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

Dr. Uttam Pokharel – Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry Education Award

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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

Prof. Bali Pulendran | Applied Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Bali Pulendran | Applied Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Stanford University, United States

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🎓 Educational Background

Bali Pulendran laid the foundation for his illustrious career at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, earning a BA (Honors) (1985–1988) under the mentorship of Professor Ron Laskey from the Department of Zoology. Prior to this, he excelled in his GCE Oxford & Cambridge “A” Levels at Reigate Grammar School, Surrey, England (1982–1984).

🔬 Postgraduate Training

Dr. Pulendran advanced his expertise as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Immunex Corporation, Seattle (1995–1998), where he collaborated with Drs. Charles Maliszewski and Eugene Maraskovsky. He completed his Ph.D. at The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, University of Melbourne (1991–1995), under the guidance of the esteemed Prof. Sir Gustav Nossal, contributing to groundbreaking immunological research.

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🏛️ Previous Academic and Professional Appointments

Dr. Bali Pulendran has held numerous esteemed positions throughout his illustrious academic career. From 2008 to 2017, he served as the Director of the Innate Immunity Program and held the prestigious title of Charles Howard Candler Professor in Pathology at Emory University, where he advanced groundbreaking research in immunology and vaccinology. Since 2005, he has been a Professor and Researcher at the Emory Vaccine Center, contributing significantly to the study of immune responses and vaccine development. Prior to this, he served as an Associate Professor from 2002 to 2004 and an Assistant Professor from 1999 to 2001 at the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research in Dallas, Texas. These roles underscore Dr. Pulendran’s profound contributions to the fields of innate immunity, vaccine science, and immunological research, establishing him as a leader in his domain.

🧬 Research Interests

Dr. Pulendran’s research lies at the interface of immunology, vaccinology, virology, and systems biology, focusing on how the innate immune system senses pathogens and modulates the adaptive immune response to achieve protective immunity. His lab has pioneered multi-omics approaches to analyze immune responses to vaccination and infection in humans, uncovering molecular signatures that predict vaccine immunity.

Key discoveries include:

The influence of the microbiome on vaccine efficacy.

Roles of amino acid sensing and cholesterol metabolism in regulating dendritic cells and adaptive immunity.

Identifying pathways and receptors crucial for durable antibody responses and long-lived bone marrow plasma cells.

This knowledge has been instrumental in the design and testing of novel vaccine adjuvants, including vaccines against COVID-19.

Publications Top Noted📚 

“Induction of Tier 2 HIV-Neutralizing IgA Antibodies in Rhesus Macaques Vaccinated with BG505.664 SOSIP”

Authors: Smith, J.C., Arunachalam, P.S., Legere, T.H., Amara, R.R., Kozlowski, P.A.

Journal: Vaccines

Year: 2024

“IgM N-glycosylation correlates with COVID-19 severity and rate of complement deposition”

Authors: Haslund-Gourley, B.S., Woloszczuk, K., Hou, J., Sierra, B., Hughes, T.

Journal: Nature Communications

Year: 2024

“Acute and persistent responses after H5N1 vaccination in humans”

Authors: Apps, R., Biancotto, A., Candia, J., Schwartzberg, P.L., Tsang, J.S.

Journal: Cell Reports

Year: 2024

“Transforming vaccinology”

Authors: Rappuoli, R., Alter, G., Pulendran, B.

Journal: Cell

Year: 2024

“Elucidating allergic reaction mechanisms in response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in adults”

Authors: Shah, M.M., Layhadi, J.A., Hourcade, D.E., Pham, C.T.N., Nadeau, K.C.

Journal: Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Year: 2024