Vasiliki Keramari | Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

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Vasiliki Keramari | Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Vasiliki Keramari is an Environmental and Chemical Engineer and a Ph.D. candidate in Analytical Chemistry whose work bridges advanced chemical analysis, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials research. Her expertise spans heavy metal detection, nanomaterials, and environmental monitoring, supported by a growing publication record and extensive teaching experience. As a Chemistry Lecturer at Aegean College, affiliated with the University of Essex, she teaches Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology, and Ecotoxicology, contributing to the development of future scientists through rigorous, research-informed instruction. She also serves as an instructor at IEK Omiros and IEK Akmi in Thessaloniki, delivering courses in Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Environmental Protection, Laboratory Safety, and Health and Safety, reflecting her broad scientific background and commitment to academic excellence. Her earlier role as a Quality Control and Data Analyst at Amarla Retail SA further strengthened her skills in chemical data evaluation, quality assurance, and process documentation, enhancing her ability to translate scientific principles into practical industrial applications. Throughout her academic and professional path, she has demonstrated strong competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, working effectively with scientists, engineers, and industry professionals toward environmentally responsible and technologically innovative solutions. Her research interests focus on developing reliable analytical methods, investigating advanced materials for environmental applications, and promoting sustainable approaches to pollution control. She also holds certifications in environmental and occupational safety standards, underscoring her dedication to responsible scientific practice. Overall, her combined experience in teaching, research, and industry positions her as a dynamic and forward-thinking scientist committed to advancing analytical chemistry and environmental sustainability through education, applied research, and technical expertise.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Keramari, V., Karastogianni, S., & Girousi, S. (2023). New prospects in the electroanalysis of heavy metal ions (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu): Development and application of novel electrode surfaces. Methods and Protocols, 6(4), 60.

Keramari, V., Papadimou, S. G., Golia, E. E., & Girousi, S. (2024). Bismuth film along with dsDNA-modified electrode surfaces as promising (bio)sensors in the analysis of heavy metals in soils. Biosensors, 14(6), 310.

Girousi, S., Keramari, V., Paraschi, I., Karastogianni, S., & Golia, E. E. (2025). Development of a carbon paste electrode modified with saffron-conjugated silver nanoparticles for the simultaneous determination of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cl in soils and plants. Chemosensors, 13(3), 91.

Keramari, V., & Girousi, S. (2025). Manganese nanoparticles for heavy metal detection vs. noble and base metal nanoparticles: Prospects, limitations, and applications in electroanalysis.

Ana Moreno-Reyes | Chemistry | Best Article Award

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Ana Moreno-Reyes | Chemistry | Best Article Award

Instituto de Ciencias de la Construcción Eduardo Torroja | Spain

Dr. Ana María Moreno is a distinguished researcher in the field of chemical sciences, specializing in the design, development, and characterization of innovative cement-based materials with advanced environmental functionalities. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from the University of Castilla-La Mancha in 2022, following her master’s and undergraduate studies in chemistry from the same institution. Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Construction Sciences Eduardo Torroja (IETcc-CSIC) within the Department of Materials, she is an active member of the “Recycling of Materials” research group. Her work focuses on promoting sustainability within the construction sector by developing materials capable of acting as CO₂ sinks while incorporating recycled and industrial by-products, aligning her research with the principles of the circular economy. Dr. Moreno’s scientific contributions emphasize the valorization of waste materials to reduce environmental impact and enhance the performance of construction materials. She has also been instrumental in developing novel methodologies for measuring gamma radioactivity in cement-based materials, contributing to safer and more sustainable material design. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering, addressing global challenges related to waste management, decarbonization, and sustainable construction practices. Through her research, Dr. Moreno demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing green technologies and circular solutions, fostering innovation that supports both scientific progress and environmental responsibility.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Frías, M., Alujas, A., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Ibañez, J. A., Paredes, M. V., & Vegas, I. (2024). Advances in understanding R3 chemical reactivity in various traditional and emerging pozzolans: Chemical, mineralogical and calorimetric dimensions. Construction and Building Materials, 457, 139474. Elsevier.

Frías, M., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Vigil de la Villa, R., García, R., Villar-Cociña, E., Oleaga, A., & Vegas, I. (2024). Scientific advances regarding the effect of carbonated alkaline waste materials on pozzolanic reactivity. Journal of Building Engineering, 98, 111423.

Frías, M., Moreno de los Reyes, A. M., Villar-Cociña, E., García, R., Vigil de la Villa, R., & Vidak Vasić, M. (2024). New eco-cements made with Marabou weed biomass ash. Materials, 17(20), 5012.

Frías, M., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Vigil de la Villa, R., García, R., Martínez-Ramírez, S., Moreno, J., & Oleaga, A. (2024). Advances in the understanding of alkaline waste materials as potential eco-pozzolans: Characterisation, reactivity and behaviour. Journal of Building Engineering, 92, 109744. Elsevier.

Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Suárez-Navarro, J. A., Alonso, M. M., Gascó, C., Sobrados, I., & Puertas, F. (2022). Hybrid cements: Mechanical properties, microstructure and radiological behavior. Molecules, 27(2), 498.

Puertas, F., Suárez-Navarro, J. A., Gil-Maroto, A., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Gascó, C., Pachón, A., & Alonso, M. M. (2021). Microstructural, mechanical and radiological characterization of mortars made with granite sand. Materials, 14(19), 5656.

George Hanna | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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George Hanna | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Medical University of South Carolina | United States

Dr. George Steven Hanna is a Research Assistant Professor whose work lies at the intersection of environmental health, natural products chemistry, and biomedical sciences. He earned his B.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston in 2014 and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Natural Products Chemistry from the Medical University of South Carolina. With a strong foundation in marine biology, Dr. Hanna has developed a career-long interest in understanding how environmental exposures—particularly those related to water quality, pollutants, and microbial dynamics—influence human health and disease. His multidisciplinary research approach integrates environmental studies, epidemiology, ecology, bioinformatics, toxicology, metabolomics, and pharmacology, using the chemistry of nature to inform biological mechanisms and drive therapeutic discovery. He has cultivated collaborations with key organizations including NOAA, NIST, South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources, and the College of Charleston, in addition to engaging community-based groups such as Charleston Waterkeepers. Through these partnerships, he has helped develop a five-year biobank of  citizen-science water samples, providing a valuable resource for evaluating bacterial pollutants, chemical contaminants, and sewage indicators in local waterways. Dr. Hanna’s research not only advances drug discovery and toxicological studies but also directly informs public health policy and water treatment strategies. Committed to team science, community engagement, and addressing health disparities, he seeks to bridge environmental and biomedical sciences to improve human health outcomes while fostering sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems.

profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  • Hanna, G. S., Findlay, V. J., Turner, D. P., & Hamann, M. T. (2024). Quantitative NMR analysis of marine macroalgae for AGE inhibition by methylglyoxal scavenging. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(39), 21905–21911.

  • Hanna, G. S., Benjamin, M. M., Choo, Y. M., De, R., Schinazi, R. F., Nielson, S. E., Hevel, J. M., & Hamann, M. T. (2024). Informatics and computational approaches for the discovery and optimization of natural product-inspired inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase. Journal of Natural Products, 87(2), 217–227.

  • Valente, I. V. B., Garcia, D., Abbott, A., Spruill, L., Siegel, J., Forcucci, J., Hanna, G., Mukherjee, R., Hamann, M., Hilliard, E., Lockett, M., Cole, D. J., & Klauber-DeMore, N. (2024). The anti-proliferative effects of a frankincense extract in a window of opportunity phase Ia clinical trial for patients with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 204(3), 521–530.

  • Krisanits, B. A., Woods, P., Nogueira, L. M., Woolfork, D. D., Lloyd, C. E., Baldwin, A., Frye, C. C., Peterson, K. D., Cosh, S. D., Guo, Q. J., Spruill, L. S., Lilly, M. B., Helke, K., Li, H., Hanna, G. S., Hamann, M. T., Thomas, C., Ahmed, M., Gooz, M. B., Findlay, V. J., & Turner, D. P. (2022). Non-enzymatic glycoxidation linked with nutrition enhances the tumorigenic capacity of prostate cancer epithelia through AGE mediated activation of RAGE in cancer associated fibroblasts. Translational Oncology, 17, 101350.

  • Mayasari, D., Murti, Y. B., Pratiwi, S. U. T., Sudarsono, S., Hanna, G., & Hamann, M. T. (2022). TLC-based fingerprinting analysis of the geographical variation of Melastoma malabathricum in inland and archipelago regions: A rapid and easy-to-use tool for field metabolomics studies. Journal of Natural Products, 85(1), 292–300.

Inimfon Udoetok | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Inimfon Udoetok | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr Inimfon Udoetok, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Dr. Inimfon Udoetok is an esteemed chemist with over a decade of experience in R&D, specializing in the design and modification of renewable and degradable biopolymers. His research spans adsorption-based applications, agriculture, food preservation, healthcare, oil spill remediation, and direct lithium extraction technology. Dr. Udoetok has made groundbreaking contributions to sustainable materials and environmental remediation. His work has been recognized through numerous awards, and he actively collaborates with industry and academia to develop innovative solutions for global challenges. In addition to his academic and industrial achievements, he has published high-impact research articles that advance biopolymer science, environmental chemistry, and lithium extraction technologies.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry – University of Saskatchewan (2018) 🏅🔬
  • M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry – University of Port Harcourt (2006) 🏆⚛️
  • Certificate in Applied Project Management – Saskatchewan Polytechnic (2020) 📊📈

Dr. Udoetok’s educational journey has been marked by academic excellence and a commitment to applied research. His Ph.D. research at the University of Saskatchewan focused on developing biopolymer-based materials for environmental remediation and sustainable applications. His Master’s research at the University of Port Harcourt emphasized industrial chemistry innovations, laying the foundation for his expertise in renewable materials. In addition, he completed Project Management certification, enhancing his ability to lead large-scale research projects and industrial collaborations.

