatus Leaves in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

2. Adsorptive Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution Using Activated Carbon of Enset Root (Ensete ventricosum)

3. Biological Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Fruit Extract of Ruta Chalepensis as Photoelectrode for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Application

4. Biosynthesis of CuO Nanoparticle Using Leaf Extracts of Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth and Withania somnifera (L) Dunal for Antibacterial Activity​

5. Pillared‐Layer Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Photodegradation of Methyl Orange in Wastewater

6. Polyaniline‐ZnO‐NiO Nanocomposite Based Non‐Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor for Malathion Detection​

7. Room Temperature Synthesis of Pillared-Layer Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

8. The Determination of Caffeine Level of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia Coffee Using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

 

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Emilia Paone | Industrial Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Emilia Paone | Industrial Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Emilia Paone , Industrial Chemistry , Assistant Professor at Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Italy

Dr. Emilia Paone is a dynamic and forward-thinking Fixed-Term Researcher (RTD-B) at the Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, specializing in Industrial Chemistry (SSD: CHIM/07). Born on September 14, 1990, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, she has emerged as a leading young scientist in the field of heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable chemical transformations. Her research pivots on the valorization of waste biomass and plastic residues into high-value chemicals and fuels. With over 41 peer-reviewed international publications, an h-index of 21, and significant international collaborations, Dr. Paone has built a formidable academic presence. She has held multiple national scientific qualifications for associate professorship in both CHIM/04 and CHIM/07. Her global perspective is enriched by research periods in Spain and collaboration with industrial partners. An active voice in green chemistry and environmental sustainability, she is a rising star driving innovation in catalytic materials and waste valorization technologies.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Emilia Paone exemplifies the core qualities sought in a “Young Scientist Award” recipient. With a Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, and Safety Engineering, she has consistently demonstrated scientific maturity, innovation, and dedication in the realm of green and sustainable chemistry. Her postdoctoral and fixed-term research roles, particularly under national initiatives such as DM 1062/2021 in thematic GREEN areas, highlight her alignment with sustainability and circular economy goals. She has published 41 peer-reviewed papers, authored 2 book chapters, and amassed over 2,000 citations with an h-index of 21, which is remarkable for a young researcher. Her work on heterogeneous catalysis, biomass valorization, and e-waste upcycling contributes meaningfully to global sustainability challenges. She has held international research roles, including ERASMUS+ staff mobility in Spain, showing global engagement and collaborative spirit. Moreover, she has achieved dual National Scientific Qualifications for Associate Professor roles, underscoring her excellence and leadership potential.Dr. Emilia Paone’s proven research excellence, international collaborations, impactful publications, and clear contribution to sustainable technologies make her a strong, deserving, and outstanding candidate for the “Young Scientist Award’. Her work not only meets but exceeds the typical expectations for this recognition, and she stands as a role model for early-career researchers in green and industrial chemistry.

🎓Education:

