Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is an emerging chemist whose work spans inorganic chemistry, bioprocessing, biomass valorization, and physical chemistry, supported by strong academic training and multidisciplinary research experience. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for converting glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse into value-added biochemicals. Building on her Master’s research on Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with bioactivity studies and her Honours and undergraduate training in chemistry and geology, she has cultivated a broad scientific foundation. Professionally, she has gained significant experience as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology, a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories, and a Tutor and Laboratory Coordinator at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Fort Hare. Her expertise includes laboratory management, analytical chemistry, fermentation processes, biomass processing, and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and nutrient profiling. She has received several distinctions, including multiple certificates in quality systems, safety management, and digital literacy, as well as prestigious recognitions such as the National Research Foundation Scholarships and the James Moir Medal. Her growing body of work reflects a commitment to sustainable chemistry and impactful scientific innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tokoyi, V. (2024). Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials. Chemical Engineering Transactions.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Potential Application of IL@ZIF-MOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Liquids.

Mr. T. T. Khaleelul Rahman | Biopolymer Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. T. T. Khaleelul Rahman | Biopolymer Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

University of Calicut | India

Mr. T. T. Khaleelul Rahman is an emerging researcher in the field of Physics, with a strong academic foundation and a growing passion for scientific innovation. He is currently pursuing an Integrated M.Sc. in Physics at the University of Calicut, Kerala, where his academic excellence is reflected in a remarkable GPA of 94.5%. His coursework spans a wide range of subjects including Mathematical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, and Nanoscience, complemented by specialized study in nanomaterials for energy production and storage. His research interests focus on Material Science, Computational Physics, Nanoscience, Energy Storage Technology, and Electronics. He has gained valuable research experience through an internship at the Centre for Polymeric Science and Technology under the mentorship of Prof. M. T. Ramesan, where he contributed to studies on polymeric nanocomposites. His earlier project explored optoelectrical enhancements in polyvinyl formal through nanocurcumin reinforcement. Beyond academics, he has demonstrated leadership as an academic volunteer in programs such as NSS and Saasthrayan and has worked as a freelance physics educator for competitive exams. His academic distinction has earned him several recognitions including the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship and the P. Shehan Endowment Award. Rahman continues to pursue excellence with a vision to advance materials and energy research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Najmu Shabah, N., Khaleelul Rahman, T. T., Gopika, R., & Ramesan, M. T. (2025, July 7). Multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol / maranta arundinacea starch / LiAgO nanocomposites: A sustainable approach for antibacterial and optoelectronic applications. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials.

Ramesan, M. T., Gopika, R., Khaleelul Rahman, T. T., Jamsheena, K. T., & Bahuleyan, B. K. (2025, April). Impact of nanocurcumin on mechanical, optical and electrical properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol blend nanocomposites for sustainable applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

Dr. Sharon Kiprotich | Physics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sharon Kiprotich | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Murang’a University of Technology | Kenya

Dr. Sharon Kiprotich is an accomplished physicist and materials scientist whose academic and professional journey exemplifies excellence in experimental and applied physics. She earned her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Physics from the University of the Free State, South Africa, graduating with distinction, after completing her B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics at the same institution and a B.Ed. (Science) in Physics and Mathematics from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in Physics at Murang’a University of Technology, she has also held roles as Lecturer, Research Assistant, and Secondary School Educator, contributing extensively to academic instruction, mentorship, and research. Her administrative responsibilities include serving as Department Chair, Program Coordinator for postgraduate studies, and member of multiple academic committees. Dr. Kiprotich’s research interests span condensed matter physics, material sciences, experimental spectroscopy, semiconductor characterization, thin film technology, and nanomaterial fabrication. She is an active member of professional bodies such as the Materials Research Society, African Materials Research Society, and the Physical Society of Kenya. Recognized for her scholarly contributions and leadership, Dr. Kiprotich continues to advance research in emerging materials and technologies, fostering scientific innovation and education across Africa’s growing research landscape.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bethwel Kiprotich, Peter Waithaka, Sylvia Opiyo, & Sharon Kiprotich. (2025). Green Synthesis of Ga-Doped SnO₂ Nanoparticles: Effects of Ga Doping Concentrations on the Structural and Optical Properties. Journal of Photonic Materials and Technology.

