Thitisuda Kanchana-at | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Thitisuda Kanchana-at | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Thitisuda Kanchana-at, Thammasat University, Thailand

Thitisuda Kanchana-at is a passionate and skilled researcher in analytical chemistry and environmental toxicology, with a strong emphasis on air pollution and its effects on human health. With a background in forensic science and chemistry, she brings an interdisciplinary approach to understanding environmental contaminants, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in airborne particles. Currently serving as a research assistant at Thammasat University, she conducts in-depth analysis of particulate matter and its biological impacts on dermal and bronchial airway cells. Her role also includes operating advanced instrumentation like ICP-MS at Chulalongkorn University, where she collaborates on sustainable engineering projects. Thitisuda’s academic and professional path reflects her dedication to solving real-world problems at the intersection of chemistry, health, and the environment. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at leading academic symposia. Her work is rooted in scientific rigor, health impact awareness, and a drive for innovative environmental solutions.

Publication Profile

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Education

Thitisuda Kanchana-at holds an MSc in Forensic Science from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University (2022–2025), where her thesis focuses on characterizing particulate-bound PAHs and heavy metals in indoor air from religious sites in Bangkok and correlating findings with human exposure risks. This work is done in collaboration with the Environmental Engineering graduate program at Chulalongkorn University, integrating forensic analysis and environmental health research. She also completed her BSc in Chemistry from Chulalongkorn University (2018–2022), graduating with upper-second class honors and finishing one semester early. Her senior project centered on synthesizing an adsorbent from chitosan, nanocellulose, and zero-valent iron for arsenic removal, reflecting her early interest in pollution control and remediation. Her education has equipped her with strong foundations in analytical chemistry, instrumentation, environmental science, and interdisciplinary research, forming a solid base for her growing career in environmental health and forensic applications.

Experience

Thitisuda has extensive research experience across prestigious Thai institutions. Since October 2023, she has been a Research Assistant at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, conducting in-depth studies on ultrafine particulate matter, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, and their biological effects on skin and lung cells. Concurrently, since September 2022, she has worked as an ICP-MS Technician and Research Assistant at the Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. There, she supports environmental research in collaboration with local authorities, specializing in trace metal analysis using ICP-MS. Her early practical exposure includes internships at STREC, where she trained on instruments like TEM, SEM, NMR, and HPLC, and forensic anthropology training at Siriraj Hospital in 2024. Her experience merges practical laboratory skills, interdisciplinary research, and environmental health science, enabling her to contribute to academic research, environmental monitoring, and public health assessments.

Awards and Honors

Thitisuda Kanchana-at has demonstrated academic excellence and professional engagement, earning recognition throughout her education and early career. While specific award titles are not detailed, her achievements include graduating with upper-second class honors from Chulalongkorn University, completing her BSc in Chemistry one semester early, and being selected to present as a Speaker at the 11th Joint Symposium 2025—“Frontiers in Allied Health Sciences for All,” a prestigious platform highlighting significant research advancements. Her inclusion as a first author in the journal Atmosphere and co-author of a conference paper in IOP Publishing proceedings further attest to her scholarly contributions. Her forensic anthropology training at Siriraj Hospital and technical training at STREC underline her proactive pursuit of specialized knowledge and hands-on proficiency. These accomplishments collectively reflect her outstanding performance in research, communication, and scientific contribution in environmental health and forensic chemistry.

Research Focus

Thitisuda’s research is focused on the intersection of environmental chemistry and public health, particularly the toxicological impacts of air pollution. Her primary research investigates the presence and effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in ultrafine particulate matter (PM0.1), especially from indoor air environments such as religious spaces. She examines how these pollutants affect human health at the cellular level, studying their impact on keratinocytes and bronchial airway cells. Her work involves advanced analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, AAS, chromatography, and mass spectrometry to characterize contaminants and assess exposure risk. Thitisuda’s interdisciplinary approach also includes collaboration with environmental engineers to develop data-driven health assessments. She aims to translate chemical and toxicological data into meaningful insights for public health policy and environmental regulations. Her research serves as a vital bridge between forensic science, environmental analysis, and biomedical health risk evaluation.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Characterization of Particulate-Bound PAHs and Heavy Metals in Religious Indoor Air in Bangkok and Human Exposure Assessment”Atmosphere (First Author)

  • “Integrating Environmental Forensics and Toxicology in Urban Air Quality Studies”IOP Publishing (Conference Proceeding – Co-author)

