Gracie Wilson | Comparative Human Development | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Gracie Wilson | Comparative Human Development | Best Researcher Award

University of Chicago, United States

Gracie Wilson, a graduate student at the University of Chicago, specializes in medical and psychological anthropology, with a focus on mental health and disability studies. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Comparative Human Development, expected to be completed in 2029. Gracie holds a B.A. in Anthropology with Highest Honors from Emory University and has a deep interest in understanding college student mental health, belonging, and stress. Her work bridges anthropology and public health, contributing valuable insights into contemporary mental health narratives in higher education.

Profile

Scopus

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Ph.D., Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, 2023-2029 (anticipated). Credential in Higher Education Administration. B.A. in Anthropology with Highest Honors, Emory University, 2023 Thesis: “The Culture of College Mental Health: Narratives of Stress, Value, and Belonging” Advisor: Dr. Chikako Ozawa-de Silva

💼 Experience 

Graduate Student, The University of Chicago (May-December 2024) Master’s research focused on college peer education and mental health promotion programs with 30 interviews. Research Assistant, Office of Institutional Analysis, The University of Chicago (2023-) Assisting with institutional outcomes, retention, and campus climate data collection. Teaching Assistant, Critical Studies of Mental Health in Higher Education (Spring 2025). Teaching Assistant, Disability and Design (Winter 2025)

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Gianinno Graduate Research Award, $2000 (2024). Gianinno Conference Award, The University of Chicago, $420 (2023). GradCouncil Individual Award, The University of Chicago, $750 (2023). The University of Chicago 6-year Graduate Fellowship, $37,000-$45,000 annually (2023). National Achievement Award, Lambda Alpha National Honors Society, $5,000 (2023)

🔬 Research Focus 

Gracie’s research blends medical and psychological anthropology, emphasizing adolescent mental health, disability studies, and public health. She explores student mental health in universities, focusing on peer education programs, belonging, stress narratives, and how these factors influence student experiences. Her fieldwork and publications contribute to better understanding the intersection of college culture and mental health, particularly in relation to stress and mental well-being.

📝 Conclusion

Gracie Wilson’s academic journey, research focus, and commitment to mental health within university settings demonstrate her promise as a future leader in the fields of medical anthropology and public health. Her contributions to understanding the mental health experiences of college students are not only academically robust but also socially impactful. With her ongoing research, leadership roles, and publications, she is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Further diversifying her research scope and expanding public outreach will solidify her position as an influential scholar in her field.

Publication

  • The Culture of College Mental Health: Narratives of Stress, Value, and Belonging

    • Year: 2023

    • Author(s): G. Wilson

    • Affiliation: Emory University

 

 

  • Influence of political ideology on perceptions of mask wearing and microaggressions

    • Year: 2023

    • Author(s): G. Wilson, J. Mischel, P. Addala

    • Journal: London Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 23(12), 1-11

 

Tanmay Sinha | Education | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Tanmay Sinha | Education | Best Researcher Award

Tanmay Sinha is a tenure-track Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, with an interdisciplinary background in computer science, artificial intelligence, and learning sciences. He earned his doctorate from ETH Zürich, Switzerland, and previously served as a Postdoctoral Scholar and Executive Director of the ETH-EPFL Joint Doctoral Program. His research delves into the emotional and cognitive processes in technology-supported learning environments, with over 2,100 citations, h-index 21, and numerous peer-reviewed publications. Tanmay’s work spans across multimodal learning analytics, emotion regulation, and productive failure in STEM education. He is recognized for his scholarly contributions through several best paper awards and research fellowships. His career reflects a strong commitment to integrating rigorous research with impactful teaching and learning design. With global academic exposure across the USA, India, and Europe, Tanmay actively contributes to reshaping education with theory-driven, tech-enabled learning innovations rooted in cognitive and affective sciences.

Profile

Scopus

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Tanmay Sinha holds a Doctor of Sciences (Dr. Sc.) in Learning Sciences from ETH Zürich (2017–2021), where he explored emotion and cognition in education. He obtained a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Carnegie Mellon University’s Language Technologies Institute (2014–2016), backed by a full Graduate Research Assistantship. His B.Tech. in Computer Science was earned from the Vellore Institute of Technology (2010–2014), where he engaged in research at leading institutions including Carnegie Mellon and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. He has participated in numerous prestigious academic workshops and schools, such as the Alan Turing Centenary Year Workshop, ISSAS, and the Prague Summer School on Education. His educational journey integrates deep technical expertise with human-centered learning science, equipping him with a rare interdisciplinary lens. These formative academic experiences underpin his research interests in multimodal learning analytics, problem-solving, and AI-powered educational technologies designed for meaningful learning.

💼 Experience 

Tanmay Sinha currently serves as a Tenure-track Assistant Professor at NTU Singapore (from July 2023). Prior to this, he was Executive Director of the ETH-EPFL Joint Doctoral Program in Learning Sciences (2021–2023), where he developed program strategy and stakeholder coordination. He also worked as a Postdoctoral Scholar at ETH Zürich (2021–2023), where he led original research, mentored Ph.D. students, and taught graduate-level courses. He has previously held research positions supported by prestigious assistantships at institutions like Carnegie Mellon and EPFL. His professional journey reflects a progression from hands-on AI development to strategic academic leadership and rigorous learning sciences research. Across these roles, he consistently bridged technology with pedagogy, contributing to impactful STEM education innovations. His cross-continental experiences in the USA, Europe, and Asia strengthen his global perspective and ability to lead transformative learning initiatives through interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Tanmay Sinha has received numerous prestigious honors, including Best Paper and Best Student Paper Awards at EC-TEL (2017) and IVA (2016), and winner of a shared task at EMNLP (2014). He has been selected for elite programs like ISSAS (Switzerland, 2022), CIRCLS Emerging Scholar (USA, 2021), and the ACM Turing Award Celebration as a SIGCHI student representative (2017). He earned competitive fellowships from ETH Zürich, CMU, Microsoft, NSF, and more, totaling over $150,000 in research and conference funding. As a reviewer, he was listed in the Top 1% Cross-Field Reviewers on Publons (2018). His extensive participation in interdisciplinary workshops across Europe, Asia, and the USA underscores his global academic engagement. These recognitions highlight his scholarly impact, leadership potential, and collaborative spirit. They also affirm his standing as a leading voice in technology-enhanced education, artificial intelligence in learning, and affective computing in the learning sciences.

