Thi Dinh Ta | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Wollongong | Australia

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta is a Part-time Lecturer and Research Scientist specializing in Tribology, Lubrication Engineering, and Computational Mechanics at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia. With over 12 years of combined industry and academic experience, he has made significant contributions to advanced lubricant development, sustainable manufacturing, and nanotechnology applications in mechanical systems. His interdisciplinary research bridges molecular dynamics simulations, experimental tribology, and industrial problem-solving, earning recognition through ARC grants, international collaborations, and high-impact publications.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • High-Impact Publications: 30+ peer-reviewed papers in Q1/Q2 journals (e.g., Tribology InternationalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces), with 500+ citations and an h-index of ~12.

    • Interdisciplinary Innovation: Pioneering work in nanolubrication, tribochemistry, and sustainable manufacturing, bridging molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with industrial applications (e.g., ARC-funded projects on eco-friendly lubricants).

    • Key Findings: Demonstrated the role of iron oxides in tribofilm formation (2022) and designed adaptive lubricants for hot rolling (2020), directly impacting energy-efficient manufacturing.

  2. Leadership in Competitive Grants

    • Secured $760K+ in research funding as CI/PI, including:

      • ARC Discovery Project DP240102945 ($631K, 2024–2026) on green lubricants.

      • NSFC Grant (RMB 580K, 2021–2023) as Principal Investigator.

    • Collaborated globally (Denmark, China) via CAS President’s Fellowship (2021).

  3. Academic & Industrial Impact

    • Teaching & Mentorship: Lectured advanced courses (Finite Element Methods, CFD) and supervised 4 PhD completions.

    • Industry Relevance: Developed solutions for Zn-air batteries (DTU) and offshore gas platforms (PetroVietnam).

  4. Recognition & Outreach

    • Invited talks at Leeds-Lyon Symposium and World Tribology Congress.

    • Awards: 1st Class Honors (2011), PhD Scholarship (2012).

Education 🎓📖

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2012–2017)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Thesis: “Tribological Behavior of Thin-Film Lubricants in Metal Forming Processes”

  • Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Aeronautical Engineering (2006–2011)

    • Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam

    • Graduated with 1st Class Honors

Professional Experience 💼🔧

Academic & Research Roles

  • Part-time Lecturer (2024–Present)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Courses: Mechanics of Solids (ENGG251), Manufacturing Engineering Principles (MECH382)

  • Research Fellow (2022–2024)

    • Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Copenhagen

    • Focus: Electrolyte design for Zn-air batteries, sustainable energy materials

  • Associate Research Fellow (2016–2022)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Key Projects: ARC Discovery & Linkage grants on adaptive lubricants, pipeline coatings

Industry Experience

  • Technical Engineer (2011–2012)

    • PetroVietnam Technical Services (PTSC M&C)

    • Role: Mechanical design for offshore gas platforms (Su Tu Trang Field Project)

Research Interests On Materials Engineering 🔍

  1. Advanced Lubrication Science

    • Nano-tribology, boundary lubrication, high-temperature tribofilms.

  2. Computational Tribochemistry

    • Ab initio and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of lubricant-surface interactions.

  3. Sustainable Manufacturing

    • Eco-friendly lubricants for cold/hot rolling (e.g., ARC DP240102945).

  4. Energy Materials

    • Electrolytes for batteries (Zn-air), corrosion-resistant coatings.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • CAS President’s International Fellowship (2021, China)

  • PhD Scholarship (2012–2016, UOW)

  • 1st Rank in Aeronautical Engineering (2011, Vietnam)

Publications 📚

  • Evolution of microstructure, temperature and stress in a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling: Experiment and modelling
    Authors: GY Deng, Q Zhu, K Tieu, HT Zhu, M Reid, AA Saleh, LH Su, TD Ta, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 78

  • Adsorption of Normal-Alkanes on Fe(110), FeO(110), and Fe2O3(0001): Influence of Iron Oxide Surfaces
    Authors: TD Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, B Kosasih
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 66

  • A study of abrasive wear on high speed steel surface in hot rolling by Discrete Element Method
    Authors: HT Phan, AK Tieu, H Zhu, B Kosasih, Q Zhu, A Grima, TD Ta
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 60

  • Theoretical and experimental investigation of thermal and oxidation behaviours of a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling
    Authors: GY Deng, HT Zhu, AK Tieu, LH Su, M Reid, L Zhang, PT Wei, X Zhao, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 49

  • Tribological behavior of aqueous copolymer lubricant in mixed lubrication regime
    Authors: TD Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, Q Zhu, PB Kosasih, J Zhang, G Deng
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 46

  • Chemical origin of sodium phosphate interactions on iron and iron oxide surfaces by first principle calculations
    Authors: HTT Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, H Yu, TD Ta, S Wan, NV Tran, HM Le
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 41

  • GPS-based wireless ad hoc network for marine monitoring, search and rescue (MSnR)
    Authors: TD Ta, TD Tran, DD Do, HV Nguyen, YV Vu, NX Tran
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 29

  • First-principles study of the adsorption and depolymerization mechanisms of sodium silicate on iron surfaces at high temperature
    Authors: NV Tran, AK Tieu, H Zhu, HTT Ta, TD Ta, HM Le
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 26

  • Effect of adding soft Bi2O3 on structural modification and tribological regulation of Ni-5 wt% Al composite coating in wide temperatures range
    Authors: H Sun, G Yi, S Wan, P Shi, J Yang, ST Pham, AK Tieu, TD Ta
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 25

  • Computational tribochemistry: A review from classical and quantum mechanics studies
    Authors: HTT Ta, NV Tran, AK Tieu, H Zhu, H Yu, TD Ta
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 24

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta is a versatile researcher and educator whose work spans fundamental tribology, industrial applications, and sustainable technology development. His expertise in computational modeling, lubricant design, and energy materials positions him as a key contributor to next-generation manufacturing solutions. With a strong record of grants, publications, and mentorship, he continues to drive innovation in mechanical engineering.

