Yaqing Li | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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. Sam Grose | Chemical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Sam Grose | Chemical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Kampala International University | Uganda

Mr. Sam Grose is an emerging researcher whose work spans renewable energy, energy engineering, bioenergy, electrical engineering, and applied geology, with a growing focus on sustainable power systems in developing regions. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy at Kampala International University, building upon a strong academic foundation that includes a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, IT Network Engineering studies, and technical training in computer science and electronics. His research experience includes analyzing the performance of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) systems for solid waste–based electricity generation and evaluating the geomorphological impacts of saw-milling activities on landforms in Liberia. Professionally, he has contributed to the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority as a Research Assistant and Intern-Geologist, where he supported petroleum regulatory data management, geological analysis, and report development. Additionally, he has worked as a science writer producing articles on geology and renewable energy and has held roles in national electoral processes, demonstrating leadership and public service engagement. His awards include a 50% tuition scholarship for his M.Sc. studies and sponsorship support from the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Through his interdisciplinary expertise, Sam is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions and contributing to environmentally responsible development.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Grose, S. O., Abdulkarim, A., Eze, V. H. U., Sanusi, Y. (2025). An overview of methods and future research directions on the conversion of solid waste through biomass cogeneration and pyrolysis for electrical power generation. Discover Electronics.

Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

Mrs. Mariana Mutis | Additive Manufacturing in Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Mariana Mutis | Additive Manufacturing in Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana | Colombia

Mrs. Mariana Mutis is an industrious Industrial Engineering student at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, currently completing an exchange semester at the Technische Universität Ilmenau through the DAAD-KOSPIE Scholarship. Her academic journey is marked by excellence and innovation, combining engineering principles with strategic management, data analytics, and sustainability. She has contributed as a co-author to the research article “Assessing the Impact of Additive Manufacturing on Dental Clinical Workflows: A Process-Oriented Approach” published in the Journal of Composites Science, reflecting her research interest in additive manufacturing and process optimization. Mariana’s experience spans production simulation, strategic project development, and consulting for industrial and start-up environments. She has engaged in projects aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency, notably through the application of Lean methodologies and balanced scorecards. Her professional endeavors include roles in consulting, tutoring, interpretation, and customer service, demonstrating strong cross-cultural and leadership skills. Recognized for academic distinction and research excellence, she has received honors such as the Honor Scholarship, an “Excellent” research evaluation, and an AICE Diploma with Distinction. Mariana remains passionate about integrating technology, innovation, and human-centered approaches to optimize industrial processes and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in engineering.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Mutis Gómez, M., Guerrero Torres, M., Villarreal-Archila, S. M., & Núñez Rodríguez, J. (2025). Assessing the impact of additive manufacturing on dental clinical workflows: A process-oriented approach. Journal of Composites Science.