Neetu Yadav | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Neetu Yadav | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Department of Physics, University of Lucknow | India

Neetu Yadav is a passionate and dedicated researcher specializing in Material Science, with a keen interest in humidity and gas sensors. Born on April 18, 1996, in India, she currently resides in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Her academic journey, combined with a growing list of publications, reflects her commitment to advancing sensor technology through nanomaterials and transition metal oxides. With excellent research, communication, and analytical skills, Neetu brings a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry, bridging physics, chemistry, and materials engineering.

Professional profile👤

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Ms. Neetu Yadav exemplifies the profile of an emerging researcher in the domain of material science and sensor technology. Her ongoing Ph.D. research at the University of Lucknow focuses on transition metal oxides for gas and humidity sensing applications, a field of significant relevance to environmental monitoring and industrial safety. Despite being at an early stage of her career, she has already co-authored 10+ peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals such as Applied Surface Science, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, and Physica E, with multiple articles indexed in Scopus and cited internationally.

Her collaborative projects and contributions to interdisciplinary studies involving nanostructures, thin films, irradiation effects, and sensor fabrication underscore her technical competence. She has also co-authored book chapters published by Springer and other academic platforms, indicating her global academic reach. Moreover, her participation in national and international conferences, workshops, and symposiums, as well as involvement in outreach activities like essay competitions and inter-university sports, highlights her holistic development.

🎓 Education

Neetu Yadav is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in Material Science from the Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of transition metal oxides for sensor applications. She completed her Master’s in Physics (2019) from the same university with a second division. Prior to that, she earned her B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (2017) from Kumaun University, securing a first division. She also completed her Intermediate and High School from Rajeev Gandhi Navodaya Vidhyalaya, both with top ranks.

🧪 Experience

Neetu has developed hands-on experience through intensive lab work, workshops, and conferences. Her current research explores optical and structural properties of advanced materials, focusing on their applications in gas and humidity sensing. She has actively participated in experimental setups involving thin-film deposition, surface modification via ion irradiation, and nanomaterial synthesis — enriching her technical proficiency and collaborative skills.

🔍 Research Interests On Materials Science

Her research interests center around the synthesis and structural characterization of transition metal oxides, sensor device fabrication, thin films, and ion beam irradiation effects. She aims to enhance sensor performance for environmental monitoring by manipulating nano-scale properties of oxides like MoO₃, WO₃, SnO₂, and CuO. Her interdisciplinary curiosity also extends into nanotechnology’s societal and ethical dimensions. 📊

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Neetu received an Honorable Mention in the All India Essay Writing Event (2016), organized by Shri Ram Chandra Mission & the UN Information Centre. She has also earned accolades in district-level and inter-parliamentary volleyball tournaments. Her involvement in academic events and diverse interests from chess to painting reflect a well-rounded personality.

📚 Publications

Below are selected publications showcasing Neetu Yadav’s contributions to materials science and sensor technology:

  1. Gamma irradiation induced surface modification of V₂O₅ thin films, Applied Surface Science, 2025 — cited by researchers for its relevance to sensor enhancement mechanisms.

  2. Analysis of nanostructured Bi₂O₃-doped MoO₃, Materials Today: Proceedings, 2024 — contributed to optical and humidity sensor evaluation.

  3. Room temperature LPG sensing of Ag-doped CuO:SnO₂, Physica E, 2024 — investigated gas sensing efficiency.

  4. Effects of 100 MeV Ni⁷⁺ ion irradiation on MoO₃ thin films, Nuclear Instruments and Methods B, Oct 2024.

  5. Enhanced hydrogen gas sensing with Ag-doped WO₃, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2023.

  6. SnO₂@ZnO based chemiresistor for Ammonia sensing, Materials Chemistry and Physics, Dec 2023.

  7. Yttrium-Cerium oxide sensor for H₂ detection, Engineering Proceedings, 2023.

  8. NiO and SnO₂ nanoparticles for humidity sensing, Interactions, 2022.

  9. XRD studies of sol-gel derived SnO₂, Int. Conf. on Materials Processing & Applications, 2023.

  10. 120MeV Ni⁷⁺ irradiation effects on WO₃, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2025.

📘 Book Chapters:

  • Influence of Temperature on Humidity Sensor (2023), in IIP Series Vol. 3.

  • Nanotechnology: Social Acceptance & Privacy (2024), Springer.

  • Role of Nanotechnology in Sensor Fabrication (2023), IIP Series Vol. 3.

🧠 Conclusion

Neetu Yadav stands out as a promising researcher whose work embodies academic rigor, technical innovation, and societal relevance. Her deep focus on material-based sensors and her contributions through high-impact publications and active participation in global scientific discussions make her an outstanding candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” in Forensic Scientist Awards. 🌟 Her fusion of scientific creativity, hands-on experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration demonstrates not only academic excellence but a steadfast commitment to real-world impact.