Loren Babcock | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Loren Babcock | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Loren Babcock, The Ohio State University, United States

Dr. Loren E. Babcock is a distinguished American paleontologist and professor at The Ohio State University, renowned for his extensive work on evolutionary history through exceptional fossil deposits. With a research portfolio spanning the Cambrian Explosion to Ice Age extinctions, he explores predator-prey dynamics, biomineralization, and extinction drivers. He has significantly contributed to refining the geologic time scale and understanding fossil preservation processes. Babcock has led international stratigraphic commissions and conducted fieldwork across North America, Greenland, and Asia. His role as Director of the Orton Geological Museum and his commitment to science education highlight his leadership in academia and outreach. He is a fellow of prestigious scientific societies and has received numerous honors for both research and public service. Widely published and internationally recognized, Dr. Babcock’s multidisciplinary contributions continue to shape paleobiological and geological scholarship worldwide.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Loren E. Babcock earned his Ph.D. in Geology with honors from the University of Kansas in 1990, specializing in Paleontology. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future work in fossil preservation and evolutionary events. He completed his M.S. in Geology with a concentration in Paleontology at Kent State University in 1986, focusing on critical paleobiological analysis. Dr. Babcock began his academic journey with a B.S. in Geology and Biology from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1983, where he developed his interdisciplinary approach to understanding ancient life and Earth‘s processes. His educational trajectory reflects a consistent and deepening commitment to integrating geological sciences with biological evolution, positioning him as a leading figure in studying evolutionary dynamics and the fossil record. Each degree has contributed to his expertise in stratigraphy, paleontology, and taphonomy, laying the groundwork for a prolific academic and research career.

Experience

Dr. Babcock has been a faculty member at The Ohio State University since 1990, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor. He currently serves as Director of the Orton Geological Museum. He chaired the Division of Geological Sciences (2006–2009) and was Chair (2012–2020) and Secretary (2004–2012) of the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy, a UNESCO initiative. He was also a Guest Professor at Lund University, Sweden (2010–2017), and held adjunct roles at Otterbein University and Columbus College of Art & Design. His visiting appointments include Cornell University and the Paleontological Research Institution. Throughout his career, Dr. Babcock has led educational and scientific programs that bridge research with public engagement. His leadership within both academic institutions and international organizations has significantly influenced global stratigraphic standards, geologic education, and public understanding of paleontology. His administrative experience reflects a commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary teaching, and international collaboration in earth sciences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Loren E. Babcock has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2025, he earned the Best Researcher Award in Network Science and Graph Analytics for his work on sarcopterygian fishes. In 2024, he was honored with the Best Researcher Award in Earth and Planetary Sciences for his publication on Megalonyx Jefferson. He became a Fellow of The Paleontological Society in 2005 and the Geological Society of America in 1997. He was awarded the Charles Schuchert Award (2001) and Erasmus Haworth Alumni Award (2008). Other accolades include the President’s Citation from SEPM (2006), Antarctica Service Medal (2007), and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (1993). He was a Distinguished Lecturer for The Paleontological Society (1993–1994) and was elected to the Society of Mineral Museum Professionals in 2023. These awards reflect his outstanding contributions to paleontology, public outreach, and international scientific collaboration.

Research Focus

Dr. Babcock’s research investigates major evolutionary milestones through exceptional fossil deposits known as Lagerstätten. A primary question guiding his work is the role of predator-prey relationships in evolutionary and extinction events. His core research spans three pivotal periods: (1) the Cambrian explosion and the role of predator-prey dynamics in marine diversification; (2) the rise of jawed fishes during the Devonian–Carboniferous and their ecological impacts; and (3) the extinction of Pleistocene megafauna like giant sloths and dire wolves due to climate shifts and human activities. He also advances global stratigraphic correlation, refining Earth‘s geologic calendar. Additional interests include fossilization processes, biomineralization, biologic asymmetry, taphonomy of arthropods (especially trilobites), and the evolution of early biomineralizing organisms. His work combines field data, sedimentology, biostratigraphy, and geochemical methods, contributing foundational insights to paleobiology, geochronology, and Earth history. Dr. Babcock’s interdisciplinary approach continues to redefine our understanding of the ancient biosphere.