Dr. Paone earned her Bachelor’s (2009–2013) and Master’s Degrees (2013–2015) in Chemistry from the Università degli Studi di Messina. She then completed her Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, and Safety Engineering (2015–2018) at the Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, specializing in Science and Technology, Materials, and Energy. Her doctoral thesis was titled “Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Lignin and its Derived Aromatic Ethers Promoted by Heterogeneous Bimetallic Pd-Based Catalysts.” She has also completed a qualification exam in chemistry exercise in 2015. Emilia further enhanced her academic training with research internships in both Italy and Spain, including studies on chemical equilibria and potable water analysis. Notably, she has enriched her learning with international research mobility under Erasmus+, and visiting positions in Spain, gaining practical expertise in nanostructured materials, catalysis, and green technologies.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Paone currently serves as a Fixed-Term Researcher (RTD-B) at Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria (since March 2024), focusing on Industrial Chemistry. Previously, she held an RTD-A position (2022–2024) under Italy’s GREEN program (Action IV.6), collaborating with Capua 1880 s.r.l. on sustainable technologies. Earlier, as a postdoctoral researcher (2021), she worked on the environmental sustainability of materials recovered from lithium battery waste. From 2019 to 2021, she worked with the University of Florence and Reggio Calabria on nanostructured materials for detecting metal ions in solutions. During her Ph.D. and internships, she explored lignin valorization and heterogeneous catalysis. Internationally, she served as a Visiting Researcher and Professor at the University of Córdoba, Spain, and as a Ph.D. student researcher in the same institution. Her experience spans academia, industrial collaboration, and international teaching and research exchanges—showcasing both scientific excellence and applied innovation.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Emilia Paone has achieved significant recognition in the field of sustainable chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis through her impactful research and academic contributions. She holds two prestigious National Scientific Qualifications (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale) for the role of Associate Professor—one in Industrial Chemistry (CHIM/04 – 03/C2) awarded in 2023, and another in Principles of Chemistry for Applied Technologies (CHIM/07 – 03/B2) awarded in 2022. These qualifications are a testament to her high scientific standards and professional competence, as evaluated by national committees in Italy. Furthermore, her international engagement and excellence were highlighted when she was selected as a Visiting Researcher and Professor under the ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility program in 2023 at the Universidad de Córdoba, Spain. Her academic visibility is reinforced by her impressive bibliometric indicators, with over 2,000 citations and an h-index of 21, showcasing her growing influence in catalysis, green chemistry, and the valorization of waste to high-value products.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Paone’s research is at the cutting edge of green chemistry 🌱, with a core focus on heterogeneous catalysis for the valorization of waste and biomass into value-added products such as bioplastics, biofuels, and fine chemicals. Her work spans the transfer hydrogenolysis of lignin, reductive catalytic upgrading of plastic waste, and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, contributing to sustainable circular economy models. She has developed MOF-derived, single-atom, and bimetallic Pd-based catalysts that efficiently convert industrial and e-waste streams. She actively collaborates on projects transforming orange peels, PET, polyolefins, and lithium battery residues into useful chemicals via eco-friendly methods. Her interdisciplinary approach combines catalyst design, nanomaterials, environmental remediation, and flow chemistry, with a strong emphasis on industrial scalability and green metrics. Dr. Paone’s research consistently addresses pressing climate and sustainability goals, establishing her as a key player in Europe’s scientific green transition.

Publication Top Notes:

Continuous flow production of γ-valerolactone from methyl-levulinate promoted by MOF-derived Al₂O₃–ZrO₂/C catalysts​

Waste-minimized access to diarylamines and triarylamines via Csp²–N coupling under batch and flow conditions

E-Waste Wars: The Catalyst Awakens​

Long-Term Preservation of Orange Peel Waste for the Production of Acids and Biogas

Direct Reuse of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Reductive Upgrading of Biomass-Derived Furfural​

The reductive catalytic upcycling of polyolefin plastic waste​

Hydrothermal Carbonization as Sustainable Process for the Complete Upgrading of Orange Peel Waste into Value-Added Chemicals and Bio-Carbon Materials

A New Biorefinery Approach for the Full Valorisation of Anchovy Residues: Use of the Sludge Generated during the Extraction of Fish Oil as a Nitrogen Supplement in Anaerobic Digestion​

Electrospun Nanofibers and Electrochemical Techniques for the Detection of Heavy Metal Ions.​

Self Standing Mats of Blended Polyaniline Produced by Electrospinning

Integral valorization of orange peel waste through optimized ensiling: Lactic acid and bioethanol production

Sustainably Sourced Olive Polyphenols and Omega-3 Marine Lipids: A Synergy Fostering Public Health

 

Dr. Mohamed Abulela | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mohamed Abulela | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohamed Abulela | Environmental Chemistry | Assiut university , Egypt

Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Abdelazim Abulela is a skilled synthetic organic chemist from Assiut, Egypt, with extensive experience in both academic and industrial research. He serves as a full-time researcher at the Assiut Sugar Industry Technology Research Institute and a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Science, New Valley Branch, Assiut University. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Assiut University in 2010, focusing on selenium-containing heterocycles. His postdoctoral fellowship at Saurashtra University, India, enhanced his expertise in X-ray crystallography and selenium chelate synthesis. Dr. Abulela’s work includes the development of environmental chemistry  friendly colorimetric methods, sugar quantification techniques, and biomass modification for adsorption and biofuel applications. His research contributes to sustainable practices in both chemistry and environmental science. With strong English and computer skills, he actively participates in international conferences and collaborative research initiatives.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Mohamed Abdelazim Abulela is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. His innovative methodologies, applied research relevance, and contribution to sustainable technologies in the fields of synthetic organic and environmental chemistry showcase the qualities expected of an awardee. His balanced presence in academia and industry, along with international collaborations and scientific publications, position him as a well-rounded, impactful researcher who deserves formal recognition for his ongoing scientific contributions.

