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.

Professional Profile : 

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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

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jing Qi | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jing Qi | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jing Qi , Environmental Chemistry , Associate Professor at Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Jing Qi is an Associate Professor at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Her research specializes in algae removal and secondary pollution control, with a keen interest in the oxidative stress mechanisms in algae, algal-bacterial interactions, and advanced flocculation technologies. She has significantly contributed to national and international water treatment research and has been principal investigator on several projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Dr. Qi has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and holds eight national invention patents. Her scientific work bridges fundamental algal physiology with applied environmental solutions, aiming to safeguard water quality and reduce health hazards. In her current role, she also contributes to mentoring young researchers and promoting innovations in water purification processes. She is recognized as a rising leader in eco-environmental sciences, with impactful contributions in aquatic environmental chemistry.

Professional Profile : 

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Jing Qi, an Associate Professor at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences, demonstrates exceptional research caliber in the field of aquatic environmental science. Her work addresses globally relevant challenges such as algae removal, secondary pollution control, and oxidative stress mechanisms in algae, which have direct applications in water quality improvement and public health protection. Her impressive academic trajectory, including a Ph.D. from RCEES (2017) and rapid advancement to Associate Professor (2021), reflects her strong research capability. Dr. Qi has led multiple national research projects funded by prestigious Chinese agencies, and has made significant scientific contributions through 30+ peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like Water Research, Environmental Science & Technology, and Journal of Hazardous Materials. Additionally, she holds eight national invention patents, underscoring her commitment to applied innovation and environmental problem-solving. Dr. Jing Qi is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” . Her scholarly achievements, patent contributions, and leadership in national environmental projects affirm her as a pioneering scientist whose work significantly contributes to the advancement of sustainable water treatment technologies. She combines scientific excellence, innovation, and real-world impact, making her a compelling choice for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Dr. Jing Qi earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the prestigious Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of algae behavior in water treatment processes, particularly the oxidative stress responses and interaction with chemical agents. This work laid the foundation for her ongoing studies on algal metabolism and secondary pollution control in drinking water systems. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Qi underwent intensive training in aquatic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and microbiological techniques, which provided her with a robust interdisciplinary foundation. Her academic excellence was consistently evident through her publications even during her early career. The comprehensive education she received at RCEES empowered her with advanced laboratory skills, critical thinking, and an applied approach to addressing China’s pressing water quality challenges, helping her transition smoothly into a research-intensive professional career.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Jing Qi began her professional journey as an Assistant Professor at the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, RCEES, after completing her Ph.D. in 2017. Her early projects focused on optimizing coagulation and oxidation techniques for algal control in raw water. In 2021, she was promoted to Associate Professor, reflecting her consistent contributions to national research projects and high-impact publications. At RCEES, she actively leads interdisciplinary research teams and collaborates with national water management agencies. Dr. Qi’s role encompasses both academic and applied dimensions—ranging from supervising postgraduate students and publishing scholarly work to developing patentable technologies for algae removal. Her involvement in applied environmental chemistry has made her a sought-after expert for improving China’s municipal water treatment processes. Her research group integrates biochemical, ecological, and technological strategies to mitigate algal blooms and associated pollutants in freshwater systems.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Jing Qi has received multiple commendations for her innovative contributions to environmental science and water treatment. She has been a principal investigator on several prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, supporting her pioneering studies in algal oxidative stress and flocculation enhancement. Her research excellence has earned her awards for technological innovation and patent development within the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Qi has also been invited to present at national conferences and recognized for excellence in young scientist research forums. Her eight national invention patents on algae control and water purification reflect both scientific novelty and real-world impact. Additionally, several of her papers have been listed as highly cited in their respective journals. These honors underscore her position as a thought leader in aquatic environmental chemistry and a contributor to public health through improved drinking water technologies.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Jing Qi’s research primarily addresses the ecological and chemical mechanisms underlying algae removal and secondary pollution control in aquatic systems. Her focus includes the growth regulation and metabolic dynamics of algae in raw water, oxidative stress responses to disinfectants, and the microbial interactions between algae and bacteria. She investigates how algal organic matter contributes to pollution during water treatment and explores techniques such as pre-oxidation, enhanced flocculation, and photocatalysis to mitigate these effects. A distinctive feature of her work is the integration of biochemical analysis with environmental engineering solutions, ensuring both mechanistic understanding and practical application. Dr. Qi also explores microplastic-algae interactions, emerging pollutants, and their impact on trophic dynamics in aquatic food webs. Her interdisciplinary approach—combining microbiology, chemistry, and materials science—provides innovative strategies for sustainable drinking water treatment and eutrophication prevention, contributing directly to national and global environmental quality goals.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Environmental Gradient Changes Shape Multi-Scale Food Web Structures: Impact on Antibiotics Trophic Transfer in a Lake Ecosystem

2. Bipartite Trophic Levels Cannot Resist the Interference of Microplastics: A Case Study of Submerged Macrophytes and Snail

