Pilgyu Kang – Nanoscale Photonics Research – Best Researcher Award

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Pilgyu Kang - Nanoscale Photonics Research - Best Researcher Award

George Mason University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

SUMMARY

In every facet of his career—research, mentorship, innovation, and education—Dr. Pilgyu Kang exemplifies academic excellence and visionary leadership. His unique integration of advanced nanofabrication methods, deep mechanical engineering knowledge, and real-world application has set new standards in his field. His contributions not only push the boundaries of science but also bring tangible benefits to industry and society.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

DR. PILGYU KANG embarked on his academic journey in mechanical engineering with a Bachelor’s degree from Seoul National University, followed by a Master’s from Carnegie Mellon University, and culminating with a Ph.D. from Cornell University. His graduate work focused on cutting-edge applications in micro/nano mechanics, optics, and materials science. These formative academic years equipped him with a deep interdisciplinary foundation that would later define his innovations in optoelectronics and graphene nanotechnologies.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Kang took on a postdoctoral role at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before joining George Mason University as an Assistant Professor. He also serves as Associate Director of the Quantum Science and Engineering Center. His academic influence extends into the industry as the co-founder of two tech startups, Fusion Nanotech Inc. and Carbon Fusion Dynamics LLC, where he bridges scientific discovery with entrepreneurial application in advanced materials and laser manufacturing technologies.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Kang's research encompasses micro/nano mechanics, optoelectronics, flexible sensors, and 3D porous graphene. He is a pioneer in laser photothermal manufacturing of multifunctional nanomaterials, particularly for sensing, bioelectronics, and energy devices. His group has produced influential studies on neural electrodes, graphene-based sensors, and photodetectors, many of which have been featured on journal covers and in high-impact publications like Nature Electronics and Advanced Materials. His inventions have resulted in several patents, showcasing real-world applicability of his lab's findings.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Throughout his career, Dr. Kang has garnered numerous honors, including the Best Paper Award at ASME’s IMECE and the 2024 Innovation Award at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference. He has been consistently recognized for his innovative research presentations and contributions to international conferences. His excellence in teaching also led to a nomination for George Mason University's Teaching Excellence Award, further validating his multifaceted academic influence.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Kang plays a crucial role as an academic leader, editor, and reviewer across various scientific journals including Carbon Letters and BioChip. He has advised numerous Ph.D. and master's students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Through international collaborations, invited talks, and outreach programs, he fosters the global exchange of knowledge and technological advancement in laser-engineered nanomaterials.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

By championing innovation at the intersection of nanotechnology, mechanics, and photonics, Dr. Kang is shaping the future of scalable manufacturing for flexible electronics and biomedical devices. His mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. With ongoing interdisciplinary collaborations and translational research projects, his work promises to revolutionize fields from wearable health monitoring to quantum sensing.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Graphene Nanofibers by Integrated Manufacturing of Electrospinning and Laser Graphitization for Miniaturized Energy Storage Devices
Authors: B. Park, S. Movaghgharnezhad, S. Lee, Y. Huh, P. Kang
Journal: Advanced Science, 2025

Title: Enhanced Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Membranes with Double Permeance via Laser-Induced Graphitization of Polybenzimidazole
Authors: S. Kim, M.A. Khan, K. Im, P. Kang, S.Y. Nam
Journal: Advanced Materials Interfaces, 2024

Title: Laser-induced graphene: synthesis advances, structural tailoring, enhanced properties, and sensing applications
Authors: S. Movaghgharnezhad, P. Kang
Journal: [Source not specified]

Dr. Azhar Abbas – Nanoscale Photonics Research – Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Azhar Abbas - Nanoscale Photonics Research - Best Researcher Award

University of Sargodha - Pakistan

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

🧠 SUMMARY

Dr. Azhar Abbas is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Sargodha, with over 16 years of teaching and 14 years of research experience. Holding a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and having completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Oxford, his interdisciplinary expertise spans nanotechnology, electrochemistry, and environmental science. He is a prolific researcher with over 65 publications and two patents to his name, committed to sustainable innovation and practical applications that address global environmental and energy challenges.