🔬 Research Focus 

Tanmay Sinha’s research lies at the intersection of learning sciences, artificial intelligence, and emotional-cognitive processes in education. He explores the dual roles of emotions in learning—particularly regulation strategies like shame in problem-solving contexts—through multimodal learning analytics. His second major line of research focuses on productive failure and scaffolding in STEM education, emphasizing technology-enhanced, theory-driven learning design. With ~2100 citations and a growing impact (h-index 21), his publications span top-tier journals such as Journal of the Learning Sciences, Learning and Instruction, and Educational Psychology. He also contributes open-source tools for emotion research democratization. Tanmay’s work addresses how instructional interventions, emotional dynamics, and learning mechanisms interact to foster resilience, transfer, and conceptual understanding. His forward-looking vision involves integrating AI with pedagogical principles to design adaptive, affect-aware learning systems, and to reimagine educational experiences that are both intellectually rigorous and emotionally supportive.

📝 Conclusion

Dr. Tanmay Sinha demonstrates a stellar academic trajectory, with a high-impact research record, international leadership experience, and innovative interdisciplinary scholarship in the Learning Sciences. His work bridges cutting-edge AI with educational theory and practice, positioning him as a rising global thought leader in educational technology and pedagogy. With continued development in outreach, grant leadership, and broader public engagement, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award and will likely remain an influential figure in the years to come.

Publication

  • From problem-solving to sensemaking: A comparative meta-analysis of preparatory approaches for future learning

    • Year: 2021

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, M. Kapur

 

  • Understanding randomness on a molecular level: A diagnostic tool

    • Year: 2023

    • Author(s): S. Tobler, K. Köhler, T. Sinha, E. Hafen, M. Kapur

 

  • Trends and research directions for privacy preserving approaches on the cloud

    • Year: 2013

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, V. Srikanth, M. Sain, H.J. Lee

 

  • Leveraging user profile attributes for improving pedagogical accuracy of learning pathways

    • Year: 2013

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, A. Banka, D.K. Kang

 

  • A Novel Multimodal Approach for Studying the Dynamics of Curiosity in Small Group Learning

    • Year: 2021

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, Z. Bai, J. Cassell

 

  • Impact of Explicit Failure and Success-driven Preparatory Activities on Learning

    • Year: 2019

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, M. Kapur, R. West, M. Catasta, M. Hauswirth, D. Trninic

 

  • Cognitive Correlates of Rapport Dynamics in Longitudinal Peer Tutoring

    • Year: 2016

    • Author(s): T. Sinha

 

  • Modeling Similarity in Incentivized Interaction: A Longitudinal Case Study of StackOverflow

    • Year: 2015

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, W. Wei, K. Carley

 

  • Who negatively influences me? Formalizing diffusion dynamics of negative exposure leading to student attrition in MOOCs

    • Year: 2014

    • Author(s): T. Sinha

 

  • Does Deliberately Failing Improve Learning in Introductory Computer Science?

    • Year: 2022

    • Author(s): S. Thorgeirsson, T. Sinha, F. Friedrich, Z. Su

 

  • The Impact of Prior Knowledge in Narrative-Based Learning on Understanding Biological Concepts in Higher Education

    • Year: 2022

    • Author(s): S. Tobler, T. Sinha, K. Koehler, E. Hafen, M. Kapur

 

  • Effects of narratives on undergraduate student understanding of fundamental concepts in biology

    • Year: 2022

    • Author(s): S. Tobler, T. Sinha, K. Köhler, E. Hafen, M. Kapur

 

  • Embodied agents to scaffold data science education

    • Year: 2022

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, S. Malhotra

 

  • Proposal of a Social Network Analytic Framework to develop a better participation model for Online Education Platforms

    • Year: 2013

    • Author(s): T. Sinha

 

  • Telling stories as preparation for learning: a Bayesian analysis of transfer performance and investigation of learning mechanisms

    • Year: 2024

    • Author(s): S. Tobler, T. Sinha, K. Köhler, M. Kapur

 

 

  • Democratizing emotion research in learning sciences

    • Year: 2022

    • Author(s): T. Sinha, S. Dhandhania

 

 

 

Ishini Nimasha Saparamadu| Civil Engineering | YouthInnovate Award

Ms. Ishini Nimasha Saparamadu| Civil Engineering | YouthInnovate Award

Research Assistant, University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka

P. V. Ishini Nimasha Saparamadu is an innovative Research Assistant and Enterprise AI Solutions Engineer affiliated with the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and Intelligent Label Solutions. A high-achieving Quantity Surveying graduate with a GPA of 4.02/4.2, she has swiftly made a name for herself in the intersection of construction and artificial intelligence. Ishini is the founder of Concolabs (Pvt) Ltd, where she pioneered groundbreaking digital solutions like MeasureonAIR and Roboclause, which optimize construction cost tracking and automate legal interpretations, respectively. Her work is backed by academic rigor and practical application, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals, awards at international symposiums, and AI-driven industry tools. She has collaborated on numerous research projects aimed at modernizing construction compliance through NLP and vector database-powered chatbots. Ishini is driven by a passion to revolutionize the construction sector with digital innovation and is committed to pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in engineering.

Profile

Orcid

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Ishini Saparamadu earned her Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, graduating with an impressive GPA of 4.02/4.2. Her academic journey has been marked by excellence and innovation, laying a strong foundation in construction economics, digital project management, and artificial intelligence applications in engineering. During her undergraduate studies, she actively engaged in interdisciplinary research, culminating in award-winning papers and recognition such as the Vidyajyothi Award for Most Outstanding Graduate. Her education was not only centered on traditional construction theories but also integrated modern computational tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and ERP systems. She further enriched her learning through continuous professional development programs under globally recognized institutions such as RICS, CIOB, and CICES. Her commitment to bridging academic knowledge and industry needs reflects in her student memberships in several professional bodies and her contribution to forward-thinking academic publications and tech products.

💼 Experience 

With a dual role as a Research Assistant at the University of Moratuwa and Enterprise AI Solutions Engineer at Intelligent Label Solutions, Ishini brings a dynamic blend of academic rigor and industry impact. She founded Concolabs (Pvt) Ltd, where she led the development of MeasureonAIR, a mobile app automating construction measurements, and Roboclause, an AI chatbot that simplifies contract law queries. Her professional experience spans cost estimation, BIM integration, ERP development, and AI application in construction workflows. She has undertaken consultancy projects like BuildMarketLK, which leverages AI for market price forecasting, and Bimverse, a BIM-manipulation chatbot. Her involvement in both practical development and scholarly research positions her at the forefront of digital transformation in construction. Ishini has also served as a team lead in multiple collaborations, mentoring junior developers and researchers. Her contributions continuously demonstrate a commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into conventional project management frameworks.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Ishini Saparamadu has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing her academic brilliance and innovative spirit. Among her accolades is the Robin Jones Award, the Vidyajyothi Award for Most Outstanding Graduate, and Best Undergraduate Research Award. Her contributions were celebrated at the World Construction Symposium, where she received the Best Paper Award for her research in AI-driven construction contract analysis. She was also a CIOB Scholarship semi-finalist, showcasing her prominence among emerging global talents in construction. These honors underscore her dual excellence in both academia and practical innovation. Beyond these, Ishini has gained visibility through memberships in leading institutions such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). Her accomplishments reflect not just academic superiority but also a commitment to industry evolution through applied research. These recognitions serve as a testament to her impact in the field at an early stage in her career.

🔬 Research Focus 

Ishini’s research centers on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance construction law interpretation, project management, and compliance. Her core focus lies in Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications for automating legal documentation, as evidenced by her work on Roboclause, a contract law chatbot. She explores the use of vector database-powered chatbots for improving contract interpretation accuracy and reducing administrative delays. Another research stream involves affordance-led models for NLP adoption in construction project ecosystems. Ishini is also investigating bi-directional document management systems that ensure construction compliance using NLP. Her recent publications in Built Environment Project and Asset Management and Buildings reflect her commitment to translating theory into practical tools. She is also actively involved in projects integrating BIM with AI to enable intuitive interactions via natural language commands. Her interdisciplinary approach combines construction expertise with digital technologies to foster smarter, more compliant, and efficient project environments. She aspires to reshape the construction industry through innovation-led AI solutions.

📝 Conclusion

P. V. Ishini Nimasha Saparamadu is a highly suitable candidate for the YouthInnovate Award. Her profile reflects a rare combination of academic brilliance, real-world innovation, and a deep commitment to integrating AI into construction and legal processes. While she could strengthen her profile with more patents, books, and international collaborations, her current achievements—especially at such an early stage in her career—position her as a top contender for this recognition.

Publication

  • Optimising Contract Interpretations with Large Language Models: A Comparative Evaluation of a Vector Database-Powered Chatbot vs. ChatGPT
    Year: 2025
    Authors: P. Saparamadu, S. Sepasgozar, R.N.D. Guruge, H.S. Jayasena, A. Darejeh, …

 

  • BLUEPRINT FOR A NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING POWERED NEXUS FOR REGULATORY AND LEGAL LANDSCAPE IN CONSTRUCTION
    Year: 2024
    Authors: P. Saparamadu, H.S. Jayasena, B.A.I. Eranga

 

 

Chunying Li | Ocean Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chunying Li | Ocean Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher, Southern University of Science and Technology China

Dr. Chunying Li is a Research Assistant Professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), China, with expertise in intelligent underwater robotics, particularly in multi-sensor fusion, autonomous systems, and biomimetic robot control in complex environments, contributing extensively to high-impact projects funded in China and Japan.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Li earned her Ph.D. in Intelligent Mechanical Systems Engineering from Kagawa University, Japan (2021–2023), where her research focused on multi-sensor fusion and control strategies for spherical underwater robots, following a B.Sc. in Control Engineering from Tianjin University of Technology (2017–2021), with undergraduate research on path planning for amphibious spherical robots.

💼 Experience 

She currently serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at SUSTech (2023–present), and previously worked as a Research Assistant at Kagawa University (2021–2023), actively leading and contributing to international robotics projects involving autonomous underwater systems and human-robot interaction.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Li was nominated for the Young Scientist of Ocean Power (2024), received the CAA Natural Science Second Prize (2024), was selected as a Shenzhen Overseas High-level Talent (2024), awarded the CSC Scholarship (2022), chaired IEEE ICMA sessions, and won Tianjin’s Outstanding Master’s Dissertation Award (2020–2021).

🔬 Research Focus 

Her research centers on the design, perception, and control of amphibious and spherical underwater robots, with emphasis on multi-robot collaboration, multi-sensor fusion, underwater environment perception, motion control algorithms, and AI-enhanced target recognition in challenging and dynamic aquatic environments.

📝 Conclusion

Dr. Chunying Li exemplifies the ideal profile of a rising-star researcher in the field of intelligent robotics, with demonstrated innovation, research leadership, and international collaboration. Her cutting-edge contributions to underwater robotic systems and control technologies make her an excellent nominee for the Best Researcher Award. With further expansion into translational research and high-impact publishing, she is poised to become a leading figure in the robotics research community globally.

Publication

  1. Title: Evaluation of Detection System for Bioinspired Spherical Underwater Robots Based on the Pressure Sensor Array
    Year: 2023
    Authors: C Li, S Guo
    Citations: 1

 

  1. Title: Multiple Bio-Inspired Father-Son Underwater Robot for Underwater Target Object Acquisition and Identification
    Year: 2021
    Authors: R An, S Guo, Y Yu, C Li, T Awa
    Citations: 1

 

  1. Title: A Phase-Dependent and EMG-Driven Variable Stiffness Control Strategy for Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot
    Year: 2024
    Authors: P Li, S Guo, C Li

 

  1. Title: An Improved Motion Strategy with Uncertainty Perception for the Underwater Robot Based on Thrust Allocation Model
    Year: 2024
    Authors: A Li, S Guo, C Li

 

  1. Title: Study on the Backstepping Sliding Mode-Based Tracking Control Method for the SUR
    Year: 2024
    Authors: C Li, S Guo
    Citations: Not listed

 