3. Prechlorination of Algae-Laden Water: The Effects of Ammonia on Chlorinated Disinfection Byproduct Formation During Long-Distance Transportation

 

Dr. Karim Al Souki | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Karim Al Souki | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karim Al Souki , Environmental Chemistry , Jan Evangelista Purkyne University , Czech Republic

Dr. Karim Al Souki is a postdoctoral researcher and assistant professor at the Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyne University (UJEP), Czechia. With a Ph.D. in Earth and Universe Sciences from Lille 1 University, France, his academic journey reflects a strong foundation in plant biology and environmental sciences. Dr. Al Souki’s research spans phytoremediation, bioremediation, biochar utilization, and climate change mitigation through sustainable phytotechnology. He is a key contributor to international projects funded by NATO, Erasmus+, and Interreg, focusing on ecosystem restoration, water management, and environmental biotechnology. As an educator, he has taught courses across Europe on subjects such as environmental biotechnology, phytotechnology, and bio-economy. Dr. Al Souki’s interdisciplinary approach blends ecological theory with applied environmental solutions, making significant contributions to marginal land restoration and water pollution mitigation. His work promotes sustainability, ecological awareness, and environmental resilience through innovation and education.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

With a Ph.D. in Earth and Universe Sciences from Lille 1 University (France), and two Master’s degrees in Phyto-ecology and Plant Biology from Lebanese University, Dr. Karim Al Souki demonstrates a solid and multidisciplinary academic foundation. Dr. Karim Al Souki  leads and contributes to cutting-edge projects on phytoremediation, biochar technology, and environmental biotechnology—directly addressing climate change, pollution mitigation, and sustainable soil management. His research covers analytical techniques (FTIR, TGA, stable isotopes, DNA extraction), linking practical fieldwork with lab-based precision, ensuring both academic rigor and societal relevance. His role as project supervisor in initiatives like IDEAL and NATO-SPS illustrates leadership in shaping future environmental policies and technologies. Dr. Karim Al Souki is an ideal candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”, given his consistent, interdisciplinary contributions to environmental sciences. His research directly supports global sustainability goals through practical, innovative, and scalable solutions. Furthermore, his educational outreach, cross-border collaborations, and commitment to solving real-world ecological problems distinguish him as a researcher of international repute. This award would recognize and further empower his impactful scientific journey.

🎓Education:

Dr. Al Souki pursued his academic studies in biology and environmental sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in General Biology (2008–2010), followed by a Master 1 in Plant Biology and Environment (2010–2011), and a Master 2 in Phyto-ecology, Resources, and Security Applications (2011–2012), all from Lebanese University, Lebanon. He then completed his Ph.D. in Earth and Universe Sciences at LGCgE, ISA-Lille, Lille 1 University of Sciences and Technologies, France (2014–2017). His academic foundation combines ecological sciences, environmental applications, and molecular understanding of plant-soil interactions. This educational pathway equipped him with the necessary tools to integrate ecological theory with practical environmental solutions. His training in Europe and the Middle East enabled him to adopt a multidisciplinary perspective and work in cross-cultural academic and research environments. His education has laid the groundwork for his specialization in environmental biotechnology, phytoremediation, and biochar applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Since October 2018, Dr. Karim Al Souki has been serving as a Post-doctoral researcher and Assistant Professor at UJEP, Czechia, where he teaches and conducts advanced research in environmental sciences. His prior experience includes teaching roles at ESME Sudria (France) and private institutions in Lille, where he lectured in phytoecology, molecular biology, and environmental science. He has supervised and contributed to numerous EU- and NATO-funded projects related to phytotechnology, biochar, soil-plant interactions, and wastewater treatment. His pedagogical contributions span multiple European universities and platforms, such as Erasmus, COIL, and ISA-Lille. He has taught subjects including Bioremediation, Bio-economy, Environmental Biotechnology, and Climate Change. Dr. Al Souki’s interdisciplinary teaching and research experience enable him to link theoretical knowledge with field-based applications, fostering student engagement and scientific problem-solving skills relevant to contemporary ecological challenges.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Karim Al Souki has been recognized for his impactful research and cross-border educational initiatives. He is the Principal Investigator or Supervisor on several prestigious projects funded by international agencies such as NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, Interreg (IDEAL project), and Erasmus+, highlighting his leadership in environmental science and sustainability education. He received the UJEP Internal Grant Agency funding multiple times (2021–2023), supporting his innovative work on biochar and Miscanthus x giganteus in soil restoration. He was awarded the Usti nad Labem region grant for young researchers for his study on quinoa in polluted soils. His consistent success in securing competitive research grants attests to the scientific merit and societal relevance of his projects. These accolades recognize his commitment to ecosystem services, educational outreach, and environmental restoration, and affirm his role as a rising figure in applied environmental sciences and international academic collaboration.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Al Souki’s research centers on phytotechnology, bioremediation, biochar characterization, and ecosystem service enhancement in marginal and contaminated soils. He specializes in using Miscanthus x giganteus and quinoa to rehabilitate former military lands and toxic-element-polluted environments. His research integrates stable isotope analysis, DNA-based microbial community profiling, and plant physiological assessments to explore rhizospheric interactions, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. His work on biochar, especially its physico-chemical and ecotoxicological properties, supports sustainable agricultural and water reuse practices. His active projects include NATO-funded studies on climate change mitigation and EU-supported educational modules for water sustainability in the Elbe/Labe basin. His interdisciplinary approach links environmental microbiology, plant ecophysiology, and green chemistry, targeting real-world environmental problems with practical, nature-based solutions. His goal is to bridge science and education to improve soil health, water quality, and resilience against climate change.

