Prof. Reine NEHME | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Reine NEHME | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Reine NEHME, Analytical Chemistry , Head of analytical team at University of Orléans, ICOA UMR7311, France

Prof. Reine Nehmé is a renowned French scientist and Professor of Analytical Sciences at the University of Orléans, where she leads the “Analytical Strategies, Affinities and Bioactives” team at ICOA. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she specializes in advanced separation techniques, bioanalysis, and microfluidics. She is deeply involved in both teaching and scientific governance—serving on multiple university and national scientific committees. Prof. Nehmé also contributes to scientific advancement as a supervisor of numerous Ph.D. and post-doctoral researchers and by coordinating key national research projects funded by ANR and regional bodies. Her prolific contributions to analytical chemistry are reflected in her numerous publications, particularly in the areas of enzymatic assays, capillary electrophoresis, and bioactive compound analysis. With a strong leadership role in Afsep and her involvement in high-level academic administration, she is recognized as a leading figure in analytical chemistry in France and Europe.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. Nehmé holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Montpellier (2008) and an HDR (Accreditation toSupervise Research) from the University of Orléans (2016). Her academic background demonstrates deep expertise and a commitment to high-level scientific scholarship. As a professor and group leader at ICOA, University of Orléans, she leads the “Analytical Strategies, Affinities and Bioactives” team, driving impactful research in analytical sciences, especially in bioanalysis, separative techniques, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, and mass spectrometry. Prof. Nehmé is deputy treasurer and a management committee member of the Capillary Electrophoresis Group of Afsep. She holds leadership roles at her university and is actively engaged in curriculum design, evaluation panels, and scientific committees. Prof. Reine Nehmé exemplifies the ideal profile for a “Best Researcher Award”: a high-impact scientist, strategic research leader, dedicated educator, and committed scientific community member. Her strong publication record, funded projects, mentoring, and institutional service collectively highlight her as a trailblazer in analytical chemistry. She fully deserves recognition through such a prestigious award.

🎓Education:

Prof. Reine Nehmé earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Montpellier in 2008, following her Master’s degree (Master 2) in the same field from the same institution in 2005. Demonstrating her continued academic excellence and expertise, she received her Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) from the University of Orléans in 2016. This qualification represents the highest academic degree in France and reflects her capacity to independently lead doctoral research and large-scale scientific projects. Her academic training laid a robust foundation in analytical methodologies, chromatographic techniques, and advanced spectroscopy. These qualifications have enabled her to contribute extensively to the development of innovative analytical tools and methods in environmental, biological, and pharmaceutical research. Her educational background not only established her scientific depth but also positioned her to take on leadership and mentoring roles across both academic and research platforms.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. Nehmé began her academic journey at the University of Orléans in 2008 as a Temporary Teaching and Research Assistant (ATER). She advanced to Associate Professor in 2009 and was promoted to Professor in 2019. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Head of the Analytical Chemistry Department and Coordinator of the Professional License program in Chemistry at IUT Chimie d’Orléans. She has been a member of the laboratory’s scientific council since 2017, and also serves on the Commission of Disciplinary Experts. As an active educator, she teaches a range of courses in analytical sciences including electrochemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and microfluidics. In research, she has successfully supervised 6 Ph.D. students (2 ongoing) and multiple post-doctoral and master’s interns. Her contributions extend to national committees such as Afsep’s CE group, where she has served as Deputy Treasurer since 2021.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Prof. Reine Nehmé’s honors are evidenced by her numerous leadership and elected roles. She received the Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR), a distinguished recognition in France for scholarly excellence. Her long-standing position on the scientific council of the ICOA laboratory and as a Commission Expert in disciplinary affairs at the University of Orléans speaks to her academic credibility. She was elected to the Management Committee of the CE group of Afsep in 2017 and appointed as Deputy Treasurer in 2021, underlining national recognition by her peers. She has consistently been entrusted with leadership in nationally funded research programs by ANR and regional agencies, confirming her scientific standing and project leadership ability. Her active role in supervising doctoral candidates and international collaborations further affirms her status as a respected figure in analytical sciences.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Nehmé’s research centers on analytical sciences, particularly in capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and microscale thermophoresis for studying molecular interactions. Her projects frequently explore bioanalysis, enzyme kinetics, and natural product evaluation. She leads or participates in numerous ANR-funded projects, including stapled peptide design, bioremediation via micromycetes, and enzyme behavior in crowded synthetic environments. A significant part of her work involves developing lab-on-a-chip (LoC) platforms for investigating target-ligand interactions at the single-cell level. She has also contributed to the miniaturization of enzymatic assays, passive sampling techniques for water analysis, and electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring. Prof. Nehmé integrates separation sciences with biology and materials chemistry, bridging analytical method development with real-world biological and environmental challenges. Her interdisciplinary research fosters innovations in diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and ecological risk assessment, marking her as a pioneer in translating analytical chemistry into functional tools for bioactive discovery and environmental stewardship.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Using CE to Confirm the Activity of Fluorescent miRFP670-LIMK1 Protein Produced for MST Assays Directly in Cell Lysate

