Vasileios Lembessis | Light-Matter Interactions | Light-Matter Interaction Award

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Professor Dr. Vasileios Lembessis | Light-Matter Interactions | Light-Matter Interaction Award

King Saud University | Saudi Arabia

Professor Dr. Vasileios Lembessis is a prominent theoretical physicist known for his contributions to quantum optics, cold atom physics, and the mechanical effects of light on matter. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Essex University, UK, under the supervision of Professors R. Loudon (FRS) and M. Babiker. He has held academic and research positions at several institutions, including the Technical University of Crete and currently serves as a Full Professor at King Saud University in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on laser cooling, atom trapping, structured light, optical vortices, and plasmonics, and he has published extensively in leading scientific journals. In addition to research, he is actively involved in teaching, postgraduate supervision, and science communication. He is a member of the Optical Society of America, the Institute of Physics, and the Hellenic Physical Society, and has served on the Evaluation Committee for the prestigious King Faisal Prize in Science.

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Featured Publications

  • Jaouadi, A., Lyras, A., & Lembessis, V. E. (2025). “Towards a twisted atom laser: Cold atoms released from helical optical tube potentials.” Photonics, 12(10).

  • Lembessis, V. E., Yuan, J., Köksal, K., & Babiker, M. (2025). “Time dilation effects in micron-size rotating optical Ferris-wheel traps.” Physical Review A.

  • Babiker, M., Koksal, K., Lembessis, V. E., & Yuan, J. (2024). “Intrinsic angular momentum, spin and helicity of higher-order Poincaré modes.” Journal of Optics, 26(11).

  • Lembessis, V. E., & Andrews, D. L. (2024). “Forces in the interaction of light with matter.” Applied Sciences, 14(16).

  • Alsaawi, N., Lembessis, V. E., Lyras, A., Babiker, M., & Yuan, J. (2024). “Helicity of magnetic fields associated with non-relativistic electron vortex beams.” Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical.

  • Alsaawi, N., & Lembessis, V. E. (2024). “The helicity of magnetic fields associated with relativistic electron vortex beams.” Symmetry, 16(4).

  • Lembessis, V. E., Koksal, K., Babiker, M., & Yuan, J. (2024). “Miniature atom bottle traps enabled by chiral doughnut light.” Optics Express, 32(8).

 

Mercedes Valiente Lopez | Light-Matter Interactions | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Mercedes Valiente Lopez | Light-Matter Interactions | Excellence in Research Award

Polytechnic University of Madrid | Spain

Mercedes Valiente Lopez is a distinguished Spanish architect, academic, and educator with over four decades of experience in architectural education and research. A full professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, she has been actively involved in teaching since 1981, specializing in architectural drawing, design representation techniques, and lighting technology. She holds multiple degrees, including a Senior Architect in Building, Senior Architect in Urban Planning, and Urban Planning Technician, all obtained from prestigious institutions in Madrid. Currently serving as the Educational Innovation Coordinator at the Higher Technical School of Building of Madrid, she has also held key administrative roles such as Department Director and Secretary. Her teaching contributions include advanced courses in architectural drawing and a master’s program on technological innovation in building. Mercedes’s research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, technology, and human well-being, with recent work exploring concepts like “Circadian Neurolighting” and the social impact of neurocommunication. She has authored peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from experimental operating room design to digital health habits in European societies. As an academic leader, she continues to drive innovation in architectural education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and aligning spatial design with emerging human-centric and health-oriented paradigms. Her career reflects a deep commitment to integrating architecture with technological and societal advancement.

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Featurd Publications 

  • Martinez, N. L., & Valiente Lopez, M. (2025). “Analysis of exposure to ALAN (Artificial Light at Night) in the urban space of Madrid and Toledo (Spain) and its impact on human circadian rhythms: Circadian Neurolighting”. Urban Science, 9(9), 386.

  • Ahadi, B., & Valiente Lopez, M. (2025). “Zigzag reinforcement method for 3D concrete printing”. Buildings, 15(10), 1721.

