Huihui Chen | Environmental Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Huihui Chen | Environmental Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Shanghai University | China

Ms. Huihui Chen is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai University. With a strong background in environmental engineering and a research portfolio spanning sustainable waste management, hydrothermal processes, and low-carbon development strategies, Ms. Chen has established a solid reputation in advancing the field of environmental science. She has contributed significantly to the valorization of organic solid waste, sustainable energy recovery, and the study of environmental risk substances, making her a key figure in the development of green technologies and eco-industrial practices.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Ms. Huihui Chen received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering from Kunming University of Science and Technology, where she was directly admitted into the master’s program due to her academic excellence. She then pursued her doctoral studies at Fudan University, earning a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. Her outstanding performance was recognized with the Shanghai Outstanding Graduate Award and the Shanghai Tongji Gaotingyao Environmental Protection Technology Development Foundation Outstanding Young Doctoral Student Talent Award. During her doctoral journey, she also spent time as a visiting scholar at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence and the Biorenewables Development Centre at the University of York in the United Kingdom, which broadened her academic vision and international research collaborations.

Experience

Ms. Huihui Chen’s professional journey has been marked by progressive academic and research roles. Following her doctoral graduation, she continued at Fudan University as a postdoctoral researcher, supported by the prestigious Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship. She later joined Shanghai University as a lecturer and advanced to the position of Associate Professor. At Shanghai University, she has been actively engaged in both teaching and research, offering courses such as Air Pollution Control Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Organic Solid Waste Resource Recovery Engineering, and Environmental Engineering Project. Beyond her teaching contributions, Ms. Chen has led multiple funded research projects, including those supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and several commissioned projects from government agencies, research laboratories, and industrial partners.

Research Interest

Ms. Huihui Chen’s research interests center on the comprehensive treatment and valorization of organic solid waste through the integration of thermochemical and biochemical processes. Her work investigates the migration and transformation of environmental risk substances during waste treatment and disposal, aiming to develop effective strategies for pollution control and risk mitigation. She also actively contributes to low-carbon and sustainable development planning, with a focus on eco-industrial park design and the development of methodologies for Chinese Certified Emission Reduction projects. Through her interdisciplinary research, she bridges environmental science, engineering, and sustainability studies, ensuring that her findings have both scientific value and practical applications for sustainable development.

Awards

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Huihui Chen has received several honors that reflect her scholarly excellence and leadership in the field. These include the Outstanding Young Doctoral Student Talent Award and the Shanghai Outstanding Graduate Award during her doctoral studies, as well as the highly competitive Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her research outputs have been widely recognized, with several of her publications ranked as Highly Cited Papers, underscoring their influence and visibility in the global environmental science community.

Publications Top Notes

Ms. Huihui Chen has authored more than thirty peer-reviewed papers in internationally renowned journals. Selected publications include:

Title: Roles of different anions on hydrochar formation of lignocellulosic biomass.
Year: 2025

Title: Role of Accumulated Alkali and Alkaline-Earth Chloride Salts in Hydrochar Formation Produced from Lignocellulosic Biomass.
Year: 2023

Title: Hydrothermal pretreatment of sewage sludge enhanced the anaerobic degradation of cationic polyacrylamide (cPAM).
Year: 2021

Title: Mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of aqueous phase generated from hydrothermal liquefaction of cornstalk: Molecular and metabolic insights.
Year: 2020

Title: Chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass: a critical comparison between biochemical, microwave and thermochemical conversion methods.
Year: 2020

Title: Characterization and utilization of aqueous products from hydrothermal conversion of biomass for bio-oil and hydro-char production.
Year: 2019

Title: Hydrothermal conversion of sewage sludge: Focusing on the characterization of liquid products and their methane yields.
Year: 2019

Conclusion

In summary, Ms. Huihui Chen has built a distinguished academic and research career that combines deep technical expertise with a vision for sustainable environmental solutions. Through her contributions to solid waste valorization, sustainable energy recovery, and low-carbon planning, she has addressed critical environmental challenges and provided innovative pathways for green development. Her publications, leadership in funded projects, and recognition by the scientific community highlight her as a rising leader in environmental engineering. With her ongoing research and commitment to education, Ms. Chen continues to make impactful contributions to both scientific knowledge and practical environmental sustainability.

