Hulugirgesh Degefu Weldekirstos | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hulugirgesh Degefu Weldekirstos | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Debre Brehan University, Ethiopia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Hulugirgesh Degefu Weldekirstos began her academic journey with an earnest focus on chemistry, earning significant milestones early in her career. A recipient of the Female Scholarship under a collaboration between Addis Ababa University and SIDA in 2011, she demonstrated a passion for advancing her education and contributing to science. Her Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) scholarship in 2014 further underscores her commitment to international academic excellence.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Hulugirgesh serves as an Associate Professor at Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia, where she leads research initiatives, mentors students, and advises staff. She is actively involved in academic development, combining her expertise in physical chemistry with her leadership abilities. Before her promotion, Hulugirgesh made significant contributions as an Assistant Professor. Her efforts as a senior lecturer, science club seminar organizer, and editorial board member showcased her multifaceted role in academia. At the Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taiwan, she worked as a postdoctoral fellow, mentoring MSc students and contributing to advanced research projects. At Dilla University, Ethiopia, Hulugirgesh taught physical chemistry courses and participated actively as a Department Council Member.

Contributions and Research Focus

Hulugirgesh has dedicated her career to exploring critical aspects of physical chemistry. Her research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of chemical processes, contributing to scientific publications, and supporting the development of innovative solutions. Her involvement in various roles—ranging from mentoring graduate students to serving on editorial boards—has amplified the impact of her research. She has also been recognized for organizing seminars to foster scientific discussions among peers and students.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Hulugirgesh's research has had a significant influence on the field of physical chemistry, as reflected in her active presence on platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar. Her publications have garnered considerable citations, showcasing the relevance and reach of her scientific contributions.

📚 Academic Citations

With a growing body of research work, Hulugirgesh has established a strong academic presence. Her work is widely referenced, indicating her role as a thought leader in her field.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Hulugirgesh possesses advanced skills in experimental and theoretical physical chemistry. Her technical proficiency, combined with her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts, has made her a valuable mentor and researcher.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a seasoned educator, Hulugirgesh has taught a range of physical chemistry courses and guided numerous students through their academic journeys. Her role as a mentor and advisor has been pivotal in shaping future scientists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Hulugirgesh is committed to continuing her contributions to chemistry and academia. Her vision includes fostering research that addresses real-world challenges and mentoring the next generation of scientists. By building on her impressive legacy, she aims to leave an enduring impact on the global scientific community.

📖Notable Publications

Lignin modified glassy carbon electrode for the electrochemical determination of histamine in human urine and wine samples

Authors: H Degefu, M Amare, M Tessema, S Admassie
Journal: Electrochimica Acta
Year: 2014

Surfactant-assisted synthesis of NiO-ZnO and NiO-CuO nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation

Authors: HD Weldekirstos, B Habtewold, DM Kabtamu
Journal: Frontiers in Materials
Year: 2022

Structural engineering of organic D–a− π–A dyes incorporated with a dibutyl-fluorene moiety for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

Authors: GZ Wubie, MN Lu, MA Desta, HD Weldekirstos, MM Lee, WT Wu, SR Li, ...
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2021

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using eco-friendly synthesized rGO@ ZnO nanocomposites

Authors: A Negash, S Mohammed, HD Weldekirstos, AD Ambaye, M Gashu
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2023

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye Using Fascily synthesized g-C3N4/CoFe2O4 Composite Under Sun Light Irradiation

Authors: HD Weldekirstos, T Mengist, N Belachew, ML Mekonnen
Journal: Results in Chemistry
Year: 2024

Deepak Poddar | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Deepak Poddar | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Korea University of Technology and Education, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Deepak Poddar began his academic journey with a focus on science, earning his Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C) in Science from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He furthered his passion for polymers by completing a B.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology from the University. He continued with an M.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology at Gujarat University’s Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Ahmedabad. His academic peak came with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Delhi, where his research focused on fabricating bi-facial porous polymeric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

