Ma Lishi | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ma Lishi | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

Kunming University of Science and Technology, China

Lishi Ma is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology. He specializes in the development and structural optimization of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with two-dimensional materials like boron nitride nanosheets. With a solid academic background and hands-on research experience, he focuses on tailoring microstructures and interfaces to enhance mechanical and thermal properties of advanced materials. Ma has authored multiple high-impact journal articles in Composites Part B, Journal of Materials Science & Technology, and Acta Materialia, contributing significantly to the understanding of interface-driven strengthening mechanisms. He actively participates in national research programs such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His work integrates theoretical analysis with experimental design to address material challenges in high-temperature applications. As a rising scholar in the field of materials science, he is committed to advancing composite technology for practical and industrial use.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Lishi Ma earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Tianjin University (2018–2023), where his research focused on microstructural engineering of reinforced aluminum composites. He completed his Master’s degree in Materials Engineering at Kunming University of Science and Technology (2015–2018), where he developed fundamental expertise in composite material fabrication and performance assessment. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Chemistry from Tangshan Normal University (2011–2015), where he laid the groundwork in chemistry and material synthesis. Throughout his educational path, Dr. Ma has cultivated strong competencies in nanomaterials synthesis, interface characterization, and advanced mechanical testing. His interdisciplinary training across chemistry, engineering, and materials science has equipped him with a comprehensive skill set to address complex challenges in composite development and application. The sequential depth and breadth of his education underpin his current academic role and research pursuits in thermally stable and mechanically robust nanocomposite systems.

🧪 Experience

Since August 2023, Dr. Lishi Ma has served as a Lecturer at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology. His responsibilities include conducting independent research, supervising student projects, and teaching core materials science courses. Previously, during his doctoral studies at Tianjin University, he participated in extensive research on aluminum matrix composites reinforced with 2D boron nitride nanosheets, collaborating with leading scientists in the field. He has been actively involved in multiple high-profile research projects, including a major NSFC-funded study. Dr. Ma has developed strong expertise in composite synthesis, microstructural characterization, and mechanical performance testing. His collaborative work has led to several impactful publications in international journals. As a lecturer, he brings both research excellence and pedagogical commitment, fostering the next generation of material scientists while contributing meaningfully to the field of structural composite materials for high-performance and high-temperature applications.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Lishi Ma has earned recognition for his contributions to materials science through several impactful research publications and participation in competitive national research grants. Notably, he is a key participant in an NSFC-funded project titled “Macro–micro structural regulation and reinforcement mechanism of heat-resistant aluminum matrix composites enhanced by 2D BN nanosheets,” granted 580,000 CNY and active from 2021 to 2024. His co-authored papers have been published in Q1 journals like Acta Materialia and Journal of Materials Science & Technology, highlighting his scholarly excellence. Though individual awards are not specified, his consistent authorship in top-tier publications and involvement in major funded research programs reflect his growing reputation in the field. His academic progression—from a strong undergraduate foundation to an impactful research and teaching role—further showcases his commitment and achievements in the domain of materials science, especially in interface engineering and the mechanical enhancement of nanostructured composites.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Lishi Ma’s research focuses on the development of advanced aluminum matrix composites reinforced with two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets. His work explores microstructural optimization and interfacial engineering strategies to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of metal matrix composites. He investigates coherent transition interface structures and intragranular reinforcement distributions to achieve a balance of strength and ductility, even under high-temperature conditions. His research integrates materials synthesis, structural design, and high-resolution characterization to decode deformation mechanisms and grain boundary behaviors. Recent studies include interface-dominated deformation in MAX-phase nanoflake-reinforced copper matrices and the development of architectured interfacial interlocking structures with graphene. His work is critical to applications demanding heat resistance, structural stability, and mechanical resilience. By combining experimental techniques with theoretical insight, Dr. Ma contributes significantly to composite material design and the broader field of functional nanostructured materials for extreme environments.

Conclusion

Dr. Lishi Ma exhibits a strong foundation for receiving the Young Scientist Award due to his rigorous academic training, publication in high-impact journals, and participation in national-level research. His work on 2D-reinforced metal matrix composites addresses critical challenges in structural materials and reflects both originality and technical depth. With continued focus on independent research development and expanded academic leadership, Dr. Ma is well-positioned to grow into a leading figure in advanced materials science. The award would not only recognize his achievements but also encourage further breakthroughs in his promising career.

Publication

  1. Title: Constructing the coherent transition interface structure for enhancing strength and ductility of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets/Al composites
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Lishi Ma, Xiang Zhang*, Yonghua Duan, Siyuan Guo, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Journal of Materials Science & Technology, Vol. 145, p. 235

  2. Title: Achieving the strength-ductility balance of boron nitride nanosheets/Al composite by designing the synergistic transition interface and intragranular reinforcement distribution
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Lishi Ma, Xiang Zhang*, Bowen Pu, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Composites Part B, Vol. 246, Article 110243

  3. Title: Achieving exceptional high-temperature resistant Al matrix composites via two-dimensional BN pinning grain rotation
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Lishi Ma, Xiang Zhang*, Yonghua Duan, Hanwen Zhang, Ning Ma, Lin Zhu, Xudong Rong, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Composites Part B, Vol. 253, Article 110570

  4. Title: Investigations on the interface-dominated deformation mechanisms of two-dimensional MAX-phase Ti₃Al(Cu)C₂ nanoflakes reinforced copper matrix composites
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Xiang Zhang, Dongdong Zhao, Rongrong Shi, Shaoqiang Zhu, Lishi Ma, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Acta Materialia, Vol. 240, Article 118363

  5. Title: Architectured interfacial interlocking structure for enhancing mechanical properties of Al matrix composites reinforced with graphene nanosheets
    Year: 2021
    Authors: Lizhuang Yang, Baozeng Zhou, Lishi Ma, Guang Liu, Suyi Qian, Zhihang Xu, Enzuo Liu, Xiang Zhang*, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Carbon, Vol. 183, p. 685

Adolor David Aiyeki | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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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