Experience

  • Laboratory Manager – Arizona Lithium ⚡🔬
  • Lithium Extraction Chemist Manager – Arizona Lithium 🔍🔋
  • Senior Process Development Specialist – Prairie Lithium 🏭💡
  • Adjunct Professor – University of Regina 🎓📚
  • Sessional Lecturer – University of Saskatchewan 🏫📖

Dr. Udoetok’s career bridges industry, academia, and cutting-edge research. He has played a key role in the development of lithium extraction technologies, working with Arizona Lithium and Prairie Lithium. As a respected academic, he has mentored students and contributed to research as an Adjunct Professor and Sessional Lecturer. His expertise in laboratory management, materials science, and sustainable chemistry has made him a leader in renewable and degradable biopolymer applications.

Awards and Honors

  • University of Saskatchewan GSA Innovations Research Award 🏆🔬
  • Best Student Poster – Surface Canada Conference 📜🎖
  • Second Best Poster – 26th Canadian Materials Science Conference 🏅📊
  • Saskatchewan Innovation & Opportunity Scholarship Award 🎓🌍
  • Dr. Kenneth Johansson Scholarship Award 🏆📖
  • University of Saskatchewan Graduate Teaching Fellowship Scholarship 📚🎓

Dr. Udoetok’s contributions to research and innovation have been widely recognized through prestigious awards. His work in surface chemistry, material science, and biopolymer development has earned top honors at international conferences. He has also been awarded multiple scholarships and fellowships for his outstanding research, teaching, and innovation.

Research Focus

Dr. Inimfon Udoetok’s research focuses on renewable and degradable biopolymers for applications in adsorption-based technologies, environmental remediation, agriculture, food preservation, and healthcare. His work has led to breakthroughs in oil spill remediation materials and lithium extraction technologies, addressing global challenges in sustainability and clean energy.

His research explores:

  • Chitosan biocomposites for water purification 💧🌍
  • Hydrolyzed cellulose for hydrogen generation ⚛️🔋
  • Granulated lithium-ion sieves for battery materials 🔬🔄
  • Hybrid biopolymer-based adsorbents for wastewater treatment 🏭🚰

By integrating polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and green engineering, Dr. Udoetok’s work advances sustainable solutions for industrial and environmental applications.

Publication Top Notes

  1. “Chitosan Biocomposites with Variable Cross-Linking and Copper-Doping for Enhanced Phosphate Removal” (2024) 📊🔬
  2. “Evaluation of a Granular Cu-Modified Chitosan Biocomposite for Sustainable Sulfate Removal from Aqueous Media: A Batch and Fixed-Bed Column Study” (2024) 📈💧
  3. “Hydrolyzed Forms of Cellulose and Its Metal Composites for Hydrogen Generation: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation” (2024) ⚛️🔍
  4. “Granulation of Lithium-Ion Sieves Using Biopolymers: A Review” (2024) 🔋📖
  5. “Hybrid Zipper-Like Chitosan-Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Ferric Adsorbents for Tunable Anion Adsorption” (2023) 🌱🔬
  6. “Design of Sustainable Biomaterial Composite Adsorbents for Point-of-Use Removal of Lead Ions from Water” (2022) 🚰🧪

 

Avat Arman Taherpour | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Avat Arman Taherpour | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Avat Arman, Taherpour Razi University, Iran

Prof. Dr. Avat Arman Taherpour is a distinguished Professor of Organic Chemistry at Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, and a member of the academic board of the Chemistry Faculty. He has collaborated as an invited researcher with the Medical Biology Research Center at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Prof. Taherpour completed his postdoctoral studies in organic chemistry under the supervision of Professor Curt Wentrup at The University of Queensland, Australia. He is renowned for his contributions to organic and medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, and nano-chemistry. His research bridges experimental and theoretical chemistry, focusing on innovative methodologies that enhance scientific efficiency and sustainability.

Education:

Avat Arman Taherpour holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch in Tehran, Iran, which he completed between 1994 and 1997. His academic journey further includes extensive postdoctoral research at the University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia, where he was part of the School of Molecular and Microbial Office-Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules Group, led by Professor Curt Wentrup, from 2006 to 2007. Additionally, he undertook visiting academic roles at renowned institutions such as the University of Melbourne in 2016 and 2017 at the Chemistry Faculty, Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute. He also served as a visiting scholar at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia, in 2011–2012. His research experience spans various prestigious academic environments, showcasing his global engagement and contributions to the field of chemistry.

