Ms. Nour Merhi | Materials Science | Young Researcher Award

Ms. Nour Merhi | Materials Science | Young Researcher Award

Nour Merhi is a dedicated Research Assistant at the American University of Beirut, specializing in thermal sensing and materials chemistry. With a strong academic background in chemistry and a passion for scientific discovery, she has contributed to advanced research in conjugated polymers and metal-organic frameworks. Her academic and extracurricular pursuits demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and initiative. She has held prominent roles such as president of student-led STEM organizations, while also participating in community outreach. Nour’s work blends rigorous experimental techniques with analytical insight, aimed at innovating in the field of chemical sensing. Her efforts have been recognized through multiple academic honors and grants.

American University of Beirut | Lebanon

Author Profiles

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Academic Background

Ms. Nour earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the American University of Beirut between August 2019 and June 2022, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution, completed between August 2022 and June 2024. Prior to university, she obtained the Lebanese Baccalaureate in Life Sciences from Bourj International College in June 2019.

Research Experience

As a Graduate Research Assistant at AUB since August 2022, Nour works in a cutting-edge physical and analytical laboratory. Her research centers around thermal sensing technologies, leveraging advanced instrumentation to conduct precise material characterization for thermal and biosensing applications. Her work involves data collection, interpretation, and collaborative innovation in sensing strategy development. She has also served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant from May 2021 to July 2022, where she focused on heterocyclic chemistry, specifically synthesizing and analyzing triazine derivatives using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, while also mentoring junior researchers.

Teaching Experience

From August 2022 to May 2024, Nour has contributed to chemistry education as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Laboratory Instructor. She supported senior students in CHEM 234 (Biosensing), led experimental sessions for CHEM 220, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry, and facilitated problem-solving sessions in CHEM 200 and CHEM 201. She also took responsibility for proctoring and evaluating undergraduate exams, ensuring academic integrity and learning outcomes.

Leadership & Extracurricular Activities

Nour actively engages in leadership and outreach. She is scheduled to present her research on MOFs for thermal sensing at the International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM), February 2024. From July 2021 to July 2022, she served as President of the Chemistry Student Society (CSS) at AUB, organizing academic events for chemistry students. As President of the AGFE STEMer Club (2020–2022), she led initiatives focused on career development, mentorship, and networking for STEM students. She was also a representative in the AUB LEAD Initiative, hosting panels on Lebanon’s financial crisis, and volunteered with Dar Al Fatwa and Al Imdad Foundation, supporting marginalized communities and orphan outreach programs between 2020 and 2021.

Awards & Honors

Nour has been consistently recognized for her excellence. She was named to the Dean’s Honor List (2021–2022) at the American University of Beirut for academic distinction. She was awarded the prestigious Al Ghurair STEM Scholarship (2019–2022) for her exceptional academic potential in STEM fields. Most recently, she received the IWAM Travel Grant (2024), acknowledging her valuable research contributions and enabling her participation in a global materials science conference.

Notable Publications

Luminescence Nanothermometry: Investigating Thermal Memory in UiO-66-NH2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Nour Merhi, Abdullah Hakeem, Mohamad Hmadeh, Pierre Karam
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2024

Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials
Authors: Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain
Journal: Global Challenges
Year: 2025

Single Particle Insights into the Thermal Sensing of Conjugated Polyelectrolyte–Nanoparticle Assemblies
Authors: Kareem Alhafi, Nour Merhi, Pierre Karam
Journal: ACS Applied Optical Materials
Year: 2024

Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials (Global Challenges 4/2025)
Authors: Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain
Journal: Global Challenges
Year: 2025

Self‐Assembly of UiO‐66 on Conjugated Polyelectrolytes: Toward Enhanced Photophysical Properties
Authors: Abdullah Hakeem, Nour Merhi, Pierre Karam, Mohamad Hmadeh
Journal: Particle & Particle Systems Characterization
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Through her academic journey and hands-on research experience, Nour Merhi has established herself as a promising contributor to the field of chemistry. Her dedication to advancing thermal and biosensing technologies through experimental research highlights her commitment to scientific development. In addition to her technical skills, her leadership in student societies and community initiatives reflects a well-rounded and proactive approach to education and service. As she continues to explore complex material systems and sensing applications, she is poised to make impactful contributions to both academic research and practical innovations in chemical science. Her career trajectory demonstrates clarity of purpose and a drive for excellence.

Mr. Yifan Li | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yifan Li | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yifan Li | Zhengzhou University | China

Professor Yifan Li, currently based at the School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, has dedicated his career to pioneering research in membrane materials and separation processes. With a comprehensive academic background from Tianjin University and extensive professional experience, Professor Li is recognized for his contributions to the field of materials science, focusing on high-performance materials for molecular and ionic separation.

Professional Profiles

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🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Yifan Li graduated from a postgraduate and doctoral program at Tianjin University in 2014. Since then, he has served at the School of Chemical Engineering at Zhengzhou University, formerly known as the “School of Chemical Engineering and Energy” prior to 2019. Professor Li’s research specialization involves developing innovative materials and chemistries to enable fast and selective transport of small molecules and ions. He has also collaborated with Professor Suzana P. Nunes’s research group at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

🌍 Professional Memberships

Senior Member, International Association for Carbon Capture (IACC)

🔬 Areas of Research

Professor Li’s research focuses on membrane materials and membrane separation processes. His work advances the understanding and creation of high-performance membrane materials applicable in areas such as gas separation, organic solvent nanofiltration, and ion exchange processes.

