Julieta Garcia Chirino | Wastewater treatment | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Julieta Garcia Chirino | Wastewater treatment | Best Researcher Award

PhD researcher at KU Leuven, Belgium

Julieta Garcia Chirino is a driven and results-oriented chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from KU Leuven, Belgium, and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has established herself in the field of environmental engineering through her expertise in sustainable technologies, membrane synthesis, water treatment, and waste valorization. Her career demonstrates a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative research and real-world applications, including collaborations with industry. Julieta brings forward-thinking ideas to circular economy initiatives, heavy metal remediation, and the development of environmentally friendly engineering solutions.

Profile 

ORCID

EDUCATION

Julieta’s academic journey reflects a deep engagement with environmental sustainability. She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Science, specializing in Chemical Engineering, from the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven (2020–2025). Her doctoral research focused on hybrid wastewater treatment technologies through waste valorization for heavy metal removal. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained her Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Engineering Institute at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (2016–2019), where she built a solid foundation in membrane-based separation processes and industrial waste applications. Her academic background is reinforced by complementary technical training and interdisciplinary coursework in chemistry and environmental risk management.

EXPERIENCE

With a strong professional background in both academic and industrial environments, Julieta has cultivated valuable experience in project management, research coordination, and environmental planning. At KU Leuven, she led laboratory efforts, designed experiments, and supervised five master’s students in research and thesis work. Previously, she worked as a project manager assistant at the Engineering Institute of UNAM, where she coordinated proposals and procurement for a biogas pilot plant, and oversaw strategic project planning. Earlier in her career, she served as an administrative assistant managing evaluations for academic promotions and projects. Throughout, she has demonstrated proficiency in organizing complex projects, conducting environmental assessments, and implementing life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability of engineering processes.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Julieta’s research interests center around environmental engineering, particularly the development of sustainable separation technologies. She is deeply invested in membrane synthesis and characterization, waste valorization using industrial byproducts, and heavy metals remediation from contaminated water sources. Her work bridges laboratory innovation and practical application, integrating life cycle assessments and hazard evaluations into material development. Additional areas of focus include inorganic chemistry, analytical methods, and the exploration of circular economy models in environmental remediation. Her research continuously seeks to contribute to the advancement of green engineering and the reduction of industrial pollution.

AWARD

Julieta Garcia Chirino’s commitment to sustainable environmental engineering has led to her nomination for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary work in wastewater treatment and waste-to-resource technologies exemplifies innovation and societal impact. She has served on the editorial board of the Process Newsletter and has been recognized for her role in mentoring emerging researchers. Her selection as a candidate for this award reflects her leadership in both research and collaboration, notably through her active involvement in scientific manuscript reviews and her strong publication record.

PUBLICATION

Julieta has published three peer-reviewed articles in recognized international journals, contributing to the fields of membrane technology and environmental remediation. Her 2021 article, “Hybrid Membrane Systems for Wastewater Valorization,” published in Journal of Membrane Science, has been cited by 18 scholarly articles. In 2022, she authored “Utilization of Steel Slag in Heavy Metal Removal” in the Chemical Engineering Journal, cited by 12 works. Most recently, in 2023, she published “Circular Economy Approaches in Wastewater Treatment” in Environmental Technology & Innovation, with 9 citations. These publications have significantly enhanced academic and industrial understanding of sustainable separation technologies.

CONCLUSION

Julieta Garcia Chirino exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful. Her academic excellence, hands-on research, mentorship, publication record, and sustainable focus collectively establish her as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work is not only scientifically rigorous but also socially relevant, aligning perfectly with the criteria of excellence in research.

Yuxia Guo | Coal Gasification Slag Resource Utilization | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr Yuxia Guo | Coal Gasification Slag Resource Utilization | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Prof. YUXIA GUO is a distinguished researcher specializing in engineering materials and underground engineering at Taiyuan University of Technology, China. Her expertise lies in the resource utilization of industrial waste, enhancing concrete durability, and optimizing backfill mining technology. She has pioneered the development of eco-friendly backfill materials using coal gangue and fly ash, significantly improving mine backfill efficiency and stability. Her work on electrochemical dechlorination has advanced structural safety assessment methods. With multiple patents and research awards, she has made impactful contributions to the industry. Prof. Guo is actively involved in academic development, mentorship, and industry-academia collaborations.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARDS

✅ Innovative Research Contributions – Prof. Yuxia Guo has significantly contributed to engineering materials and underground engineering, with a strong focus on sustainability, resource utilization, and structural safety. Her work on eco-friendly backfill materials using coal gangue and fly ash has enhanced mine backfill efficiency and safety.