 

Somayeh Sharafi Zamir | Biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Somayeh Sharafi Zamir | Biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at UWMadison, United states

Farnaz Sharafi is a dedicated polymer scientist with deep expertise in rheology, polymer processing, and the characterization of advanced materials. Her work lies at the intersection of scientific innovation and sustainable application, where she leverages her knowledge to improve material performance and optimize production processes. With a strong foundation in polymer formulation, she specializes in the development of recyclable, biodegradable, and high-performance materials for flexible packaging, coatings, and thermal applications. Her technical acumen is complemented by effective communication and collaboration with academic and industrial stakeholders, enabling the translation of laboratory research into scalable solutions across various sectors.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Sharafi’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to materials innovation, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Isfahan, Iran (2008–2011), where she investigated the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in cement reinforcement. She then pursued her Master’s in the same discipline (2011–2013), exploring microstructural and phase analysis in Cordierite-Si₃N₄ composites. Her doctoral studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, Canada (2015–2020), focused on polylactic acid (PLA)/starch nanocrystal nanocomposites. Her thesis addressed key areas such as crystallinity, gas permeability, and biodegradability, laying the foundation for a career focused on eco-design and sustainable polymer systems.

Experience

Her professional trajectory began as a Research Assistant at the University de Sherbrooke (2011–2013), where she designed and characterized starch nanocrystals (SNCs) for food packaging, advancing green chemistry applications in biodegradable polymers. She subsequently joined Polytechnique de Montréal as a Research Fellow (2020–2021), where she led the development of antiviral food packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic—efforts that culminated in a patent. At McGill University (2021–2022), Sharafi worked on green pigment synthesis using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for cosmetic applications. Her industrial experience includes a tenure as a Polymer Scientist at C-Therm in New Brunswick (2022–2023), where she led R&D projects on thermal properties of polymer nanocomposites and advanced characterization techniques. Since 2023, she has served as a Research and Development Scientist at Polytechnique de Montréal, where she leads the creation of sustainable, multilayer polymer structures, with a focus on returnable and compostable packaging technologies.

Research

Sharafi’s research interests span polymer nanocomposites, thermal and mechanical analysis, biobased materials, and smart packaging systems. She is particularly focused on understanding viscoelastic behavior and tailoring material properties through rheological, structural, and thermal characterization. She applies these insights to develop smart, active, and intelligent polymer systems that improve mechanical integrity, extend shelf-life, and offer functional advantages for industrial applications. Her work in electrospinning, reactive extrusion, and solution casting has supported innovation in antimicrobial packaging, thermally conductive films, and biopolymer reinforcement.

Awards

Throughout her career, she has been honored with several prestigious awards, including a research grant from the Centre québécois des matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF) funded by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologie (2013–2016), and a Mitacs Research Fellowship (2022–2023). She also received the Best Student Research Award from the Iran Nanotechnology International Council, recognizing her outstanding contributions to sustainable polymer science.

Publications

Sharafi has published in several high-impact journals, with her research drawing attention in both academic and industrial communities. Notable publications include:

  1. Sharafi, F., et al. (2023). “Enhanced Thermal Conductivity of Nanocellulose–CNT Composites for Sustainable Packaging.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science. [Cited by 12 articles]
  2. Sharafi, F., et al. (2022). “Green Pigment Production from Cellulose Nanocrystals for Cosmetic Applications.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. [Cited by 8 articles]
  3. Sharafi, F., et al. (2021). “Antiviral Packaging Film Development for Food Safety Applications.” Food Packaging and Shelf Life. [Cited by 15 articles]
  4. Sharafi, F., et al. (2020). “Biodegradability and Barrier Properties of PLA–Starch Nanocrystal Composites.” Polymer Degradation and Stability. [Cited by 20 articles]
  5. Sharafi, F., et al. (2018). “Thermomechanical Properties of Recycled LDPE Nanocomposites.” Journal of Polymers and the Environment. [Cited by 9 articles]
  6. Sharafi, F., et al. (2017). “Effect of CNC Content on PLA Packaging Films.” Carbohydrate Polymers. [Cited by 11 articles]
  7. Sharafi, F., et al. (2016). “Green Synthesis of SNCs and their Use in Biodegradable Polymers.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. [Cited by 14 articles]

Conclusion

In conclusion, Farnaz Sharafi exemplifies a scientist with a vision for sustainable materials innovation. Her interdisciplinary research blends fundamental science with real-world applications, and her contributions to biopolymer packaging, pigment engineering, and nanocomposite design demonstrate both technical excellence and societal relevance. With extensive experience across academia and industry, she remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions through collaborative, high-impact research and development. Her career continues to bridge material science innovation with environmental responsibility, positioning her as a nominee of merit for awards in the field of polymer science and green technology.

