Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yun Zhang | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yun Zhang | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yun Zhang  , Environmental Chemistry , Faculty at  Lanzhou University , China

Dr. Yun Zhang is an Associate Professor at Lanzhou University, China, with extensive expertise in environmental chemistry and nanomaterials. She earned her Ph.D. from Lanzhou University and the University of Vienna, specializing in porous chelating adsorbents and ionic liquids. Dr. Zhang has held academic positions at Lanzhou University and conducted postdoctoral research at Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research bridges environmental science and materials chemistry, focusing on the development of advanced nanostructures for pollutant detection and removal. Dr. Zhang has led several national and provincial research projects on catalysts and adsorbents for environmental remediation. Her contributions are recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the International Postdoctoral Exchange Fellowship. She is also an active peer reviewer for leading journals such as Chemosphere and Journal of Hazardous Materials. Her innovative work on SERS-based pollutant detection and polymer-nanoparticle composites continues to impact sustainable environmental solutions.

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Yun Zhang’s academic journey, marked by international collaboration, advanced research on nanostructured materials for environmental remediation, and successful leadership in funded projects, makes her a highly suitable candidate for a “Best Researcher Award.” Her work is innovative, globally relevant, and reflects a consistent trajectory of excellence and contribution to both fundamental and applied science. She exemplifies the qualities of a researcher who translates high-impact science into real-world environmental solutions. Dr. Yun Zhang fulfills the criteria expected of a “Best Researcher Award” recipient. Her research record demonstrates scientific innovation, international recognition, and societal relevance. Based on her proven capabilities, scholarly achievements, and impactful contributions to environmental chemistry and nanotechnology, she is strongly recommended as a deserving nominee for the “Best Researcher Award”.

🎓Education:

Dr. Yun Zhang completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry (2008–2011) through a joint program between Lanzhou University and the University of Vienna, where she focused on porous chelating adsorbents and ionic liquids for environmental applications. Prior to that, she earned her Master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry (2005–2008) from Lanzhou University, with research centered on atmospheric particles, PAHs, and analytical methods like GC-MS. Her undergraduate training in Environmental Science (2001–2005), also from Lanzhou University, laid a solid foundation in environmental monitoring and pollution analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of her academic training—spanning inorganic chemistry, environmental science, and polymer technology—has equipped her with a comprehensive approach to tackling modern environmental challenges through material innovation and chemical analysis.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Yun Zhang currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Lanzhou University, a role she has held since December 2019. She began her academic career as a Lecturer in the Institute of Polymer Science & Engineering at the same university from 2010 to 2016. From 2016 to 2018, she expanded her international research experience during a postdoctoral fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, where she developed expertise in nanostructured materials for pollutant sensing and degradation. Returning to Lanzhou University, she resumed teaching and research as a Lecturer (2018–2019) before her promotion. Dr. Zhang’s career reflects a dynamic blend of teaching, mentoring, and high-impact research across material science, environmental remediation, and nanotechnology. Her interdisciplinary experience has enabled her to lead cutting-edge research projects and mentor emerging scholars in environmental chemistry.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Yun Zhang has received several prestigious awards recognizing her academic excellence and international research contributions. In 2015, she was selected for the International Postdoctoral Exchange Fellowship Project (2016–2018), supporting her research tenure at Georgia Tech. She earned the Bao Gang Education Scholarship in 2011, acknowledging her outstanding academic record. That same year, she also received the Scholarship Award for Excellent Doctoral Student, highlighting her impactful contributions during her Ph.D. studies. Earlier, in 2010, she was honored with a joint doctoral scholarship by the CSC (China Scholarship Council) and FWF (Austrian Science Fund), which facilitated her research at the University of Vienna. These accolades reflect not only her commitment to scientific excellence but also her capacity to contribute meaningfully to global research collaborations. Dr. Zhang’s recognition at national and international levels demonstrates her status as a leading figure in environmental chemistry and materials science.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Yun Zhang’s research integrates environmental chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology to develop advanced solutions for pollution control. She specializes in the precise synthesis of noble metal nanostructures such as Ag nanocubes and Ag@Pt-Rh core-frame nanocrystals, which are employed in sensitive detection and catalytic degradation of organic pollutants using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Her work also explores polymer-nanoparticle composite adsorbents for the extraction of heavy metals, as well as the application of ionic liquids (ILs) in micro-pollutant removal. A distinctive feature of her research is the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, which enables controlled nanomaterial design for environmental applications. Her interdisciplinary projects are supported by competitive grants, emphasizing applied innovations for antibiotic degradation, mercury detection, and bimetallic catalysis. Through the integration of chemistry and environmental science, Dr. Zhang addresses pressing ecological challenges while advancing fundamental research in nanomaterials.