✅ High Impact Publications – With 68 research publications, an h-index of 22, and 1,190 citations, her work demonstrates strong academic influence and impact in the field of materials engineering and mining technology.

✅ Technological Advancements – She has developed electrochemical dechlorination methods for reinforced concrete, improving structural safety assessment techniques.

✅ Patents & Industry Collaboration – Her innovations in backfill mining technology and resource recycling have practical industrial applications, strengthening academia-industry partnerships.

✅ Recognition & Academic Leadership – She has received multiple patents and awards, actively contributes to talent cultivation, and has international research collaborations.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

🔹 More International Visibility – While her research is well-cited, increased participation in international conferences, collaborations, and global research networks could further enhance her global impact.
🔹 Funding & Grants – Securing more international research grants and funding for large-scale projects could further solidify her leadership in the field.

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – Taiyuan University of Technology, China 🏗️
  • Master’s in Material Science – Taiyuan University of Technology, China 🏭
  • Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering – Taiyuan University of Technology, China 🌍

Her academic journey has been centered on sustainable materials, waste utilization, and innovative construction technologies. Through her research, she has bridged material science and environmental engineering, contributing to greener industrial applications.

EXPERIENCE 💼

  • Professor, Taiyuan University of Technology, China 🏛️ (Current)
    • Leads research in sustainable construction materials
    • Supervises postgraduate students in civil and environmental engineering
  • Researcher, National Engineering Research Center for Coal Mining ⛏️
    • Developed backfill mining solutions for underground safety
  • Visiting Scholar, University of California, Berkeley, USA 🌎
    • Conducted studies on electrochemical dechlorination for concrete structures
  • Consultant, Mining Safety and Environmental Protection Institute 🏭
    • Advised on mine backfill efficiency and safety improvement

Prof. Guo has collaborated with global researchers and industry leaders to drive technological advancements in civil engineering and mining applications.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏆

  • Best Researcher Award in Civil Engineering 🥇
  • China Outstanding Young Scientist Award 🌟
  • National Science and Technology Progress Award 🏅
  • Top 100 Most Cited Researchers in Construction Materials 📚
  • Innovation Excellence Award in Underground Engineering 🏗️
  • Recipient of Multiple Patents for Backfill Technologies 🔬

Her groundbreaking research has been recognized with prestigious awards, reinforcing her impact in engineering materials and structural safety.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

  • Utilization of Industrial Waste in Construction ♻️
  • Durability Enhancement of Concrete Structures 🏢
  • Backfill Mining Technology for Underground Stability ⛏️
  • Electrochemical Dechlorination of Reinforced Concrete ⚡
  • Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials 🌱

Prof. Guo’s research aims to reduce industrial waste, improve structural longevity, and develop safer mining technologies through innovative material science.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📄

  • Mechanical performance of cemented gangue backfill body under coupling action of load and sulfate environment 🏗️
  • Strength evolution and deterioration law of cemented gangue backfill body in acid mine water ⚒️
  • Study on the excitation effect and mechanism of coal gasification slag based on solid waste 🔬
  • Damage evolution and failure characteristics of a cemented gangue backfill considering direct shear and dynamic tests 📊
  • A new method of rock burst hazard determination based on drilling cuttings limit equation ⛏️
  • Design and adaptability study of miniature four-leg top coal caving hydraulic support 🚧

CONCLUSION

Prof. Yuxia Guo is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her impactful contributions to engineering materials, sustainability, and mining technology. Her research has advanced both academic knowledge and industrial applications. Enhancing her international collaborations and securing more grants would further elevate her research profile.

Shiyu Liu – Engineering – Best Researcher Award

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Shiyu Liu - Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Hebei University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

SHIYU LIU: RESEARCHER IN AI-BASED MONITORING 🔬

Shiyu Liu, currently a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at Hebei University, has been making significant contributions in the field of spectral detection and analysis using artificial intelligence. His primary research revolves around spectral detection, machine learning, and AI-driven health monitoring systems for lithium-ion batteries, bringing innovative solutions to environmental monitoring and engineering applications.

AI-DRIVEN BATTERY MONITORING 🔋

Liu's work focuses on the health monitoring of lithium-ion batteries through artificial intelligence techniques. He combines electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with machine learning to accurately predict battery capacity and health. This research is vital for improving battery longevity, particularly in electric vehicles and sustainable energy systems, where battery performance is crucial.

SPECTRAL ANALYSIS & AI ALGORITHMS 📊

Liu's expertise extends to spectral detection and analysis, utilizing AI-based algorithms for processing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy data. His research aims to address issues such as high noise interference and spectral peak overlap, which often hinder accurate detection of complex organic compounds. By integrating machine learning and chemometric methods, he strives for precision in environmental pollutant measurement and industrial applications.

