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

Posted on by sciencefatherLeave a Comment on Prof. Dr. Tshwafo Motaung – Chemistry – Best Research Article Award

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

Sefako Makhatho Health Science University, South Africa

Author Profiles

Google Scholar

Scopus

🎓 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

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Uttam Pokharel – Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry Education Award

University of Houston Clear Lake, United States

Author Profiles

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 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 Dr. Jian Li – Iodine Catalyzed Reaction- Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Prof Dr. Jian Li – Iodine Catalyzed Reaction- Best Researcher Award

Kunming University of Science and Technology – China

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Educational Background

Jian Li has pursued an extensive academic journey in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Henan University in July 2004. Following this, he obtained a master’s degree from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in July 2006. His dedication to research led him to achieve a doctorate from Nanjing University in October 2009.

🔬 Research and Professional Experience

Jian Li’s professional career is marked by significant contributions in pharmaceutical research and academia. In July 2010, he began working as a senior researcher at Shanghai WuXi AppTec New Drug Development Research Co., Ltd., where he focused on cutting-edge drug development. In August 2014, he transitioned to academia, taking on the role of a lecturer at the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Changzhou University. His passion for research led him to Germany in August 2015, where he worked as a visiting scholar in the prestigious Hashmi Research Group at Heidelberg University.

🏅 Academic Leadership and Current Role

Jian Li continued his academic progression at Changzhou University, where he was appointed as an associate professor and later a full professor in July 2019. Additionally, he served as a master’s supervisor, guiding and mentoring young researchers in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. In September 2024, he took on a new role as a professor at Kunming University of Science and Technology, further expanding his research and teaching contributions in pharmaceutical and life sciences.

Notable Publications📝

📝 Iodine-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Domino Cyclization of Methyl N-Heteroarenes with 6-Aminopyrimidine-2,4-Dione and Pyrazol-5-Amine
  • Authors: Chunping Dong, Yue Zhang, Caijuan Hu, Yongsheng Zhou, Jian Li

  • Journal: Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry

  • Year: 2025
📝 Nitrobenzene and Aniline-Mediated Direct Olefination of Methyl Substituted N-Heteroarenes With Benzylic Alcohols
  • Authors: Chunping Dong, Xin Mei, Caijuan Hu, Xiaojiao Du, Jian Li

  • Journal: ChemistrySelect

  • Year: 2024
📝 Aerobic Oxidative Synthesis of N-Containing Heterocycles from o-Substituted Aniline Derivatives and Primary Amines by Perylene Diimide Catalysis
  • Authors: Yongsheng Zhou, Yue Zhang, Xiaojiao Du, Jian Li, Chunping Dong

  • Journal: European Journal of Organic Chemistry

  • Year: 2024
📝 Photoredox-Catalyzed Addition of Isocyanides with Boracene-Based Alkylborate: Construction of 6-Alkylphenanthridine
  • Authors: Li Liu, Xingkang Yu, Wenyan Zhao, Chunping Dong, Jian Li

  • Journal: Tetrahedron Letters

  • Year: 2024
📝 Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Chromanone-Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Neuroinflammatory Agents
  • Authors: Guoxun Li, Xiaoqing Feng, Wenqian Wang, Lin Wang, Caijuan Hu

  • Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry

  • Year: 2023

 

Dr. Z’hen’yan Xia – Physical Chemistry- Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Z’hen’yan Xia – Physical Chemistry- Best Researcher Award

Tianjin University – China

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🏆 Academic Achievements

Dr. Xia has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) for multiple projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, reflecting his leadership in cutting-edge research. His work has been published in prestigious scientific journals, including Physics of Fluids, Computational Materials Science, and Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, showcasing his contributions to the field.

🌀 Areas of Expertise

Dr. Z’hen’yan Xia specializes in Fluid Mechanics, Molecular Dynamics, Physical Analytical Chemistry, and Advanced Materials. His work combines both theoretical research and engineering applications, pushing the boundaries of fluid flow control and molecular interactions at macro and nanoscale levels.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Xia’s research focuses on two primary areas. The first is turbulent flow control and fluid instability, where he conducts theoretical research and engineering applications aimed at improving fluid flow efficiency in various engineering systems. His second area of focus is the molecular dynamics of fluid-micronano structures, where he explores the fundamental interactions between fluids and micronano surfaces, optimizing fluid behavior at microscopic levels.

🚀 Research Innovations

Reducing the contact time between liquid droplets and solid surfaces is a crucial challenge in many engineering applications. While extensive studies have been conducted on droplet impact mechanisms, there is still a lack of systematic research on nanodroplet behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges. Dr. Xia’s research addresses this gap by investigating nanodroplet interactions on both superhydrophobic planes and structured surfaces. His findings reveal that when nanodroplets impact a superhydrophobic plane, the droplet contraction time determines the total contact time. However, when nanodroplets impact superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges, the critical factor influencing contact time is the detachment time as the droplet lifts off. Additionally, his research highlights that nanodroplets exhibit stronger adhesion to solid surfaces compared to larger droplets and are also more resistant to deformation and splitting, a characteristic not commonly observed in macroscopic droplets. Dr. Xia introduces the critical rebound Weber number (We) to evaluate how square ridges enhance droplet rebound performance. His study demonstrates that a moderate increase in ridge height helps in reducing contact time, while narrower ridges are more effective in minimizing contact duration and facilitating droplet splitting.

Notable Publications📄

📄An analysis of the contact time of nanodroplets impacting superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges
  • Authors: HuaiYing Shi, XuanQiang Hou, HaiJue Xu, YuChuan Bai, ZhenYan Xia

  • Journal: Computational Materials Science

  • Year: 2024
📄Experimental investigation of the impact of viscous droplets on superamphiphobic surfaces
  • Authors: Yaolin Tai, Haijue Xu, Yuchuan Bai, Linan Li, Shibin Wang, Zhenyan Xia

  • Journal: Physics of Fluids

  • Year: 2022
📄Research on the contact time of a bouncing microdroplet with lattice Boltzmann method
  • Authors: Yaolin Tai, Yang Zhao, Xinyu Guo, Linan Li, Shibin Wang, Zhenyan Xia

  • Journal: Physics of Fluids

  • Year: 2021