Prof. Dr. Tshwafo Motaung – Chemistry – Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Tshwafo Motaung – Chemistry – Best Research Article Award

Sefako Makhatho Health Science University, South Africa

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🎓 Academic Qualifications

Prof. Motaung’s academic path is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry and Physics (2004) from the University of the North, followed by a B.Sc. Honours in Chemistry (2005), M.Sc. in Chemistry (2008), and Ph.D. in Chemistry (2012) from the University of the Free State (UFS). His academic credentials also include a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (2018) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), highlighting his commitment to education and teaching.

🧠 Leadership & Management Qualifications

In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Motaung has acquired substantial training in leadership and management. He holds a Project Management Certificate (1 year) and an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law (2 years) from UFS. Furthermore, he completed a Certificate in Values-Based Leadership from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, and an Executive Development Program (2 years) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. These credentials underscore his versatility and leadership capacity in both academic and administrative spheres.

👨‍🔬 Professional Experience

Prof. Motaung’s professional career began as a Tutor and Laboratory Assistant (2004–2005) at UFS. He then served as an Assistant Professional Officer (2006), Junior Lecturer (2007–2012), and Chemical Waste Manager (2010–2012) at the same institution. From 2013 to 2015, he advanced to become a Senior Researcher and Research Leader at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Port Elizabeth. In 2015, Prof. Motaung joined the University of Zululand, where he served as Associate Professor and Head of Department (Y2 Rated) until 2019, and then as Professor and HOD (Y2 Rated) until 2021. He further held the title of Senior Professor and Head of the Material Science Niche Area at the University of South Africa (2021–2024). Currently, he is a Senior Professor and Research Group Leader at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.

🧑‍🎓 Postgraduate Supervision & Mentorship

Prof. Motaung has supervised and co-supervised a wide range of Honours, MSc, and Ph.D. students, nurturing future scholars in polymer chemistry, natural fibers, biomass composites, and nanotechnology. To date, he has successfully guided 16 Honours students and numerous MSc and Ph.D. graduates. Notable projects include the development of shear thickening fluids, gold nanorod encapsulation, cellulose derivatives for cancer treatments, and ZnAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ polymer composites.

🏅 Departmental Leadership and Achievements

During his tenure as Head of Department at the University of Zululand, Prof. Motaung led the department to significant achievements. The department was named Research Department of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and earned the Role Model Department title in 2016. It was also awarded the Most Research Productive Department and the University Gold Revolving Cup in 2016 and 2018. He received multiple individual recognitions for his contribution to research output between 2015 and 2018, solidifying his reputation as a transformational academic leader.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Motaung’s career has been recognized with numerous national and international awards. These include the Emerging Researcher Award (2012) from CSIR, and the Productive Researcher Awards from the University of Zululand in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He received the Global Innovation Competition Program Ministerial Award (2018), Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (2018), and the Innovation Award (2019). In 2019, he was honored with the Research Peace International Award, and most recently in 2024, he received the prestigious Science Father Nanocomposites International Award, recognizing his impact in the field of nanocomposites.

🔬 Research Focus & Impact

Prof. Motaung’s research expertise spans polymer science, material chemistry, nanocomposites, and eco-friendly bio-materials. His interdisciplinary research combines scientific excellence with real-world application, influencing sustainable solutions, energy development, and medical innovations. He remains a driving force in African and global scientific communities, with continuous contributions to academic advancement and societal development.

Notable Publications📝

📝 Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Fe(III) in Aqueous Solutions

Authors: L.P. Magagula, C.M. Masemola, T.E. Motaung, N. Moloto, E.C. Linganiso

Journal: Processes

Year: 2025

📝 Microwave-Assisted Reduction of Graphene Oxide to Reduced Graphene Oxide

Authors: J.T. Mhlongo, B. Tlhaole, L.Z. Linganiso, T.E. Motaung, E.C. Linganiso

Journal: Processes

Year: 2025

📝 Sustainable Conversion of Corncob Biomass Waste into High Performance Carbon Materials for Detection of VOCs at Room Temperature

Authors: L.P. Magagula, C.M. Masemola, T.E. Motaung, N. Moloto, E.C. Linganiso

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2025

📝 Structure and Optical Properties of Er³⁺ Doped ZnSe Nanoparticles

 Authors: L.A. Miya, L.F. Koao, S.V. Motloung, H.C. Swart, T.E. Motaung

 Journal: Optical Materials

 Year: 2024

📝 Effect of Silica Content in a Bio-Polymeric Blended Nanocomposite for Efficient Adsorption of Mercury in Basic Aqueous Solution

Authors: A. Tshikovhi, S.B. Mishra, A.K. Mishra, T.E. Motaung

Journal: Fibers and Polymers

Year: 2025

Ms. Maryam Batool – Chemistry – Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Maryam Batool – Chemistry – Women Researcher Award

University of Sahiwal Sahiwal Pakistan – Pakistan

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🎓 Educational Background

Ms. Batool holds a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Chemistry from the University of Sahiwal, Pakistan (2021-2023). Her thesis, titled “Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Crystal Violet Dye Using UV Light and ZnO − Bi₂O₃”, explores advanced photocatalytic techniques for dye degradation. She completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry from the University of Sahiwal (2016-2020). Her undergraduate thesis, “Exploring the Useability of Cedrus deodara Sawdust for Decontamination of Wastewater Containing Crystal Violet Dye”, focused on the development of natural adsorbents for wastewater treatment.

