Adugna Nigatu Alene | Environmental remediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adugna Nigatu Alene |  Environmental remediation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Bahir Dar University,  Ethiopia

Adugna Nigatu Alene is a Lecturer at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with an MSc in Organic Chemistry. His research centers on sustainable materials, including bio-sorbents, nanocatalysts, and biodegradable films. With extensive hands-on experience in material characterization techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, BET, CV), Adugna’s work contributes to environmental remediation, energy sustainability, and green chemistry. He has co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and received multiple innovation awards, including the 2024 Sustainable and Affordable Energy Award by TotalEnergies. Beyond academia, he is active in community outreach, offering training on pesticide safety and supporting local education initiatives.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • MSc in Organic Chemistry (1st Honors), Bahir Dar University – 2018

  • BSc in Chemistry (Very Great Distinction), Ambo University – 2013

🧪 Research & Expertise:

Adugna specializes in organic synthesis, nanomaterials, biodegradable films, and bio-sorbents. His research aims to tackle global challenges in environmental remediation, drug discovery, and sustainable energy. He is skilled in materials characterization using UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, BET, and CV techniques.

🧑‍🏫 Academic Roles:

  • Lecturer, Chemical Engineering Dept., Bahir Dar University (Since 2020)

  • Former Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., Woldia University

  • Technical roles in lab support and instruction from 2015 onward

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

  • 🥇 Power’Up Energy Award, TotalEnergies (2024)

  • 🥈 Bruh Ethiopia 2024 Business Idea Award

  • 🏅 Tatariwochu-Awash Bank Entrepreneurship Winner (2023)

🤝 Community Engagement:

  • Pesticide safety training for farmers 🌿

  • Chemical disposal consultation for EFDA 🧪

  • Lab setup support for schools 🏫

  • COVID-19 sanitizer production & free tutorials during weekends 🧼📘

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 394 (since 2020: 393)

  • h-index: 7

  • i10-index: 6

Publication Top Notes:

  • Adsorptive Removal of Malachite Green Dye From Aqueous Solution Onto Activated Carbon of Catha edulis Stem as a Low-Cost Bio-Adsorbent

  • A Comparative Study of Acidic, Basic, and Reactive Dyes Adsorption From Aqueous Solution Onto Kaolin Adsorbent: Effect of Operating Parameters, Isotherms, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics

  • Bioadsorption of Basic Blue Dye From Aqueous Solution Onto Raw and Modified Waste Ash as Economical Alternative Bioadsorbent

  • Adsorptive Removal of Basic Green Dye From Aqueous Solution Using Humic Acid Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles: Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Studies

  • Utilization of a Novel Low-Cost Gibto (Lupinus albus) Seed Peel Waste for the Removal of Malachite Green Dye: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

  • Biodegradable Film From Mango Seed Kernel Starch Using Pottery Clay as Filler

  • Cereal-Based Traditional Beverage of Tella Residue (Attela) as a Green Organic Pollutant Sorbent for Methylene Blue Dye Removal: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamic Studies

  • A Highly Stable Silver Nanoparticle Loaded Magnetic Nanocomposite as a Recyclable Catalyst

  • Studies on the Effects of Extracts of Fresh Khat/Catha edulis Leaves on the Oxidation of Niger Seed Oil

  • Development of Biodegradable Film From Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) Mucilage Loaded With Acid-Leached Kaolin as Filler

  • Effect of Justicia schimperiana (Acanthaceae) Roots Extract on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profiles in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

  • Nutraceutical, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Wild Edible Fruits as Natural Foods

  • Nanocatalytic Reductive Removal of Congo-Red Dye Using Boron-Loaded Cobalt Oxide Nanocomposites From Aqueous Solutions

  • Enhanced Electrochemical Activity of Boron-Doped Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Towards Supercapacitor Application

 

Simona Gavrilas | Plants | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Simona Gavrilas | Plants |  Best Researcher Award

lecturer at ”Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, Romania

Simona Gavrilaș is a Lecturer at ”Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, Romania. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and specializes in Food Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Low-Impact Technologies. Since 2017, she has been actively engaged in teaching and research at the Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism, and Environmental Protection.

