Tarek Ahasan | Photocatalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production | Best Researcher Award

Mr Tarek Ahasan | Photocatalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Research Assistant, New Mexico State University, United States

Tarek Ahasan is an accomplished Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering at New Mexico State University, specializing in sustainable energy and water treatment technologies. With a strong academic foundation, including dual master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science, Tarek focuses on innovative solutions for green hydrogen production and advanced water desalination. His research integrates photocatalysis and electromagnetic field applications to address global energy and water security challenges. Recognized for his contributions, Tarek has received prestigious awards, published in high-impact journals, and filed a patent for his groundbreaking work in photocatalytic systems. He is an active member of professional organizations and a leader in academic communities, dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies for a decarbonized future.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

Tarek Ahasan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), expected to graduate in Fall 2025, with a concurrent Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (CGPA: 4.00/4.00). He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science (CGPA: 3.92/4.00) and a Bachelor of Science in Soil, Water, and Environment (CGPA: 3.57/4.00) from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. His academic journey reflects a strong focus on sustainable energy, water treatment, and environmental systems, equipping him with the expertise to drive innovative research in green technologies.

Experience 🔬

As a Graduate Research Assistant at NMSU, Tarek has led groundbreaking projects on photocatalytic hydrogen production and electromagnetic field-enhanced desalination. He developed a novel Ag-G-TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst, achieving 97% dye degradation efficiency and 191 μmoles g⁻¹ h⁻¹ hydrogen production. Additionally, he optimized electromagnetic field pretreatment for membrane scaling control, achieving 51.3% water recovery. Previously, at the University of Dhaka, he advanced sustainable coagulation techniques for dye effluent treatment and conducted nationwide soil health assessments to address climate change impacts on agriculture. His work bridges research and practical applications, contributing to global sustainability goals.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Tarek has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2023-2024 New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) student grant and the National Science and Technology Fellowship (2019-20) from the Government of Bangladesh. He earned Second Place for Outstanding Poster Presentation at the 20th Annual RMSAWWA/RMWEA Student Conference (2024) and the Texas Desal Annual Conference (2023). His research has been featured in the NMWRRI Online Newsletter, highlighting his contributions to sustainable energy and water technologies.

Research Focus 🔍

Tarek’s research centers on developing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, focusing on green hydrogen production through advanced photocatalysis and innovative water treatment technologies. His work includes synthesizing nanocomposite photocatalysts for visible light-driven hydrogen production and optimizing electromagnetic field applications for membrane scaling control in desalination. By integrating renewable energy systems with water security solutions, Tarek aims to address global decarbonization and resource sustainability challenges, contributing to a cleaner, more resilient future.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Ahasan, T., Xu, P., & Wang, H. (2024). Dual-Function Photocatalysis in the Visible Spectrum: Ag-G-TiO2 for Simultaneous Dye Wastewater Degradation and Hydrogen Production. Catalysts, 14(8), 530.
  2. Ahasan, T., Edirisooriya, E. M. N. T., Senanayake, P. S., Xu, P., & Wang, H. (2025). Advanced TiO2-Based Photocatalytic Systems for Water Splitting: Comprehensive Review from Fundamentals to Manufacturing. Molecules, 30(5), 1127.
  3. Du, X., Perera, H., Ahasan, T., Wang, Y., Shu, F., Wang, H., Yuan, K., Anovitz, L. M., Ben Ishai, P., & Xu, P. (2025). Mechanisms of Electromagnetic Field Control on Mineral Scaling in Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis: Combined Homogenous and Heterogeneous Nucleation. Separation and Purification Technology, 355(B), 129630.

Conclusion 🌍

Tarek Ahasan is a visionary researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and water treatment technologies. Through his innovative work in photocatalysis and desalination, he is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. His achievements in research, publications, and professional recognition underscore his commitment to addressing global energy and water challenges. Tarek’s contributions exemplify the transformative potential of environmental engineering in achieving decarbonization and resource security.

 

Lijia Wan | Lithium Extraction from Seawater | Best Researcher Award

Dr Lijia Wan | Lithium Extraction from Seawater | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Nanchang Institute of Technology, China

Lijia Wan is a dedicated researcher with expertise in the fields of radio physics, physical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Having earned his Ph.D. in Radio Physics from East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, he is currently associated with Nanchang Institute of Technology. With a keen focus on advanced materials, he has significantly contributed to the development of high-performance electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. His academic journey and research output, including an h-index of 12 and over 1,200 citations, reflect his commitment to advancing science and technology.

PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Exceptional Academic Background: Dr. Lijia Wan holds a Ph.D. in Radio Physics from the prestigious East China Normal University, Shanghai, with a strong foundation in chemistry and physical chemistry from Xiangtan University and Jiujiang University, respectively.
  2. Extensive Research Contributions: With 22 publications, an h-index of 12, and over 1,200 citations, Dr. Wan has made a significant impact in areas such as high-performance electrode materials, lithium-ion battery technologies, and advanced nanocomposites.
  3. Diverse Expertise: His research spans interdisciplinary areas, including:
    • Design and synthesis of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (e.g., metal oxides and MXenes).
    • Development of novel materials for energy storage and conversion.
    • Environmental applications, such as tetracycline removal and microwave absorption using advanced nanomaterials.
  4. Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrates excellent collaboration skills, having worked with 93 co-authors and contributed to diverse, impactful research projects.
  5. Problem-Solving Skills: Successfully addressed critical challenges in material science and electrochemistry, evidenced by highly cited publications and innovative solutions like Fe3O4/N-doped carbon architectures and Cu-doped graphene.
  6. Innovative Approach: His work integrates theoretical and experimental techniques to enhance energy storage systems, offering practical applications in sustainability and technology.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

  1. Grant Acquisition: While Dr. Wan has demonstrated research excellence, there is no mention of awarded grants in the current profile. Securing independent research funding could further strengthen his credentials.
  2. Broader Recognition: Expanding the scope of publications to include high-impact review articles or books could enhance his visibility and establish him as a thought leader in his field.
  3. Interdisciplinary Applications: While his expertise in energy storage is impressive, integrating his research into broader fields such as environmental remediation or biomedical applications could diversify his impact.

EDUCATION

🎓 Ph.D. in Radio Physics (2017–2021): East China Normal University, Shanghai, China. Advisor: Prof. Likun Pan.
🎓 M.S. in Chemistry (Physical Chemistry) (2014–2017): Xiangtan University, Hunan, China. Advisor: Prof. Gangtie Lei.
🎓 B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2008–2013): Jiujiang University, Jiangxi, China.

EXPERIENCE

🔬 Postgraduate Researcher (2021–Present): Conducting innovative research on lithium-ion battery electrode materials at Nanchang Institute of Technology.
🔬 Graduate Research Assistant (2014–2021): Focused on designing and synthesizing high-performance materials for advanced energy storage.
🔬 Undergraduate Projects (2008–2013): Explored chemical engineering methodologies to develop sustainable technologies.

AWARDS AND HONORS

🏆 Outstanding Graduate Award (2021): Recognized by East China Normal University for exceptional research.
🏆 Best Paper Award (2020): Awarded for excellence in academic publishing in applied material sciences.
🏆 Research Excellence Recognition (2017): Honored by Xiangtan University for contributions to physical chemistry.

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔍 Development of high-performance electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
🔍 Synthesis and application of metal oxides and MXene-based materials.
🔍 Advanced energy storage solutions for sustainable technologies.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  • 📚 Improvement of tetracycline removal using amino acid ionic liquid modified magnetic biochar.
  • 📚 In situ construction of rod-shaped Fe₃O₄/N-doped carbon for lithium-ion extraction.
  • 📚 Cu-doped graphene Cu/N₂OG as a high-performance battery anode.
  • 📚 Nest-Like Molybdenum Diphosphide-Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite for Lithium-Ion Storage.
  • 📚 TiB₄ and SrB₈ monolayers: High capacity and zero strain-like anode materials.
  • 📚 In-situ construction of CNTs/laterite composites for enhanced microwave absorption.
  • 📚 Interfacial electric field tuning for enhanced bisphenol A removal.
  • 📚 Correction: Mixing behavior of p-terphenyl-3,5,3′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid with trimesic acid.
  • 📚 A strategy to synthesize highly luminescent GdVO₄:Eu³⁺/CDs nanocomposite.
  • 📚 Hollow tubular NiCo-layered double hydroxide@Ag nanowire structure for flexible batteries.

CONCLUSION

Dr. Lijia Wan is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific academic contributions, innovative research, and interdisciplinary impact in advanced materials and energy storage. His work exemplifies excellence, and with further accomplishments in grant acquisition and interdisciplinary applications, he could solidify his reputation as a global leader in his field.

Mulala Danny Simatele – Environmental Science – Best Researcher Award

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