Publication Top Notes

  • 🦑 Phylogenetic Affinities of Echmatocrinus brachiatus (Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale, Canada)

  • 🕷️ Early Cambrian Chelicerate Arthropod from China

  • 🧬 Cambrian Trilobite Biostratigraphy and Its Role in Developing an Integrated History of the Earth System

  • 🧽 Siliceous Spicules in a Vauxiid Sponge (Demospongia) from the Kaili Biota (Cambrian Stage 5), Guizhou, South China

  • 🐚 Systematics and Palaeobiology of Some Cambrian Hyoliths from Guizhou, China, and Nevada, USA

  • 🦐 Exceptionally Preserved Mickwitzia from the Indian Springs Lagerstätte (Cambrian Stage 3), Nevada and Implications for Early Cambrian Brachiopod Evolution

  • 🦠 Microorganism-Mediated Preservation of Planolites, a Common Trace Fossil from the Harkless Formation, Cambrian of Nevada, USA

  • 🐾 A Diverse High-Latitude Ichnofauna from the Permian Pagoda and Mackellar Formations (Beacon Supergroup), Shackleton Glacier Area, Central Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica

  • 🪸 Exceptionally Preserved Conchopeltis (Cnidaria) from the Ordovician of New York, USA: Taphonomic Inferences

  • 🦴 Palaeobiology, Taphonomy, and Stratigraphic Significance of the Trilobite Buenellus from the Sirius Passet Biota, Cambrian of North Greenland

  • 🐟 Feeding Behaviour of Two Ordovician Trilobites Inferred from Trace Fossils and Non-Biomineralised Anatomy, Ohio and Kentucky, USA

  • 🧬 Morphology, Ontogeny and Distribution of the Cambrian Series 2 Ellipsocephalid Trilobite Strenuaeva spinosa from Scandinavia

  • 🦠 Exceptionally Preserved Biota from a Carbonate Lithofacies, Huaqiao Formation (Cambrian: Drumian Stage), Hunan, China

  • 🪨 Revised Stratigraphic Nomenclature for Parts of the Ediacaran-Cambrian Series 2 Succession in the Southern Great Basin, USA

  • 🐚 Systematics, Paleobiology, and Taphonomy of Some Exceptionally Preserved Trilobites from Cambrian Lagerstätten of Utah

  • 🐾 Paleoecology of Commensal Epizoans Fouling Flexicalymene (Trilobita) from the Upper Ordovician, Cincinnati Arch Region, USA

Yu Geon Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Yu Geon Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yu Geon Lee, Korea Food Research Institute, KFRI, South Korea

Dr. Yu Geon Lee is an Assistant Researcher in the Precision Nutrition Research Group at the Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI), Republic of Korea. With a strong background in food science and technology, Dr. Lee focuses on how bioactive compounds from natural sources can influence metabolic and cellular health. His research explores areas such as mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, lipid metabolism, and nutrikinetics. Dr. Lee is particularly interested in developing functional foods and therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and cancer. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and collaborates extensively across interdisciplinary fields. Known for his contributions to understanding nutritionally-induced cellular responses, Dr. Lee integrates both in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine the health benefits of phytochemicals. His work contributes significantly to advancing precision nutrition and promoting health through diet. He is committed to innovation at the intersection of nutrition, cellular biology, and disease prevention.

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Yu Geon Lee completed all his higher education at Chonnam National University in South Korea. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food Science and Technology in 2011, where he developed a foundational understanding of food composition, safety, and processing. Building on this, he pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in the same field, completing it in 2013, with a focus likely on early-stage research in food biochemistry and nutrition. He went on to obtain his Ph.D. in 2016 in Food Science and Technology, specializing in cellular metabolism and the health impacts of functional food components. His academic training prepared him to integrate laboratory techniques with applied nutrition science, leading to his current research pursuits in nutrikinetics, mitochondrial biology, and anti-metabolic disease strategies. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated strong academic excellence and research capability in biochemical and molecular nutrition.

Experience

Dr. Yu Geon Lee currently serves as an Assistant Researcher at the Precision Nutrition Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI), where he explores the molecular mechanisms by which nutrients and natural compounds influence human metabolism and health. With nearly a decade of experience in cellular and molecular nutrition research, he has developed expertise in studying insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial function. Dr. Lee has led and contributed to numerous research projects involving cell metabolism, nutrikinetics, and anticancer agents, using state-of-the-art biochemical and molecular tools. His professional journey also includes mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with cross-functional teams on national and international research initiatives. Dr. Lee’s role at KFRI involves not only conducting experiments but also publishing results in reputed journals and contributing to Korea’s advancement in food science and health-oriented food products. His commitment reflects a balanced blend of academic insight and translational research application.

