Month: June 2025

🎓 Educational Background

Mr. Akash Balakrishnan is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering (2025) at the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, Odisha, India. His doctoral research, supervised by Dr. Mahendra Chinthala, focuses on the development of surface-engineered g-C₃N₄-based hybrid catalysts for advanced oxidation processes, targeting energy and environmental remediation. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, in 2020 with an outstanding CGPA of 9.74/10, securing the first rank at the university level. His M.Tech thesis, guided by Dr. G. Keerthiga and Dr. A. Sowmya, explored photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid using catalyst impregnated chitosan. He earned his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, in 2018 with a CGPA of 8.31/10, where he worked on the design of a benzene column in the aromatic refinery unit at Kochi Refinery under Prof. K. Rajasekaran.

🧪 Research Interests

Mr. Akash’s research is deeply rooted in heterogeneous catalysis for energy and environmental applications. His expertise spans across advanced oxidation processes, wastewater treatment, and photocatalysis, with emerging interest in edible food coatings and sustainable packaging technologies. His work aims at creating eco-efficient solutions to address pollution control and green engineering challenges.

🏅 Fellowships & Recognitions

Akash has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and accolades. Notably, he was awarded the AICTE-INAE travel grant to present his research at the 8th Asia-Pacific Catalysis Congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2019. He also received doctoral and master’s degree fellowships from the Ministry of Education, Government of India and SRM IST, respectively. His academic excellence has been further recognized with gold medals and first-place ranks, including the Best Research Project Award on Research Day 2020 at SRM IST.

🏆 Awards & Achievements

Akash has consistently demonstrated leadership and innovation. In 2025, he won both South Zone and National level awards in the National Green Earth Challenge, hosted by the Prem Jain Memorial Trust, New Delhi. He also earned the Third Prize under the Water Theme in the Ideas4Life competition, organized by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India. Additionally, he received the Best Presentation Award at INDACON 2025, co-hosted by Dalhousie University, Canada, and HBTU Kanpur.

✍️ Editorial and Reviewer Roles

Mr. Akash contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for numerous high-impact international journals, including Chemosphere, Chemical Engineering Journal, Carbohydrate Polymers, Applied Surface Science, Journal of Environmental Management, Environmental Pollution, Journal of Cleaner Production, Environmental Chemistry Letters, and more. His involvement reflects both expertise and scholarly commitment in the field of environmental and chemical engineering.

🌱 Leadership & Co-curricular Excellence

In his early academic years, Akash demonstrated leadership by serving as General Secretary of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) at the college level in 2017. His consistent academic performance earned him the Best Student Award by ISTE in 2018 and a second-place rank in his B.Tech examinations at Anna University.

Notable Publications📝

📝Chitosan-based beads as sustainable adsorbents for wastewater remediation: a review

Authors: Balakrishnan, Akash; Appunni, Sowmya; Chinthala, Mahendra; Jacob, Meenu Mariam; Vo, Dai-Viet N.; Reddy, Soreddy Sainath; Kunnel, Emmanuel Sebastian

Journal: Environmental Chemistry Letters

Year: 2023

📝Global impact of COVID-19 on agriculture: role of sustainable agriculture and digital farming

Authors: Sridhar, Adithya; Balakrishnan, Akash; Jacob, Meenu Mariam; Sillanpaa, Mika; Dayanandan, Nanditha

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Year: 2023

📝Heterojunction photocatalysts for the removal of nitrophenol: A systematic review

Authors: Balakrishnan, Akash; Gaware, Ghanghor Jayant; Chinthala, Mahendra

Journal: Chemosphere

Year: 2023

📝Photocatalytic degradation of nitro phenol: A continuous study in a TiO2 film coated photo reactor

Authors: G. Keerthiga; K. Avinash; Rishav Saha; Akash Balakrishnan; Ikshit Jain

Journal: INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERING, ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS – 2021 (IEET-2021)

Year: 2023

📝Removal of tetracycline from wastewater using g-C3N4 based photocatalysts: A review

Authors: Balakrishnan, Akash; Chinthala, Mahendra; Polagani, Rajesh Kumar; Vo, Dai-Viet N.