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS 🤝

Shiyu Liu has actively contributed to several national and provincial projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His projects range from detecting environmental pollutants using spectral analysis to developing remote sensing image processing algorithms for space applications. These collaborations underscore his role in advancing both environmental science and technology.

CUTTING-EDGE PUBLICATIONS 📚

Liu has published extensively in prestigious journals, such as Fuel and Spectrochimica Acta, with a focus on using AI techniques for diesel fuel analysis and NIR spectroscopy. His innovative approach combines deep learning with spectral data to enhance the accuracy of fuel property detection, contributing to advancements in both energy and environmental fields.

PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS 🎤

Liu actively participates in international conferences, presenting his research findings to global audiences. Notably, he presented at the 2023 UNIfied International Conference in the UK, where he shared insights on battery health monitoring using AI. His academic activities also include contributions to forums on infrared technology, further solidifying his reputation in AI-driven research.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS 🏆

Shiyu Liu has received several prestigious awards, including the CSC Scholarship for his visiting PhD tenure at the University of Huddersfield. His accolades also include national scholarships, recognition as an “excellent graduate,” and top prizes in mathematical and physics competitions. These honors reflect his commitment to academic excellence and innovation in his field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Series fusion of scatter correction techniques coupled with deep convolution neural network as a promising approach for NIR modeling
Authors: Liu, S., Wang, S., Hu, C., Kong, D., Yuan, Y.
Journal: Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
Year: 2023

Title: A MLP-Based Transfer Learning Model Using EIS Health Features for State of Health Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Zhao, X., Wang, Z., Liu, S., Gu, F., Ball, A.
Conference: ICAC 2023 - 28th International Conference on Automation and Computing
Year: 2023

Title: Markov Transform Field Coupled with CNN Image Analysis Technology in NIR Detection of Alcohols Diesel
Authors: Liu, S., Wang, S., Hu, C., Kong, D.
Conference: Mechanisms and Machine Science
Year: 2023

Title: Rapid and accurate determination of diesel multiple properties through NIR data analysis assisted by machine learning
Authors: Liu, S., Wang, S., Hu, C., Kong, D., Wang, J.
Journal: Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
Year: 2022

Title: Determination of alcohols-diesel oil by near infrared spectroscopy based on gramian angular field image coding and deep learning
Authors: Liu, S., Wang, S., Hu, C., Bi, W.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2022

Mulala Danny Simatele – Environmental Science – Best Researcher Award

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Mulala Danny Simatele - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

The University of the Witwatersrand - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🌍 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTISE

Mulala Danny Simatele is a renowned environmental management and sustainability expert with over 30 years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. His research focuses on critical issues related to human-environment interactions, including mining, climate change adaptation, water resource management, and solid waste management. His work continues to impact policy development and sustainability practices across the globe.

🏛️ ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP AND UNIVERSITY ROLES

Currently, Mulala holds a professorship at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, where he has also served as the Acting Head of the Geography and Environmental Studies Department. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, influencing the direction of postgraduate studies and driving interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental science and policy development.

📚 RESEARCH IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Mulala’s research portfolio includes studies on food security, community-based natural resource management, environmental migration, and climate resilience. His work emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in both urban and rural settings, offering solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges in Africa and beyond.

💧 WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

A key area of Mulala’s expertise lies in water resource management. His recent publication on overcoming systemic challenges in South Africa’s water sector highlights his commitment to solving real-world problems. He has collaborated with various governmental and international organizations to improve water policies and practices, ensuring access to clean water in drought-prone regions.

🌿 CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

Mulala has been at the forefront of climate change research, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. His work on modeling drought characteristics in the Western Cape and exploring cultural factors influencing flood preparedness in Nigerian cities demonstrates his deep understanding of the region’s environmental vulnerabilities. He advocates for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

📑 EXTENSIVE PUBLICATION RECORD AND GLOBAL IMPACT

With numerous peer-reviewed articles published in international journals, Mulala’s research has had a significant impact on global environmental policy and sustainability practices. His recent works address critical issues like groundwater management in Zimbabwe and the gap between aspirations and actions in climate governance at the local government level in South Africa.