Simon Waweru Gakuru, Sharon Kiprotich, Peter Waithaka, & Francis B. Dejene. (2025). Synergetic Effects of Zn:Fe-Codoped TiO₂ Nanoparticles on the Structural, Optical, and Morphological Properties. physica status solidi (a).

Nancy Kiprotich, Peter Waithaka, Sharon Kiprotich, & John Njagi. (2025). Effects of Tin Doping Concentration on the Structural and Optical Properties of Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles. Advances in Materials.

Joan Jepngetich, Peter W. Njoroge, Sylvia Opiyo, & Sharon Kiprotich. (2025). Synthesis and Characterization of Ag-ZnO Using Citrus reticulata Peel Extract. Materials Research Express.

Samuel Ndungu Waithira, Ali Halake Wako, Simba Nyamato, & Sharon Kiprotich. (2024). Effects of Synthesis Temperature on the Structural and Optical Properties of CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ Nanoparticles. Scientific African.

Simon Gakuru, Sharon Kiprotich, & Peter Waithaka. (2024). Structural and Optical Properties of Fe-Doped TiO₂ Nanoparticles: Investigation of Effects of Different Doping Concentrations. Advances in Materials.

Anati N. Nkaule, Sharon Kiprotich, Leandre B. Brandt, Thomas Gerber, Abram M. Madiehe, Nandipha L. Botha, & Martin O. Onani. (2023). Effects of Reaction Temperature and Cadmium Source on the Optical, Morphological, and Cytotoxic Properties of CdSe/ZnSe Quantum Dots. ChemistrySelect.

Dr. Clarimma Sessa | Heritage Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Clarimma Sessa | Heritage Science | Best Researcher Award

TUM | Germany

Dr. Clarimma Sessa is a distinguished conservation scientist specializing in material science and cultural heritage preservation. She is currently pursuing her Habilitation (Venia legendi) in Material Science at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where her thesis focuses on advancing non-destructive multimodal analytical tools for in-situ cultural heritage studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Barcelona, where her research pioneered specific analytical methodologies for the study of artworks, following a master’s in Advanced Chemistry and dual degrees in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage from the University of Perugia. Professionally, Dr. Sessa serves as Head of the insiTUMlab at TUM and Senior Conservation Scientist in the Department of Architecture, with previous experience at the Doerner Institut, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich, and international collaborations including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Her expertise spans pigments analysis, cultural heritage diagnostics, advanced spectroscopy, and the development of practical conservation protocols. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, she has contributed significantly to bridging analytical chemistry with heritage science. Through leadership, teaching, and research, Dr. Sessa advances innovative methodologies that strengthen the preservation, study, and appreciation of cultural heritage worldwide.

Author Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wu, Y., Angelin, E.M., Danzl, T., Park, S., & Sessa, C. (2025). Towards the Understanding of Keim’sche Mineralfarben in Architectural Paints: Material Characterization and Phase Quantification on selected Historical Pigment Admixtures. Dyes and Pigments.

Pungercar, V., Wu, Y., Sessa, C., & Kränkel, T. (2025). Investigating efflorescence in salt-cement composites: The impact of surface inclination and salt waste types on resource-efficient construction materials. Case Studies in Construction Materials.

Sessa, C., Angelin, E.M., Jürgens, M., Roldão, É., Kemp, C., & Pamplona, M. (2023). Carl August Steinheil’s pioneering daguerreotypes: Nondestructive investigation of his production and processing methods. Conference paper.

Neugebauer, W., Sessa, C., Steuer, C., Allscher, T., & Stege, H. (2019). Naphthol Green – a forgotten artists’ pigment of the early 20th century. History, chemistry and analytical identification. Journal of Cultural Heritage.

Sessa, C., Weiss, R., Niessner, R., Ivleva, N.P., & Stege, H. (2018). Towards a Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectra database for synthetic organic colourants in cultural heritage. The effect of using different metal substrates on the spectra. Microchemical Journal.

Sessa, C., Bagán, H., Romero, M.T., & García, J.F. (2017). Effects of variability sources on analysis of the composition of large ancient metal objects. Microchemical Journal.

Sessa, C., Jiménez de Garnica, R., Rosi, F., Fontana, R., & García, J.F. (2016). A Study of Picasso’s Painting Materials and Techniques in Six of His Early Portraits. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation.