Ghazala Ashraf | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Fudan University | China

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf is a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher (age 32) based in Shanghai, China, with expertise in nanomaterials, biosensing, and wearable diagnostics. With a Ph.D. from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and postdoc roles at Fudan University and HUST, she has published extensively in top journals (Advanced MaterialsNature CommunicationsACS Applied Materials & Interfaces). Her work focuses on innovative sensor technologies for healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Strong Academic and Research Background

    • Holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and has 4+ years of postdoctoral experience at prestigious institutions (HUST and Fudan University).

    • Research spans nanomaterials, biosensing, wearable diagnostics, and electrochemical sensors, aligning with cutting-edge scientific advancements.

  2. High-Quality Publications in Top-Tier Journals

    • First-author publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Journal of Hazardous Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chemical Engineering Journal).

    • Multiple co-authored papers in Q1 journals, demonstrating collaborative research strength.

    • Google Scholar profile shows consistent citations, indicating research impact.

  3. Innovative Research Contributions

    • Developed nanomaterial-integrated microneedle patches for real-time biomarker monitoring (e.g., L-Cysteine detection).

    • Worked on MOFs, 2D materials, and nanozymes for biosensing applications, contributing to early disease diagnostics.

    • Explored wearable and microfluidic devices, a rapidly growing field in personalized healthcare.

  4. Leadership and Collaboration

    • Principal Investigator (PI) for postdoctoral research projects, securing funding and leading research directions.

    • Active collaborations with Fudan University, HUST, and international researchers.

    • Mentored PhD and Master’s students, contributing to academic development.

  5. Recognition and Awards

    • Recipient of prestigious scholarships (CSC PhD scholarship, HUST Academic Excellence Award).

    • Keynote speaker at international conferences, showcasing thought leadership in nanomaterials and biosensing.

    • Review editor and journal reviewer, contributing to peer review in analytical chemistry.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry (2020): Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China.

  • M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (2016): Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Experience 💼

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–present): Fudan University, Shanghai.

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2023): HUST, Wuhan.

  • Research Associate (2013–2017): National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan.

Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science 🔍

  • Nanomaterials for Biosensing: MOFs, 2D materials, and green-engineered nanostructures for detecting biomarkers/pathogens.

  • Wearable Diagnostics: Microneedle-based devices for real-time health monitoring.

  • Electrochemical/Optical Sensors: Early disease detection and environmental analysis.

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • CSC Ph.D. Scholarship (2017–2020, China).

  • HUST Academic Excellence Award (2019).

  • HUST Honorary International Graduate Award (2020).

  • Provincial Merit Scholarship (Pakistan, 2012).

Publications 📜

Title: Hierarchical CNTs@CuMn Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in H2S Detection from Live Cells
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, Z Wang, G Ashraf, J Wang, H Luo, X Chen, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 158

Title: A review on electrochemical biosensing platform based on layered double hydroxides for small molecule biomarkers determination
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, M Azeem, Z Wang, G Ashraf, F Xiao, X Chen, H Liu
Year: 2018
Citations: 138

Title: The role of biosensors in coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak
Authors: M Asif, M Ajmal, G Ashraf, N Muhammad, A Aziz, T Iftikhar, J Wang, H Liu
Year: 2020
Citations: 137

Title: Self-stacking of exfoliated charged nanosheets of LDHs and graphene as biosensor with real-time tracking of dopamine from live cells
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, M Azeem, G Ashraf, Z Wang, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 114

Title: Advancements in electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine by using 2D nanoarchitectures of layered double hydroxides or metal dichalcogenides. A review
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, M Azeem, I Majeed, M Ajmal, J Wang, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 108

Title: Facet-inspired core–shell gold nanoislands on metal oxide octadecahedral heterostructures: high sensing performance toward sulfide in biotic fluids
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, Z Wang, J Wang, M Azeem, X Chen, F Xiao, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 96

Title: Tuning Electrocatalytic Aptitude by Incorporating α-MnO2 Nanorods in Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO Hybrids: Electrochemical Sensing of Resorcinol for Practical Applications
Authors: T Iftikhar, Y Xu, A Aziz, G Ashraf, G Li, M Asif, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 89

Title: Rice-Spikelet-like Copper Oxide Decorated with Platinum Stranded in the CNT Network for Electrochemical In Vitro Detection of Serotonin
Authors: G Ashraf, M Asif, A Aziz, T Iftikhar, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 87

Title: Unveiling microbiologically influenced corrosion engineering to transfigure damages into benefits: a textile sensor for H2O2 detection in clinical cancer tissues
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, T Iftikhar, Y Sun, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2022
Citations: 76

Title: Trends in biosensing platforms for SARS-CoV-2 detection: A critical appraisal against standard detection tools
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, U Farooq, Q Yang, S Wang
Year: 2021
Citations: 58

Title: Engineering MOFs derived metal oxide nanohybrids: Towards electrochemical sensing of catechol in tea samples
Authors: T Iftikhar, A Aziz, G Ashraf, Y Xu, G Li, T Zhang, M Asif, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2022
Citations: 45

Title: Topical advances in nanomaterials based electrochemical sensors for resorcinol detection
Authors: T Iftikhar, M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, S Jun, G Li, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 45

Title: Boosting electrocatalytic activity of carbon fiber@ fusiform-like copper-nickel LDHs: Sensing of nitrate as biomarker for NOB detection
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, T Iftikhar, J Hu, F Xiao, S Wang
Year: 2022
Citations: 44

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf is a dynamic researcher bridging nanotechnology and diagnostics, with accolades from China and Pakistan. Her pioneering work in wearable sensors and nanomaterials holds promise for personalized medicine and environmental safety. She actively mentors students and collaborates globally, driving innovation in analytical chemistry.

Pratiksha Agnihotri | Nanotechnology | Best Paper Award

Dr. Pratiksha Agnihotri | Nanotechnology | Best Paper Award

Dr. Pratiksha Agnihotri is a dedicated physicist specializing in materials science, currently serving as a Project Officer at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS) at IIT Madras, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. With a Ph.D. in Physics, she has authored 14 peer-reviewed international journal articles, focusing on high dielectric materials for energy storage devices. Her commitment to advancing energy storage technologies is evident in her innovative research and active engagement in academic mentorship and science outreach.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Substantive Research Output:
    With 14 peer-reviewed publications, many in high-impact journals like Ceramics International, Emergent Materials, and Ionics, Pratiksha has demonstrated consistent and relevant contributions in the field of high dielectric materials and energy storage.

  2. Innovative Research Focus:
    Her work on KNN-based metal oxide composite thin films and Mo²⁺ substituted hexaferrites addresses cutting-edge materials for energy storage applications, a critical domain in sustainability and electronics.

  3. First-Author Contributions:
    She is the first author on the majority of her published papers, indicating lead contributions in design, execution, and manuscript preparation — a key criterion for Best Paper Awards.

  4. Interdisciplinary Impact:
    Her integration of impedance spectroscopy, dielectric analysis, and material synthesis techniques bridges physics, materials science, and electronics engineering, increasing the applicability and reach of her research.

  5. Recognition through Patents:
    Filing four patents demonstrates the originality and application-oriented nature of her work, adding a commercial and innovation dimension to her academic achievements.

  6. Institutional Affiliation:
    Currently affiliated with IIT Madras under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) — a national-level Centre of Excellence — provides credibility and underscores the national relevance of her work.

🎓 Education

Dr. Agnihotri’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to physics and materials science. She earned her Ph.D. in Material Science from Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India, in December 2025, achieving a CGPA of 8.2. Her doctoral research, titled “Optimization of Theoretical & Experimental Approach of KNN – Based Metal Oxide Composite Thin Film for High Dielectric Material,” encompassed advanced material characterization, solid-state physics, and dielectric properties. Prior to this, she completed her Master of Science in Physics from Shoolini University in June 2021 with a CGPA of 7.8, and her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Himachal Pradesh University in June 2019 with a CGPA of 6.78.

💼 Experience

Dr. Agnihotri brings a wealth of experience in both research and academia. Since December 17, 2024, she has been contributing to CPPICS at IIT Madras, where she creates and delivers project presentations, updates stakeholders on milestones, and fosters strong project relationships. In January 2023, she served as a teaching assistant at Shoolini University, providing homework assistance, motivating students, and collaborating to enhance learning outcomes. Her roles demonstrate her ability to bridge complex research with effective communication and mentorship.

🔬 Research Interests On Nanotechnology

Dr. Agnihotri’s research is centered on the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials for energy applications. Her interests include:

  • Oxide, Carbonate, and Ferrite materials

  • Synthesis of nanomaterials

  • Energy storage devices

  • Solar cells

  • Thermistor applications

  • Flexible electronic devices

She is proficient in various analytical techniques such as XRD, FESEM, Raman Spectroscopy, FTIR, Dielectric Spectroscopy, Modulus, Impedance, and AC Conductivity measurements. Her expertise extends to software tools like Origin, FullProf, VESTA, and ImageJ, which she utilizes for data analysis and visualization.