  1. Title: Study on an Adaptive Clamping Device for Passive Safety Delivery of Vascular Intervention Robot
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S Cao, S Guo, J Guo, J Wang, C Li, H Xu, B Wang, M Ding

 

  1. Title: Study on the Path Planning Based on A* Algorithm for Vascular Intervention Robots
    Year: 2024
    Authors: H Xu, S Guo, C Li, S Cao

 

  1. Title: Study on the Depth Control for an “Egg-shaped” Underwater Robot Based on Backstepping Sliding Mode Algorithm
    Year: 2024
    Authors: H Li, S Guo, C Li, J Long

 

  1. Title: Research on Segmentation and Clustering Algorithms of 3D Point Clouds for Mobile Robot Navigation
    Year: 2024
    Authors: L Huang, S Guo, C Li, Q Lei, J Nie

 

  1. Title: Evaluation of the Dynamic Performance of a Novel Egg-shaped Underwater Robot
    Year: 2024
    Authors: J Long, S Guo, C Li

 

  1. Title: Study on the Improved Water Flow Prediction Based on Classification-Regression Approach for Amphibious Spherical Robots
    Year: 2024
    Authors: J Leng, S Guo, C Li, S Cao

 

  1. Title: Study on Improved D* Lite-Based Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation Strategy for the Ellipsoidal Underwater Robot
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Q Lei, S Guo, C Li, J Nie

 

  1. Title: Study on a Novel Fuzzy PID Control System for the Ellipsoidal Underwater Robot
    Year: 2024
    Authors: X Liu, S Guo, C Li, Q Lei, J Nie

 

  1. Title: Design and Control of an Ellipsoidal Underwater Robot Driven by Four-Vector Propellers
    Year: 2024
    Authors: J Nie, S Guo, C Li, Q Lei

 

 

Sajjad Saleem| Digital agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Sajjad Saleem| Digital agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Sajjad Saleem is a computer science researcher based in New Jersey with a Master’s in Information Technology from Washington University of Science and Technology. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, deep learning, and image processing, with impactful applications in agriculture and healthcare. He has developed innovative solutions for multi-crop disease detection and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and lung diseases. Sajjad thrives in interdisciplinary teams, turning complex datasets into actionable insights. With strong skills in data analytics and statistical tools, he also contributes as a peer reviewer for reputed journals like IEEE Access and Springer. Passionate about sustainable agriculture and precision medicine, he continuously explores ways to improve diagnostics and crop yield prediction through AI. His work integrates technical depth with real-world relevance, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and applied research landscapes.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Sajjad Saleem holds an MS in Information Technology (Data Analytics and Management) from Washington University of Science and Technology, completed in 2024. During his graduate studies, he specialized in artificial intelligence and data analytics, developing projects and research around deep learning applications in medical diagnostics and agriculture. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus (2016–2020), where he cultivated foundational knowledge in management sciences and research methodologies. His unique combination of business and technology education empowers him to address real-world problems using AI solutions. Sajjad’s education is enriched by hands-on experience with tools like SPSS, SQL, Tableau, and Cloudera, along with advanced training in machine learning, research analytics, and data management. His academic journey reflects a continuous commitment to leveraging data-driven technologies for solving contemporary challenges in both business intelligence and scientific research.

💼 Experience 

Sajjad’s professional experience is a blend of academic research, data analytics, and peer reviewing. He currently works as a Data Analyst at Technova Systems Inc. in Virginia, utilizing advanced analytics and visualization techniques to support decision-making. From 2016 to 2020, he served as a Research Assistant at COMSATS University Lahore, engaging in research design, literature reviews, and data interpretation. Sajjad is also an active journal peer reviewer, having reviewed over 32 manuscripts for prestigious journals like IEEE Access, Springer Scientific Reports, Wiley’s Developmental Neurobiology, and Frontiers in Plant Science. His reviews span AI, plant science, and developmental neuroscience. This exposure to cutting-edge research across disciplines has deepened his understanding and critical evaluation skills. His experience reflects a strong analytical mindset, collaboration in multidisciplinary environments, and a dedication to advancing both academic and applied research frontiers in AI, agriculture, and healthcare.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Sajjad Saleem has gained recognition primarily through his academic contributions and peer-review roles. He has reviewed over 32 research manuscripts, reflecting his credibility and expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence, plant science, and developmental neurobiology. His trusted status as a reviewer for top-tier journals like IEEE Access and Springer’s Scientific Reports highlights his ability to assess cutting-edge research critically. He has contributed significantly to maintaining publication standards across diverse domains, including medical diagnostics and agricultural AI. While specific awards are not listed, his selection as a reviewer and consistent participation in scholarly publication processes stand as professional honors. These roles not only acknowledge his subject matter expertise but also illustrate his commitment to academic integrity and knowledge dissemination. His research publications and contributions in deep learning applications have further strengthened his academic profile, positioning him as an emerging expert in AI-driven precision solutions.

🔬 Research Focus 

Sajjad Saleem’s research is centered on the intersection of artificial intelligence and real-world problem-solving in agriculture and healthcare. His work in deep learning addresses critical issues such as crop disease detection, early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and lung disease classification. His recent projects involve hybrid neural architectures combining NASNet, Vision Transformers, and wrapper-feature selection techniques to optimize accuracy in medical imaging. In agriculture, he has developed enhanced models for multi-crop leaf disease detection and wheat disease classification using feature fusion strategies. Sajjad’s overarching goal is to harness AI to support precision farming, sustainable agriculture, and efficient diagnostics. He also explores the socio-technical impacts of cybercrime, HR analytics, and AI integration in business management. His interdisciplinary research not only contributes to academic literature but also has real-world applications, improving yield prediction, disease diagnosis, and organizational performance through intelligent systems and data analytics.

📝 Conclusion

Sajjad Saleem is a promising researcher whose interdisciplinary expertise in AI, deep learning, and image processing offers substantial contributions to both the agricultural and medical sectors. His publications, peer review experience, and technical skills place him in an excellent position for the Young Scientist Award. By expanding his focus on societal impacts and engaging with industry leaders, Sajjad can further solidify his standing as a thought leader in the fields of AI-driven agriculture and healthcare solutions.