Awards and Honors

While the provided document does not list specific awards or honors, Dr. Yu Geon Lee’s impressive publication record and research contributions suggest he is a recognized figure in the field of food science and precision nutrition. Being consistently published in top-tier international journals such as Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Cells, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Molecular Cell, speaks to the academic and research excellence he upholds. His involvement in impactful studies such as the regulation of mitochondrial respiration, insulin resistance, and autophagy in metabolic diseases positions him as a valuable contributor in biomedical nutrition science. He may also be a recipient of internal institutional recognitions or project grants, often awarded by KFRI or national research foundations, though specific titles are not listed. His growing influence is evident through collaborative publications and leadership in projects concerning natural bioactive compounds and disease prevention mechanisms.

Research Focus

Dr. Yu Geon Lee’s research centers on the interplay between nutrition and cellular metabolism, with a special focus on mitochondrial function, insulin resistance, lipid homeostasis, and autophagy. He studies how natural compounds—including bioactives from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Schisandra chinensis, and other plants—affect cellular signaling pathways such as IRS/PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and PCSK9 regulation. A key part of his work involves nutrikinetics, understanding how food-derived molecules are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted (ADME). Dr. Lee is also interested in the role of mitochondrial stress responses in metabolic diseases and cancer progression. His holistic approach integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and nutritional sciences to design precision nutrition strategies that can be used for disease prevention and treatment. By targeting specific pathways involved in metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, Dr. Lee’s work supports the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals aimed at promoting metabolic health and longevity.

Publication Top Notes

  1. 📊 Improvement of Glucose Metabolism by Pennogenin 3-O-β-Chacotrioside via IRS/PI3K/Akt Signaling and Mitochondrial Respiration in Insulin-Resistant HepatocytesMol. Nutr. Food Res. (2025)

  2. 🔬 Tomatine Improves Glucose Metabolism and Mitochondrial Respiration via AMPK in Insulin-Resistant Hepatocyte Cell LinesCells (2025)

  3. 🌿 Licochalcone D from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Improves High-Glucose-Induced Insulin Resistance in HepatocytesIJMS (2024)

  4. 🧴 Natural Product-Derived Compounds Targeting Keratinocytes and Pathways in Psoriasis TherapeuticsIJMS (2024)

  5. 🔋 Pennogenin 3-O-β-Chacotrioside Attenuates Lipid Accumulation by Enhancing Mitochondrial Oxidative CapacityIJMS (2024)

  6. ❤️ Schisandrin A Upregulates LDL Receptor by Inhibiting PCSK9 Stabilization in Steatotic ModelJ. Microbiol. Biotechnol. (2024)

  7. 💊 Capsella bursa-pastoris Extract Mitigates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Antioxidant Enzyme UpregulationIJMS (2023)

  8. ⚖️ Anti-Obesity Effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Ethanol Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced MiceKorean J. Food Preserv. (2023)

  9. 🔥 Patulin Ameliorates Lipid Accumulation and Inflammatory Response by Modulating Mitochondrial RespirationAntioxidants (2023)

  10. 🍷 Patulin Alleviates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation by Regulating Lipogenesis and Mitochondrial RespirationLife Sciences (2023)

  11. 🧬 Role of Mitochondrial Stress Response in Cancer ProgressionCells (2022)

  12. 🧫 SREBP-1c Impairs ULK1 Sulfhydration-Mediated Autophagy, Promoting Hepatic SteatosisMolecular Cell (2021)

Makram El Bachawati | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Makram El Bachawati | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Makram El Bachawati, University of Balamand, Lebanon

Dr. Makram El Bachawati is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Balamand in Lebanon, specializing in environmental and materials engineering. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he is also the Director of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Center. Fluent in French, English, and Arabic, he has significantly contributed to environmental sustainability through full cradle-to-grave assessments, sustainability audits, and technical reports. Dr. El Bachawati has served as a national expert for EU-funded projects such as SABIOP and SwitchMed, conducting LCAs on biomass briquettes and wine production. He has co-supervised PhD research with the University of Lleida in Spain, focusing on wastewater treatment and green infrastructure. He is actively involved in coordinating several EU and institutionally funded sustainability projects, including SWaTH and REEEB. His work integrates technical expertise, project management, and innovation in eco-engineering to support sustainable development.

