Nor El Houda Bourkaib | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nor El Houda Bourkaib | Environment | Best Researcher Award

PHD at Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algeria.

Norelhouda Bourkaib is a passionate Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering with a specialization in green chemistry and renewable materials; her research centers on the epoxidation of waste cooking oils to develop eco-friendly biobased products; skilled in experimental design, statistical modeling, and chemical analysis, she integrates sustainability with scientific innovation to address environmental and industrial challenges; her publication in the International Journal of Environmental Studies reflects her commitment to impactful, data-driven research; she exhibits strong critical thinking, independence in scientific inquiry, and a dedication to waste valorization through green methodologies.

🎓 Education 

She earned her diploma in Environmental Engineering from Ecole Nationale Polytechnique (Algiers) with rigorous academic training in sustainable technologies, environmental systems, and chemical process engineering; her curriculum emphasized green chemistry principles, analytical methods, and statistical optimization; her doctoral research expands upon this foundation by applying experimental design and data science tools (R, Python) to chemical valorization processes; she demonstrates a strong theoretical base combined with practical research experience in environmentally focused innovation and chemical transformation.

💼 Experience 

Since 2017, she has been conducting independent research as a Ph.D. scholar, leading a project on the epoxidation of waste cooking oil using peracid chemistry; she designed and executed lab experiments, optimized conditions using DoE in R, analyzed products via titration and FTIR, and successfully published her findings in an international peer-reviewed journal; her work spans full-cycle research—from literature review and lab work to data interpretation and academic writing—showcasing her problem-solving ability, project ownership, and commitment to sustainable chemical solutions.

 🏆Awards and Honors

While no formal awards are listed, her published article in a respected international journal highlights her academic recognition; her research has been commended for applying a statistical, reproducible approach to biobased epoxide synthesis; her commitment to scientific excellence and environmental sustainability is evident through her innovative application of experimental design, making her a promising scholar in green chemistry and waste valorization with the potential for future honors and academic distinction.

🔬Research Focus

Her core research lies in the valorization of used cooking oils through epoxidation processes aimed at generating sustainable, biobased materials for industrial use; she applies statistical methods like design of experiments (DoE) and software tools such as R to optimize reaction parameters; the work includes synthesis using peracids, product characterization using titration and FTIR, and method validation; her research contributes to circular economy principles by converting waste into high-value materials, aligning with global sustainability and green chemistry goals.

🌟Conclusion

Norel Houda Bourkaib shows strong potential as an impactful environmental researcher with a clear dedication to sustainable innovation. Her research is original, socially relevant, and technically sound. While still early in her academic journey, her work already reflects a high level of scientific maturity. With further development in terms of publication volume, international engagement, and industry interaction, she is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award and is well on her way to becoming a leader in green chemistry and environmental sustainability.

📝Publications 

Title: Recycling used cooking oil into a biobased epoxide by experimental design using R
Year: 2025
Authors: N. El Houda Bourkaib, R. Irinislimane, N. Belhaneche-Bensemra

Title: Experimental Design and Kinetics Study of Epoxidized Used Cooking Oil Using R
Year: 2025
Author: N. El Houda Bourkaib

Sherine Farouk | Waste Management | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Sherine Farouk | Waste Management | Women Researcher Award

Associate Provost for Internationalisation and Academic Projects, Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Cherine A. A. El Kaftangui is a Full Professor of Accounting at Abu Dhabi University’s College of Business Administration. With over 20 years of experience in academia and administration, she has served in various leadership roles, including Associate Provost for Internationalization and Chair of multiple academic committees. She has spearheaded global collaborations, international accreditation efforts, and academic conferences with institutions such as the WHO and the UN. Dr. El Kaftangui is a strategic and visionary leader with expertise in university rankings, assurance of learning, and academic program development. She has played a key role in enhancing global engagement and student success initiatives. Her research spans managerial accounting, sustainability, employee well-being, and international business education. Recognized for her academic leadership and research excellence, she has contributed significantly to university global rankings and internationalization strategies.

Profile

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Accounting (2006), London Metropolitan University, UK
    Thesis: “An Evaluation of the Management Accounting Practices as a Strategic Accounting Tool for Egyptian Manufacturing Organizations”
  • MBA in Managerial Accounting (1999), Arab Academy for Science & Technology
    Thesis: “Developing a Methodological Framework for Inventory Management Benchmarking”
  • B.Com. in Accounting (1992), King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
    Graduated with Honors, demonstrating excellence in financial and managerial accounting.
    Dr. El Kaftangui’s educational background has equipped her with expertise in financial management, strategic accounting, and benchmarking methodologies. Her doctoral research focused on strategic applications of managerial accounting, making significant contributions to business education and financial decision-making.

Professional Experience đź’Ľ

  • Associate Provost for Internationalization, Abu Dhabi University (2022–Present)
    • Organized ICASF 2023 & 2024 conferences, attracting 600+ attendees from 90+ countries.
    • Developed International Study Abroad Programs (ISAP 2024).
    • Strengthened global partnerships with top-tier institutions.
    • Led initiatives for QS & THE university rankings.
  • Assistant Provost for Academic Projects – Led major academic initiatives and student research programs.
  • Department Chair & Coordinator (10+ years) – Oversaw program development, retention strategies, and accreditation processes.
  • Faculty & Research Director – Promoted faculty-student research collaborations and professional certifications.
    Dr. El Kaftangui has been instrumental in advancing academic excellence, university internationalization, and student engagement at a global level.

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • Outstanding Academic Leadership Award – Recognized for excellence in university governance and internationalization.
  • Best Research Paper Award – Acknowledged for pioneering studies in sustainability and managerial accounting.
  • Distinguished Faculty Award – Honored for exceptional contributions to student learning and mentoring.
  • Top 10 Influential Scholars in Business Education – Featured for her impact on global academic rankings and strategic initiatives.
  • Excellence in Teaching & Research Award – A tribute to her innovative teaching methods and impactful research.
    Dr. El Kaftangui’s academic leadership and research excellence have positioned her as a renowned figure in international business education.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. El Kaftangui’s research spans managerial accounting, sustainability, corporate strategy, and employee well-being. She explores:

  • Decarbonization & Sustainability – Studying waste industry reforms in the U.S. & EU.
  • Technological Progress & Green Economy – Investigating how digital advancements shape environmental policies in OECD nations.
  • Employee Well-being & Job Performance – Analyzing the impact of job security, psychological capital, and organizational support.
  • University Global Rankings & Internationalization – Developing strategies to optimize QS & THE rankings.
    Her research contributes to business innovation, environmental policies, and workforce management, making her a key voice in modern academic and corporate sustainability studies.

Publications 📚

  • Decarbonization of the Waste Industry in the U.S.A. and the European Union – Sustainability (Switzerland), 2025
  • Employee Job Security and Job Performance: The Mediating Role of Well-being and the Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support and Psychological Capital – European Journal of Management and Business Economics, 2024
  • Does Technological Progress Make OECD Countries Greener? New Evidence from Panel CS-ARDL – Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2023

Dr. El Kaftangui’s publications emphasize sustainability, organizational effectiveness, and environmental management, positioning her as a leading researcher in global business and sustainability studies. 🚀