Publication

  • Title: Comparison of Deep Learning Models for Multi-Crop Leaf Disease Detection with Enhanced Vegetative Feature Isolation and Definition of a New Hybrid Architecture
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S Saleem, MI Sharif, MI Sharif, MZ Sajid, F Marinello
    Citations: 10

 

  • Title: Untapped potential and country-of-origin: do employee attitudes and HR analytics boost career growth with a COM-B model application
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S Sattar, M Bukhari, S Saleem, S Ijaz, S Ejaz, K Al Sulaiti, J Abbas
    Citations: 5

 

  • Title: A Multi-Scale Feature Extraction and Fusion Deep Learning Method for Classification of Wheat Diseases
    Year: 2025
    Authors: S Saleem, A Hussain, N Majeed, Z Akhtar, K Siddique
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Deep Learning-Based Approach for Identification of Potato Leaf Diseases Using Wrapper Feature Selection and Feature Concatenation
    Year: 2025
    Authors: M Ahtsam Naeem, M Asim Saleem, MI Sharif, S Akber, S Saleem, …
    Citations: 1*

 

  • Title: The Impact of Cybercrime Incidents and Artificial Intelligence Adoption on Organizational Performance: A Mediated Moderation Model
    Year: 2024
    Authors: M Bukhari, S Sattar, S Saleem, KZ Khan, A KHAN
    Citations: 1

 

  • Title: An Integrated Deep Learning Framework Leveraging NASNet and Vision Transformer with MixProcessing for Accurate and Precise Diagnosis of Lung Diseases
    Year: 2025
    Authors: S Saleem, MI Sharif
    Citations: Under Review; PLOS ONE

 

  • Title: Deep Learning in Early Alzheimer’s Diseases Detection: A Comprehensive Survey of Classification, Segmentation, and Feature Extraction Methods
    Year: 2025
    Authors: R Hafeez, S Waheed, SA Naqvi, F Maqbool, A Sarwar, S Saleem, …
    Citations: 0 (arXiv:2501.15293)

 

Anurag Singh | Immunology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Anurag Singh | Immunology | Young Scientist Award

Anurag Singh is an emerging researcher in virology and immunology, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. A Gold Medalist in M.Sc. Virology from ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, and a top performer in B.Sc. (H) Microbiology from the University of Delhi, his academic journey is marked by excellence. With a strong inclination toward infectious diseases, he has contributed to multiple high-impact publications and scientific book chapters. He has been actively involved in various research projects addressing SARS-CoV-2, antimicrobial resistance, and mosquito-borne diseases. His technical expertise includes flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA, and virus culture techniques. A DST-INSPIRE and CSIR-JRF awardee, Anurag has presented his work at both national and international platforms. Beyond the lab, he has taken up leadership roles and actively engages in public health initiatives like HPV vaccination awareness. His passion lies in bridging basic science with translational medical research.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Anurag Singh holds an impressive academic record in life sciences and biomedical research. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at AIIMS, New Delhi (2023–Present). He earned an M.Sc. in Virology from ICMR-National Institute of Virology (2021–2023), graduating with a stellar CGPA of 9.85 and was awarded a Gold Medal for academic excellence. Prior to that, he completed a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Microbiology from Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi (2018–2021) with a CGPA of 9.419, ranking among the top performers. His school education was also marked by distinction, with an 85.4% in AISSCE (2016) and a perfect CGPA of 10 in AISSE (2014), both under CBSE. He has supplemented his academic training with certifications in flow cytometry, HIV diagnostics, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and ethical research practices from institutions like Johns Hopkins University and University of Toronto, strengthening his scientific and analytical foundations.

💼 Experience 

Anurag Singh has accumulated rich research experience across premier institutions. Currently, he is a Ph.D. scholar at AIIMS, New Delhi (Oct 2023–Present), working on immunopathology and microbiome research. During his M.Sc., he conducted a dissertation on dengue virus detection in Aedes mosquitoes at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Earlier, he led two undergraduate research projects at the University of Delhi: one on drug repurposing against MRSA (18 months) and another on in silico drug intervention for SARS-CoV-2 (12 months). He also interned at Bokaro General Hospital under a microbiology MD, gaining clinical lab experience. Anurag has presented at international and national conferences and published multiple peer-reviewed articles. He is proficient in molecular biology, cell culture, serological assays, and viral diagnostics. Additionally, he has served as President and Secretary of his college microbiology society, coordinated scientific events, and led public health initiatives, showcasing both academic and leadership skills.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Anurag Singh is the recipient of several prestigious awards for academic and research excellence. He is a DST-INSPIRE and Joint CSIR-UGC Fellow, and ranked 91st in the CSIR-NET 2022 exam. He received a Gold Medal from ICMR-NIV for topping his M.Sc. Virology program (2021–2023). At the undergraduate level, he won the Dr. D.K. Pabby Best Student Award (Sciences, 2022) and an Academic Excellence Award (2019–20) from RLAC, University of Delhi. His poster titled “Bacillus coagulans ameliorates Immunopathology of Osteoarthritis” won Best Poster Presentation at the IABS 2025 Conference (AIIMS Bhopal). He has also received appreciation at AIIMS Research Day (2024), and secured second position in a poster competition on avian virus immunization. Additionally, he earned certificates of merit for innovative ideas and has coordinated outreach and awareness campaigns. These accolades highlight his commitment to scientific inquiry, leadership, and community engagement.

🔬 Research Focus 

Anurag Singh’s research centers on infectious diseases, immunopathology, and translational virology. He is currently exploring the role of probiotics and neutrophils in inflammatory conditions like ARDS and osteoarthritis. His doctoral work at AIIMS delves into microbiome-host interactions in bone immunology. In past projects, he has investigated dengue virus surveillance in urban mosquitoes and antimicrobial resistance in MRSA using repurposed drugs. He has also contributed to computational biology, evaluating SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics using in silico approaches. His technical proficiencies span live virus handling, PCR, sequencing, ELISA, flow cytometry, and tissue culture. Through his publications and book chapters, he has addressed topics ranging from soil microbes and sustainable development to COVID-19 vaccines and heterologous immunity. Anurag aims to bridge computational biology with experimental virology to develop targeted interventions for viral and immune-related disorders. His interdisciplinary approach combines bench science with bioinformatics, public health insights, and therapeutic innovation.