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Azhar Abbas’s academic path reflects a deep dedication to physical chemistry and materials science. He pursued his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of Sargodha, distinguishing himself through rigorous scientific inquiry and innovation. His early research laid the groundwork for the nanomaterial-based environmental and sensing technologies that would define his career. Driven by a quest for academic excellence, he further honed his expertise during a postdoctoral research appointment at the University of Oxford, UK.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Abbas has held significant academic roles at Govt. Ambala Muslim Graduate College and the University of Sargodha. His teaching has shaped generations of chemistry students, while his research projects—funded both nationally and internationally—have addressed water purification, energy sustainability, and smart sensors. His interdisciplinary approach is evident in collaborative projects spanning Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, and Pakistan, combining applied chemistry with real-world impact.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

His primary research involves the green synthesis and application of nanomaterials for environmental remediation, drug delivery, catalysis, and energy generation. He focuses on developing functionalized nanoparticles and hydrogels for heavy metal removal, hydrogen evolution, and toxic metal detection. Notably, he has integrated nanotechnology with artificial intelligence to create advanced colorimetric sensors, pushing the boundaries of smart and sustainable solutions.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Abbas has authored over 65 high-impact journal articles and has a citation index of 995. He serves as a reviewer for more than 80 peer-reviewed journals, including those published by Elsevier, Springer Nature, and ACS. His research has earned recognition across leading platforms such as RSC Advances and ACS Sensors. In addition, he holds two innovative patents for mercury ion detection technologies, reinforcing his impact in environmental health and nanotechnology.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

With projects approved by international institutions and collaborations with world-class scientists, Dr. Abbas's influence extends beyond borders. His inventions—especially in mercury detection and water purification—have real-world applications for public health and environmental monitoring. His teaching and mentorship have cultivated a generation of environmentally conscious scientists, emphasizing practical, ethical research practices in the lab and beyond.

🚀 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Committed to advancing clean energy and sustainable chemistry, Dr. Azhar Abbas continues to explore novel nanomaterial systems and AI-integrated sensing technologies. His upcoming projects aim to revolutionize fuel cells, catalysis, and biomedical devices. With a forward-thinking vision, he seeks to establish eco-friendly, economically viable technologies that tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental issues—leaving a lasting legacy in green nanotechnology.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

1.
Title: Facile synthesis of bimetallic Ag-Fe core-shell nanoparticles for the selective and efficient dehydrogenation of formic acid
Authors: S. Akhtar, S. Shafeeq, A.B. Siddique, M.I. Irfan, H.M. Amin
Journal: Journal of Power Sources, 2025

2.
Title: Highly efficient greenly synthesized cadmium oxide nanoparticles for methyl orange degradation, antibacterial and antioxidant applications
Authors: A.B. Siddique, M.A. Shaheen, A.R. Abbas, K.M. Al-Syaad, A.M. Ali
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025

3.
Title: Gastro retentive floating drug delivery system of levofloxacin based on Aloe vera hydrogel: In vitro and in vivo assays
Authors: F. Feroze, M.S. Ramzan, M.A. Hussain, M. Naeem-ul-Hassan, H.M. Amin
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025

4.
Title: Optimization of photodegradation of crystal violet dye and biomedical applications of greenly synthesized NiO nanoparticles
Authors: A.B. Siddique, M.A. Shaheen, S. Shafeeq, M.Z. Ishaque, M.A. Aslam
Journal: Materials Advances, 2024

5.
Title: Thermodynamic and kinetic insights into azo dyes photocatalytic degradation on biogenically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles and their antibacterial potential
Authors: A.B. Siddique, M.A. Shaheen, A.R. Abbas, K.A. Zoghebi, H.M. Amin
Journal: Heliyon, 2024

Jianxun Zhang – Light-Matter Interactions – Best Researcher Award

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Jianxun Zhang - Light-Matter Interactions - Best Researcher Award

Xian Jiaotong University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

🔬 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Jianxun Zhang’s academic journey began at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in 1982 and later earned a Master’s degree from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1984. His pursuit of excellence in materials science led him to complete his Doctorate at Xi’an Jiaotong University in 1989. His early academic training laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking research in welding, additive manufacturing, and material bonding​.

⚙️ PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Since 1996, Zhang has been a professor and doctoral supervisor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he has significantly contributed to materials science and engineering. From 1998 to 2000, he expanded his expertise as a visiting professor at Osaka University in Japan. His leadership in research has driven advancements in material welding, laser bonding, and service performance evaluation​.

🏗️ CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Zhang’s research is centered on welding and bonding mechanisms, laser and plasma welding, and additive manufacturing. His work integrates modern materials, digitalization, and intelligent technologies to enhance material joining techniques. With over 130 consultancy projects and numerous national research grants, his contributions have reshaped industrial applications in materials science​.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

His outstanding achievements have earned him multiple prestigious awards, including a second prize for national teaching achievements and multiple first prizes for provincial and ministerial science awards. Zhang’s impact is further recognized through his 350+ research papers, 100+ patents, and numerous editorial roles in esteemed scientific journals​.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Zhang’s research has played a crucial role in advancing material science and welding engineering, influencing industrial processes worldwide. His consultancy work with major industries and involvement in national R&D programs have led to innovative applications in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering​.

