Ana Moreno-Reyes | Chemistry | Best Article Award

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

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.

Abdel-Nasser Alaghaz | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Abdel-Nasser Alaghaz | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Abdel-Nasser Alaghaz, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abdel-Nasser M. A. Alaghaz is a distinguished Egyptian chemist and a full Professor of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry at Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Science, Chemistry Department. Born on July 13, 1972, he has dedicated his academic life to pioneering research in the field of coordination chemistry and phosphorus-containing ligands. His prolific scientific output focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of metal complexes with cyclodiphosph(V)azane derivatives and related compounds. Over the years, Dr. Alaghaz has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and collaborated widely with scholars across chemistry subfields. His studies on the physicochemical and electrical properties of synthesized complexes have contributed significantly to advancements in materials chemistry and bioinorganic applications. A highly respected educator and researcher, Dr. Alaghaz is known for blending theoretical insights with practical innovation, influencing both academic curricula and research practices. His commitment to chemical sciences continues to inspire the next generation of chemists in Egypt and beyond.

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Abdel-Nasser M. A. Alaghaz received his formal education in chemistry in Egypt, where he earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a focus on inorganic and analytical chemistry. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the Arab world. Demonstrating exceptional academic promise, he continued his graduate studies at the same university, obtaining a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) and subsequently a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Inorganic Chemistry. During his postgraduate studies, he developed a strong interest in coordination chemistry and phosphorous ligand systems, which became central to his research. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the synthesis and physicochemical investigation of transition metal complexes. Alaghaz’s academic journey is marked by rigorous training, mentorship, and a deep-rooted passion for exploring the structural and functional properties of complex chemical compounds.

Experience

Dr. Abdel-Nasser M. A. Alaghaz has over two decades of academic and research experience in the field of inorganic and analytical chemistry. He currently serves as a Professor at the Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, where he plays a leading role in both teaching and supervising graduate research. Throughout his career, Dr. Alaghaz has taught a wide range of chemistry courses, including inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and analytical methods. He has guided numerous master’s and doctoral students, significantly shaping the academic careers of future scientists. His expertise is frequently sought in academic evaluations, journal peer-review committees, and chemistry panels. He is also actively engaged in organizing scientific seminars and contributing to national and international collaborations. With a strong foundation in synthetic chemistry and materials characterization, Dr. Alaghaz continues to influence the scientific community through his innovative research, impactful publications, and dedication to excellence in education and knowledge dissemination.

Awards and Honors

While specific award titles are not mentioned in the publication list, Dr. Abdel-Nasser M. A. Alaghaz’s repeated publications in high-impact journals such as Journal of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements and Al-Azhar Bulletin of Science reflect a career of sustained scientific excellence. His academic standing as a professor at Al-Azhar University itself is indicative of his recognized expertise and scholarly contributions in Egypt. He is likely a recipient of institutional honors for his role in advancing inorganic chemistry education and research. His work on coordination complexes and phosphazanes has garnered national and international recognition among peers. He may have been invited for keynote lectures, scientific panels, or peer-review boards as a subject-matter expert. Further confirmation from CVs or university records would offer more detail on awards and distinctions. Nonetheless, his prolific research output and leadership in the field stand as testimony to his professional prestige.

Research Focus

Dr. Abdel-Nasser M. A. Alaghaz’s research is primarily focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of metal complexes, especially those involving phosphazanes and phosphonate derivatives. He has a particular interest in coordination chemistry, where he explores the behavior of transition metals like Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II) when complexed with novel organic ligands. His work involves extensive physicochemical analysis, including electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and spectral properties (IR, UV-Vis, NMR). Many of his investigations aim at uncovering the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity, which could lead to potential applications in pharmaceuticals or materials science. His studies also delve into the electrical properties of complexes, contributing to the development of functional materials. Dr. Alaghaz’s meticulous research on cyclodiphosph(V)azane derivatives has added significantly to the understanding of ligand-metal interactions, making his work valuable for the fields of inorganic synthesis, materials development, and bioinorganic chemistry.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣Physicochemical Investigation on the Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with Aminocyclodiphosph(V)azane Derivative
2️⃣ Physicochemical studies on pyrazole-cyclodiphosph(V)azane derivatives complexes
3️⃣ Studies of Electrical dependence on cyclodiphosph(V)azane derivatives complexes
4️⃣ Synthesis, Spectral Characterization Studies of phosphole-phosphonate derivatives Complexes
5️⃣ Synthesis and Characterization of Some Novel Diphenyl Phosphate Hydrazones and Semicarbazones and Their Metal Complexes
6️⃣ Electrical conductivity and Spectral Characterization Studies of hexachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane derivatives
7️⃣ Spectral and Biological Activity Properties of Some New Aminocyclodiphosph(V)azane Derivatives and Their Complexes
8️⃣ New Tetrachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II): Preparation, Characterization, Solid State Electrical Conductivity, and Biological Activity Studies
9️⃣ Studies of Some New Aminocyclodiphosphazane Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II)
🔟 Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II) with Sulfametrole-Cyclodiphosph(V)azane Derivatives
1️⃣1️⃣ Preparation and Biological Activity of Some Novel Tetrachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane Pyridazine Derivatives and Its Metal Complexes
1️⃣2️⃣ Spectral and Biological Activity Properties of Some New Aminocyclodiphosph(V)azane Derivatives and Their Complexes
1️⃣3️⃣ Temperature Dependence of the Electrical Conductivity of Cyclodiphosph(V)azane Derivative and Its Copper (II) Complex
1️⃣4️⃣ Preparation and Characterization of Some Novel Diphenylphosphine Hydrazones and Semicarbazones and Their Metal Complex Derivatives

Inimfon Udoetok | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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) 🚰🧪