Publication Top Notes:

1. An overview of potentially toxic element pollution in soil around lead–zinc mining areas

2. A comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and health risks associated with the potential utilization of chars produced from tires, electro-waste plastics and biomass

3. Characterizations of ash derived from the crops’ waste biomass for soil improvement and assisted phytoremediation

4. A 6-year review status on soil pollution in coal mining areas from Europe

5. Extracted rapeseed meal biochar combined with digestate as a soil amendment: Effect on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) biomass yield and concentration of bioavailable element fraction in the soil

6. Miscanthus x giganteus stress tolerance and phytoremediation capacities in highly diesel contaminated soils

7. The influence of diesel contaminated soil on Miscanthus x giganteus biomass thermal utilization and pyrolysis products composition

8. Evaluation of Miscanthus × giganteus Tolerance to Trace Element Stress: Field Experiment with Soils Possessing Gradient Cd, Pb, and Zn Concentrations

9. Efficient Wastewater Treatment and Removal of Bisphenol A and Diclofenac in Mesocosm Flow Constructed Wetlands Using Granulated Cork as Emerged Substrate

10. Utilization of Biochar for Eliminating Residual Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater Used in Agricultural Irrigation: Application to Ryegrass

 

 

 

 

Dr. Frank Alexis | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Frank Alexis | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Frank Alexis , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador

Dr. Frank Alexis is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador. With a Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, his career spans academia, research, and industry. Renowned for his expertise in nanotechnology, drug delivery, and biomaterials, Dr. Alexis has contributed significantly to science, with 138 publications and over 11,300 citations. As a mentor and innovator, he has founded companies, guided minority students, and influenced global research through his work as an editor and reviewer for prestigious journals.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Frank Alexis is an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards,” combining academic brilliance, impactful research, and inspirational mentorship. His multidisciplinary innovations, global recognition, and dedication to advancing science make him a highly deserving contender for this honor. Dr. Frank Alexis is an accomplished researcher and educator with exceptional contributions to materials science, bioengineering, and nanotechnology. His diverse expertise spans academia, industry, and editorial roles, demonstrating a well-rounded career in advancing science and mentoring future researchers. Dr.  Frank  Alexis has 138 publications with over 11,315 citations, showcasing the global impact of his work.

🎓Education:

Dr. Frank Alexis holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Interfaces from Technological University of Montpellier (France), and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the same institution. His academic journey reflects a blend of international education, encompassing advanced training in materials science, chemistry, and interdisciplinary applications pivotal for his pioneering contributions to nanotechnology and drug delivery systems.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Alexis has held prominent academic positions globally, including Full Professor roles at Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Yachay Tech in Ecuador. He served as Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at Yachay Tech and a tenured Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson University. His industry experience spans roles at Stericoat Inc., LEK Consulting, Polymed Inc., and GearJump Technologies. Additionally, he contributed to groundbreaking biomaterials research at MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shaping the fields of nanomedicine and drug delivery.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Alexis has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a Top 2% Researcher globally in nanotechnology and chemistry and Best Researcher by CEDIA. His inventive contributions have earned him awards like Best Inventor and Best Academic Invention. A mentor to minority students, he received the PEER & WISE Mentorship Award and recognition from Nature Biotechnology as a Top Translational Junior Faculty. His honors reflect his profound impact on research, mentorship, and innovation.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Alexis specializes in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and drug delivery systems, focusing on designing advanced materials for healthcare and environmental applications. His interdisciplinary research spans the development of sensors, biodegradable polymers, and functional nanomaterials. His work integrates chemistry, biology, and engineering to tackle challenges in medical diagnostics, therapeutic delivery, and sustainable technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Colorimetric sensor for copper and lead using silver nanoparticles functionalized with fluoresceinamine isomer 
    • Citations: 1
  • Photochromic sensing of La³⁺ and Lu³⁺ ions using poly(caprolactone) fibers doped with spiropyran dyes
    • Citations: 2
  • Synergistic Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Reducing Agent from Cinnamon Bark Extract
    • Citations: 1
  • Water soluble spiropyran for Hg²⁺ sensing in water
    • Citations: 3
  • Users’ opinion about synthetic, bio- and nano-biopesticides
    • Citations: 3