Dr. Uttam Pokharel – Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry Education Award

Dr. Uttam Pokharel – Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry Education Award

University of Houston Clear Lake, United States

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🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Uttam Pokharel has pursued an extensive academic journey in chemistry, specializing in organic and organometallic chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (2007 – 2012), where he conducted significant research in synthetic organic chemistry. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Organic Chemistry from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal (1996 – 1998). To further enhance his research expertise, he undertook a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (2012 – 2015), focusing on organometallic catalysis and reaction mechanisms.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Pokharel has been honored with multiple awards for his excellence in teaching and research. In 2023, he received the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence at Nicholls State University, a prestigious recognition of his dedication to education. He was also honored with the Academic Award for Teaching Excellence from the College of Science and Technology at Nicholls State University in 2020. His contributions to research were acknowledged with the Patent Investigator Award from Louisiana State University in 2019. Additionally, he was an Outstanding Faculty Nominee to the Faculty Senate at Nicholls State University in 2018, and earlier in his career, he received the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from the University of Kentucky in 2012.

🎓Teaching Experience 

Dr. Pokharel has an extensive teaching background, with experience at multiple prestigious institutions.

University of Houston – Clear Lake (2024 – Present)

As an Associate Professor, he teaches a wide range of chemistry courses, including Organic Chemistry I & II, General Chemistry Lab, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, and Graduate Research courses.

Nicholls State University (2015 – 2024)

Dr. Pokharel served as an Associate Professor (2021–2024), Assistant Professor (2016–2021), and Visiting Assistant Professor (2015–2016). He taught various chemistry courses, such as General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry for Nursing, and Research Problems in Chemistry, among others.

University of Kentucky (2007 – 2012)

He began his teaching career as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, where he gained valuable experience instructing undergraduate students.

💰 Grants and Research Funding

Dr. Pokharel has been actively involved in securing research grants to advance his studies in organic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and ligand design. He has submitted a proposal to the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (ACS PRF) for research on Copper(II)-Mediated Oxidation of Nitrogen Heterocycles aimed at improving petroleum refining processes. He has also received a Faculty Research Support Fund from the University of Houston – Clear Lake (2025), amounting to $5,998, for studying ligand-centered redox reactions in ruthenium(II) complexes.

In addition, he secured $5,000 from the Louisiana Board of Regents (2023–2024) under the Supervised Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program for research on α-Ferrocenyl Ketones for Anion Sensing. His efforts to improve laboratory facilities led to a $12,660 grant from Nicholls State University Tech Fee (2022) for acquiring a Gas Chromatogram for Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Other notable grants include a $4,900 Research Council grant (2020–2021) at Nicholls State University for work on Redox-driven Single Molecular Rotors from Ferrocene-linked Tetradentate Ligands, and a $21,600 grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents (2017–2018) for research on Organometallic Polyacenes for Opto-electronic Applications.

Notable Publications📝


📝Structural Rearrangement in Cyclic Cu(II) Pyridyltriazole Complexes: Oxidation of Dabco to Oxalate and CO2 Conversion to Carbonate

Authors: Uttam R. Pokharel, Frank R. Fronczek, Andrew W. Maverick

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2025

📝Lactonization of α-Ferrocenyl Ketocarboxylic Acids via Nucleophilic Attack of Carbonyl Oxygen

Authors: Uttam R. Pokharel, Brennan J. Curole, Autumn M. Andras, Brandon P. LeBlanc, Frank R. Fronczek

Journal: Crystals

Year: 2024


📝Synthesis and crystal structure of 1,1′-bis{[4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}ferrocene, and its complexation with CuI

Authors: Uttam Pokharel

Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications

Year: 2020


📝Metallosupramolecular helices constructed from nickel(II) and multidentate “click” triazole ligands

Authors: Uttam Pokharel

Journal: Polyhedron

Year: 2020


📝Synthesis and crystal structures of 2-(ferrocenylcarbonyl)benzoic acid and 3-ferrocenylphthalide

Authors: Uttam Pokharel

Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications

Year: 2020

Dr. Adel Elsayed | Applied Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adel Elsayed | Applied Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at National Research Center | Egypt

Adel Elsayed’s academic journey began at the University of Al Fayoum, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Chemistry in 2005, graduating with honors. His pursuit of excellence continued with a Master’s degree in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry from the National Research Center (NRC) and Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

Professional Profiles

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🎓 Education and Training

Doctorate in Chemistry (2016 – 2019)
At the Institute of Electrochemistry, TU Clausthal, Germany, thesis focused on “Electrochemical synthesis of silicon-based materials for Lithium-ion batteries,” exploring innovative anode development.