Professional Profiles:

ORCID Profile

Professional Experience:

Professor and Academic Board Member

Institution: Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

Duration: 2012–2021

Field: Chemistry (Organic and Nanochemistry) Departments

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Organization: Rastak Ghatran Pazhuh (RGP) Co., Kermanshah, Iran

Duration: 2015–2020

Invited Part-Time Colleague

Institution: Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah, Iran

Duration: 2013–2020

Professor and Academic Board Member

Institution: Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

Duration: 1997–2012

Field: Chemistry

 

Research Interests:

Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Compounds Synthesis

Quantum Mechanical and Computational Chemistry

Molecular Modeling and Theoretical Chemistry

Physical Organic Chemistry

Spectroscopic Studies of Organic Compounds

Nano-Chemistry and Related Sciences

Phytochemistry and Chemistry of Medicinal Herbs

Publications:

M. Moeinimehr, M. Safaiee, A. A. Taherpour
“First Synthesis of the Pyridiniumporphyrazinato OxoVanadium Sulfonic Acid Nitrate as an Efficient Reagent for Selective Nitration of Aromatic Derivatives by in Situ Generation of NO₂ and the Corresponding Theoretical Studies”
Journal of Molecular Structure, 2024, 140935. DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.140935

Mohammadsaleh Norouzibazaz, Mohammad Bagher Gholivand, Avat Arman Taherpour
“Design and construction of MoS₂/Ni₃S₂ nanosheets decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a sustainable counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells: An experimental and computational investigation”
Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 2024, Volume 193, 112168.

Maryam Miri, Avat Arman Taherpour, Curt Wentrup
“Nitrile Imine Cyclizations and Rearrangements: N-Phenyl-C-styrylnitrile Imine and N-Phenyl-C-phenylethynylnitrile Imine”
J. Org. Chem. (ACS), 2024, 89, 13, 9360–9370.

O. Moztarzadeh, M. Jamshidi, A. A. Taherpour, V. Babuska
“Molecular modelling of fullerene C₆₀ functionalized by nitric oxide for use in biological environment”
Scientific Reports, 2024, 14, 2565-2578.

Azar Hassani Daramroudi, Avat Arman Taherpour, Morteza Jamshidi
“Modeling of an efficient donor-π-acceptor-π organic solar cell: a first principle study of a hole–electron process by DFT and TD-DFT study”
Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society (JICS), 2024, 21(5), 1353-1368.

Elahe Rajaeian, Avat Arman Taherpour
“Kinetic Study of Ring-Forming Reactions between Nitrile Oxides, Nitrile Sulfides and Triazoles with Simple Cycloalkynes by DFT Method”
Nashrieh Shimi va Mohandesi Shimi Iran (NSMSI-Iran), 2024, 42(3), 213-225.

R. Azizi, M. Shamsipur, A.A. Taherpour, A. Pashabadi
“Zwitterionic hydrogen-bonded organic framework (ZHOF): a metal-free water oxidation proton relay in alkaline and neutral media”
RSC-J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 1491-1502.

Mohammad Norouzibazaz, Mohammad Bagher Gholivand, Avat Arman Taherpour, Mahin Mirzaei
“Experimental and computational investigation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated by Co-Ni-Se@MoSe₂ core-shell as a sustainable counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells”
Materials Today Energy, 2023, 38, 101447.

Bahare Abdolahi, Mohammad Bagher Gholivand, Mojtaba Shamsipur, Avat Taherpour, Mahin Mirzaei, Azar Hassani Daramroudi
“Ni₀.₅Co₀.₅WO₄@f-MWCNTs/GO nanocomposite with improved supercapattery activity as the electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor device”
Journal of Energy Storage, 2023, 73, 109181.

Elahe Rajaeian, Avat Arman Taherpour
“Kinetic Study of Ring-Forming Reactions Between Nitrile Oxides, Nitrile Sulfides and Triazoles with Simple Cycloalkynes by DFT Method”
Nashrieh Shimi va Mohandesi Shimi Iran, 2023, 42 (3), 213-226.

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Avat Arman Taherpour is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a track record of outstanding research contributions, innovative scientific solutions, and a strong global presence in the chemistry field. His work exemplifies scientific excellence and continues to advance key areas such as energy storage, environmental sustainability, and material science. However, to further enhance his impact, there are opportunities to engage more with industrial sectors and broaden the public visibility of his work. Overall, Prof. Dr. Taherpour’s exceptional contributions to the field of chemistry position him as an ideal candidate for this prestigious award.