🏆 Awards & Patents

Dr. Agnihotri’s innovative work has led to the filing of several patents, including:

  • Mo²⁺ substituted Ba₀.₇Gd₀.₃MoxF₁₂₋ₓO₁₉ M-type hexaferrite-based nanomaterial and its preparation process.

  • Rietveld analysis and negative dielectric behavior of perovskite-like La₁₋ₓEuxMnO₃ ceramic system.

  • Pr³⁺/Mn²⁺ doped (Bi₀.₉₅Pr₀.₀₅)(Fe₀.₉₅Mn₀.₀₅)O₃ perovskite ceramic-based nanomaterial.

  • Gd-doped (BiFeO₃–BaTiO₃) multiferroic perovskite-based nanomaterial.

  • Dy³⁺/Mn²⁺ doped (Bi₀.₉₅Dy₀.₀₅)(Fe₀.₉₅Mn₀.₀₅)O₃ perovskite ceramic-based nanomaterial.

  • LiNbO₃ composite-based perovskite system substituted on KNN ceramic nanomaterial.

These patents underscore her contributions to the development of novel materials with potential applications in energy storage and electronic devices.

📚 Publications

Dr. Agnihotri has an impressive portfolio of publications. Here are some of her notable works:

Title: Exploring the structural and electrical trends in Mo²⁺ substituted Ba₀.₇Gd₀.₃MoxF₁₂₋ₓO₁₉ Hexaferrite
Authors: P Agnihotri, A Kumar, SS Parida, S Kumari, B Singh, R Hawaldar, R Rai
Year: 2024
Citations: 6

Title: Relaxation behaviour, conductive grains and resistive boundaries of bismuth-based double perovskite Bi₂₋ₓLaₓFeGaO₆
Authors: JP Nayak, P Agnihotri, S Kumari, P Kumari, P Kumar, R Rai
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Study the structural, electrical and ferroelectric behaviour of lead-free sodium potassium niobate (KNN) ceramics in view of energy storage capacity
Authors: P Agnihotri, R Hawaldar, R Rai
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Exploring the structural characteristics and electrical conductivity of MnTiO₃ across ferroelectric and paraelectric phases
Authors: P Agnihotri, R Hawaldar, M Singh, R Rai
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Investigation of structural and electrical properties of 0.90PbMn₁/₃Nb₂/₃O₃–0.10PbTiO₃ ceramics prepared via solid-state reaction
Authors: P Agnihotri, S Kumari, P Negi, P Kumar, P Kumari, R Hawaldar, R Rai
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Structural and dielectric characterization of BiLaCoGaO₆ double perovskite ceramic using x-ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy
Authors: P Agnihotri, JP Nayak, P Kumar, R Rai
Year: 2024
Citations: 4

Title: Exploring impedance and modulus response of cobalt titanate in ferroelectric phase
Authors: NP Yadav, P Agnihotri, R Rai
Year: 2025
Citations: 3

Title: A comprehensive review of bismuth, lanthanum and strontium based double perovskites− Unravelling structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties
Authors: J Parsadnayak, R Jasrotia, A Kumarsharma, A Kandwal, P Agnihotri, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 3

Title: Synergistic effect of self-poled fibre based flexible lead-free KNN/P(VDF-HFP) nanofiber mat for scavenging piezoelectric energy
Authors: MSSK Gun Anit Kaur, Pratiksha
Year: 2022
Citations: 3

Title: Investigation of dielectric transitions and impedance behavior in solid solutions of (1–x) K₀.₄₁Na₀.₅₉Nb₀.₉₅₉Sb₀.₀₄₁O₃–x (Bi₀.₅K₀.₅TiO₃)
Authors: R Rai, P Agnihotri, S Kumari, M Dutta
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: A spectroscopic ellipsometry study of TiO₂:ZrO₂ on TiN/Si thin films prepared by Chemical Beam Vapor Deposition
Authors: P Agnihotri, A Verma, A Saini, R Rani, W Maudez, E Wagner, G Benvenuti, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Pratiksha Agnihotri exemplifies the integration of rigorous scientific research with practical applications in energy storage and materials science. Her extensive academic background, combined with her hands-on experience in research and teaching, positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community. Her work not only advances the field of high dielectric materials but also inspires future innovations in sustainable energy solutions.