Master’s in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (2009 – 2013)
At the National Research Center (NRC) and Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, thesis on nanostructured MnO₂ as a cathode material for Lithium-ion batteries.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Chemistry (2000 – 2005)
From University of Al Fayoum, Egypt, graduated with a “Very Good” note, building strong foundations in chemistry and physics.

🛠️ Work Experience

Researcher (Dec 2022 – Present)
At the National Research Center (NRC), Gizah, Egypt, and Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, managing battery development and modeling projects under German-Egyptian research funds. Focused on solid-state battery innovations and scalable manufacturing processes.

Test Engineer (May 2022 – Nov 2022)
At FEV-eDLP GmbH, Sandersdorf-Brehna, Germany, conducted endurance and robustness testing of traction batteries for e-mobility, evaluating their performance across varied temperature ranges. Specialized in electrical, thermal, and abuse tests to ensure battery safety and longevity.

Researcher (Jan 2021 – April 2022)
At NRC, Giza, Egypt, supervised projects on solid-state batteries, supported by German-Egyptian Research Funds (GERF), focusing on advanced battery materials.

Postdoctoral Researcher (Aug 2019 – Dec 2020)
At the Institute of Particle Technology and Battery Lab-Factory (BLB), Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, developed scalable technologies for composite electrodes and electrolyte separators. Specialized in characterization techniques like SEM, XRD, EIS, and Raman spectroscopy.

Ph.D. Research Assistant (2016 – 2019)
At the Institute of Electrochemistry, TU Clausthal, Germany, developed silicon-based anodes for Lithium-ion batteries. Investigated the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods, contributing to battery performance optimization.

Research Assistant (2015 – 2016)
At the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Germany, researched graphene-based anodes for energy storage systems and DSSC technologies, advancing renewable energy solutions.

🏆 Awards and Honors

DAAD Scholarship (2014): Awarded the German-Egyptian Long-term Research Scholarship (GERLS) for Ph.D. studies in Germany.
NRC Award (2012): Recognized for Best M.Sc. Thesis in Applied Chemistry, highlighting excellence in nanomaterial research.

🧩 Skills and Expertise

Technical Skills:
Proficient in electrochemical testing, battery simulation software, and tools like GITT and EIS for performance analysis.

Research Expertise:
Expertise in solid-state batteries, anode materials, Li-ion diffusion kinetics, and characterization techniques like SEM, FTIR, and XRD.

Personal Capabilities:
Demonstrates logical thinking, problem-solving, team collaboration, and an innovative, patent-oriented approach.

Languages and Software Proficiency:
Fluent in English and German. Proficient in simulation tools like MORPHEE for automotive applications.

🔬 Key Research Projects

Developed scalable composite cathodes for solid-state batteries at Technical University of Braunschweig.

Investigated silicon-based anodes for Lithium-ion batteries at TU Clausthal.

Produced nanostructured MnO₂ for cathodes during M.Sc. research at the National Research Center, Egypt.

Publications Top Noted📝

Towards a scalable production of β-Li₃PS₄-based all-solid-state batteries: Optimizing pressing parameters of the tape-casted solid electrolyte and composite cathode films

Authors: Elsayed, A.; Voges, K.; Michalowski, P.; Kwade, A.