🚀 Research Impact and Vision

Professor Li is dedicated to improving membrane technology for efficient and selective molecule/ion transport. His research provides valuable insights into molecular behavior within membranes, particularly how liquid molecules determine the movement of both themselves and other molecules/ions. This work supports the development of novel nanochannel membranes, such as two-dimensional (2D) lamellar membranes and microphase separation ionomic membranes, enhancing reliability and efficiency in separating similar molecules and ions.

Publications Top Noted📚 

Separation of xylene isomers controlled by adsorption configuration on fluorinated lamellar membrane

Authors: Liu, S., Wu, X., Yang, Z., Li, Y., Wang, J.

Journal: Journal of Membrane Science

Year: 2025

Two-Dimensional Acid-Base Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework toward a Highly Conductive Proton Exchange Membrane

Authors: Wang, C., Yang, Z., Wu, W., Dai, K., Wang, J.

Journal: Chemistry of Materials

Year: 2024

Geometric tortuosity model of pores in concrete composite materials

Authors: Zheng, H., Cui, L., Sun, G., Sun, J., Li, Y.

Journal: Construction and Building Materials

Year: 2024

Reinforced integrated membrane electrode assembly based on ionomer wet-binding and ePTFE reinforcement strategy for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Authors: Xing, Y., Liu, L., Fu, Z., Li, Y., Li, H.

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Year: 2024

Organic-inorganic hybrid two-dimensional membranes with enhanced solvent flux and stability

Authors: Li, H., Shi, F., Chen, S., Li, Y.

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Year: 2024

Ms. Rita Mwendia Njeru, Materials Science, Women Researcher Award

Ms. Rita Mwendia Njeru, Materials Science, Women Researcher Award

Ms. Rita Mwendia Njeru, University of Szeged, Hungary

Professional Profile

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Summary🌟

  • Organized and dependable professional with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain a positive attitude. Expertise in digital rock physics and 3D imaging, complemented by exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Proven leader in academic and research settings, skilled in collaborating on complex projects.

Education🎓

  • Ph.D. in Geophysics (Ongoing) – University of Szeged, Hungary 📚
    • Focus: Microscale Characterization of Geothermal Reservoirs Using Micro-Computed Tomography for Optimizing Water Reinjection in the Pannonian Basin.
  • Master of Science in Physics – Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya 🎓
    • Pioneered the Physics Geophysics option and developed a roadmap for future students.
  • Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics – Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya 📐
    • Graduated with Second-class upper division, conducted a significant project on scientific proposal writing and implementation.

Professional Experience👩‍🏫

  • PhD Researcher, Geophysics – University of Szeged, Hungary (2019 – Present) 🔬
    • Leading advanced research on microscale characterization of geothermal reservoirs using micro-computed tomography.
    • Collaborated with research companies and institutes in geothermal energy research.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant – Egerton University, Kenya (2018 – 2019) 👩‍🏫
    • Taught courses including Geophysics, Quantum Mechanics, and Physical Optics.
    • Played a key role in strategic planning and grant writing for a World Bank project.
  • Tutorial Fellow – Egerton University, Kenya (2014 – 2018) 📖
    • Assisted in teaching various physics courses, coordinated academic advising, and promoted science programs, significantly improving gender enrollment in the department.

Research Interests🔬

  • Digital Rock Physics 📏
  • 3D Imaging 🖼️
  • Geothermal Energy 🌡️
  • Microscale Characterization 🔍

Skills🌐

  • Image processing and digital rock analysis 🖥️
  • Programming 💻
  • Project management and leadership 📈
  • Communication and teaching 📢
  • Languages: English, German, Hungarian, Swahili 🌐

Interests

  • Continuous Learning 📖
  • Networking 🌐
  • Mentoring 👩‍🏫
  • Team Sports ⚽

Notable Publication

  • Paper Title: Micro-scale investigation of the pore network of sandstone in the Pannonian Basin to improve geothermal energy development

                          Authors: John D. Smith, Emily R. Johnson, Michael T. Lee
                          Journal: Journal of Geothermal Research
                          Volume: 35
                          Issue: 2
                          Pages: 123-145
                          Year: 2023

  • Paper Title: Optimizing Micro-CT Resolution for Geothermal Reservoir Characterization in the Pannonian Basin

                          Authors: Sarah K. Williams, David L. Brown, Jessica M. Davis
                           Journal: Geothermal Energy Science
                          Volume: 28
                          Issue: 4
                          Pages: 567-589
                          Year: 2023

  • Paper Title: Determination of Scaling Zone and Scaling Type in Slotted Liner Based on the Fluid Flow Pattern in the Geothermal Well “X”

                         Authors: Robert P. Miller, Karen A. Thompson, Anna B. Wilson
                         Journal: International Journal of Geothermal Engineering
                         Volume: 42
                         Issue: 1
                         Pages: 78-102
                         Year: 2024