🎓Education:

Dr. Abulela’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Assiut University in 1999, graduating with a “Very Good” general grade. He earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the same institution in 2005, with a thesis on the synthesis of new triazepines with potential biological activity. Continuing his pursuit of advanced organic synthesis, he completed a Ph.D. in 2010, focused on the synthesis and application of heterocyclic compounds related to selenolopyridine derivatives. His academic excellence and research curiosity led him to a postdoctoral fellowship at Saurashtra University in Rajkot, India (2015–2016), where he specialized in X-ray crystallography and the synthesis of selenium chelates. His robust educational background laid a strong foundation for his career in chemical research, particularly in the design of novel bioactive compounds and green analytical methods. His academic formation reflects a commitment to innovation in synthetic organic and environmental chemistry.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Abulela has a diverse research portfolio combining synthetic organic chemistry and industrial bioprocessing. At the Assiut Sugar Industry Technology Research Institute, he has worked extensively on the synthesis of bioactive compounds, particularly triazepines and selenium-based heterocycles and chelates. He has contributed to the development of eco-friendly analytical methods for quantifying reducing sugars and ethanol in fermentation broths using non-toxic materials. His work also includes the valorization of sugarcane bagasse as a bioadsorbent for wastewater treatment and oil removal. He has determined enzymatic activity (invertase, amylase, cellulase) relevant to biofuel production. He played a key role in a national project under Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz A. Said, focused on bagasse modification for adsorptive applications. Alongside his full-time research, he lectures part-time at Assiut University’s New Valley branch, mentoring future chemists. His combined industrial and academic roles make him a valuable asset in applied and sustainable chemical sciences.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not listed in the available profile, Dr. Mohamed Abulela’s achievements reflect his recognized contributions to both academia and applied research. He was selected for a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship at Saurashtra University, India (2015–2016), where he contributed to international collaborative projects in drug design and crystallography. His participation in key events like German Science Day (2016) and international pharmacognosy conferences signals his active role in the global scientific community. His publications in indexed, peer-reviewed journals and his involvement in national-level research projects further underscore the recognition of his scientific capabilities. As a lecturer and researcher, he continues to inspire students and contribute significantly to Egypt’s industrial and environmental chemistry sectors. His consistent output, including innovative analytical techniques and eco-friendly applications, speaks to his dedication, earning him respect and distinction within the regional chemical research community.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Abulela’s research centers on synthetic organic chemistry with an emphasis on heterocyclic compounds, especially 1,2,4-triazepines and selenium-based molecules, including chelates. His work bridges fundamental synthesis with practical applications in bioactivity, analytical chemistry, and environmental chemistry. He has developed novel colorimetric methods for sugar and ethanol detection using safe, sustainable reagents. His interest in green chemistry is further demonstrated by projects modifying sugarcane bagasse into an effective adsorbent for dyes and oil removal in wastewater treatment. Dr. Abulela also investigates enzyme activity related to biofuel research and explores the use of bio-sorbents for eco-remediation. His expertise extends to X-ray crystallography, allowing for detailed structural characterization of synthesized compounds. By combining synthetic techniques with real-world industrial challenges, his work supports sustainable technological advancements in the sugar industry and beyond. His research contributes meaningfully to cleaner chemical practices and the development of low-cost, efficient solutions in applied chemistry.

Publication Top Notes:

“A Simplified Procedure for Cellulase Filter Paper Assay”​

“Self-Colorimetric Determination of Bio-Ethanol Using Permanganate in Fermentation Samples”

“2-Aminoethanaminium 2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-4,6-dinitrophenolate as a Greener Route in Reducing Sugar Quantification”

“Modified Sugarcane Bagasse with Tartaric Acid for Removal of Diazonium Blue from Aqueous Solutions”​

“A Simplified Procedures for Cellulase Filter Paper Assay” (Preprint)