Wonder Dlamini | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wonder Dlamini, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan

Dr. Wonder Nathi Dlamini is an accomplished research scientist and educator from Eswatini, currently based in Taiwan. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology from NYCU and an MSc in Soil and Environmental Sciences from NCHU, he focuses on nanotechnology, environmental sustainability, and microbial biotechnology. Dr. Dlamini has made significant strides in pollution remediation, viral/bacterial inactivation, and sustainable agriculture. His innovations in air and water purification using nanomaterials have earned him international recognition, research grants, and leadership roles in global scientific communities. He actively contributes to science communication as a writer, reviewer, and speaker and has presented at major conferences across the globe. Known for his interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic thinking, and mentorship, Dr. Dlamini remains committed to developing sustainable solutions for global health and environmental challenges. Fluent in English and rooted in African values, he blends scientific excellence with cultural awareness and global engagement.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Dlamini earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan, where he conducted award-winning research on nanomaterials for viral inactivation and air pollution control. He received multiple scholarships and research grants throughout his doctoral journey. Before that, he completed his M.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan, where he gained hands-on experience in microbial research, sustainable agriculture, and environmental biotechnology. His academic career was further enriched by his earlier studies and teaching experience in Eswatini and South Africa, where he laid a strong foundation in environmental science and education. Dr. Dlamini’s educational path is marked by interdisciplinary training, international exposure, and consistent academic excellence. Through his degrees, he has developed a robust understanding of environmental systems, nanoscience, and health impacts, equipping him with the skills needed to address complex global issues.

Experience

Dr. Dlamini brings over a decade of diverse professional experience spanning research, teaching, and leadership. Since 2021, he has served as a Research and Teaching Assistant at NYCU, leading projects on nanomaterials for air and water purification. Between 2019–2021, he was a Chief Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant at NCHU, focusing on microbial diversity and environmental biotechnology. Earlier, he taught at several language institutions in Taiwan, enhancing science communication across cultures. He also served as an Operations Supervisor and Educator in Eswatini and South Africa, managing education programs and administrative operations. In 2025, he chaired the WERESA MIREC Conference, showcasing his leadership in international research networking. With experience in grant writing, statistical modeling, and mentoring, Dr. Dlamini has contributed meaningfully to academia, policy, and public health. His career reflects a passion for sustainability, education, and cross-sector collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dlamini’s work has been recognized through several prestigious awards and honors. During his Ph.D. at NYCU and MSc at NCHU, he received multiple scholarships and research grants for academic excellence and innovation in nanotechnology and environmental sciences. His award-winning work on bimetallic nanomaterials for viral inactivation gained recognition at major conferences, such as ISIAQ and TOHA. As Conference Chair of WERESA’s MIREC 2025, he was honored for leadership and scientific contributions. Additionally, his role as a reviewer for top journals, including Sustainable Cities & Society and Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, showcases his respected status in the academic community. He is a recognized member of IEEE NTC, ISIAQ, ISEE, and TOHA, reflecting his global scientific engagement. These honors reflect Dr. Dlamini’s impact on environmental health, research integrity, and international collaboration.

Research Focus

Dr. Dlamini’s research focuses on sustainable nanotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and microbial applications for global health. His key innovations involve fabricating Cu/Ag/TiO₂ nanomaterials for effective viral and bacterial inactivation, including enhancing viral aerosol removal through chitosan-based filters and ionization. He develops air and water purification systems for healthcare and public settings, aiming to mitigate airborne diseases and improve environmental quality. His microbial studies isolate stress-tolerant bacteria to support sustainable agriculture and land restoration. Dr. Dlamini also explores the effects of biomass fuels and air quality on climate change and public health, emphasizing eco-friendly cooking solutions and emission reduction. His interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental science, public health, and occupational safety. Through data modeling, risk assessment, and industry collaboration, he contributes to technology transfer and policy solutions, targeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His work is impactful, forward-looking, and centered on equitable environmental innovation.

Publication Top Notes

🦠 Optimizing Viral Aerosol Removal with Chitosan-Based Ag-TiO₂ Filters and Ionization – ISIAQ Healthy Buildings 2025, Reykjavik
🌫️ Smart Purification and Cloud Monitoring for Healthcare Air Quality – ISIAQ Healthy Buildings 2025, Reykjavik
💧 Enhanced Antiviral Efficacy of Bimetallic Ag-Cu/TiO₂ Nanocomposites for Water Disinfection – TOHA Conference 2025, Tainan
🌍 Sustainable Water Purification – Enhancing Antiviral Efficacy for Public Health & Climate Resilience – MIREC 2024, Tokyo
🧪 Ag/TiO₂-CS Nanocomposite Filters for Viral Aerosol Removal – ISIAQ 2024, Hawaii
🏥 Advanced Air Purification & Cloud-Enabled Monitoring in Healthcare – ISIAQ 2024, Hawaii
🦠 Virus Aerosol Filter for COVID-19 – ISEE 2023 Conference, DOI: 10.1289/isee.2023.SA-097

Dr. Ana Santos | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Santos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil

Dr. Ana Dalva de Oliveira Santos is a highly accomplished researcher whose extensive academic background and dedicated work in the field of geosciences and environmental health position her as an ideal candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her qualifications, which include a Ph.D. in Ocean and Earth Dynamics from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), along with her postdoctoral experience and numerous contributions to research projects, make her an outstanding figure in her area of expertise.