Estefan Fonseca | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Estefan Fonseca | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil

Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca is a distinguished researcher and academic with over two decades of experience in oceanographic and environmental geosciences. He currently serves as a Professor Adjunto I at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), where he also operates as a full-time researcher at the Marine Geology Laboratory (LAGEMAR). Recognized nationally through a Productivity Researcher fellowship (CNPq Level 2), Fonseca is known for his multidisciplinary work in environmental monitoring, marine pollution, and the biogeochemical behavior of heavy metals. His contributions extend to international collaborations, editorial responsibilities, and active involvement in significant coastal and estuarine environmental projects, emphasizing his leadership and innovation in applied marine geosciences.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Fonseca’s academic foundation includes a Doctorate in Geology (2008) and a Master’s degree in Geology (2004), both from Universidade Federal Fluminense, where he also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Environmental Geology in 2010. His doctoral research included a sandwich program at Queen’s University Belfast, reflecting his international academic engagement. His early training began with a degree in Oceanography from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro in 1999, with a focus on coastal water quality. These progressive academic stages have grounded his expertise in the complex interactions between chemical, biological, and geological factors in marine systems.

Experience

Professionally, Fonseca’s trajectory includes academic and technical roles that bridge academia and applied environmental science. He began his career as a technical environmental consultant at Labagua, followed by leadership in project management at Ecology & Environment do Brasil from 2006 to 2013, where he managed environmental licensing initiatives for the oil, gas, and port sectors. Since 2009, he has been integral to the academic and research activities at UFF, teaching courses in marine pollution and applied geology while mentoring graduate students. He has also served in visiting and substitute professor capacities at several institutions, including UERJ and FAMATH.

Research Interests

Fonseca’s research interests center on marine pollution, particularly the behavior and fractionation of heavy metals in sediments and their bioavailability to microorganisms. His scientific inquiries extend to the impacts of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. His projects often apply multidisciplinary approaches combining geochemistry, oceanography, and microbiology. Fonseca also engages in bioassay techniques for toxicity assessment and supports the development of geochemical proxies for environmental monitoring in industrialized coastal zones.

Awards

Among his many accolades, Fonseca is the recipient of a CNPq Level 2 Productivity Researcher Grant, a prestigious recognition of sustained research excellence in Brazil. His international exposure and scholarly activities have earned him editorial roles in multiple peer-reviewed journals, such as Revista Eletrônica Sistemas & Gestão and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. Additionally, he is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Sustainability & Governance, showcasing his commitment to scientific dissemination and environmental policy integration.

Publications

Fonseca’s recent high-impact publications demonstrate the depth and relevance of his work. Selected examples include:

  1. Gaylarde, C. C. & Fonseca, E. M. (2025). Biofertilization and Bioremediation. Micro, 5, 18.
  2. Giarrizzo et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2025). MICROMar Project. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 34, 48–51.
  3. De Souza et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2024). Bioaccumulation of PAHs in marine bivalves. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 199, 115900. (Cited by 3)
  4. Gaylarde, C. C.; Baptista Neto, J. A.; Fonseca, E. M. (2024). Indoor Airborne Microplastics. Microplastics, 3, 653–670. (Cited by 1)
  5. Pierri et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2024). Effective microorganisms in shrimp farming. Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences, 46, e69227.
  6. Fonseca, E. M. et al. (2023). Microplastics in the cryosphere. Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics, 2, 1.
  7. Almeida et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2023). Microplastic migration. Micro, 2, 62–77. (Cited by 17)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca exemplifies scientific excellence through his integrative approach to environmental geosciences, his prolific research output, and his dedication to both academic and applied scientific communities. His contributions address pressing global challenges such as pollution, climate change, and sustainable marine resource management, making him a compelling nominee for any award recognizing impactful scientific leadership.

Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Full Professor at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana campus Iztapalapa, Mexico

Ulises Durán Hinojosa is a distinguished environmental biotechnology researcher with over fifteen years of dedicated academic and investigative contributions to the fields of anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and organic waste bioconversion. Currently serving as a Full Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, campus Iztapalapa, he has earned national recognition as a leading scholar and innovator in microbial-driven environmental technologies. His work stands at the interface of applied microbiology and sustainable environmental engineering, focusing on the microbial, biochemical, and technological dynamics of organic waste treatment and resource recovery systems. He is consistently sought out as a principal investigator and collaborator in national and international projects that advance scientific understanding and address critical challenges in energy recovery and pollution reduction.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Durán’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, where he completed his BSc in Biochemical Engineering, MSc in Biotechnology, and PhD in Environmental Engineering. This academic continuity reflects his commitment to institutional growth and knowledge development. His training encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science, allowing him to develop a strong foundation for tackling complex environmental challenges through biological and chemical innovation.

Experience

Professionally, Durán has developed a robust research portfolio that integrates experimental science with practical environmental applications. He has led or collaborated in eight funded research projects focusing on sludge valorization, decentralized biowaste treatment systems, and electrochemical treatment methods. His editorial involvement includes serving as a guest editor for a 2025 special issue on “Biotechnology and Materials for Wastewater Treatment” in Applied Sciences and reviewing for high-impact journals such as Bioresource Technology, Environmental Technology, and the Journal of Water Process Engineering. His professional standing is further reinforced by his designation as a National Researcher, an acknowledgment of excellence in scientific output and impact in Mexico.

Research

Durán’s research interests are centered on anaerobic digestion and methanogenesis, with particular emphasis on hybrid biological reactor systems and the use of electrochemical pretreatments for enhanced sludge degradation. He is also known for his work on microbial community dynamics using metagenomics tools, enabling deeper insights into how environmental stressors, such as antibiotics, influence microbial ecology and reactor performance. His contributions to wastewater biotechnology extend to the optimization of microbial consortia for improved methane yield and pollutant removal, reinforcing his status as a pioneer in sustainable waste management practices.

Awards

In recognition of his pioneering work, Ulises Durán was nominated in 2025 for the International Award in Environmental Biotechnology Research. This nomination highlights his leadership in developing technologies that contribute to circular economy principles, energy recovery, and environmental resilience. His capacity to integrate academic research with practical applications has led to meaningful outcomes in public health and environmental sustainability.

Publications

Durán has authored or co-authored 18 JCR-indexed publications, with 12 appearing in Q1 journals. He has served as first or corresponding author in eight of these, demonstrating both scientific leadership and originality. Selected key publications include:

  1. Durán U., et al. (2025). “Microbial community shifts by antibiotic exposure in swine wastewater,” Journal of Water Process Engineering, IF: 6.3 – cited by 5 articles.

  2. Mendoza-Tinoco T.P., Durán U., et al. (2024). “Water electrolysis in anaerobic digestion,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 12 articles.

  3. Ochoa-Hernández M.E., Durán U., et al. (2023). “Active microbiota in UASB and hybrid reactors,” Journal of Environmental Management, IF: 8.0 – cited by 10 articles.

  4. Durán U., et al. (2022). “Methanogenic inhibition by antibiotics,” Environmental Technology & Innovation, IF: 6.7 – cited by 8 articles.

  5. Durán U., et al. (2010). “Vinyl acetate in acetoclastic methanogenesis,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 42 articles.

  6. Durán U., et al. (2019). “New technologies for emerging micropollutant removal,” in Topics on Water Contaminants and Pollution, Clave Editorial – cited by 7 articles.

  7. Durán U., et al. (2017). “Solid-State Fermentation for Lignocellulase Production,” in Fermentation Processes, InTech – cited by 15 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ulises Durán Hinojosa exemplifies the caliber of researcher deserving of international recognition for his sustained contributions to environmental biotechnology. His scientific rigor, editorial leadership, and commitment to sustainable innovation mark him as a key contributor to the global effort to address ecological challenges through microbial and bioprocess engineering.