Journal: Environmental Research

Year: 2023

📝3D black g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction hydrogels as a sustainable photocatalyst for tetracycline degradation and H2O2 production

Authors: Akash Balakrishnan; Emmanuel Sebastian Kunnel; Roshini Sasidharan; Mahendra Chinthala; Arvind Kumar

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

Year: 2023

Jolly Kaushal | catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 26/06/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Jolly Kaushal | catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Doon university, India

Author Profile

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. Jolly Kaushal is a dedicated Research Scholar in the Department of Chemistry, with a strong academic foundation rooted in organic and organometallic chemistry. She recently submitted her Ph.D. thesis on “Syntheses and applications of multidentate hybrid ligands-based catalysts and sensors” under the mentorship of Dr. Vipin Kumar Saini at Doon University, Dehradun, with submission dated 30th December 2024. She earned her M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry in 2007 from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, securing 79.1% in first division. Her undergraduate degree (B.Sc.) was also completed at the same university in 2005, with a first division score of 72%. Her early academic journey began at St. Mary’s Academy, Saharanpur, where she consistently performed well, achieving first division in both 12th (70.9%) and 10th (72%) standards.

🧪 Set of Skills

Dr. Kaushal possesses a well-rounded skill set in chemical design, synthesis, and analysis. She has expertise in designing reaction setups for synthesizing a broad range of materials, including organic, inorganic, and organometallic compounds. She is particularly adept at multi-step synthesis, along with purification and characterization procedures. Her proficiency in handling light- and air-sensitive compounds using Schlenk line techniques reflects her strong foundation in experimental chemistry. In addition, Dr. Kaushal is well-versed in spectral analysis, employing a suite of techniques such as UV-Vis, NMR, FTIR, GC, LC-MS, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Her technical skills are complemented by software proficiency in ChemDraw for molecular modeling and Origin for data analysis. With a proactive problem-solving mindset and solid project management abilities, she is equipped to lead research endeavors effectively.

🔬 Research Interests

Her primary research interests lie in Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis, with a focused exploration of Organochalcogen Compounds. These domains bridge fundamental chemical synthesis with real-world applications, especially in developing novel catalytic systems and sensors.

🏆 Honors and Recognitions

Dr. Jolly Kaushal has demonstrated academic excellence by qualifying several competitive national and state-level examinations. She cleared the prestigious Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in 2011, conducted by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India, with a GATE score of 289. Additionally, she qualified the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) in the same year, scoring 72.67% (Marks: 109)—a testament to her strong academic and pedagogical foundations.

Notable Publications📝

📝 An easily synthesizable naphthalene-based sensing platform for Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions: theoretical insights and live cells imaging

Journal: Analytical Methods
Year: 2025

Beenish Saba | Microbial electrosynthesis | Best Academic Researcher Award

Posted on 26/06/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Beenish Saba | Microbial electrosynthesis | Best Academic Researcher Award

The Ohio State University, United States

Author Profiles

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. Saba earned her Ph.D. in Biological Engineering from The Ohio State University (2013–2017) under a Fulbright Scholarship, following her MS in Environmental Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan (2008–2010). She also holds a MSc in Environmental Sciences from Fatima Jinnah Women University (2006–2008) and a BSc in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab (2003–2005). This diverse educational foundation has empowered her to bridge environmental science, biological systems, and engineering innovations.

👩‍🏫 Teaching & Mentorship

Dr. Saba has taught a broad spectrum of courses, from biotechnology and phytoremediation to sustainable waste management and bioenergy conversion. At Ohio State, she delivered and designed key graduate-level courses such as FABE 7220, FABE 5550, and FABENG 5540. She has mentored over a dozen graduate students, including international Ph.D. aspirants, and co-mentored students and associates in collaboration with Professors Katrina Cornish and Ann Christy. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes student empowerment, research leadership, and global competency.