Publication Top Notes:

1. A Specific Time Lag Regulation of Soil Moisture Across Layers on Soil Salinization in the Northeast Tibetan Plateau Agroecosystem

2. Differential Quantitative Analysis of Carbon Emission Efficiency of Gansu Manufacturing Industry in 2030

3. Multi-Scenario Land Use/Cover Change and Its Impact on Carbon Storage Based on the Coupled GMOP-PLUS-InVEST Model in the Hexi Corridor, Chin

4. Hydrothermal Conditions in Deep Soil Layer Regulate the Interannual Change in Gross Primary Productivity in the Qilian Mountains Area, China

5. Syntheses, Plasmonic Properties, and Catalytic Applications of Ag–Rh Core-Frame Nanocubes and Rh Nanoboxes with Highly Porous Walls

6. Thiazole Orange-Modified Carbon Dots for Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of G-Quadruplex and Double-Stranded DNA

7. Enriching Silver Nanocrystals with a Second Noble Metal

8. Observing the Overgrowth of a Second Metal on Silver Cubic Seeds in Solution by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

9. Pt–Ag Cubic Nanocages with Wall Thickness Less Than 2 nm and Their Enhanced Catalytic Activity Toward Oxygen Reduction

10. Fabrication of Magnetic Alginate Beads with Uniform Dispersion of CoFe₂O₄ by the Polydopamine Surface Functionalization for Organic Pollutants Removal

11. Facile One-Pot Assembly of Adhesive Phenol/Fe³⁺/PEI Complexes for Preparing Magnetic Hybrid Microcapsules

 

 

Dr. PRANABA Nayak | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. PRANABA Nayak | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. PRANABA Nayak , Analytical Chemistry ,  Scientific Officer at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak is a Scientific Officer at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, with over two decades of experience in nuclear and analytical chemistry, and astroparticle physics. He earned his Ph.D. from Utkal University in 2003, later serving at Kalasalingam University before joining TIFR in 2005 as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow in the GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment. His interdisciplinary research has led to over 75 peer-reviewed publications and significant discoveries, including gamma-ray flux shifts during solar eclipses and thunderstorm-related phenomena. He collaborates with 30+ national and international institutes and serves on editorial and scientific committees globally. An active mentor and scholar, Dr. Nayak has contributed to more than 50 book chapters and reviewed over 75 manuscripts. His work has been recognized for its impact on solar physics, atmospheric science, and nuclear astrophysics.

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak is a highly accomplished researcher whose career spans over two decades of impactful work in astro particle physics, nuclear chemistry, and analytical techniques. His contributions to the internationally recognized GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment at TIFR have led to several groundbreaking discoveries, such as the variation in cosmic gamma-ray flux during solar eclipses and record-setting atmospheric potential measurements. With 75+ peer-reviewed publications, 50+ book chapters, and extensive international collaborations with over 30 institutes worldwide, he has consistently demonstrated research excellence, innovation, and leadership. His h-index of 20 and i10-index of 28 reflect the scientific community’s recognition of his work. In addition, Dr. Nayak has actively mentored young scientists and contributed as a reviewer and editorial board member, strengthening scientific discourse in his field. Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak is eminently suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. His sustained research output, pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary reach, and international collaborations make him a deserving candidate whose contributions have significantly advanced both theoretical and applied aspects of high-energy physics and analytical sciences.

🎓Education:

Dr. Nayak holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Nuclear and Analytical Chemistry from Utkal University (2003). His doctoral research, guided by mentors from Anna University, Chennai, spanned nuclear, analytical, and solid-state chemistry. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his transition into astroparticle physics and cosmic-ray studies. Prior to his Ph.D., he pursued postgraduate and undergraduate studies in chemistry, with a focus on nuclear instrumentation and environmental radiochemistry. His educational path blended theoretical insight with hands-on experimentation, equipping him with the tools necessary for high-impact interdisciplinary research. His continuing engagement with educational institutions, including mentoring young researchers and Ph.D. scholars, exemplifies his commitment to fostering scientific excellence. He frequently delivers lectures and training modules in cosmic ray physics and analytical techniques, contributing to capacity-building in India and abroad.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak began his professional journey as a faculty member at Kalasalingam University, focusing on nuclear and analytical chemistry. In 2005, he joined TIFR’s High Energy Physics Department as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow and has since become a Scientific Officer, contributing extensively to the GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment at Ooty. His work spans gamma-ray burst detection, cosmic-ray modulation, environmental radioactivity, and atmospheric physics. He has developed novel spectral analysis techniques and coordinated large-scale collaborations with over 30 institutions globally, including IITs, SINP, and partners in Japan, Europe, and Saudi Arabia. His interdisciplinary projects have addressed thunderstorm-related high-energy events and geomagnetic field studies. He also mentors students, reviews scientific manuscripts, and contributes to international committees. His role in advancing experimental techniques and fostering global scientific partnerships has made him a respected figure in high-energy astrophysics and nuclear research communities.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Nayak has received widespread recognition for his pioneering work in cosmic-ray physics and analytical chemistry. His discovery of gamma-ray flux shifts during the 2009 total solar eclipse gained international acclaim and highlighted his ability to integrate astrophysics with atmospheric science. He has been an invited reviewer for over 75 manuscripts, primarily for the journal Talanta, showcasing his expertise in analytical chemistry. His scientific excellence earned him a position on the Scientific Committee of the Annual International Congress on Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (2025, Oxford, UK). He is also a life member of prestigious scientific organizations, including the Indian Society for Atomic & Molecular Physics, Indian Physics Association, Indian Association for Nuclear Chemist & Allied Sciences, and Indian Society for Technical Education. These accolades affirm his leadership and innovation in research, education, and scientific outreach.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak’s research centers on the intersection of experimental nuclear chemistry, analytical techniques, and astroparticle physics. At the heart of his work lies the GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment, where he investigates high-energy phenomena such as cosmic-ray modulation, gamma-ray flux variations, and muon bursts during thunderstorms and solar eclipses. His contributions have led to significant insights into solar-terrestrial interactions, atmospheric electricity, and transient geomagnetic events. He has also developed novel analytical methods for monitoring environmental radioactivity, integrating advanced spectrometry with field-based cosmic-ray detection systems. His research uniquely bridges space physics with earth-based observations, advancing our understanding of cosmic particle behavior under extreme atmospheric conditions. Through collaborations with over 30 national and international institutions, Dr. Nayak continues to lead interdisciplinary studies that link nuclear processes with astrophysical and atmospheric phenomena, thereby contributing to global efforts in understanding high-energy cosmic environments and their terrestrial effects.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Synthesis and characterization of cadmium ferrite
Citations: 76

Title: Forbush decreases and turbulence levels at coronal mass ejection fronts
Citations: 65

Title: Measurement of the Electrical Properties of a Thundercloud Through Muon Imaging by the GRAPES-3 Experiment
Citations: 51

Title: Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of gallstones
Citations: 46

Title: Measurement of some EAS properties using new scintillator detectors developed for the GRAPES-3 experiment
Citations: 42

Title: PIXE & XRD analysis of nanocrystals of Fe, Ni and Fe₂O₃
Citations: 35

Title: External particle-induced X-ray emission
Citations: 35

Title: Elemental analysis of anti-diabetic medicinal plants using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique
Citations: 34

Title: 57Fe Mössbauer and EDXRF studies on three representative banded iron formations (BIFs) of Orissa, India
Citations: 32

Title: A study of the γ-ray flux during the total solar eclipse of 1 August 2008 at Novosibirsk, Russia
Citations: 28

Title: Fast Fourier transform to measure pressure coefficient of muons in the GRAPES-3 experiment
Citations: 27

Dr. Siyao Chen | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Siyao Chen | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Siyao Chen , Materials Chemistry , Senior research assistant at City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong

Dr. Siyao Chen is a Senior Research Assistant at the City University of Hong Kong, specializing in additive manufacturing and polymer-derived ceramics. With an impressive track record in advanced material research, Dr. Chen has published 11 SCI-indexed papers, including two ESI highly cited works, amassing over 610 citations. He serves as an invited editor for Frontiers in Electronics and actively contributes as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals such as Aerospace Science and Technology and the Journal of the European Ceramic Society. His research has made significant strides in 3D/4D ceramic printing, smart sensors, and semiconductor applications. In addition to academic achievements, Dr. Chen has worked on two major research projects, collaborated on four industry consultancies, and is listed as an inventor on three patents. A rising figure in materials science, Dr. Chen’s work integrates cutting-edge technology with real-world applications, contributing meaningfully to the development of intelligent ceramic systems.

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Chen has published 11 SCI-indexed papers, including 2 ESI highly cited works, demonstrating high-impact contributions. One of these papers has gathered over 610 citations, a remarkable achievement for an early-career researcher. His work in additive manufacturing, polymer-derived ceramics, and intelligent electronics is not only innovative but also addresses complex, high-tech engineering challenges. These fields are critical in both academic and industrial applications. He serves as an invited editor for Frontiers in Electronics and is a reviewer for top-tier journals like Aerospace Science and Technology and Journal of the European Ceramic Society, indicating recognition by peers in his domain. With 3 patents, 4 consultancy projects, and 2 ongoing research projects, Dr. Chen demonstrates both academic excellence and practical application, bridging the gap between theory and industry. Dr. Siyao Chen’s research excellence, demonstrated by high-impact publications, innovation through patents, editorial and peer-review contributions, and cross-disciplinary industrial collaborations, clearly qualify him as an exceptional candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His academic rigor and applied innovation mark him as a rising leader in materials science and engineering research.