🏆 CONSULTANCY AND POLICY INFLUENCE

Beyond academia, Mulala has provided consultancy services to national governments, international organizations, and NGOs, offering his expertise in natural resource management and environmental rehabilitation. His consulting work has played a crucial role in shaping sustainable policies and practices in various sectors, from education to coastal and marine resource management.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: From informality to formality: Perspectives on the challenges of integrating solid waste management into the urban development and planning policy in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: D.M. Simatele, S. Dlamini, N.S. Kubanza
Journal: Habitat International
Year: 2017

Title: Sustainable solid waste management in developing countries: A study of institutional strengthening for solid waste management in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: N. Serge Kubanza, M.D. Simatele
Journal: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
Year: 2020

Title: Motivation and marginalization in African urban agriculture: The case of Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: D.M. Simatele, T. Binns
Journal: Urban Forum
Year: 2008

Title: Municipal solid waste management in South Africa: From waste to energy recovery through waste-to-energy technologies in Johannesburg
Authors: S. Dlamini, M.D. Simatele, N. Serge Kubanza
Journal: Local Environment
Year: 2019

Title: Community-based natural resource management: The role of social capital in collaborative environmental management of tribal resources in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: R. Musavengane, D.M. Simatele
Journal: Development Southern Africa
Year: 2016

DONG-WOOK KWON – Environmental Engineering – Best Researcher Award

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DONG-WOOK KWON - Environmental Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Korea Institute of Science and Technology - South Korea

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

DONG-WOOK KWON has extensive research experience in heterogeneous catalysis for environment and energy. His work focuses on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from combustion exhaust gases through catalytic technology, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by NH3, particularly for diesel engine emission control. Additionally, he has been involved in discovering catalytic materials and improving chemical processes to mitigate atmospheric pollutants from stationary and mobile sources, such as catalytic degradation of NH3, CO, and odorants, and catalytic decomposition of N2O. His research also encompasses the catalytic oxidation of indoor air pollutants to enhance indoor air quality, targeting ambient HCHO & CO oxidation, catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and catalytic decomposition of ozone.

EDUCATION

DONG-WOOK KWON earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Energy Engineering from Kyonggi University, South Korea, in February 2016. His doctoral thesis focused on the roles of promoters and the SCR performance in metal-promoted vanadium-based deNOx catalysts. He also holds a Master's degree (2012) and a Bachelor's degree (2010) in Environmental Energy Engineering from the same institution.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Since March 2020, DONG-WOOK KWON has been a Senior Researcher at the Extreme Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). He previously worked as a Researcher at KIST from September 2018 to February 2020 and as a Post-Doc at the Materials Architecturing Research Center, KIST, from July 2017 to August 2018.

REGISTERED PATENTS

DONG-WOOK KWON has several registered patents, including:

  1. NOx reduction catalysts enabling their regeneration at low temperatures (Republic of Korea, Japan, USA, China).
  2. Rare-earth metal vanadates catalysts for nitrogen oxide reduction at low temperatures (Republic of Korea, Japan, USA, China).
  3. Heterogeneous catalysts and preparing methods of the same (Republic of Korea).
  4. Platinum-based catalyst for removing hydrogen at room temperature (Republic of Korea).
  5. Preparing method of platinum/vanadium/titania catalyst for removing ammonia (Republic of Korea).
  6. Vanadium-based denitration catalyst and preparing method of the same (Republic of Korea).

RESEARCH THEMES

His research themes include the catalytic reduction of NOx emissions, discovery and improvement of catalytic materials for atmospheric pollutant mitigation, and the catalytic oxidation of indoor air pollutants. His work significantly contributes to the fields of environmental and energy engineering through advanced catalysis technology.

PATENT CONTRIBUTIONS

DONG-WOOK KWON's patent contributions demonstrate his innovative approaches in developing effective catalysts for environmental applications, showcasing his expertise in creating solutions for low-temperature NOx reduction, ammonia removal, and hydrogen elimination at room temperature.

RESEARCH IMPACT

The impact of DONG-WOOK KWON's research is evident in the advancements in catalytic technologies for emission control and air quality improvement. His contributions provide significant insights and practical solutions for addressing environmental challenges through cutting-edge catalytic processes.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Er composition (X)-mediated catalytic properties of Ce1-XErXVO4 surfaces for selective catalytic NOX reduction with NH3 at elevated temperatures 2021 (27)

Unveiling the traits of rare earth metal (RM)-substituted bimetallic Ce0. 5RM0. 5V1O4 phases to activate selective NH3 oxidation and NOX reduction 2020 (28)

A dual catalytic strategy by the nature of the functionalization effect as well as active species on vanadium-based catalyst for enhanced low temperature SCR 2021 (56)

The role of molybdenum on the enhanced performance and SO2 resistance of V/Mo-Ti catalysts for NH3-SCR 2019 (74)

Exploration of surface properties of Sb-promoted copper vanadate catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NOX by NH3 2018 (62)