📝 Conclusion

Anurag Singh is an exceptionally promising young scientist with a commendable academic record, significant research contributions, and clear leadership in both science and community health initiatives. His current Ph.D. training at AIIMS New Delhi, India’s premier medical research institution, adds substantial weight to his trajectory. Given his achievements at such an early career stage, he is highly suitable for the Young Scientist Award.

Publication

1.

  • Title: SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutics: How Far Do We Stand from a Remedy?

  • Year: 2021

  • Authors: A. Singh, V. Gupta


2.

  • Title: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) Ameliorates Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) via Targeting Neutrophils

  • Year: 2024

  • Authors: L. Sapra, C. Saini, S. Das, P.K. Mishra, A. Singh, A.R. Mridha, P.K. Yadav, …


3.

  • Title: In Silico Evaluation of Potential Intervention Against SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase

  • Year: 2023

  • Authors: S. Kapoor, A. Singh, V. Gupta


4.

  • Title: Heterologous Protection to COVID-19 with BCG Vaccine: Deciphering the Reality Using Meta-Analysis Approach

  • Year: Not specified (but likely around 2021–2024 based on context)

  • Authors: A. Singh, L. Gupta, V. Gupta

 

 

Ali Yousefi | medicinal chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ali Yousefi | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ali Yousefi, an Iranian medicinal chemist born in 1998, is a Ph.D. scholar at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and an emerging researcher at the University of Kashan’s Essential Oils Research Institute. With a strong foundation in pure and medicinal chemistry, his research explores the synthesis and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds, integrating AI and natural product chemistry. He has contributed to cutting-edge publications, presented at national conferences, and taken part in interdisciplinary collaborations. Ali is deeply invested in drug discovery, natural product isolation, and cancer-related research, aiming to bridge traditional remedies with modern medicinal approaches.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Ali Yousefi earned a B.Sc. in Pure Chemistry (2017–2023) and an M.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry (2021–2023) from the University of Kashan, Iran, through its Distinguished Talent Program. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry (2023–2027) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. His educational focus spans organic synthesis, drug design, and biological screening of novel compounds. His academic trajectory reflects both rigorous training and an innovative outlook, particularly in linking medicinal chemistry with computational modeling and natural compound exploration for therapeutic applications.

💼 Experience 

Ali has served as a teaching assistant and lecturer in undergraduate and graduate courses, including Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. He is actively involved in industrial R&D at the Shahid Ardeshir Hosseinpour Incubation Center, contributing to the synthesis and localization of Sugammadex production. A key member of the Essential Oils Research Institute since 2007, he has also contributed to AI-healthcare integrations such as Pharm Chatbot AI. At Tabriz University, he supports research in marine-derived anticancer agents, merging pharmaceutical innovation with machine learning in biological predictions.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Ali was selected for the Distinguished Talent Program at the University of Kashan for his M.Sc. studies in Medicinal Chemistry. He has earned national recognition through his publications in high-impact journals and presentations at prestigious chemistry and medical symposia. His work in AI-integrated drug development and radiation side-effect prediction has positioned him as a promising young scientist. His role in cross-institutional industrial collaborations also demonstrates his leadership in translational research and his early career distinction in medicinal chemistry and bioinformatics.

🔬 Research Focus 

Ali’s research centers on drug discovery through the design, synthesis, and evaluation of biologically active compounds such as resveratrol and bromophenol derivatives. He is deeply interested in antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial agents from natural and marine sources. His work spans computational drug design, structure-activity relationship studies, and AI applications in predicting biological responses. He also explores electrochemical biosensing and nanomaterial interfaces for biomedical diagnostics. Overall, Ali’s interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, pharmacology, and data science for impactful advancements in precision medicine.

📝 Conclusion

Ali Yousefi is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a compelling blend of academic brilliance, innovative thinking, practical application, and multidisciplinary research expertise. His active contributions in medicinal chemistry, machine learning for healthcare, natural products, and industrial pharma solutions highlight both depth and breadth of scientific engagement. With enhanced international collaboration and greater focus on innovation outputs (patents, grants), he is poised to become a rising star in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. Given his early career accomplishments and forward-thinking approach, he is strongly recommended for recognition through this prestigious award.

Publication

  • Title: Design, Synthesis and Antioxidant, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation of Novel Resveratrol Derivatives

  • Year: 2025

  • Authors: Ali A. Yousefi, Abdolrasoul H. Ebrahimabadi, Hourieh Sadat Oboudatian

leila zandi | immigration | Best Researcher Award

Dr. leila zandi | immigration | Best Researcher Award

Leila Zandi-Navgran is an Iranian demographer specializing in migration, identity, and integration studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Demography from Yazd University and is currently pursuing postdoctoral research in the same field at the University of Tehran. With a strong academic background, she focuses on Afghan migrant experiences in Iran, contributing extensively through publications in renowned journals. Leila has presented her work at international conferences and maintains active collaborations in migration and intercultural research. Her scholarly contributions reflect a deep commitment to understanding demographic transitions and migrant integration processes in the Iranian context and beyond.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education 

Leila Zandi-Navgran began her academic journey in Demography with a Master’s degree from Shiraz University (2007–2009), followed by a Ph.D. at Yazd University (2018–2023), where she conducted significant research on migrant identity and integration. In 2024, she commenced a postdoctoral program at the University of Tehran, continuing her work in population studies. Her educational path has been strongly rooted in demographic theory and qualitative methodologies, enabling her to deeply explore migration-related issues in Iranian society. This progressive academic trajectory reflects her ongoing dedication to social research and population development.

💼 Experience 

Leila Zandi-Navgran has accumulated rich experience as a researcher and academic, specializing in the fields of migration, demographic behavior, and intercultural integration. Her doctoral and postdoctoral studies are deeply embedded in empirical research on Afghan migrants in Iran. She has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects and co-authored studies addressing integration, identity, education in displacement, and labor market challenges. Leila actively participates in international academic discourse, presenting at key population and migration conferences. Her research experience spans qualitative, mixed-methods, and grounded theory approaches, underpinning her contributions to demographic research in Iranian and global contexts.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Leila Zandi-Navgran has received academic recognition for her insightful research on Afghan migrant experiences and social integration. She has presented award-nominated papers at global conferences, including the 30th International Population Conference in Australia (2025) and the International Symposium on Migration in China. Her contributions to high-impact journals have established her as a leading voice in intercultural and demographic research in Iran. She is also acknowledged for her role as a corresponding author in collaborative publications, reflecting scholarly merit in social science research. Her research has earned commendation for advancing theoretical and practical understandings of migration.