Education:

2013 – 2017
Ph.D. in Ocean and Earth Dynamics
Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Brazil
Sandwich period at the School of Sciences, University of Porto
Title: Determination of Estrogenic Activity and Detection of Micropollutants in Bottom Sediments in Guanabara Bay
Advisor: José Antônio Baptista Neto
Co-advisor: Daniele Maia Bila
Scholarship holder: Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Brazil
Year Obtained: 2017

2010 – 2013
Master’s Degree in Earth and Ocean Dynamics
Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Brazil
Title: Evaluation of Estrogenic Activity in Bottom Sediments in Jurujuba Bay/RJ
Advisor: José Antônio Baptista Neto
Co-advisor: Daniele Maia Bila
Scholarship holder: Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Brazil
Major Area: Exact and Earth Sciences
Sectors of Activity: Sewage and related activities
Year Obtained: 2013

2009 – 2010
Specialization in Promotion of Healthy and Sustainable Spaces
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Brazil
Title: Environmental Education and Agroecology: Practice for Sustainable Production in the Agricultural Community of Lumiar, 5th District of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro
Advisor: M. Sc. Márcia Moisés
Workload: 426 hours

2004 – 2009
Bachelor’s Degree in Geography
Faculty of Teacher Training, UERJ/FFP, Brazil
Title: The Quilombo of Lumiar/Nova Friburgo – RJ: A Geographical Approach to the Dispute Over Territory and the Invisibility of Black People
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Paulo Roberto Raposo Alentejano

Professional Profile:

Professional Experience:

Dr. Santos has been involved in a variety of research projects since 2013, contributing to the field through her work at the Laboratório de Engenharia Sanitária (LES) at UFF. Her focus has been on the identification, evaluation, and removal of micropollutants in water, which includes the development of reliable, cost-effective biological assays for detecting endocrine disruptors in aquatic environments. These efforts are critical in improving our understanding of water pollution and its impact on both human health and local ecosystems.

Research Interests:

Dr. Santos’ research interests primarily focus on water quality, micropollutants, and environmental contaminants. Her current projects investigate the presence and estrogenic activity of micropollutants in surface waters in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the development of biological assays for detecting endocrine disruptors in aquatic environments. She is actively involved in the Laboratory of Sanitary Engineering (Laboratório de Engenharia Sanitária) at UFF, where she has been a participant in multiple research projects related to water quality assessment.

Publications:

SANTOS, ADO ; NASCIMENTO, MTL ; SANTOS, RF ; SILVA, ARS . Public policies and the use of pesticides in vegetable farming in Lumiar – Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro. In: Rui Jacinto. (Org.). Landscapes and Rural Development. 1st ed. Lisbon: Âncora Editora, 2022, v. 42, p. 01-11.

MTL, NASCIMENTO ; Santos ADO ; SANTOS, RF ; BILA, DANIELE MAIA . Pollution by Endocrine Disruptors in Guanabara Bay. In: Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca; (Org.). GUANABARA BAY: AN ENVIRONMENT IN TRANSFORMATION. 1st ed. Rio de Janeiro: Ape’Ku Editora, 2021, v. , p. 465-482.

Santos ADO ; NASCIMENTO, MTL ; de Oliveira e Sá, M. ; BILA, DM ; BAPTISTA NETO, JA ; PEREIRA, R. ; VIEIRA, MN . The Problem of Microplastics. In: Leo ML Nollet; Khwaja Salahuddin Siddiqi. (Org.). Analysis of Nanoplastics and Microplastics in Food. 1st ed. Boca Raton: , 2020, v. , p. 61-71.

SILVA, CGT ; BAPTISTA NETO, JA ; FREITAS, CM ; SANTOS, MP ; NASCIMENTO, MTL ; SANTOS, ADO . ANALYSIS OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AIMED AT RISK REDUCTION AND POST-DISASTERS RECOVERY IN THE MOUNTAIN REGION OF THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO. In: Jéssica Aparecida Prandel. (Org.). Disaster Risk Reduction: Methods and Practices. 1st ed. Ponta Grossa: Atena Editora, 2019, v. 1, p. 1-191.

Conclusion

Dr. Ana Dalva de Oliveira Santos’s comprehensive academic background, groundbreaking research contributions, and ongoing commitment to environmental science make her a deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work on water quality, micropollutants, and endocrine disruptors directly impacts both the scientific community and society, particularly in the context of environmental health. Given her impressive career trajectory and the significance of her work, Dr. Santos stands out as an exemplary researcher who continues to drive progress in her field.