🎓Education:

Dr. Siyao Chen earned his doctoral degree from City University of Hong Kong, where he laid the foundation for his expertise in additive manufacturing and ceramic. His academic training emphasized interdisciplinary knowledge at the intersection of materials engineering, mechanical design, and electronic systems. During his time at CityU, Dr. Chen developed critical skills in vat photopolymerization, polymer-derived ceramic processing, and microstructural design of smart ceramics. His graduate research focused on fabricating high-performance ceramic sensors and coatings using 3D/4D printing methods. Throughout his education, he was actively involved in publishing high-impact articles and contributing to collaborative research teams. His studies not only strengthened his theoretical foundation but also fostered practical lab experience, laying the groundwork for his continued academic and industrial research. The combination of rigorous education and hands-on innovation shaped Dr. Chen’s academic identity and enabled him to push boundaries in the field of intelligent ceramic-based electronics.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Siyao Chen currently works as a Senior Research Assistant at the City University of Hong Kong, where he leads multiple research efforts in the field of additive manufacturing and ceramic electronics. Over the years, he has contributed to both academic and industrial projects, participating in four consultancy collaborations and leading two significant research endeavors. He has also acted as a project coordinator for the development of smart ceramic sensors, coating systems, and semiconductor devices. His work includes guiding junior researchers, managing experimental workflows, and contributing to grant applications. Dr. Chen serves as a peer reviewer for several SCI-indexed journals and as an invited editor for Frontiers in Electronics, showcasing his academic authority. His multi-disciplinary experience, spanning ceramics, polymer chemistry, and semiconductor devices, equips him to work across diverse research environments. His consistent performance and hands-on innovation have made him a valuable member of the advanced materials research community.

🏅Awards: 

Although early in his career, Dr. Siyao Chen has achieved notable recognition in his field. He is the recipient of multiple citations in high-impact journals, including two ESI Highly Cited Papers — a significant mark of influence and excellence in scholarly research. His publication in Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports alone has gathered over 550 citations. Additionally, he was invited to join the editorial board of Frontiers in Electronics, a testament to his research integrity and subject matter expertise. His role as a reviewer for high-tier journals such as the Journal of the European Ceramic Society and Aerospace Science and Technology also highlights his academic credibility. Dr. Chen’s patent contributions and collaboration in industrial projects demonstrate the practical impact of his work. With a growing reputation in the materials science community, he is an emerging leader in ceramic additive manufacturing and intelligent electronics.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Chen’s primary research interests lie in additive manufacturing, polymer-derived ceramics, and semiconductor applications. He focuses on the design and processing of smart ceramic materials using 3D/4D printing technologies. His work bridges traditional ceramics with modern electronics, enabling innovations in reconfigurable structures, temperature sensors, and electromagnetic devices. A key area of interest is the development of lightweight, high-performance ceramics with tunable properties, particularly for sensing, actuation, and aerospace applications. His recent projects explore vat photopolymerization for SiCN and SiBCN-based ceramics, real-time material behavior modeling, and coating technologies for extreme environments. He is also involved in stimuli-responsive material systems, contributing to the advancement of intelligent electronics. His interdisciplinary research integrates materials engineering, electronic design, and digital fabrication, offering scalable and programmable material solutions for future smart systems. By combining structural innovation with electronic functionality, Dr. Chen aims to reshape how materials are conceived and manufactured.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Additive manufacturing of structural materials
Citations: 572

Title: Lightweight and geometrically complex ceramics derived from 4D printed shape memory precursor with reconfigurability and programmability for sensing and actuation applications
Citations: 43

Title: Fabrication of polymer-derived SiBCN ceramic temperature sensor with excellent sensing performance
Citations: 17

Title: Fabrication of electrical semi-conductive SiCN ceramics by vat photopolymerization
Citations: 8

Title: 3D/4D additive–subtractive manufacturing of heterogeneous ceramics
Citations: 5

Title: Temperature and frequency dependent conductive behavior study on polymer-derived SiBCN ceramics
Citations: 3

Title: Novel anti-oxidation coating prepared by polymer-derived ceramic for harsh environments up to 1200°C
Citations: 2

Title: Real-time Bayesian model calibration method for C/SiC mechanical behavior considering model bias
Citations: 1

Title: Recent advances in stimuli-responsive materials for intelligent electronics

Title: Oxidation behavior of TiB2 from 600–1400°C considering microstructure evolution, oxidation kinetics, and mechanisms

Title: Evolution of dielectric properties of SiBCN ceramics and its derived wireless passive temperature sensor application