Dr. Seyed Mehrdad Mirsalami | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Seyed Mehrdad Mirsalami | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. SeyedMehrdad Mirsalami | Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch | Iran

Seyed Mehrdad Mirsalami is a passionate chemical engineer and researcher with expertise in biotechnology, water treatment, and ecosystem services. 🌿💧 He holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology) from Central Tehran University, where he focused on enzyme-inhibition modeling. With a strong background in materials science and desalination processes, Seyed Mehrdad has contributed to academia through teaching roles in prestigious Iranian universities. 📚 His research interests span bioremediation, emerging contaminants, and complex fluid rheology. Committed to environmental sustainability and scientific innovation, Seyed Mehrdad aims to address critical global challenges in water purification and renewable technologies. 🌍🔬

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Seyed Mehrdad Mirsalami is an accomplished researcher and chemical engineer whose academic and professional pursuits are highly aligned with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. His work stands out due to his focus on biotechnology, water treatment, and ecosystem services, all of which address pressing global concerns like environmental sustainability, clean water access, and pollution control.

Education & Experience 

  • Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology) – Central Tehran University (2014–2017)
    Thesis: Mathematical model of enzyme-inhibiting effects (CGPA: 3.86/4)

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering (Oil & Gas Refining) – Rasht Azad University (2010–2014)
    Thesis: SO₃ Emissions & Ash Removal in Oxy-Fuel Combustion (CGPA: 3.2/4)

  • Teaching Assistant (TA), Qazvin Azad University (2024) – Heat Transfer 1, Thermodynamics 🌡️

  • Teaching Assistant (TA), Raja University (2019–2020) – Analytical & General Chemistry ⚗️

  • Teaching Assistant (TA), IAUCTB University (2016) – Applied Mathematics, Statics & Strength of Materials 📐

  • Volunteer TA, Rasht Azad University (2013–2014) – Mathematics, Differential Equations & Multicomponent Distillation 📊

Professional Development 

Seyed Mehrdad Mirsalami has actively pursued professional development by engaging in teaching, academic research, and scientific exploration. 🧑‍🏫✨ His experience includes serving as a Teaching Assistant at multiple universities, covering subjects like thermodynamics, heat transfer, and applied mathematics. 📚🔢 Beyond teaching, he has contributed to research areas including desalination processes, bioremediation of contaminated water, and the impact of emerging contaminants on ecosystems. 🌱🔬 Seyed Mehrdad’s commitment to continuous learning and environmental sustainability drives his professional growth, as he explores innovative solutions for water purification, waste reduction, and enhanced material performance. 💧♻️🌍

Research Focus 

Seyed Mehrdad Mirsalami’s research focuses on environmental sustainability and advanced chemical processes. 🌍🔬 His key areas of interest include bioremediation of contaminated water, where he investigates natural methods to cleanse water sources, and desalination processes aimed at improving water availability in arid regions. 💧 He also explores the ecosystem services of wetlands to enhance biodiversity and environmental health. 🌱 Additionally, his work in the rheology of complex fluids and materials science seeks to optimize industrial processes and develop innovative solutions for environmental and petrochemical applications. ⚗️🌿 His research aims to address global challenges in clean water, pollution, and sustainable development. 🌐♻️

Awards & Honors 

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🎖 Web of Science Research Recognition (2023) – JAC-5000-2023

  • 🌟 Outstanding Academic Performance Award – Master’s Program (CGPA: 3.86/4)

  • 📜 Undergraduate Research Achievement – Thesis on Oxy-Fuel Combustion & SO₃ Emissions

  • 🏅 Exemplary Teaching Assistant Award – Recognized for excellence in teaching and academic contribution

Publication Top Notes :

📘 Advances in genetically engineered microorganisms: Transforming food production through precision fermentation and synthetic biology – Future Foods (2025-06)
♻️ Achieving optimal output of microplastic petroleum waste and improving energy and environmental indicators by optimizing the pyrolysis process and modifying the fuel composition – Fuel (2024)
💧 Assessing the efficacy of poly-ferric sulfate and polyaluminum hydroxychloride in remediating partially stabilized landfill effluent – Results in Engineering (2024-12)
⚙️ Comparative study of random and block SPEEK copolymers for high-temperature proton exchange membrane electrolysis – Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects (2024-12)
🐥 Leveraging Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics to mitigate diarrhea and Salmonella infections in broiler chickens – AMB Express (2024-12-18)