Charles Obinna Ngana | Computational Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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Charles Obinna Ngana | Computational Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer II | Federal University Wukari | Nigeria

Charles Obinna Ngana is an emerging scholar whose research spans computational chemistry, material science, and computer-aided drug design, with a particular focus on density functional theory (DFT) simulations to explore nanomaterials, catalysis, energy storage, and sensing mechanisms. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary application, evident in published studies on electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, adsorption properties of doped fullerenes, detection of hazardous compounds, and theoretical frameworks for nanoclusters used in gas sensing. Ngana’s research contributions extend to environmental and health-related applications, including computational investigations into biosorption, antioxidant interactions, antiviral ligand characterization, and pollutant quantification. His growing portfolio highlights innovative approaches in designing functional nanomaterials for energy and environmental sustainability, as well as developing computational models for chemical and biological processes. Beyond publications, his engagement as a manuscript reviewer for leading journals and as a judge in scientific competitions reflects his active role in advancing scientific standards and supporting academic communities. Ngana also holds a Nigerian patent for the fabrication of hybrid graphene oxide–manganese–nickel oxide nanomaterials, underscoring his practical contributions to energy storage technologies. His professional memberships with international chemical societies and his teaching roles at the University of Arizona and Federal University Wukari demonstrate a blend of research leadership and academic service. Recognition in media and institutional campaigns further illustrates the growing impact of his work in inspiring future scientists. With publications in high-impact journals, contributions under peer review, and active collaborations across global research groups, his scholarly output continues to expand in scope and influence. 63 Citations by 59 documents 4 Documents 3 h-index View.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | Research Gate | Linked In
Featured Publications:
  • Gber, T. E., Louis, H., Ngana, O. C., Amodu, I. O., ... (2023). Yttrium and zirconium decorated Mg12O12-X (X = Y, Zr) nanoclusters as sensors for diazomethane (CH2N2) gas. Royal Society of Chemistry Advances, 25391-25407.
  • Mujafarkani, N., Ojong, M. A., Ahamed, A. J., Benjamin, I., Ngana, O. C., Akor, F. O., ... (2023). Spectroscopic characterization, polar solvation effects, DFT studies, and the antiviral inhibitory potency of a novel terpolymer based on p-Phenylenediamine–Guanidine. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1292, 136049.
  • Eno, E. A., Shagal, M. H., Godfrey, O. C., Ngana, O. C., Ekong, J. E., Benjamin, I., ... (2023). Computational study of the interaction of metal ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Al3+) with Quercetin and its antioxidant properties. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 100(8), 101059.
  • Etim, E. E., Asuquo, J. E., Ngana, O. C., Ogofotha, G. O. (2022). Investigation on the thermochemistry, molecular spectroscopy and structural parameters of pyrrole and its isomers: A quantum chemistry approach. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 47(1).
  • Etim, E. E., Asuquo, J. E., Atoshi, A. T., Ngana, O. C. (2022). Kinetic studies of biosorption of Cr2+ and Cd2+ ions using tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) as adsorbent. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 47(1).

Hang Xu | Mechanical Metamaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr Hang Xu | Mechanical Metamaterials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Concordia University, Canada

Dr. Hang Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and an MSc in Aircraft Design from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Dr. Xu specializes in mechanical metamaterials, smart structures, and additive manufacturing. His research focuses on developing advanced materials with programmable morphing and motion for aerospace, medical, and robotic applications. Prior to joining Concordia, he held research positions at Imperial College London and Siemens, contributing to innovations in multi-stable structures, soft robotics, and medical devices. Dr. Xu is recognized for his teaching excellence and has received awards for his contributions to research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

  • Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, McGill University (2013–2018)
    Supervisor: Damiano Pasini
  • Master’s Thesis in Aircraft Design, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2011–2013)
    Supervisor: Yuanming Xu
  • Bachelor’s in Aircraft Design and Engineering, Shenyang Aerospace University (2007–2011)
    Supervisor: Weiping Zhang

Experience 💼

  • Assistant Professor, Concordia University (2022–Present)
    Research on functional/smart metamaterials for aerospace, nautical, and medical applications.
  • Research Associate, Imperial College London (2020–2022)
    Developed multi-stable structures, soft robots, and medical devices.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, McGill University (2018–2020)
    Worked on thermally actuated deployable mechanisms and additive manufacturing processes.
  • Internships: Chinese Aircraft Design Institute of Aviation Medicine (2012–2013) and Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (2010–2011).

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • Teaching Excellence Award, Concordia University (2023)
  • Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), UK (2022)
  • Excellent Contribution to Research in COVID-19 Pandemic, Imperial College London (2021)
  • Winner of 3D-Printing Workshop Design Challenge, McGill University (2019)

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Xu’s research focuses on mechanical metamaterials, smart materials and structures, and additive manufacturing. His work aims to develop materials with programmable morphing and motion for applications in aerospace structures, soft robotics, medical devices, and composite materials. Key areas include multiscale mechanics, finite element analysis, and the design of multi-stable structures for innovative functionalities.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Embedded pressure sensing metamaterials using TPU-graphene composites and additive manufacturing
  2. Generalized tessellations of superellipitcal voids in low porosity architected materials for stress mitigation
  3. Thermally actuated hierarchical lattices with large linear and rotational expansion
  4. Routes to program thermal expansion in three-dimensional lattice metamaterials built from tetrahedral building blocks
  5. ABAQUS user subroutine UMAT for elastoplastic nonlinear kinematic hardening material (Mróz model) with anisotropic plasticity
  6. Digitally Programmable Architected Materials with Static and Dynamic Reconfiguration
  7. Multi-stable meta-materials with programmable reconfigurations for soft robots
  8. 3D printed soft metamaterial force sensors for gait monitoring using TPU-graphene composites
  9. Overcoming the strength-modulus tradeoff using double network metamaterial lattices
  10. Multi-stable architectured materials with high-mobility morphing

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Hang Xu is a leading researcher in mechanical metamaterials and smart structures, with a strong focus on innovative applications in aerospace, robotics, and medical devices. His contributions to teaching, research, and industry collaborations highlight his commitment to advancing materials science and engineering. Through his work, Dr. Xu continues to push the boundaries of programmable materials, paving the way for future technological advancements. 🚀