🔬 Research Focus 

Leila Zandi-Navgran’s research centers on migration studies, particularly the lived experiences of Afghan migrants in Iran. Her scholarly work explores themes like emotional well-being, integration policies, cultural identity, social distance, labor market participation, and intergenerational dynamics. Using grounded theory and qualitative methods, she investigates migrant narratives to understand their adaptation and resilience. Leila’s recent research also examines education under displacement and the socio-political dimensions of refugee life. Her focus lies in bridging policy and lived realities to promote inclusive integration and intercultural dialogue through evidence-based demographic research.

📝 Conclusion

Dr. Leila Zandi-Navgran is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the field of demography, migration studies, and integration research. Her robust portfolio of publications, dedication to exploring socially critical issues, and consistent academic growth position her as a thought leader in migration and social integration research. Her contributions help illuminate the lived realities of Afghan migrants in Iran and offer valuable frameworks for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. With enhanced international collaboration and visibility, she is well on the path to becoming an influential voice in global demographic research. She is strongly recommended for recognition through this award.

Publication

 

  1. Exploring education in displacement: a qualitative inquiry of challenges and experiences of Afghan migrants in Iran
    2025 | Hossein Afrasiabi, Leila Zandy

 

  1. Integration of Afghan Immigrants in Iran: A Multi-Grounded Theory Study
    2024 | Leila Zandi-Navgran, Abbas Askari-Nodoushan, Hossein Afrasiabi

 

Zahid Hussain | Mining Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Zahid Hussain | Mining Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Zahid Hussain is a Pakistani mining engineering researcher and lecturer, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), China. He serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Mining Engineering at Karakoram International University (KIU), Gilgit, Pakistan. His expertise lies in mineral processing, carbon sequestration, and sustainable mining technologies. Dr. Hussain is a member of the Pakistan Climate Change Council and serves on the youth editorial board of Green and Smart Mining Engineering. Passionate about integrating environmental concerns into mining, he explores novel and eco-friendly methods for mineral extraction and CO₂ sequestration. His work has been recognized with multiple national awards and honors.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Zahid Hussain holds a B.Sc. (2010–2014) and M.Sc. (2015–2018) in Mining Engineering from BUITEMS, Quetta, Pakistan, graduating with distinction and a Gold Medal. His B.Sc. thesis focused on blast vibration control at Gribwal Cement, while his M.Sc. involved mineralogical and chemical investigations for establishing a cement plant in Hunza using techniques like XRF, XRD, SEM, and GIS tools. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering (2022–2026) at USTB, China, under Prof. Jiajie Li, focusing on mineral carbonation and geological CO₂ sequestration for sustainable mining practices aligned with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) goals. His educational journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary grounding in geology, mineral processing, and sustainability.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Zahid began as a Lecturer of Chemistry (2014–2017) at Balochistan Group of Colleges before joining KIU, Gilgit, as a Lecturer in Mining Engineering (2017–present). At KIU, he has taught core subjects including Mineral Exploration, Rock Mechanics, Ore Reserve Estimation, and Advanced Coal Technology. He served as Head of the Mineral Processing Lab, Course Coordinator (2018–2022), Acting Chair (2020), and Departmental Undergraduate Advisor (2019–2022). Additionally, he’s been involved in designing and upgrading copper plants in Gilgit-Baltistan. He also worked briefly as Office Assistant to the Deputy Registrar at BUITEMS, improving administrative and computing skills during his student years.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Zahid Hussain received the Best Innovator Award (2021) and Best Researcher Award (2020) for his contributions to sustainable mining research. He earned a Roll of Honour (Gold Medal) from BUITEMS in 2014 and was awarded a Merit Scholarship for outstanding academic performance during 2010–2014. Beyond academia, he has demonstrated leadership and teamwork by captaining the Pakistani Researchers’ Cricket and Badminton teams in China, winning several tournaments. His consistent academic and professional excellence has earned him recognition at institutional and national levels, reflecting his dedication to innovation, environmental responsibility, and academic rigor.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Zahid’s research centers on mineral carbonation for CO₂ sequestration, aiming to repurpose mining and industrial waste into sustainable, value-added products. His Ph.D. focuses on ex-situ and in-situ carbonation techniques using regional mineral resources, especially within Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. He utilizes tools like drone-based surface modeling, electric resistivity surveys, and lab-scale mineral testing to explore CO₂ capture potential. His roadmap proposes integrating CO₂ sequestration with mine backfilling, offering scalable carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions. He also explores Salajeet as an immune booster and works on environmentally friendly extraction methods for gold and copper.

📝 Conclusion

Dr. Zahid Hussain is a highly deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award, demonstrating a rare blend of academic brilliance, environmental innovation, and leadership in the field of sustainable mining and mineral engineering. His work on CO₂ sequestration through mineral carbonation is not only scientifically relevant but globally critical amid climate change mitigation efforts. He exemplifies the spirit of the award through proactive research, impactful community engagement, and continuous academic contribution. With ongoing enhancement in publication output and broader collaborations, Dr. Zahid is poised to become a thought leader in green mining and climate-responsive technologies. Strongly recommended for recognition.