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Makram El Bachawati holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from Université de La Rochelle, France (2013–2016), where his research centered on advanced environmental materials. He earned his Master’s degree in Research Materials, Nanomaterials, and Multimaterials from Université Paul Sabatier–Toulouse III, France (2009–2010), following a Master of Science in Chemistry of Materials (2008–2009) from the Lebanese University in Beirut. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the Lebanese University (2005–2008). His educational path reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied materials science, with a focus on sustainability, nanomaterials, and environmental performance. Through multidisciplinary academic training across Lebanon and France, Dr. El Bachawati developed deep expertise in life cycle assessment, sustainable design, and engineering solutions for environmental challenges, equipping him with the scientific acumen and cross-cultural insight to lead impactful research and teaching in chemical and environmental engineering.

Experience

Since 2022, Dr. Makram El Bachawati has served as Associate Professor at the University of Balamand, teaching courses in mass transfer, polymers, process simulation, reactor design, and life cycle energy assessment. He is Director of the university’s LCA Center and leads student advising and curriculum development. From 2017–2018, he contributed to national and international environmental assessments, and in 2024, he began co-supervising PhD research with the University of Lleida. As a national expert for the EU-funded SABIOP and SwitchMed programs, he conducted comprehensive LCAs for biomass briquettes and Chardonnay wine. He coordinates EU-funded (e.g., SWaTH) and institutional (e.g., REEEB) projects focusing on green infrastructure and sustainable wastewater treatment. His supervision includes projects on biodiesel, biochar, olive oil, and composting. He’s also skilled in using SimaPro, GaBi, Aspen, and LCA databases like Ecoinvent and ILCD, bringing practical and strategic experience to environmental sustainability engineering.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Makram El Bachawati has gained recognition as a national and international expert in life cycle assessment and sustainability. His selection as a national expert for major EU-funded programs such as SABIOP and SwitchMed reflects his high standing in the field. He co-led the preparation of Product Environmental Footprints (PEF) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which earned acclaim in European sustainability forums. His coordination role in the SWaTH project—funded by Erasmus+ with a nearly €1 million budget—underscores the trust placed in his leadership for high-impact environmental initiatives. Additionally, he leads the REEEB project, funded in collaboration with universities in France and Spain. These honors and roles reflect his ability to bridge research with policy and practice, influencing sustainability standards at national and EU levels. While specific individual awards are not listed, his high-level appointments and EU-funded project leadership speak volumes about his distinguished career.

Research Focus

Dr. Makram El Bachawati’s research focuses on environmental sustainability through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), eco-design, and material reuse. He specializes in cradle-to-grave evaluations, carbon and water footprints, and the circular economy. His investigations include LCA of green roofs, wastewater treatment, biomass and biodiesel production, and biochar integration. His work spans both technical modeling using tools like SimaPro, GaBi, and Aspen, and interpretative sustainability metrics guided by ISO 14040 and 14044 standards. Dr. El Bachawati also explores the environmental and economic impacts of biosolar roofs, composting, and gasification of organic waste. His international research collaborations with institutions like the University of Lleida (Spain) and Université de La Rochelle (France) extend to sustainability in wine production and hospital wastewater treatment. His interdisciplinary research integrates environmental engineering, project management, stakeholder coordination, and LCA methodology, advancing practical solutions for global sustainability challenges.

Publication Top Notes

  • ✅ Life Cycle Assessment of Biomass Briquettes under the SABIOP Project

  • ✅ Product Environmental Footprint for Chardonnay Wine under SwitchMed

  • ✅ LCA of Olive Oil Production: Energy and Environmental Impacts

  • ✅ Assessment of Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil via LCA

  • ✅ Comparative LCA of Tertiary Wastewater Treatments

  • ✅ Environmental and Economic Assessment of Biosolar Roofs

  • ✅ LCA-Based Design of Hospital Wastewater Treatment Plants

  • ✅ Sustainable Gasification of Wastewater Sludge for Energy Production

  • ✅ Incorporating Biochar into Green Roofs: LCA and CO2 Capture

  • ✅ Composting Organic Waste: Optimization and Environmental Assessment

  • ✅ LCA of Biochar Production from Agricultural Waste

  • ✅ Water Reuse Efficiency in Green Roof Systems: A Life Cycle Perspective

  • ✅ Circular Economy Assessment in Lebanese Agricultural Practices