2. The Antimicrobial Activity of ETD151 Defensin is Dictated by the Presence of Glycosphingolipids in the Targeted Organisms

3. Glycolipid and Lipopeptide Biosurfactants: Structural Classes and Characterization—Rhamnolipids as a Model

4. Nutraceutical and Cosmetic Applications of Bioactive Compounds of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Stigmas and Its By-products

5. Antioxidant and Anti-lipase Capacities from the Extracts Obtained from Two Invasive Plants: Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago canadensis

6. Nutraceutical Capacities of Extracts from the Invasive Plants Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago canadensis

7. Screening and Evaluation of Dermo-Cosmetic Activities of the Invasive Plant Species Polygonum cuspidatum

8. Biosurfactant-Producing Mucor Strains: Selection, Screening, and Chemical Characterization

9. Capillary Electrophoresis for Enzyme-Based Studies: Applications to Lipases and Kinases

10. Correction to: Reproducibility and Accuracy of Microscale Thermophoresis in the NanoTemper Monolith: A Multi Laboratory Benchmark Study

11. Design, Synthesis and SAR in 2,4,7-Trisubstituted Pyrido[3,2-d]Pyrimidine Series as Novel PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors

 

 

Mr. Lei Mou | Analytical Chemistry Award | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Mr. Lei Mou | Analytical Chemistry Award | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Lei Mou ,Guangzhou Medical University, China

Lei Mou is a Research Associate at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, specializing in biosensors, wearable devices, and organ-on-a-chip technology. With a robust background in biomedical engineering and materials science, Lei completed a Ph.D. from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) under Prof. Xingyu Jiang. His work integrates advanced microfluidic and biosensor platforms aimed at enhancing clinical diagnostics and wearable health monitoring. With extensive research and technical skills, he has contributed to innovative approaches in immunoassay technology, HPV detection, and biosignal computing. Lei’s contributions to nanobiotechnology are also reflected in his numerous patents, high-impact publications, and presentations at international conferences.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Lei Mou demonstrates strong potential for the “Young Scientist Award,” with impressive accomplishments in biomedical engineering, especially in clinical biosensors, wearable devices, and organs-on-a-chip technology. His academic foundation is rooted in a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he specialized in biomaterials and point-of-care diagnostic platforms, laying a solid groundwork for his current innovative research.

🎓Education:

Lei Mou earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2016-2020), where he researched biosensors and microfluidic devices under Prof. Xingyu Jiang’s mentorship. His undergraduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering were completed at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) in 2016, as part of the Excellent Engineer Training Program. Here, he laid the foundation for his expertise in nanomaterials and engineering design, achieving numerous accolades for academic excellence. Lei’s educational path has emphasized interdisciplinary research, equipping him with a skill set to bridge materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications effectively.

🏢Work Experience:

Lei Mou is currently a Research Associate at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), where he focuses on the development of organ-on-a-chip systems and advanced biosensors. Prior to this, he was a Researcher at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, where he specialized in clinical biosensors and wearable device technology. Lei’s professional experience has enabled him to develop high-sensitivity immunoassay platforms and contribute to significant projects in health-related microfluidic applications. His work bridges clinical settings and advanced engineering, bringing laboratory innovations closer to real-world applications.

🏅Awards:

Lei Mou has earned numerous awards for his academic and research excellence, including the Director’s Scholarship at NCNST and the First Class Scholarship for Master’s Students, recognizing him as a top 3% student. During his undergraduate studies, he received the prestigious 86 Alumni Scholarship, the National Scholarship from China’s Ministry of Education, and the Beijing Outstanding Graduates Award. His achievements reflect his commitment to excellence and innovation in his field, with honors that highlight his performance and contributions to biomedical engineering and materials science.