Chuan-Pei Lee | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuan-Pei Lee | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry, University of Taipei | Taiwan

Dr. Chuan-Pei Lee is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry at the University of Taipei, Taiwan. With a strong background in chemical engineering and a passion for nanomaterials and renewable energy, he has significantly contributed to the fields of nanotechnology, solar fuels, water splitting, and supercapacitors. His extensive research in electrochemical techniques has established him as a leading figure in energy-related applications. To date, Dr. Lee has authored 13 book chapters and 117 SCI papers, garnering over 5,470 citations and an H-index of 44.

Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Outstanding Research Output 📚

    • Published 117 SCI papers, reflecting a strong research presence.
    • Contributed 13 book chapters, further demonstrating academic influence.
  • High Impact and Citation Metrics 📈

    • Google Scholar Citations: 5470
    • H-index: 44, showing significant contributions to the field.
    • Publications in prestigious journals like ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Nano Energy, J. Mater. Chem. A, and Materials Today Energy.
  • Diverse and Impactful Research Areas 🌍

    • Expertise in nanomaterials, solar energy, water splitting, and supercapacitors.
    • Work contributes to renewable energy solutions and sustainability.
    • Strong command over electrochemical techniques, crucial for energy storage research.
  • Collaboration and International Recognition 🤝

    • Co-authored papers with international research teams.
    • Worked with notable researchers from National Taiwan University, University of California, and RSC-affiliated institutions.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering – National Taiwan University (2012)

💼 Experience

  • Associate Professor – Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry, University of Taipei, Taiwan (Present)
  • Research Collaborator – Various international research institutions focusing on nanomaterials and energy storage technologies.

🔬 Research Interests On Materials

Dr. Lee’s research revolves around the development of advanced materials for energy applications. His key areas of interest include:

  • Nanomaterials/Nanostructures – Synthesis and applications in energy storage and conversion.
  • Solar Energy & Solar Fuels – Enhancing the efficiency of solar energy harvesting and utilization.
  • Water Splitting Technology – Exploring innovative electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.
  • Supercapacitors – Designing high-performance electrodes for energy storage solutions.
  • Electrochemical Techniques – Studying charge transfer mechanisms and optimizing material properties for enhanced efficiency.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized as a leading researcher in energy materials with a high citation index (H-index: 44).
  • Numerous awards for excellence in research and innovation in applied physics and chemistry.
  • Invited keynote speaker at multiple international conferences on nanotechnology and renewable energy.

📚 Selected Publications

Dr. Lee has published extensively in top-tier journals. Below are some of his notable works:

  1. Use of organic materials in dye-sensitized solar cells

    • Authors: CP Lee, CT Li, KC Ho
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 336
  2. Recent progress in organic sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells

    • Authors: CP Lee, RYY Lin, LY Lin, CT Li, TC Chu, SS Sun, JT Lin, KC Ho
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 273
  3. Organic dyes containing carbazole as donor and π-linker: optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties

    • Authors: A Venkateswararao, KRJ Thomas, CP Lee, CT Li, KC Ho
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 202
  4. A paper-based electrode using a graphene dot/PEDOT: PSS composite for flexible solar cells

    • Authors: CP Lee, KY Lai, CA Lin, CT Li, KC Ho, CI Wu, SP Lau, JH He
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 159
  5. Conducting polymer-based counter electrode for a quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) with a polysulfide electrolyte

    • Authors: MH Yeh, CP Lee, CY Chou, LY Lin, HY Wei, CW Chu, R Vittal, KC Ho
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 142
  6. Iodine-free high efficient quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell containing ionic liquid and polyaniline-loaded carbon black

    • Authors: CP Lee, PY Chen, R Vittal, KC Ho
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 136
  7. Unsymmetrical squaraines incorporating the thiophene unit for panchromatic dye-sensitized solar cells

    • Authors: JY Li, CY Chen, CP Lee, SC Chen, TH Lin, HH Tsai, KC Ho, CG Wu
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 109
  8. 2,7-Diaminofluorene-based organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: effect of auxiliary donor on optical and electrochemical properties

    • Authors: A Baheti, P Singh, CP Lee, KRJ Thomas, KC Ho
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 107
  9. Beaded stream-like CoSe₂ nanoneedle array for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis

    • Authors: CP Lee, WF Chen, T Billo, YG Lin, FY Fu, S Samireddi, CH Lee, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 97
  10. Fluorene-based sensitizers with a phenothiazine donor: effect of mode of donor tethering on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

  • Authors: A Baheti, KR Justin Thomas, CT Li, CP Lee, KC Ho
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 95

 

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Chuan-Pei Lee is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of applied physics and chemistry, with a deep expertise in nanomaterials, solar energy, and electrochemical energy storage. His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced energy-efficient technologies, leading to innovations in supercapacitors, solar cells, and water splitting techniques. His extensive publication record, high citation impact, and contributions to the scientific community underscore his status as a leading expert in his field. As an influential scientist, Dr. Lee continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.