Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Dr. M. Belen Garcia Bl | Recubrimientos Protectores | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. M. Belen Garcia Bl | Recubrimientos Protectores | Best Researcher Award

Fundación Cidetec | Spain

Dr. M. Belén García-Blanco is a distinguished researcher specializing in surface modification of materials through chemical and electrochemical processes, including anodizing, plasma electrolytic oxidation, electropolishing, and anaphoretic deposition. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrochemistry from the University of Barcelona, following a DEA from the same institution and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of the Basque Country. She currently serves as Principal Investigator and Project Leader at Fundación CIDETEC, where she has contributed to over twenty national and European research projects. Her notable projects include coordinating and leading large-scale European initiatives focused on advanced surface treatments and eco-friendly coatings for conventional and additive-manufactured materials. Dr. García-Blanco has authored multiple articles in high-impact journals on surface treatments and additive manufacturing and has actively participated in international conferences presenting her work on anodizing, electropolishing, and sustainable coatings. She has also guided undergraduate and graduate research projects, mentoring students in electrodeposition and surface engineering, and delivered specialized seminars in surface engineering technologies. Fluent in Basque and English, she is recognized for her scientific leadership, interdisciplinary expertise, and commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative surface modification strategies. Her work continues to drive developments in both fundamental research and industrial applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mancisidor, A.M.; García-Blanco, M.B.; Quintana, I.; Arrazola, P.J.; Espinosa, E.; Cuesta, M.; Albizuri, J.; Garciandia, F. (2023). Effect of Post-Processing Treatment on Fatigue Performance of Ti6Al4V Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing.

Fernández-Calvo, A.I.; Delgado, C.; Dufour, P.; Aldanondo, E.; Díaz, M.; García-Blanco, M.B. (2023). New EoL Routes of Al-Li Aircraft Integral LBW and FSW Welded Panels including New Cr-Free Coatings. Crystals.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2022). A study of parameter and post-processing effects on surface quality improvement of Binder Jet 3D-printed Invar36 alloy parts. Progress in Additive Manufacturing.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2021). Comparative study of different surface treatments applied to Ti6Al4V parts produced by Selective Laser Melting. Transactions of the IMF.

Garcia-Blanco, M.B.; Querejeta, A.; Perez-Garcia, M.R.; Ochoa, J.; Rodriguez, J.; Hope, P.; Hope, J.; Nunez, Y.; Gonzalez, C.; De Saja, R.; et al. (2020). Eco-friendly anaphoretic e-coating for corrosion protection in aeronautic applications (part 2). Galvanotechnik.

García-Blanco, M.B.; Diaz-Fuentes, M.; Espinosa, E.; Mancisidor, A.M.; Vara, G. (2020). Study of the effect of EP, blasting and laser treatments on the surface roughness of Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated by SLM at different build angles. Euro PM 2018 Congress and Exhibition.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2020). Corrosion protection of aeronautic components by an eco-friendly anaphoretic e-coating.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2019). Obtaining tailored surface characteristics by combining shot peening and electropolishing on 316L stainless steel. Applied Surface Science.