📚 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Zhang continues to push the boundaries of material welding and additive manufacturing. His future research aims to further integrate AI and smart technologies into materials engineering, ensuring sustainable and high-performance industrial applications. His legacy as a leading scientist in materials science will inspire future generations of researchers and engineers​.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Performance-Oriented and Deformation-Constrained Dual-topology Metamaterial with High-Stress Uniformity and Extraordinary Plastic Property
Author: H. Guo, J. Zhang
Journal: Advanced Materials, 2025

Title: Laser cladding of Ni60 alloy on 1Cr18Ni9 stainless steel: Crack suppression, microstructure evolution, and property
Author: M. Sun, S. Song, J. Zhang, B. Lu
Journal: Materials Today Communications, 2025

Title: Dynamic response of foam-filled negative Poisson’s ratio beams under low-velocity impact
Author: M. Zhao, L. Yuan, H. Yuan, J. Zhang
Journal: Journal of Sandwich Structures and Materials, 2025

Title: Analytical and numerical investigations of metal square origami foam-filled tube under axial compression
Author: J. Bai, X. Wu, X. Luo, L. Tian, J. Zhang
Journal: Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures, 2025

Title: Dynamic response of double-layer rectangular sandwich plates with graded foam cores under blast loading
Author: Y. Wang, Y. Guo, J. Zhang
Journal: International Journal of Impact Engineering, 2025

Dr. Atta Ur Rehman – Light-Matter Interactions – Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Atta Ur Rehman - Light-Matter Interactions - Young Scientist Award

UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG - Hong Kong

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Atta Ur Rehman developed a passion for physics early in his academic journey. Excelling in his studies, he earned a gold medal in both his BS and MS degrees. His fascination with materials science led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, focusing on ferrite and magnetoelectric composites, laying the foundation for his advanced research.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

With a strong academic background, Dr. Atta Ur Rehman has held various teaching and research roles. He served as a University Teaching Assistant at Air University, Islamabad, and later as a Research Assistant at the University of Hong Kong. Currently, he works as a Senior Research Assistant, contributing to innovative research in photocatalysis and microplastics degradation.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🌍

His research centers around developing high-performance materials for environmental and electronic applications. His Ph.D. explored electrically and magnetically tuned Fe3O4 composites for high-frequency applications, while his ongoing work focuses on photocatalytic degradation of microplastics, aiming to convert waste into valuable energy sources.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS AND INNOVATIONS 🔬

Dr. Atta’s work on novel photocatalysts has led to the successful upcycling of microplastics into hydrogen and methane under solar illumination. His expertise extends to thin-film deposition techniques like PLD and CVD, essential for developing high-k dielectric materials and advanced electronic devices.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including gold medals in his BS and MS studies. His Ph.D. was fully funded by the Pakistan Air Force and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) due to his outstanding research contributions, further establishing his credibility in the scientific community.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐

By integrating fundamental physics with environmental and material sciences, Dr. Atta’s research has contributed significantly to sustainable energy solutions and waste management. His collaborations across international institutions and mentorship roles continue to inspire future researchers in materials science and applied physics.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

With a strong vision for innovation, Dr. Atta aims to further explore the intersection of magnetoelectric materials and sustainable energy. His future work will focus on refining photocatalysts for environmental applications and enhancing the stability of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices, shaping the next generation of advanced materials.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Impact of strontium substitution on the structural, magnetic, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Ba1-xSrxFe11Cr1O19 (x= 0.0–0.8) hexaferrites
Authors: M Atif, MH Alvi, S Ullah, AU Rehman, M Nadeem, W Khalid, Z Ali, H Guo
Journal: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Title: Enhancement in the magnetoelectric and energy storage properties of core-shell-like CoFe2O4− BaTiO3 multiferroic nanocomposite
Authors: S Ahmed, M Atif, AU Rehman, S Bashir, N Iqbal, W Khalid, Z Ali, ...
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Title: Evaporation Deposition Strategies for All‐Inorganic CsPb(I1–x Br x )3 Perovskite Solar Cells: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: S Ullah, J Wang, P Yang, L Liu, Y Li, AU Rehman, SE Yang, T Xia, H Guo, ...
Journal: Solar RRL