🧪 Research Interests

Her research is centered on sustainable bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and bioelectrochemical systems. Dr. Saba specializes in the valorization of food waste through conventional and electro-fermentation to produce biofuels and biohydrogen, supporting a circular economy. She is also contributing to the U.S.-based natural rubber latex production from non-tropical plants, with a commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and life cycle assessments. Her work extends to bioelectrochemical water treatment, aiming to protect both the ecosystem and public health.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Saba was the recipient of the Young Scientist Award for her oral presentation at the International Conference on Environmental Sciences in Melbourne (2012). She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for her doctoral studies at OSU and later received the LEGACY Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022–2024) from the College of Engineering. In 2023, she earned the Outstanding Service Award (Research) from OSU’s Industry Professional Advisory Group (IPAG), recognizing her significant impact in applied research.

🌍 Global Experience

Dr. Saba’s academic journey includes international research exchanges, having served as a Visiting Scholar at the National Research Institute for Environment and Agriculture, France (2016), and the University of California, Santa Barbara (2016). These experiences have enriched her cross-cultural perspective and enhanced her research collaboration capabilities.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Experience

Currently, Dr. Saba serves as a Research Scientist and is set to begin her role as Assistant Professor (Research) at Ohio State University starting August 2025. Her past appointments include Postdoctoral Scholar roles and Lecturer/Assistant Professor positions at PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan. Her dedication to scientific excellence and sustainable innovation has marked every role she has undertaken.

🔬 Scientific Memberships

Dr. Saba actively contributes to the global scientific community. She holds memberships in the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), The Electrochemical Society, and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), among others. These affiliations reflect her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to scientific advancement.

Notable Publications📝

📝Hydrochar for pollution remediation: Effect of process parameters, adsorption modeling, life cycle assessment and techno-economic evaluation

Author: Beenish Saba, Ann D. Christy, Ajay Shah

Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Year: 2024

📝Microbial phyto-power systems – A sustainable integration of phytoremediation and microbial fuel cells

Author: Beenish Saba, M. Khan, Ann D. Christy, B.V. Kjellerup

Journal: Bioelectrochemistry

Year: 2019

📝Decolorization of Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Blue 4 Dyes in Microbial Fuel Cells

Author: Beenish Saba, Ann D. Christy, T. Park, Z. Yu, K. Li, O.H. Tuovinen

Journal: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Year: 2018

📝Characterization and performance of anodic mixed culture biofilms in submersed microbial fuel cells

Author: Beenish Saba, Ann D. Christy, Z. Yu, A.C. Co, R. Islam, O.H. Tuovinen

Journal: Bioelectrochemistry

Year: 2017

📝Simultaneous Power Generation and Desalination of Microbial Desalination Cells Using Nannochloropsis salina (Marine Algae) Versus Potassium Ferricyanide as Catholytes

Author: Beenish Saba, Ann D. Christy, Z. Yu, A.C. Co, T. Park

Journal: Environmental Engineering Science

Year: 2017

Ramesh Katla | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 25/06/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Ramesh Katla | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Virginia, United States

Author Profiles

🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Katla completed his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India, in 2014. He obtained his Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Organic Chemistry from Osmania University in 2008 and earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with a major in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics from Kakatiya University, Warangal, in 2005. His academic background has been instrumental in shaping his research focus on heterocyclic chemistry and bioactive molecule synthesis.

🧬 Research Skills

Dr. Katla possesses strong expertise in drug-lipid conjugate development to enhance the physicochemical properties of APIs and their encapsulation into nanoparticles. He has synthesized a range of polymeric nanoparticles for delivering both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, adhering to Good Laboratory Practices and chemical safety regulations. His skills include multi-step organic synthesis, solid-phase synthesis, and various modern techniques such as microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and green chemistry approaches. He is adept in metal-mediated catalytic transformations, including C–C, C–S, C–Se, C–O, C–N, and C–H bond coupling reactions using parallel synthesizers. Dr. Katla is highly proficient in NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT, NOESY, COSY), MNova software, LC-MS, FT-IR, UV-VIS, and flash chromatography, as well as nanoparticle characterization techniques such as DLS, TEM, and X-ray diffraction.

