Yaqing Li | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Chemistry Awards

Ms. Yaqing Li | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Yaqing Li | Xi ‘an University of Science and Technology | China

Ms. Yaqing Li is an accomplished researcher and academic recognized for her contributions to safety science, fire prevention engineering, and advanced coal fire hazard control. She earned her doctoral degree from the School of Safety Science and Engineering at Xi’an University of Science and Technology, preceded by a master’s degree from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in the United States and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the China University of Mining and Technology. Her professional journey includes progressive roles from assistant lecturer to associate professor at Xi’an University of Science and Technology, followed by her current position in the technology sector. Her research focuses on coal fire hazards, building fire prevention and control, carbon dioxide capture and utilization, nanotechnology applications, and the development of innovative fire-suppression materials. Over the years, she has received multiple national and international awards, including prizes for Scientific and Technological Progress from leading Chinese associations and recognition at the International Conference on Industrial Process Safety and Thermal Analysis. Her work continues to advance fire-safety technologies and contributes significantly to industrial safety innovation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

(2026). Research on a dual-factor method for assessing coal spontaneous combustion tendency based on low-temperature adsorption and high-temperature reaction synergy. Fuel.

(2026). Challenges and advances in nanolubricants: Stability, performance mechanisms, and industrial applications.

(2026). Investigation of the oxidation mechanism of coal carboxyl functional groups using naphthalene acetic acid as a model compound. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids.

(2025). Ultrasonic extraction and oxidation of spontaneous combustion groups in coals of different metamorphic levels. Materials Chemistry and Physics.

(2025). Study on transformation characteristics and oxidation kinetics of coal spontaneous combustion induced by thermal radiation. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress.

Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Chemistry Awards

Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Missouri University of Science and Technology | United States

Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku is a dedicated researcher specializing in sustainable materials science, with a strong focus on nuclear waste management, energy storage, and advanced materials characterization. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering, majoring in Ceramic Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he maintains a distinction grade and conducts research using advanced analytical techniques such as DSC/TGA, XRD, SEM/TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. He holds a B.Sc. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the University of Lagos and is also a Certified Management Specialist from London Graduate School. With diverse experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at Missouri S&T and the University of Lagos, as well as a Risk Engineer in the industrial sector, he has contributed to projects involving welding technology, industrial safety, and STEM education. His research interests include sustainable materials for nuclear waste immobilization, MXene synthesis, biomaterials processing, and industrial risk assessment. Ajoku has received notable honorary fellowships and doctoral recognitions from institutions like American Management University and Global Nation Open University. His professional growth is strengthened by active memberships in prestigious engineering and materials societies. He continues to make impactful contributions to sustainable engineering and materials innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Evarts, J. S., Riley, B. J., Lonergan, C. E., Harris, M. S., Bai, J., Bohannan, E., Ajoku, I., Chong, S., & McCloy, J. S. (2025). “Synergy in Materials: Leveraging Phosphosilicate Waste Forms for Electrochemical Salt Waste” in ACS Sustainable Resource Management.

Ajoku, I., & Ani, P. C. (2025). “Phosphate-based vitrification strategies for electrorefiner salt waste management” in Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Springer International Publishing.

Ajoku, I., Baba, A. A., Balogun, A. F., Tripathy, B. C., Okeola, F. O., Uba, F., Owolabi, A. O., Olaoluwa, D. T., & Jacob, S. O. (2025). “Preparation of an Indigenous Bismutite Ore for Improved Bismuth-Based Alloys Production” in TMS 2026 Conference Proceedings.