His career reflects diverse experiences in academia and research. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Korea University of Technology and Education, where he develops sustainable food packaging for high-barrier applications. Previously, as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, he contributed to developing paper-based food packaging materials while mentoring graduate students. His three-year tenure as a Guest Faculty at Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi involved teaching chemistry and polymer science and supervising research projects at various academic levels.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research lies at the intersection of polymer science and sustainability. His current focus is on developing eco-friendly and sustainable packaging coatings for food packaging. His Ph.D. research on polymeric scaffolds for biomedical engineering is a testament to his interdisciplinary approach. With expertise in biopolymers, polymeric blends, composites, and nanomaterial synthesis, he has significantly advanced fields such as drug delivery, sensors, and sustainable packaging solutions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His work has earned widespread recognition. He has published 14 journal articles and 7 book chapters, showcasing his scholarly contributions. As a reviewer for reputed journals like Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects and Journal of Polymers and the Environment, he actively supports the global research community. His influence extends beyond academia through his mentoring roles and leadership in collaborative research.

📊 Academic Achievements and Cites

He is a recipient of the Young Research Award (2021) from the Institute of Scholars, reflecting his contributions to material science research. He has also been recognized for his scientific communication, winning the Best Poster Award at the International Conference on Material Science Research (ICMSR) in 2019. Additionally, he qualified for the GATE 2017 in Engineering Sciences (XE) with an All India Rank of 129.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses a versatile skill set that includes project management, experiment design, and data analysis. He is adept at problem-solving and team leadership, making him an effective researcher and mentor. His laboratory expertise spans polymer synthesis, nanomaterial development, and advanced packaging material engineering.

📚 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

With a strong commitment to education, He has taught undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. At Netaji Subhas University of Technology, he conducted classes on chemistry and polymer science and guided research projects across academic levels. His ability to mentor students reflects his dedication to fostering new talent in polymer science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

He aims to continue advancing the frontiers of polymer science, particularly in sustainable packaging, biomedical engineering, and drug delivery systems. His legacy includes contributions to eco-friendly materials and mentoring the next generation of researchers. As he moves forward, he remains committed to interdisciplinary research, global collaborations, and creating impactful innovations in materials science.

🏆 Extracurricular and Awards

His multifaceted personality shines through his extracurricular achievements. He was part of the winning team in an inter-college cricket tournament at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences. His leadership and teamwork skills are evident both on and off the field. Notably, he secured the Global Korea Scholarship 2024 for his postdoctoral research program, further highlighting his academic excellence.

🌱 Vision for the Future

With a solid foundation in polymer science and technology and a focus on sustainable development, Dr. Poddar envisions contributing to global challenges such as waste reduction and eco-friendly material innovation. His interdisciplinary expertise and leadership qualities ensure a promising future of impactful contributions to science and society.

📖Notable Publications

Development of electrosprayed assisted shellac-MOF particle coated paper for food packaging and its environmental impacts

  • Authors: Poddar, D., Pandey, K., Kim, S.-J., Yoo, H.M.
  • Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Vanadium pentoxide-based nanomaterials for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater to avoid negative effects on the environment and human health

  • Authors: Bansal, S., Singh, A., Poddar, D., Jain, P.
  • Journal: Sustainable Environment and Health: Practical Strategies (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

In-situ fabrication of poly-l-lactide & its application as a glass fiber polymer composites using resin transfer molding

  • Authors: Kim, S.-J., Pandey, K., Poddar, D., Yoo, H.M.
  • Journal: Polymer Composites
  • Year: 2024

Borophene-Based Materials for Gas and Wearable Sensing Applications

  • Authors: Kumar, S., Kashyap, S., Ansari, U., Sarkar, A., Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Engineering Materials (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

Boron-Based Two-Dimensional Nanosheets in Energy Devices

  • Authors: Ansari, U., Kashyap, S., Kumar, S., Poddar, D., Singh, A.
  • Journal: Engineering Materials (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

Shellac: Bridging the gap between chemistry and sustainability—A comprehensive review of its multifunctional coating applications for food, drug, and paper packaging

  • Authors: Sharma, S., Samrat, Goyal, P., Sarkar, A., Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry
  • Year: 2024

Effect of Bulk and Surface Properties of Polymeric Scaffolds on Its Applications in Tissue Engineering

  • Authors: Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Tailored Functional Materials for Clean and Sustainable Development (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

A review on green approaches utilizing phytochemicals in the synthesis of vanadium nanoparticles and their applications

  • Authors: Bansal, S., Singh, A., Poddar, D., Thakur, S., Jain, P.
  • Journal: Preparative Biochemistry and Biotechnology
  • Year: 2024