Publication

  1. Title: Entrepreneurs of Baksa District
    Year: 2025
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Book
    ISBN: 978-93-342-2520-4

 

  1. Title: Recycling Horticultural Waste into Animal Feed
    Year: 2025
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Magazine Article (Agriculture and Food: E-Newsletter)
    ISSN: 2581-8317

 

  1. Title: Performance Evaluation of Lakhimi Cattle under Traditional Rearing System of Assam
    Year: 2024
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Journal Article
    ISSN: 0973-2004

 

  1. Title: Resource Inventory of Baksa District
    Year: 2024
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Book
    ISBN: 978-93-6076-296-4

 

  1. Title: Evaluation of Biofortified Sweet Potato Varieties for Their Growth, Yield and Economic Performance under Assam Condition
    Year: 2024
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah, Nishita Pathak, Manoranjan Neog, Utpal Jyoti Sarma
    Type: Journal Article (Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology)
    DOI: 10.9734/ajaees/2024/v42i52441
    ISSN: 2320-7027

 

  1. Title: Homolomena aromatica – A Commercially Exploited Plant from Natural Habitat
    Year: 2023
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Magazine Article (Agri Mirror: Future India)
    ISSN: 2582-6980

 

  1. Title: High Value Horticulture Crops: An Intervention for Economic Upliftment of Farmers
    Year: 2023
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Magazine Article (Agriculture and Food: E-Newsletter)
    ISSN: 2581-8317

 

  1. Title: Millets: From “Poor Man’s Cereal” to “Smart Food”
    Year: 2023
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Magazine Article (Agriculture and Food: E-Newsletter)
    ISSN: 2581-8317

 

  1. Title: Evaluation of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) Cultivars for Performance and Correlation in Vegetative, Floral and Multiplication Characters under Paired-Row System
    Year: 2022
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah, Sunil Bora
    Type: Journal Article (Current Horticulture)
    DOI: 10.5958/2455-7560.2022.000097
    ISSN: 2347-7377 / 2455-7560

 

  1. Title: Natural Farming – The Next Green Revolution?
    Year: 2022
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Magazine Article (Agriculture and Environment: E-Newsletter)

 

  1. Title: Growth Performance of Some Gladiolus Cultivars in Paired Row System
    Year: 2020
    Contributors: Rocktim Baruah
    Type: Dissertation or Thesis

 

 

Adolor David Aiyeki | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adolor David Aiyeki | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia

Adolor David Aiyeki is a dynamic Ph.D. researcher at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia, with a strong background in mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies. Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and technology’s role in transforming society, he thrives in interdisciplinary research settings. He has held various technical and leadership roles, including Assistant Home Automation Engineer and Mechanical Engineer, with impactful contributions in automation, energy, and environmental systems. His research in photopolymerization-based ceramic additive manufacturing and lunar regolith applications reflects his pursuit of future-forward engineering. Beyond the lab, he is a committed volunteer and SDG advocate, empowering youth through awareness initiatives. With international scholarships, awards, and a robust portfolio in CAD, FEA, and material science, Adolor aims to bridge science and society. His blend of technical acumen, leadership, and purpose-driven advocacy positions him as a change-maker in engineering innovation and sustainability.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education 

Adolor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin (2017), where he worked on biomass gasifier design and participated in energy-related seminars. He earned his Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (2024), with a thesis focused on lunar regolith as an engineering material. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Mechanics at Skoltech (expected 2028), researching supercritical CO₂ processing for ceramic additive manufacturing. His academic background is bolstered by courses in CFD, multiphase flow, additive technologies, and finite element analysis, providing a well-rounded foundation in applied engineering and materials science. Throughout his education, he demonstrated a consistent interest in emerging technologies and sustainability, securing academic scholarships and engaging in multidisciplinary research. His academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and impactful problem-solving on both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.

💼 Experience 

Adolor has held diverse roles across academia and industry. As Assistant Home Automation Engineer at Hometronix Nigeria (2021–2022), he developed custom automation solutions, boosting client satisfaction and project efficiency. Prior to that, he served as a Mechanical Engineer at Friday Omoragbon & Sons (2020), overseeing welding and pipeline projects with significant cost and quality improvements. He interned as an Electromechanical Engineer at Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (2019), gaining hands-on experience in power systems. His teaching role at Pioneer Educational Centre (2018) enhanced student outcomes in math and science. As an Automotive Technician Intern (2016), he streamlined engine maintenance processes. Beyond employment, he has led SDG awareness initiatives as a volunteer with the UN SDG Action Campaign since 2019, promoting sustainability among youth. His work consistently combines technical expertise with communication and leadership, showcasing a blend of engineering competence and community engagement across multiple domains.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Adolor has received several prestigious honors for academic and research excellence. At Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, he earned the 2023–2024 Scholarship for Development and Academic Excellence and won Best Research Thesis (2024). He was awarded the Matthew Okpebholo Foundation Final Year Undergraduate Scholarship (2017) and the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Undergraduate Scholarship (2014–2017). In high school, he was twice recognized by the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, earning a Silver Medal (STAN O-Level Science Subjects, 2009) and a Gold Medal (Science Talent Search Innovation Championship, 2009). He also graduated as the Best Science Student from Blessed Saint Paul High School (2009). These accolades reflect his early and sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in science and engineering. Adolor’s recognition spans academic, technical, and competitive spheres, underscoring his dedication to intellectual rigor and impactful contributions in his field.

🔬 Research Focus 

Adolor’s research focus lies at the intersection of advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and energy sustainability. His Ph.D. investigates supercritical CO₂ processing for enhancing ceramic photopolymerization in 3D printing—a pioneering direction in material science. During his Master’s, he explored lunar regolith as an engineering material, contributing to space-based construction technology. His broader research interests include composite manufacturing, finite element analysis, and the development of functional coatings. He is proficient in software like ANSYS, Abaqus, Siemens NX, and Python, enabling high-fidelity simulations and product design. Adolor integrates sustainable practices into his work, evident from past projects on biomass energy and flow station installations. Through SDG advocacy, he connects research to community impact, especially in climate action and clean energy. With a long-term vision of fusing innovation with social benefit, his research aims to solve complex challenges on Earth and beyond, blending creativity with scientific precision.

📝 Conclusion

Mr. Adolor David Aiyeki is a highly promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic achievements, hands-on industry experience, and innovative research interests position him as a leader in the fields of advanced manufacturing and materials science. With a well-rounded background that combines technical depth, social responsibility, and a passion for transformative technology, he exemplifies the qualities sought in a world-class researcher. With continued emphasis on scholarly dissemination and global engagement, Mr. Aiyeki is undoubtedly a worthy contender for this prestigious recognition.

Publication

📘 Improved Additive Manufacturing of Lunar Regolith Simulant via Digital Light Processing for In-Situ Resource Utilization on the Moon

  • Journal: Acta Astronautica

  • Type: Journal Article

  • Date: April 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.009

  • Contributors: Adolor David Aiyeki, Andrey Tikhonov, Svyatoslav Chugunov