🔬 Research Interests

Ms. Maryam Batool has a strong passion for environmental chemistry and wastewater treatment. Her research focuses on batch and column adsorption, statistical analysis, and characterization analysis techniques. She has extensively studied the presence of pollutants such as dyes, metals, turbidity, and pathogens (E. coli) in drinking water. Additionally, her work includes the development of environment-friendly modified biosorbents and catalysts for wastewater treatment. She is also engaged in photocatalysis and composite materials for the efficient removal of pollutants. Her research in biomaterials extends to their applications across various scientific fields.

🏆 Awards and Distinctions

Ms. Batool has received multiple academic and professional honors throughout her career. She was awarded a Talented Student Award in her Matriculation. In Intermediate, she was recognized for her excellence and awarded a solar panel and laptop. During her BS Chemistry (2016-2020), she achieved first position (Gold Medal) at the University of Sahiwal. Additionally, she received the Merit and PEEF Scholarship throughout her academic journey. Beyond academia, she has completed a Professional Diploma in Regulatory Affairs of Drugs & Medical Devices from Radex Education, USA. She also earned a Certificate of Attendance from the Drug Discovery News webinar on combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

🤝 Research Collaborations

Maryam Batool has collaborated with renowned international researchers to enhance her research impact in the field of environmental chemistry and material sciences. She has worked with Professor Dr. Arun Arjunan, Director of the Centre for Engineering Innovation & Research (CEIR) at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, focusing on advanced materials for wastewater treatment. Additionally, she has collaborated with Dr. Tariq Javed from the Department of Chemistry, University of Sahiwal, Pakistan, and Professor Dr. Layth Jasim Sameer Al-Hayder from the Department of Chemistry, Al-Qadisiyah University, Iraq. These interdisciplinary collaborations have strengthened her expertise in photocatalysis, adsorption techniques, and environmental remediation strategies.

Notable Publications📚
📚Applications of biodegradable polymers and ceramics for bone regeneration: a mini-review
  • Authors: Batool, M.; Abid, M.A.; Javed, T.; Haider, M.N.

  • Journal: International Journal of Polymeric Materials and Polymeric Biomaterials

  • Year: 2025
📚Investigating the interactions between dyes and porous/composite materials: A comprehensive study
  • Authors: Muhammad Zeeshan; Tariq Javed; Chandresh Kumari; Anusha Thumma; Muhammad Wasim; Muhammad Babar Taj; Ishu Sharma; Muhammad Nouman Haider; Maryam Batool

  • Journal: Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment

  • Year: 2025
📚Synthesis, characterization and adsorption properties of azo-functionalized polymeric hydrogels for R6G dye removal from water
  • Authors: Amna N. Zghair; Ziyad T. Al-Khateeb; Layth S. Jasim; Maryam Batool; MARYAM BATOOL

  • Journal: Applied Chemical Engineering

  • Year: 2025
📚Adsorption of Rhodamine B dye from solution using 3-((1-(4-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)amino)phenyl)ethylidene)amino)phenol (BIAPEHB)/ P(AA-co-AM) composite
  • Authors: Hayder O. Jamel; Maryam H. Jasim; Makarim A. Mahdi; Safaa H. Ganduh; Maryam Batool; Layth S. Jasim; Muhammad Nouman Haider

  • Journal: Desalination and Water Treatment

  • Year: 2025
📚Batch adsorption study of Congo Red dye using unmodified Azadirachta indica leaves: isotherms and kinetics
  • Authors: Javed, T.; Thumma, A.; Uddin, A.N.; Akhter, R.; Taj, M.B.; Zafar, S.; Baig, M.M.; Shah, S.S.A.; Wasim, M.; Abid, M.A.

  • Journal: Water Practice and Technology

  • Year: 2024

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ibtehaj – Chemistry – Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ibtehaj – Chemistry – Best Researcher Award

King Saud bin abdulaziz for health professionals – Saudi Arabia

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🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Ibtehaj Alshdoukhi has a strong academic foundation in organic chemistry and polymer science. She earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and Organic Electrochemistry from the Florida Institute of Technology, USA, in 2018. Prior to this, she completed an M.Sc. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry at the same institution in 2017. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in Organic Chemistry and Functional Group Analysis from the University of Scranton, USA, obtained in 2014. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry from King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA, in 2010, where she developed her early research interests.

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience

Dr. Alshdoukhi has accumulated over 14 years of experience in academia and research. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh. Since August 2024, she has also held the position of Director of Basic Sciences Department Laboratories, where she manages research projects, laboratory instruction, and curriculum development. In addition to her academic roles, she has contributed as a Research Chemist and Consultant, working on various projects in the fields of solar energy, fuel cells, and sustainable materials. Her expertise extends beyond teaching, as she has played a key role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovations.