Zhixiong Cai | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhixiong Cai | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Minnan Normal University | China

Zhixiong Cai is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Science at Minnan Normal University, located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China. With expertise in luminescent materials and electrocatalysis, he has gained a reputation for his impactful research and academic contributions. His work primarily focuses on advancing materials science, particularly in the context of energy conversion and storage.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Solid Educational Background: He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Xiamen University and has participated in a joint training program, which suggests a deep academic foundation.

  • Research Expertise: His research interests in luminescent materials and electrocatalysis are highly relevant and cutting-edge in chemistry and environmental science.

  • International Exposure: Zhixiong Cai was a visiting scholar at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), providing him with global exposure and collaborative opportunities.

  • Impressive Publication Record: He has published several high-impact papers, including in prestigious journals like Angewandte Chemie and Nano Energy, demonstrating his contribution to significant advancements in his field.

  • Awards and Recognition: Receiving the Youth May Fourth Medal and other competition honors reflects his excellence and recognition from academic and professional communities.

Education:

Dr. Cai earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Xiamen University in June 2018, having completed his Master’s in Chemistry through a joint program between Fuzhou University and Xiamen University in 2014. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Fuzhou University. During his career, he spent time as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Riverside in 2017, further expanding his research horizons and collaborations internationally.

Experience:

Dr. Cai’s academic career began in September 2018 as a Lecturer at Minnan Normal University. By July 2019, he was promoted to Associate Professor at the same institution. His research interests have led him to participate in various national and international projects, contributing to the development of advanced chemical materials and applications.

Research Interests On Materials

Dr. Cai’s research primarily focuses on luminescent materials and electrocatalysis. His work aims to enhance energy conversion efficiencies and develop sustainable materials for a variety of applications, including renewable energy technologies. He is particularly interested in the development of high-performance catalysts and materials for environmental and energy-related solutions.

Publications:

  • Porous cobalt oxide nanoplates enriched with oxygen vacancies for oxygen evolution reaction

    • Authors: W Xu, F Lyu, Y Bai, A Gao, J Feng, Z Cai, Y Yin

    • Year: 2018

    • Cited by: 504

  • Advances in enzyme-free electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide, glucose, and uric acid

    • Authors: X Chen, G Wu, Z Cai, M Oyama, X Chen

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 414

  • AuPd bimetallic nanoparticles decorated on graphene nanosheets: their green synthesis, growth mechanism and high catalytic ability in 4-nitrophenol reduction

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 207

  • An ultrasensitive and reversible fluorescence sensor of humidity using perovskite CH₃NH₃PbBr₃

    • Authors: W Xu, F Li, Z Cai, Y Wang, F Luo, X Chen

    • Year: 2016

    • Cited by: 174

  • Green synthesis of graphene–PtPd alloy nanoparticles with high electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 151

  • Ultrafine palladium nanoparticles grown on graphene nanosheets for enhanced electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, Z Huang, M Oyama, Y Jiang, X Chen

    • Year: 2013

    • Cited by: 130

  • A sensitive bisphenol A voltammetric sensor relying on AuPd nanoparticles/graphene composites modified glassy carbon electrode

    • Authors: B Su, H Shao, N Li, X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen

    • Year: 2017

    • Cited by: 120

  • PtPd nanodendrites supported on graphene nanosheets: a peroxidase-like catalyst for colorimetric detection of H₂O₂

    • Authors: X Chen, B Su, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 108

  • Electrodeposition‐Assisted Synthesis of Ni₂P Nanosheets on 3D Graphene/Ni Foam Electrode and Its Performance for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

    • Authors: Z Cai, X Song, Y Wang, X Chen

    • Year: 2015

    • Cited by: 88

  • Synthesis of bimetallic PtPd nanocubes on graphene with N, N-dimethylformamide and their direct use for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 85

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhixiong Cai is an accomplished researcher and educator, with a deep commitment to advancing the fields of luminescent materials and electrocatalysis. His academic achievements, robust publication record, and numerous accolades underscore his dedication to driving forward scientific discovery and innovation. As an active member of the academic community, his work continues to have a significant impact on material sciences and energy applications.