🔬Research Focus:

Lei Mou’s research focuses on microfluidic immunoassays, wearable biosensors, and organs-on-a-chip technologies. He specializes in integrating nanotechnology with biomedical engineering to develop advanced diagnostic tools for healthcare. His work includes creating chemiluminescence immunoassay platforms that amplify biomarker signals using gold nanoparticles, as well as developing portable devices for detecting high-risk HPV strains. His research has significant implications for personalized medicine and remote diagnostics, aiming to improve accessibility and precision in clinical diagnostics and healthcare monitoring.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles for health-related applications
    • Citations: 277
  • Microfluidics‐based biomaterials and biodevices
    • Citations: 183
  • Materials for microfluidic immunoassays: a review
    • Citations: 154
  • Printable metal-polymer conductors for highly stretchable bio-devices
    • Citations: 130
  • Highly stretchable and biocompatible liquid metal‐elastomer conductors for self‐healing electronics
    • Citations: 109

 

 

 

 

Ms. Nontobeko Simelane | Green Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Nontobeko Simelane | Green Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nontobeko Simelane |University of KwaZulu Natal | South Africa

Nontobeko Precious Simelane is a driven PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, with a strong background in Materials Science. Known for her dedication to academic excellence, she has experience mentoring students and working as a laboratory demonstrator. She completed her MSc in Industrial Physics with distinction and holds a BSc in Chemistry and an Honours degree in Chemical Technology, specializing in polymer material science. Nontobeko is particularly skilled in polymer synthesis and has contributed to impactful projects and reviews in biopolymer composites. Her work emphasizes sustainable material solutions, bridging scientific research and real-world applications. With multiple publications and conference presentations, she actively contributes to research on environmentally friendly materials, transparent wood, and pollutant-removing biopolymer composites.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Given her academic distinction, impactful research, and dedication to sustainable development, Nontobeko Precious Simelane is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also addresses environmental challenges, embodying a balance of innovation and responsibility essential for a leading researcher in today’s world.

🎓Education:

Nontobeko’s educational journey in science began with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Pretoria in 2016, providing a strong foundation in analytical and applied chemistry. She then completed an Honours degree in Chemical Technology with a specialization in polymer material science in 2018, where she honed her skills in polymer synthesis and applications. Her MSc in Industrial Physics at Tshwane University of Technology, completed in 2022 with distinction, emphasized practical applications of physics in material sciences. Currently, Nontobeko is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at the University of KwaZulu Natal, focusing on the development of engineered transparent wood for sustainable construction materials. This educational trajectory has equipped her with comprehensive knowledge in chemistry, materials science, and industrial applications, forming a solid background for her current research in sustainable materials.

🏢Work Experience:

Nontobeko has accumulated valuable experience in academia and research through roles such as Laboratory Demonstrator and Postgraduate Teaching Assistant. As a Laboratory Demonstrator at the University of KwaZulu Natal, she supervises first-year students, ensuring lab safety and understanding of core chemistry concepts. At Tshwane University of Technology, she served as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, conducting physics practicals for first-year students and providing insightful feedback to support their learning. Her research experience includes a Polymer Technology Internship at the National Research Foundation, where she synthesized and analyzed polymer composites, reporting on their thermal stability and mentoring two undergraduates. This combination of hands-on research and teaching experience has made Nontobeko skilled in mentoring, experimental design, and effective communication of complex scientific concepts.

🏅Awards:

Nontobeko’s academic and research excellence has been recognized with several awards. She graduated Cum Laude with her MSc in Industrial Physics from Tshwane University of Technology, reflecting her commitment to excellence with an average of 83%. As a top 15% performer in her faculty, she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society, an acknowledgment of her dedication and hard work. Her research contributions have been showcased at notable events like the Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium at the University of KwaZulu Natal and the South African Institute of Physics conference, where she presented her work on biopolymer composites and sustainable wood materials. These honors underscore her commitment to impactful research in sustainable materials and her role as a promising young scientist in the field.

🔬Research Focus:

Nontobeko’s research centers on sustainable materials, with a focus on developing environmentally friendly solutions for industry and everyday use. Her PhD research investigates engineered transparent wood as a sustainable alternative to conventional glass in construction, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, her work in biopolymer composites addresses the urgent need for eco-friendly materials capable of removing toxic organic pollutants from pharmaceutical effluents. This research aligns with her commitment to green chemistry, focusing on biodegradable, renewable materials that mitigate pollution and reduce waste. Nontobeko’s work contributes to advancing sustainable technologies, combining her expertise in polymer science with a mission to address environmental challenges through innovative chemistry.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Engineered transparent wood with cellulose matrix for glass applications: A review
    • Citations: 1
  • Biopolymer composites for removal of toxic organic compounds in pharmaceutical effluents – a review
    • Citations: 15