🧑‍🔬 Academic and Research Experience

At the University of Virginia, since February 2023, Dr. Katla has synthesized Colchifoline-DLC from Colchicine and developed liposomal formulations to enhance drug delivery. He created Romidepsin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) using various amphiphilic co-block polymers and examined drug-polymer interactions via Proton-NMR. His responsibilities include designing polymeric nanoparticles, drug-fatty acid conjugation, ester bond optimization, and scale-up for pre-clinical nanoparticle formulations, along with mentoring undergraduate students.

From 2021 to 2023, as a Foreign Visiting Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Brazil, he developed microwave-assisted C–S and C–Se cross-coupling reactions using eco-friendly catalysts like Pd/Rice Husk Ash and Pd/Banana Peel Ash. He was also involved in the development of small-scale bioactive molecules for conditions like Alzheimer’s, HIV, and AChE inhibition, alongside exploring photo-physical properties and supervising master’s and doctoral students. Earlier, from 2018 to 2020, at the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD) in Brazil, he focused on green synthetic methods including the use of zinc and cobalt catalysts for generating thia-Michael derivatives, isatin-derived N,S-acetals, and benzothiazolyl triazolium analogues. He also investigated their biological activity and DNA-binding properties, and mentored several graduate and undergraduate students.

🏭 Industrial Experience

Between December 2017 and June 2018, Dr. Katla worked at Madin Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, as a Research Scientist, contributing to FTE projects related to the development of labeled APIs and heterocyclic intermediates, particularly imidazoles and pyrazoles for pharmaceutical applications.

🔬 Postdoctoral Research

From 2014 to 2017, Dr. Katla was a Postdoctoral Fellow at UFGD, Brazil, under Prof. Nelson Domingues. He synthesized a variety of heterocyclic scaffolds including polyfunctionalized pyrroles, benzimidazoles, quinazolinones, and trifluoromethylated spiro-compounds. His work involved C–S coupling reactions using palladium catalysts and C–H arylation using magnetically separable nano copper ferrite catalysts.

👨‍🏫 Supervisory and Teaching Experience

Dr. Katla has co-supervised several Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate students across multiple Brazilian universities. He has provided extensive guidance in synthetic methodology development, literature search, spectral analysis (NMR & MS), purification techniques, and structural interpretation of novel compounds, demonstrating strong commitment to research training and mentorship.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Katla has received multiple international recognitions. In 2023, he was selected as Research Scientist at the University of Virginia. He secured first position in Foreign Visiting Professor selections at FURG (2020), UFGD (2017), and in Biotechnology & Biodiversity (2020). He earned second position in Chemistry at the University of Brasilia (2022) and in the Graduate Program in Chemistry (2016). In 2014, he received the CNPq-BJT Level-A Young Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship in Brazil. He also holds a prestigious Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-UGC) awarded by CSIR, India in 2008.

📜 Certifications

To strengthen his communication and professional skills, Dr. Katla completed “Learn Business English” via Udemy and received a certificate in “Personality Development and Communication Skills” from the Centre for English Language Training (CELT), Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.

Notable Publications📝

📄 Palladium Nanoparticles Dispersed in Alginate Beads as an Efficient, Eco‐friendly, and Sustainable Heterogeneous Catalyst: Testing in Carbon‐Sulfur and Carbon‐Carbon Cross‐Coupling Reactions

Authors: Ramesh Katla, Rakhi Katla, Daniel Rapachi, Marcos A. Gelesky, João Henrique Z. dos Santos, Gilber R. Rosa, Clarissa H. Rosa

Journal: Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry

Year: 2025

📄 Pyrrolidinium Acetate (PyrrIL) as a Green and Recyclable Catalyst: Synthesis of 2-Phenyl Benzimidazoles and 2-Phenyl Benzothiazoles under Solvent-Free Conditions at Room Temperature

Authors: Ramesh Katla, Rakhi Katla

Journal: SynOpen

Year: 2023

📄 Pd-G3 XantPhos Mediated Approach to Bis-arylsulfenyl-benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazoles under Microwave Irradiation in DMF: Synthesis and Fluorescent Properties