Jihye Kim | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jihye Kim | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Colorado School of Mines | United States

Dr. Jihye Kim is an accomplished Assistant Professor at the George S. Ansell Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Colorado School of Mines. With a strong background in extractive metallurgy, resource recovery, and critical materials extraction, Dr. Kim has made significant contributions to sustainable materials processing. Her research focuses on innovative hydrometallurgical techniques, mineral carbonation for carbon sequestration, and chemical modeling of electrolyte systems. Dr. Kim is dedicated to fostering a stimulating learning environment that encourages students to explore, discover, and think critically beyond the classroom.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Outstanding Research Contributions

    • Dr. Jihye Kim has an extensive publication record, including high-impact journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters.
    • Her research focuses on critical topics such as extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, carbon capture, and rare earth element recovery, all of which have significant industrial and environmental implications.
  • Strong Funding and Grant Success

    • She has successfully secured multiple high-value research grants, including funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), NASA, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
    • Active involvement as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI in multimillion-dollar research projects.
  • Awards and Recognitions

    • Recipient of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship ($160,000) and multiple academic scholarships and fellowships, demonstrating academic excellence and research impact.
    • Earned the Students Discovery Award (2021) at the University of Toronto, recognizing her research achievements.
  • Industrial and International Research Experience

    • Hands-on experience through engineering internships with Barrick Gold Corporation and National Metallurgical Laboratory, India.
    • Strong international collaborations with institutions in South Korea, Canada, and the USA.
  • Educational and Mentorship Contributions

    • Engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the Colorado School of Mines.
    • Experience as a teaching assistant at University of Toronto and Seoul National University, shaping the next generation of metallurgical engineers.

Education 🎓

Dr. Kim earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto (2017-2021), where she worked on sustainable valorization of steelmaking slag under the guidance of Professor Gisele Azimi. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained a Master of Applied Science in Energy Systems Engineering (2014-2016) and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Resources Engineering (2011-2014) from Seoul National University.

Experience 🌟

Dr. Kim’s academic and professional journey reflects her expertise in metallurgical and materials engineering. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Colorado School of Mines, where she leads cutting-edge research projects and teaches courses on chemical processing, transport phenomena, and hydrometallurgical processing. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto, focusing on resource-efficient hydrometallurgical recovery of platinum group metals and rare earth elements. Her teaching experience includes serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Toronto and Seoul National University. She also gained industry experience as an Engineering Intern at Barrick Gold Corporation (Canada) and the National Metallurgical Laboratory (India).

Research Interests On Materials 🔬

Dr. Kim’s research centers on sustainable resource recovery, extractive metallurgy, and carbon capture technologies. She specializes in hydrometallurgical processing, mineral carbonation for CO2 sequestration, critical materials extraction from secondary resources, and electrolyte system modeling. Her work aims to develop environmentally friendly and economically viable methods for metal recovery and waste valorization.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Dr. Kim has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ontario Trillium Scholarship (2017-2021), the Students Discovery Award (2021), and multiple fellowships from the University of Toronto. She was also awarded the Brain Korea 21 Plus Scholarship, Academic-Industrial Scholarship from Hyundai Resources Development, and several merit-based scholarships from Seoul National University. Her outstanding academic achievements were recognized with Graduation with Honors (Cum Laude) from Seoul National University in 2014.

Publications 📚

Dr. Kim has published extensively in top-tier journals, contributing valuable insights into metallurgical and materials engineering. Some of her notable publications include:

  • The CO2 sequestration by supercritical carbonation of electric arc furnace slag

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 42
  • An innovative process for extracting scandium from nickeliferous laterite ore: Carbothermic reduction followed by NaOH cracking

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 22
  • Recovery of scandium and neodymium from blast furnace slag using acid baking–water leaching

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 20
  • Valorization of electric arc furnace slag via carbothermic reduction followed by acid baking–water leaching

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 19
  • Technospheric mining of niobium and titanium from electric arc furnace slag

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 16
  • Matrix complexity effect on platinum group metals analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

    • Authors: J Kim, J Anawati, G Azimi
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 16
  • Effect of sulfuric acid baking and caustic digestion on enhancing the recovery of rare earth elements from a refractory ore

    • Authors: R Kim, H Cho, J Jeong, J Kim, S Lee, KW Chung, HS Yoon, CJ Kim
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 15
  • Selective precipitation of titanium, magnesium, and aluminum from the steelmaking slag leach liquor

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 13
  • Mineral carbonation of iron and steel by-products: State-of-the-art techniques and economic, environmental, and health implications

    • Authors: S Wang, J Kim, T Qin
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 12
  • Recent advancements in hydrometallurgy: solubility and separation

    • Authors: KN Han, R Kim, J Kim
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 10

Conclusion 🎯

Dr. Jihye Kim is a dedicated researcher and educator committed to advancing metallurgical and materials engineering. Her work in extractive metallurgy, critical materials recovery, and sustainable processing methods contributes to the global effort toward environmentally responsible resource management. Through her innovative research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Kim continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists in the field of materials engineering.

Guangming Tian | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Guangming Tian | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Processor | Xi’an Polytechnic University | China

Guangming Tian is an Associate Professor at Xi’an Polytechnic University, specializing in polymer materials and engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from Northwestern Polytechnical University in 2020. His expertise lies in the structural regulation of shape memory polymer networks, intelligent polymer materials, and fibric actuators. Throughout his academic career, he has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the field of smart polymeric materials.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Extensive Research Background: Guangming Tian has been actively engaged in polymer chemistry and physics, particularly focusing on shape memory polymers and dynamic covalent bonds, for over 20 years.