Title: Photocatalytic degradation of different types of microplastics by TiOx/ZnO tetrapod photocatalysts
Authors: Y He, AU Rehman, M Xu, CA Not, AMC Ng, AB Djurišić
Journal: Heliyon

Title: Structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Ti4+− M2+ co-doped BaFe11Ti0.5M0.5O19 hexaferrites (M= Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+)
Authors: M Atif, S Ullah, AU Rehman, K Shahzad, W Khalid, Z Ali, Y Chen, H Guo, ...
Journal: Ceramics International

Dr. Ganesh Regmi – Photonic Crystal Research – Excellence in Award

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Dr. Ganesh Regmi - Photonic Crystal Research - Excellence in Award

Uniglobe SS/College - Nepal

PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SCOPUS

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Ganesh Regmi embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in physics. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2011. His passion for scientific inquiry led him to pursue a Master of Science in Physics at the same institution, which he successfully completed in 2013. His early education was marked by a deep curiosity about solid-state physics and materials science, laying the groundwork for his future research in photovoltaics and multifunctional materials.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🌍

Dr. Regmi's professional career has been diverse, spanning research, teaching, and leadership roles. His postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN) in Mexico further honed his expertise in renewable energy materials. His experience extends beyond research, as he has held key administrative positions, including Science Program Manager, Executive Vice-Principal, and eventually, Principal at Uniglobe SS/College in Nepal. His commitment to academia is evident in his role as a lecturer and mentor, shaping the next generation of scientists.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 💡

Dr. Regmi's research has been centered on the development and enhancement of thin-film solar cells, specifically Cu(In, Ga)Se2-based photovoltaic devices. His expertise in fabricating high-efficiency solar cells has contributed significantly to advancements in renewable energy. His work with multifunctional metal oxides, such as ZrO2/ZnO/TiO2, has unlocked new possibilities for semiconductor applications. His proficiency in micro and nanofabrication techniques, along with his mastery of analytical tools like XRD, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Hall measurements, has positioned him as a key researcher in the field.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Dr. Regmi's outstanding research contributions have been recognized at international scientific conferences. His work on the synthesis and characterization of CdS buffer layers for CIGSe-based solar cells earned him the Third Place Best Poster Award at IMRC 2018 in Cancun, Mexico. Additionally, he secured the Second Place Prize in a poster competition at the Harvesting Science Seeding Innovation conference in 2019. His research excellence and innovative approaches have garnered attention and acclaim in the global scientific community.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 👨‍🎓

Beyond his research, Dr. Regmi has played a pivotal role in education and mentorship. His tenure as a physics lecturer and leader in academic institutions has inspired countless students to pursue careers in science and technology. His contributions to the installation and monitoring of photovoltaic panels have provided practical insights into sustainable energy applications, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world implementation.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS ⚛️

As a dedicated scientist and educator, Dr. Regmi continues to explore novel materials and technologies for renewable energy applications. His ongoing work aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of thin-film solar cells while expanding the potential of multifunctional materials. With his extensive expertise and leadership in academia, he remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in the field of photovoltaics.

VISION FOR SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT 🛠️

Dr. Regmi envisions a future where renewable energy technologies become more accessible and efficient, addressing global energy challenges. His passion for material science and semiconductor research drives him to push the boundaries of innovation. Through his continued research, academic leadership, and mentorship, he seeks to contribute to a sustainable and technologically advanced future, leaving a lasting impact on both scientific progress and education.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Tailoring selenization for superior thin film and photovoltaic performance in Sb₂Se₃ solar cells
Authors: G. Regmi, Sangita Rijal, S. Velumani
Journal: Optical Materials

Title: Multifunctional capabilities of radio frequency sputtered GO-TiO₂ nanocomposite ultra-thin films
Authors: G. Regmi, Sangita Rijal, S. Velumani
Journal: Materials Letters

Title: Unveiling the optimal selenization temperature for enhancing efficiency in flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ thin film solar cells
Authors: G. Regmi, Sangita Rijal, S. Velumani
Journal: Current Applied Physics

Title: Radio frequency (RF) sputtered ZrO₂-ZnO-TiO₂ coating: An example of multifunctional benefits for thin film solar cells on the flexible substrate
Authors: G. Regmi, S. Velumani
Journal: Solar Energy

Title: Unravelling the intricacies of selenization in sequentially evaporated Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ thin film solar cells on flexible substrates
Authors: G. Regmi, Sangita Rijal, S. Velumani
Journal: Physica Scripta