Profile:

🔬 Academic Background:

Simona Gavrilaș is a Lecturer at ”Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, Romania. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and has been teaching at the Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism, and Environmental Protection since 2017.

📚 Research & Innovations:

Her research focuses on Food Technology, Biotechnology, Food Quality Improvement, and Environmental Low-Impact Technologies. She has contributed significantly to food waste valorization and agrochemical research.

🏆 Achievements & Contributions:

  • Publications: 26 ISI journal articles, 6 books, and 2 internationally recognized book chapters.
  • Projects: Led 3 national projects, 5 research grants, and participated in international collaborations.
  • Editorial Roles: Member of the Journal of Natural Fibers editorial board and reviewer for several MDPI journals.
  • Recognitions: COST-STSM Grant beneficiary and evaluator for Romania’s Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency.

🌍 Impact & Research Vision:

Dr. Gavrilaș is dedicated to sustainable food systems by developing eco-friendly food technologies and enzyme-based treatments. Her work supports agricultural waste valorization for a greener future.

Citations:

Citations: 523 (Total), 366 (Since 2020)
h-index: 10 (Total), 9 (Since 2020)
i10-index: 10 (Total), 9 (Since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Recent Trends in Biosensors for Environmental Quality MonitoringSensors, 2022.
  • Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Spice ExtractsInternational Journal of Food Properties, 2010.
  • New Potential Biocatalysts by Laccase Immobilization in PVA Cryogel Type CarrierApplied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2010.
  • Closing the Loop with Keratin-Rich Fibrous MaterialsPolymers, 2021.
  • Salvia officinalis L. Essential Oil: Characterization, Antioxidant Properties, and the Effects of Aromatherapy in Adult PatientsAntioxidants, 2022.
  • Preparation of Immobilized Trametes pubescens Laccase on a Cryogel-Type Polymeric Carrier and Application of the Biocatalyst to Apple Juice Phenolic CompoundsEuropean Food Research and Technology, 2012.
  • The Consumption of Organic, Traditional, and/or European Eco-Label Products: Elements of Local Production and SustainabilitySustainability, 2021.
  • Removal of Cypermethrin from Water by Using Fucus Spiralis Marine AlgaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019.
  • Membrane-Active Peptides and Their Potential Biomedical ApplicationPharmaceutics, 2023.
  • Characterization of the Complexing Agents’ Influence on Bioscouring Cotton Fabrics by FT-IR and TG/DTG/DTA AnalysisJournal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2018.
  • The Influence of Elevated CO₂ on Volatile Emissions, Photosynthetic Characteristics, and Pigment Content in Brassicaceae Plant Species and VarietiesPlants, 2022.
  • Comparative Study Regarding the Influence of the Complexing Agents EDTA and Sodium Citrate on the 50% Flax-50% Cotton Fabrics During the Bioscouring TreatmentInternational Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: SGEM, 2016.
  • Commercial Laccase Oxidation of Phenolic CompoundsU.P.B. Scientific Bulletin, Series B: Chemistry and Material Sciences, 2012.
  • White Grape Pomace Valorization for Remediating PurposesApplied Sciences, 2022.
  • Graphene-Oxide Peptide-Containing Materials for Biomedical ApplicationsInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024.
  • Analysis of Sustainable Communication Patterns During the Telework Period in Western Romanian CorporationsInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022.
  • TG/DTG Analysis of an Eco-Friendly Scoured FabricRevista de Chimie, 2019.
  • Study on the Influence of Ultrasound in Bioscouring Treatment of 50% Flax + 50% Cotton FabricsAnnals of the University of Oradea, Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork, 2017.
  • Improving the Antioxidant Properties of Wild Raspberry Juice by Enzymatic TreatmentsRevista de Chimie, 2016.
  • A Sustainable Nutritional Behavior in the Era of Climate ChangesSmart and Sustainable Technology for Resilient Cities and Communities, 2022.