Published Research: With 12 SCI-indexed publications in reputable journals such as Small, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, his research demonstrates significant contributions to the field.

Funded Research Projects: He has led five funded projects, including the General Project of Shaanxi Basic Research Program and multiple regional science and technology bureau projects, showcasing his ability to attract funding for impactful research.

Patents & Books: Holding two patents and having published two books with ISBNs, he has made contributions beyond journal publications, expanding his influence in academia and industry.

Industry Collaborations: His involvement in three consultancy/industry projects indicates real-world applications of his research.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics – Northwestern Polytechnical University (2020)
  • B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering – Northwestern Polytechnical University

💼 Experience

  • Associate Professor – Xi’an Polytechnic University, Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering
  • Researcher – School of Materials Engineering, focusing on polymer intelligent materials and dynamic covalent bond-based applications
  • Collaborator – Research projects with Guangming Zhu at Northwestern Polytechnical University

🔬 Research Interests On Materials

  • Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs)
  • Dynamic Covalent Bond-Based Intelligent Materials
  • Crystallization Mechanisms in Polymer Networks
  • Fibric Actuators and Their Applications

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • Nominee for Best Researcher Award
  • Recognition for contributions to polymer research and shape memory polymer advancements

📚 Publications

  • “Wet-spinning fabrication of stretchable multicolor fluorescent fibers augmented with dual-state emissive dyes”

    • Authors: Shuanglong Li, Guangming Tian, Xinhai He, Jianhua Ma, Dong Yang
    • Publication Year: 2024
  • “Advancements in component separation through chemical methods for recycled polyester/cotton blended textiles”

    • Authors: Jianhua Ma, Kaili Yang, Mengxin Wang, Jinyu Shan, Dong Yang, Guangming Tian
    • Publication Year: 2024
  • “Biomimetic shape-morphing actuators with controlled bending deformation and photo-mediated 3D shape programming for flexible smart devices”

    • Authors: Guangming Tian, Rui Wen, Jianhua Ma, Chong Fu
    • Publication Year: 2024
  • “Polyester/Cotton-Blended Textile Waste Fiber Separation and Regeneration via a Green Chemistry Approach”

    • Authors: Kaili Yang, Mengxin Wang, Xinru Wang, Jinyu Shan, Jie Zhang, Guangming Tian, Dong Yang, Jianhua Ma
    • Publication Year: 2024
  • “Biodegradable photo-crosslinked polycaprolactone/polydopamine elastomers with excellent light-driven programmable shape memory and chemical degradation properties”

    • Authors: Guangming Tian, Jingxia Wang
    • Publication Year: 2024
  • “Bacterial cellulose/silver composite film in-situ coated copper alginate for thermally responsive antimicrobial dressing”

    • Authors: Baiqing Song, Tianyi Zhang, Xinfeng Li, Kaili Yang, Guangming Tian, Yunzhi Dang, Jianhua Ma
    • Publication Year: 2023
  • “Photo-activated shape memory polymer with chiral twisting based on anisotropic bilayer thin sheets”

    • Authors: Guangming Tian, Jie Zhang, Mingcai Li, Xin Zhang, Dong Yang, Shuguang Zheng
    • Publication Year: 2023
  • “On-demand bidirectional shape transformations and novel chiral actuators of photomediated shape memory polymer film based on photothermal OEGy-W18O49 nanowires”

    • Authors: GuangMing Tian, Bo Wang, XinHai He, Chen Wang, Dong Yang, JianHua Ma
    • Publication Year: 2023
  • “Triphenylamine-Based N,O-Bidentate BF2-Enolimine Initiator for Three-arm Star Polymethacrylates with Dual-State Fluorescent Emission”

    • Authors: Dong Yang, Guangming Tian, Jianhua Ma
    • Publication Year: 2023
  • “Synthesis and characterization of shape memory poly (ε-caprolactone) networks with programmable and reconfigurable shape-morphing behaviors”

    • Authors: Guangming Tian, Shuo Zhao, Longkai Pan, Dong Yang, Jianhua Ma
    • Publication Year: 2023

📑 Research Contributions

Guangming Tian has been dedicated to shape memory polymer research for over 20 years. As the first author of 12 SCI papers with 65 citations, he has contributed to the development of intelligent polymer networks and their practical applications. His work has influenced both academic and industrial advancements in material science.

🔚 Conclusion

Guangming Tian continues to push the boundaries of polymer science through his research on shape memory materials and dynamic covalent networks. His extensive contributions to the field underscore his expertise and commitment to innovation, making him a prominent figure in polymer research and material engineering.