🔬 Research Contributions & Interests

Dr. Alshdoukhi’s research primarily focuses on organic synthesis, polymer materials, and electrochemical applications. Her work has led to significant advancements in multiple areas, including artificial photosynthesis, where she has developed composite bipolar membranes for artificial photosynthetic devices. In polymer science, she has designed polymeric materials that enhance energy storage and membrane applications. She has also contributed to antioxidant chemistry by synthesizing zinc-containing polyphenolic acid esters aimed at improving antioxidant activity for food preservation. Additionally, she has developed innovative catalysts for electrolysis and fuel cells, as well as graphene-based materials for renewable energy solutions. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, material science, and engineering to address contemporary challenges in sustainability and energy.

🧪 Technical Skills & Expertise

Dr. Alshdoukhi possesses extensive expertise in various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, which she applies to her research. She is proficient in UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, she has significant experience in electrochemical potentiostat techniques and gas chromatography (GC). Beyond experimental techniques, she has expertise in computational chemistry, CFD simulations, and material characterization, making her a well-rounded researcher capable of tackling complex scientific problems.

💰 Research Grants & Funding

Dr. Alshdoukhi has successfully secured substantial research funding to support her scientific endeavors. In 2023, she received a 150,000 SAR research grant from the King Salman Center for Disability Research to investigate vitamin and mineral deficiencies among individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, she was awarded funding from the Development and Innovation Authority for a project focused on designing edible liposomal supplement formulas containing polyphenols to support cardiovascular health. These grants reflect the significance and impact of her research on public health and scientific innovation.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Alshdoukhi’s contributions to chemistry have earned her numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. She was the first researcher to demonstrate that anthocyanin compounds can bind to the surface of blood cells, marking a breakthrough in biomedical sciences. She has also received the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year award from the University of Scranton in 2014 and the Alumni Graduate Student of the Year award in the same year. Her excellence in academia was recognized early on when she received the Scientific Excellence Award from King Saud University in 2010. Furthermore, she has been included multiple times on the Dean’s Honor Roll, acknowledging her consistent academic achievements.

💡 Leadership & Additional Skills

In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Alshdoukhi is a strong leader and mentor. She has guided numerous students in general and organic chemistry, fostering their academic and research skills. Her technical expertise extends to various software and tools, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, ChemDraw, Gaussian Computational Chemistry, and SciFinder. She is also skilled in project management, laboratory administration, scientific writing, and public speaking, making her a versatile professional in the field of chemistry.

🌍 Future Vision & Impact

Dr. Alshdoukhi is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of chemistry through her research and academic contributions. Her future goals include developing sustainable energy solutions, advancing polymer science applications, and pioneering innovative methodologies in organic chemistry. Her commitment to research, education, and technological advancements ensures that she will continue making a lasting impact in the field of applied chemistry.

Notable Publications📝

📝Adsorption, excitation analysis, and sensor properties of heteroatoms (S, P, Si) encapsulated gallium nitride nanotube for hexanol application: A computational approach
  • Authors: Oyo-Ita, I.; Nsofor, V.C.; Alshdoukhi, I.F.; Abdullah, H.Y.; Sfina, N.; Asuquo, B.B.; Gber, T.E.; Adeyinka, A.S.; Orosun, M.M.; Louis, H.

  • Journal: Materials Today Communications

  • Year: 2024
📝Epidemiology of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Arab Countries: Insights from a Systematic Review
  • Authors: Alangari, A.S.; El-Metwally, A.A.; Alanazi, A.; Al Khateeb, B.F.; Al Kadri, H.M.; Alshdoukhi, I.F.; Aldubikhi, A.I.; Alruwaili, M.; Alshahrani, A.

  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine

  • Year: 2023
📝Pd(II), Pt(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) Complexes of the Newly Prepared 1,2-Benzoisothiazol-3(2H)-Dithiocarbamate (Bit-Dtc) Ligand
  • Authors: Alshdoukhi, I.F.; Al-Barwari, A.S.M.O.; Aziz, N.M.; Khalil, T.; Faihan, A.S.; Al-Jibori, S.A.; Al-Janabi, A.S.

  • Journal: SSRN

  • Year: 2023
📝Potentially toxic metals in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables and their health risks using Monte Carlo models
  • Authors: Orosun, M.M.; Nwabachili, S.; Alshehri, R.F.; Omeje, M.; Alshdoukhi, I.F.; Okoro, H.K.; Ogunkunle, C.O.; Louis, H.; Abdulhamid, F.A.; Osahon, S.E. et al.

  • Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Year: 2023
📝Electronic/Ionic Conducting Bipolar Membranes for Solar Fuel Production under pH Gradients
  • Authors: Ibtehaj Alshdoukhi; Michael Freund; Steen Holdcroft

  • Journal: Journal of Materials Science and Engineering B

  • Year: 2022