Authors: Ramesh Katla, Rakhi Katla, Eliézer Quadro Oreste, Felipe Kessler

Journal: Synthesis

Year: 2023

📄 XantPhos Pd-G3 as an Efficient Catalyst: Microwave-Assisted C–S Cross-Coupling Reaction in DMF

Authors: Rakhi Katla, Ramesh Katla, Nelson L. C. Domingues

Journal: Synthesis

Year: 2023

📄 Microwave Assisted C–S Cross-Coupling Reaction from Thiols and 2-(4-Bromo Phenyl)-Benzothiazole Employed by CuI in Acetonitrile

Authors: Ramesh Katla, Rakhi Katla

Journal: New Journal of Chemistry

Year: 2022

Haider AlMashhadani | Kinetics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 23/06/202523/06/2025 by sciencefather

Assist. Prof. Dr. Haider AlMashhadani | Kinetics | Best Researcher Award

Baghdad University, Iraq

Author Profiles

🎓 Academic Background

Assist. Prof. Dr. Haider AlMashhadani obtained all his academic degrees from the University of Baghdad, College of Science. He completed his B.Sc. in Chemistry in 2012, followed by an M.Sc. in 2014, and later earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2020. His progressive academic journey showcases a strong and consistent dedication to the field of scientific research and chemical education.

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Professional Experience

Dr. AlMashhadani began his professional career at the Independent High Electoral Commission (2012–2014). Simultaneously, he started his academic journey as a Lecturer at the University of Baghdad, College of Science, Department of Chemistry (2013–2014). He then contributed extensively to Al-Rasheed University College in the Department of Dentistry (2014–2023), where he taught multiple courses and held key responsibilities. Currently, he is serving as a faculty member at the University of Baghdad – College of Science – Chemistry Department (2023–present), demonstrating his ongoing commitment to higher education and research excellence.

🧪 Academic Skills & Courses Taught

Throughout his teaching career, Dr. AlMashhadani has taught a range of important subjects. These include Medical Chemistry (Theoretical) in the Dentistry Department of Al-Rasheed University (2014–2023), Organic Chemistry (Practical) in the Pharmacy Department (2014–2015), and Biochemistry (Practical) for Dentistry students (2015–2021). At the University of Baghdad, he has handled Physical Chemistry (Practical) (2022–2023) and continues to teach Industrial Chemistry (2022–2025). These diverse teaching responsibilities highlight his broad expertise across both theoretical and practical domains in chemistry.

🏛️ Administrative Roles & Memberships

Dr. AlMashhadani has actively participated in numerous academic, scientific, and administrative committees, reflecting his leadership and organizational skills. He served as the Manager of the Scientific Affairs Division at Al-Rasheed University College (2022–2023) and chaired the Research Evaluation Committee during the same period. His roles also include being a member of the Procurement Committee and Examination Committee, and he has been involved in laboratory accreditation and quality assurance processes. Notably, he was the Head of the Laboratory Accreditation Division and Chairman of the Inventory of Laboratory Equipment for multiple years (2017–2019). Moreover, he was a representative of the Quality Assurance Division and part of the Google Scholar Profile Follow-up Committee, underscoring his focus on academic integrity and digital scholarship.

💼 Community Engagement & Student Services

Dr. AlMashhadani has shown a strong commitment to student support and institutional development. He was a member of the Reception Committee for Students (2020–2021) and contributed to the Committee for Salary Distribution and the Chemical and Biologics Trading Committee. His involvement in these diverse tasks illustrates his multifaceted contributions to the academic and administrative ecosystem.

Notable Publications📝

📝Adsorption, thermodynamic and corrosion study of enalapril malate pharmaceutical drug as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in saline solution

Author: Haider Abdulkareem Almashhadani

Journal: Results in Materials

Year: 2025

📝Correction: Thiophosgene Detection by Ag-Decorated AlN Nanotube: A Mechanical Quantum Survey

Authors: Ghani, H.A.; Bustani, G.S.; Shadhar, M.H.; Obaid, R.F.; Kadhim, M.M.; Rheima, A.M.; Almashhadani, H.A.

Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials

Year: 2023

📝Effect of Modified Nano-Graphene Oxide and Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Artificial Stone Composites from Waste

Authors: Iranmanesh, R.; A. Alameri, A.; Sh. Jassim, G.; Abdulkareem Almashhadani, H.; Adel Lateef, D.; Jalil, A.T.; Alfilh, R.H.C.; Fakri Mustafa, Y.

Journal: Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds

Year: 2023

📝Genetically engineered neural stem cells (NSCs) therapy for neurological diseases; state-of-the-art

Authors: Lutfi Ismaeel, G.; Makki AlHassani, O.J.; S. Alazragi, R.; Hussein Ahmed, A.; H. Mohamed, A.; Yasir Jasim, N.; Hassan Shari, F.; Almashhadani, H.A.

Journal: Biotechnology Progress

Year: 2023

📝Synthesis and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Metronidazole by using Allyl Chloride and Allyl Bromide as Monomers

Authors: Aljabari, F.I.; Almashhadani, H.A.; Jehad, M.H.; Kadhim, M.M.

Journal: Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

Year: 2023

Hyunmo Jeong | Biomolecules | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 23/06/202523/06/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Hyunmo Jeong | Biomolecules | Best Researcher Award

The Korean Institute of Nutrition, South Korea

Author Profiles

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Dr. Jeong has earned all his academic degrees from Hallym University, Korea, where he completed his Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition (2020–2024) with an impressive GPA of 4.41/4.5. He obtained his M.S. degree in the same field (2018–2020) with a GPA of 4.31/4.5, following a B.S. degree (2012–2018) with a GPA of 3.18/4.5. This consistent academic journey illustrates his deep-rooted commitment to the discipline and forms the bedrock of his expertise in biomolecular research.

🧪 Research Experience

Dr. Jeong’s professional journey includes numerous research and teaching roles. Since March 2024, he has been working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Hallym University. Prior to that, he served as a Research Assistant from 2019 to 2024, contributing significantly to multiple research projects in food bioactives, enzyme applications, and biomolecule encapsulation. His teaching experience includes roles as a Teaching Assistant for subjects such as Food Microbiology, Laboratory Practicals, and Introduction to Food Science, from 2018 to 2022, reflecting his ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and student learning.

🔬 Research Interests and Expertise

Dr. Jeong’s research is focused on the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Functional Compounds using Carbohydrate Enzymes. He has successfully developed systems to enhance water solubility and stability of natural bioactives, utilizing techniques such as HPLC, Prep-LC, MALDI-TOF, FT-IR, SEM, and NMR for compound analysis. His cell-based work includes anti-inflammatory studies using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and evaluation through NO production, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant assays.

Additionally, he has experience in cloning, mutation, and expression of carbohydrate-active enzymes, conducting protein expression in E. coli, purification via Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, and kinetic parameter assessment through Michaelis–Menten kinetics. His molecular-level work is supported by methods like TLC, HPAEC-PAD, and DSC for thermal and structural evaluation. In the realm of starch modification, Dr. Jeong has engineered enzyme-modified starches using CGTase and branching enzymes. His work includes freeze-thaw stability analysis, retrogradation studies, and texture profiling of food applications such as bread and sauces. He is also adept at extracting and analyzing bioactive compounds from natural products using optimized ethanol-based extraction, focusing on solvent ratios, time, and temperature conditions to maximize yield.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Jeong’s exceptional academic and research capabilities have been recognized with numerous awards and scholarships. He received the prestigious BK21 Four Research Scholarship from the National Research Foundation of Korea for two consecutive academic terms (2022–2024). He also earned the Encouragement Award for an oral presentation at the 2022 KFN International Symposium, and the Excellent Paper Award from the Graduate School of Hallym University in 2021. His work has been honored at multiple KFN Annual Meetings for poster presentations in 2019 and 2020. Notably, he was a Finalist in the IFT19 Biotechnology Division Poster Competition held in New Orleans, USA. He has consistently received the Hallym University Fund Scholarship throughout his graduate studies (2018–2024), highlighting his academic dedication and leadership potential.