Journal: Journal of Power Sources

Year: 2024

Scalable tape-casting of Lithium thiophosphate (β-Li₃PS₄) solid electrolyte and composite-cathodes for all-solid-state batteries

Authors: Adel Elsayed

Journal: International Battery Production Conference 2020 (Conference Poster)

Year: 2020

MnO₂ Nano-Rods Prepared by Redox Reaction as Cathodes in Lithium Batteries

Authors: Adel Elsayed

Journal: Electrochemical Society Transactions

Year: 2013

MnO₂ Nano-Rods Prepared by Redox Reaction as Cathodes in Lithium Batteries

Authors: Adel Elsayed

Journal: Abstract #677, ECS 222nd Meeting 2012, Honolulu, HI, USA

Year: 2012

Improvement of the electrochemical performance of nanosized α-MnO₂ used as cathode material for Li-batteries by Sn-doping

Authors: Adel Elsayed

Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Year: 2011

Prof Dr. Vladimir Kurćubić, Applied Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry Pioneer Award

Prof Dr. Vladimir Kurćubić, Applied Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry Pioneer Award

Prof Dr. Vladimir Kurćubić, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Kragujevac, Serbia

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Summary🌟

Dedicated Full Professor with extensive experience in Food Technology at the University of Kragujevac. Specializes in teaching and research in meat technology, dairy products, and food preservation. Known for leadership in academic programs and quality assurance initiatives.

Education🎓

  • Ph.D. in Veterinary Science
    • University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 2001-2004
    • Dissertation: Comparative Immunogenicity Examination of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Vaccines
  • M.Sc. in Veterinary Science
    • University of Belgrade, Veterinary Faculty, 1989-1993
    • Thesis: Serological Examinations of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in Cattle
  • DVM (Bachelor of Veterinary Science)
    • University of Belgrade, Veterinary Faculty, 1983-1989

Professional Experience👨‍🏫 

  • University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Agronomy in Čačak
    • Full Professor (October 2021 – Present)
    • Associate Professor (November 2017 – October 2021)
    • Assistant Professor (May 2011 – November 2017)
    • Assistant (April 2003 – September 2006)
    • Assistant (October 1998 – April 2003)
    • Veterinarian (April 1997 – October 1998)
    • Veterinarian Manager (April 1995 – April 1997)
    • Head of Veterinary Service (April 1989 – April 1995)

Research Interests🔍

  • 🥩 Meat Technology
  • 🥛 Dairy Products
  • 🌿 Food Preservation
  • 🧪 Veterinary Virology
  • 🧬 Immunology

Notable Publication📚

  • Paper Title: Manufacture of Low-Na White Soft Brined Cheese: Effect of NaCl Substitution with a Combination of Na-K Salts on Proximate Composition, Mineral Content, Microstructure, and Sensory Acceptance
    • Authors: Vural Uzun, Zerrin Erginkaya, Turgut Cabaroğlu
    • Journal: Journal of Dairy Science
    • Volume: 104
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 1487-1497
    • Year: 2021
  • Paper Title: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Kitaibelia vitifolia Extract against Proven Antibiotic-Susceptible and Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Strains of Bacteria of Clinical Origin
    • Authors: Fatih Mehmet Gökbulut, Ozan Gökbulut
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Microbiology
    • Volume: 131
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 752-764
    • Year: 2021
  • Paper Title: Techno-Functional Properties of Burgers Fortified by Wild Garlic Extract: A Reconsideration
    • Authors: Željko V. Šušić, Ksenija L. Cerović, Vele V. Tešević, Sunčica D. Kocić-Tanackov, Bojana D. Kocić
    • Journal: Journal of Food Science
    • Volume: 86
    • Issue: 5
    • Pages: 1916-1925
    • Year: 2021
  • Paper Title: Potato thin layer convective dehydration model and energy efficiency estimation
    • Authors: F. Yılmaz-Ersan, N. Alpaslan, Ş. Ersan
    • Journal: Journal of Food Engineering
    • Volume: 295
    • Pages: 110496
    • Year: 2021
  • Paper Title: Estimation of metabolic status in high yielding dairy cows during transition period and full lactation
    • Authors: A. Kustos, I. Komlósi, D. Szabó-Fodor, P. Horn
    • Journal: Journal of Dairy Research
    • Volume: 88
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 210-217
    • Year: 2021