Notable Publications📝

📝Development and applications of enzymatic modified starch with high water solubility providing a continuous supply of glucose

Authors: Eun-A Kim, Ye-Rim Lee, Eun-Hyeong Lee, Hyun-Mo Jeong, Byung Sik Kang, Byung-Hak Kim, Sang Jae Park, Jae-Hoon Shim

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Year: 2023

📝Improved low water solubility of fisetin by enzymatic encapsulation reaction using cycloamylose produced by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase

Authors: Hyun-Mo Jeong, Hae-Na Kang, Ye-Rim Lee, Eun-A. Kim, Eun-Hyeong Lee, Jae-Hoon Shim

Journal: Process Biochemistry

Year: 2023

📝Enzymatic formation of cyclic maltooligosaccharides for the application of quercetin inclusion complex

Authors: Ye-Rim Lee, Hyun-Mo Jeong, Ji-Soo Kim, Eun-A Kim, Eun-Hyeong Lee, Jae-Hoon Shim

Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers

Year: 2023

📝Development of Fermented Rice Water to Improve the Quality of Garaetteok, a Traditional Korean Rice Cake

Authors: Eun-Hyeong Lee, Hyun-Mo Jeong, Eun-A Kim, Ye-Rim Lee, Jae-Hoon Shim

Journal: Foods

Year: 2023

📝Component Analysis of the Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Root and Development of Puerarin and Starch Extraction Method

Authors: Ji-Soo Kim, Seung-Hye Woo, Hyun-Mo Jeong, Yu-Jeong Shin, Eun-A Kim, Ye-Rim Lee, Eun-Hyeong Lee, Jae-Hoon Shim

Journal: Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition

Year: 2022

Xiansong Shi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 18/06/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Xiansong Shi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

National University of Singapore, Singapore

Author Profiles

🎓 Education

Dr. Shi received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University in December 2019, where he focused on the synthesis and application of porous framework membranes for molecular separations. He also earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Technology from the same institution in June 2015. His academic training laid the groundwork for his expertise in membrane science, nanomaterials, and separation technology.

🧪 Research Experience

Dr. Shi is currently a Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore (NUS), a position he has held since December 2021. His current work centers on the development of structurally oriented 2D COF membranes for precise molecular sieving, including studies on crystalline COF architectures and MOF membranes with topological defects. Prior to this, from January 2020 to September 2021, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at Nanjing Tech University, where he designed 3D COF membranes tailored for pharmaceutical purification and organic solvent resistance. His work during this period included pioneering electrosynthesis techniques for 2D COF membrane fabrication. Starting January 2026, Dr. Shi will begin a new appointment as Associate Professor at Southeast University, continuing his contributions to academic and applied research in separation science.

🔬 Research Projects

Dr. Shi has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and key contributor to several nationally funded projects. These include the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 22008110) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2020M681568), both of which he successfully delivered as PI. He also played participatory roles in prestigious programs such as the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China (21825803) and China’s 973 National Basic Research Program (2015CB655301). These projects reflect his strengths in grant leadership, team collaboration, and research translation.

🏅 Honors and Awards

Dr. Shi’s achievements have earned him several honors. He was recognized by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF) in December 2020 for his contributions to an Innovation Team in Membrane Science. He has twice received the Outstanding Graduate Award, once during his undergraduate studies in 2015 and again upon completion of his Ph.D. in 2019, acknowledging his academic excellence and research promise.

🌐 Conference Participation

Dr. Shi has actively engaged with the international research community through conference presentations and organizational roles. In July 2024, he will present a poster and serve as a volunteer at the 9th International Conference on Metal-Organic Frameworks and Open Framework Compounds (MOF2024) in Singapore. He chaired a session and gave an oral presentation at the 13th International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes (ICOM2023) in Japan. Earlier, he delivered oral presentations at AMS11 (2018, Australia) and a poster presentation at ICOM2017 (USA). These engagements underscore his commitment to knowledge sharing and global collaboration.

Notable Publications📝

📝Microscopic Mechanical Force-Driven Amorphization of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Authors: Ting Chen, He Li, Xiansong Shi, Yunchuan Pu, Nengxiu Zhu, Yidan Duan, Dongchen Shi, Wei Zhao, Joseph Imbrogno, Dan Zhao

Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society

Year: 2025

📝Water-Assisted Microwave Synthesis of Imide-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks in Minutes

Authors: Wei Zhao, Xingyang Wang, Mounib Bahri, Qiang Zhu, Boyu Li, Kun Wu, Zekun Wang, He Li, Xiansong Shi, Dongchen Shi, et al.

Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society

Year: 2025

📝Influence of Crystal Growth on Organic Liquid Phase Separation Efficiency in Polycrystalline PCN-250 Membranes

Authors: Yidan Duan, He Li, Xiansong Shi, Xin Yu, Nengxiu Zhu, Joseph Imbrogno, Dan Zhao

Journal: Journal of Membrane Science

Year: 2025

📝Aqueous-Phase Synthesis of Cyclic Trinuclear Cluster-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

Authors: Kun Wu, Wei Zhao, Ling Huang, Wen-Ting Zeng, Qiang Zhu, Hao-Bo Wang, Qin-Hong Wang, Xiansong Shi, He Li, Weigang Lu, et al.

Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society

Year: 2025

📝Stability of Metal–Organic Frameworks in Organic Media with Acids and Bases

Authors: Yidan Duan, He Li, Xiansong Shi, Chunqing Ji, Joseph Imbrogno, Dan Zhao

Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

Year: 2025

📝Precise Separation of Complex Ultrafine Molecules through Solvating Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework Membranes

Authors: Xiansong Shi, He Li, Ting Chen, Junyu Ren, Wei Zhao, Bidhan Chandra Patra, Chengjun Kang, Zhaoqiang Zhang, Dan Zhao

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Year: 2025

Yuanyong Yao | Thermodynamics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 18/06/2025 by sciencefather

Prof. Yuanyong Yao | Thermodynamics | Best Researcher Award

Tongren University, China

Author Profile

🎓💼Education & Experience

Prof. Yuanyong Yao earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Zunyi Normal University in 2010, followed by a Master’s degree from Guizhou University in 2013. He has been part of Tongren University since 2017, initially serving as an Associate Professor until 2022, and was promoted to full Professor in 2023. His academic journey and progressive roles at Tongren University reflect his solid foundation and growing leadership in the field of materials and chemical engineering.

🔬🧠Research Focus

Prof. Yao’s research primarily focuses on the functional exploration of natural bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants and special foods, investigating their biological properties and health benefits. A key part of his work also includes studying the mechanisms of biological enzyme inhibition, aiming to understand how these natural substances can affect biochemical pathways. His research bridges material and chemical engineering with biotechnology, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic and nutritional applications.

🏆🎖️Honors & Awards

Prof. Yao has been recognized for his academic and research excellence through several honors. Notably, he was selected for the prestigious “Thousand Talents” Innovation Program of Guizhou Province, highlighting his innovative contributions. He is also listed as an expert in the Guizhou Province Science and Technology Expert Database. In 2024, Prof. Yao received a provincial-level teaching achievement award for higher education in Guizhou Province, acknowledging his dedication and impact as an educator.

Notable Publications📝

📝Novel Mechanistic Insights into Luteolin and Its Analogues as Potent Inhibitors of Xanthine Oxidase Activity: Inhibition Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Docking Simulation

Authors: Yuanyong Yao, Meng Zhang, Jiarong Chen, Ao Ma, Qi Huang, Jiangzhou Yan, Hai Yang, Shixue Chen

Journal: Food Bioscience

Year: 2025

📝An Improved Test Method for Assaying the Inhibition of Bioflavonoids on Xanthine Oxidase Activity in vitro

Authors: Yuanyong Yao, Tao Wu, Meng Zhang, Daihua Fu, Hai Yang, Shixue Chen

Journal: ChemistryOpen

Year: 2024

📝An Improved System to Evaluate Superoxide‐Scavenging Effects of Bioflavonoids

Authors: Yuanyong Yao, Shixue Chen, Hu Li

Journal: ChemistryOpen

Year: 2021

Haoxiang Zhang | Natural Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 11/06/2025 by sciencefather

Assist. Prof. Dr. Haoxiang Zhang | Natural Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Author Profiles