  • Javaherikhah, A., Valiente Lopez, M., & Sarvari, H. (2025). “Assessing the efficiency of integrating BIM and blockchain to improve information management for Mars buildings: A SWOT-AHP analysis”. Buildings, 15(3), 494.

  • hadia, B., Valiente-Lopez, M., & Golmohammadi, F. (2024). “Development of a reinforcement method in the 3D printing process of concrete using shape memory Nitinol alloy.” Anales de Edificación, 10(4), Article 5373.

  • Manouchehri, M., Santiago Lopez, J., & Valiente Lopez, M. (2024). “Sustainable design of vertical greenery systems: A comprehensive framework”. Sustainability, 16(8), 3249.

 

Tikaram Neupane | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane , University of North Carolina at Pembroke, United States 

Dr. Tikaram Neupane is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he merges a passion for cutting-edge research in condensed matter and optical physics with deep commitment to undergraduate education and scientific outreach. His career reflects an inspiring journey from Nepal to international academic platforms, including prestigious institutions in Italy, Wyoming, Virginia, and North Carolina, underpinned by fellowships, research assistantships, and national awards.

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Neupane’s scientific foundation was laid through a Postgraduate Diploma in Earth System Physics from the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, supported by a UNESCO Fellowship (2010–2011). He furthered his education with an M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Wyoming (2014–2015), where he worked on solar cell characterization and perovskite simulation. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Optical Physics from Hampton University (2016–2020), where he explored nonlinear optical phenomena in 2D materials like Tungsten and Molybdenum Disulfides.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at UNCP (since 2021), Dr. Neupane balances his teaching responsibilities with active roles in program coordination, student mentorship, and undergraduate research leadership. His prior postdoctoral work (2020–2021) at the University of Southern Mississippi and NASA’s Stennis Space Center reflects his interdisciplinary scope, focusing on Ocean Optics and Remote Sensing.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Neupane’s research spans nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, and quantum materials, with particular emphasis on:

  • Third-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials

  • Quantum dots and photoluminescence

  • Spatial self-phase modulation and all-optical switching

  • First-principle simulations using DFT (Density Functional Theory)

He has authored over 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to a book chapter on graphene, and presented at 65+ scientific conferences—a testament to his consistent scholarly productivity.

🌍 Impact and Influence

As the Director of the North Carolina Region 4 Science and Engineering Fair and a board member of the statewide fair, Dr. Neupane plays a critical role in STEM outreach and student recruitment, especially within minority-serving institutions. He is also an organizer, judge, and evaluator in diverse scientific arenas, from the DoD SMART scholarship program to robotics competitions and ANPA conferences.

📈 Academic Citations & Recognition

Dr. Neupane’s works are cited in materials science, optics, and nanotechnology research communities, particularly his studies on graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and perovskite QDs. His recent publications in Optics and Laser Technology, Materials, and Crystals have attracted significant academic interest.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Neupane is proficient in both experimental and computational techniques, including:

  • Laser systems (picosecond, nanosecond, and CW lasers)

  • Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, Raman, low-T PL)

  • Microscopy (AFM, TEM, XRD)

  • Nonlinear characterization (Z-scan, I-scan, self-phase modulation)

  • Software and Simulation tools like VASP, Quantum Espresso, MATLAB, and Origin

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

At UNCP, Dr. Neupane leads undergraduate courses in physics, coordinates the Applied Physics Program, and supervises student-led research through the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) Center. His ability to simplify complex concepts and his commitment to student development are consistently praised.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Neupane’s excellence is recognized through numerous accolades:

  • 🥇 Best Presentation Award, ICNST International Conference (2019)

  • 🚀 NASA & DoD Research Assistantship, Hampton University

  • 🌍 UNESCO Fellowship, ICTP

  • 🎓 Dean’s Research and Scholarship Fund (2021), NC Collaboratory for HMSIs (2022), PURC Research Funds (2023–2025)

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Neupane is set to chair the 8th ANPA International Conference in 2025 and will continue to lead national efforts in optical research, student development, and scientific inclusivity. His trajectory promises continued innovation in photonics and nanomaterials, while fostering the next generation of physicists through education, mentorship, and global scientific collaboration.

Top Publications

“Size-dependent fluorescence properties of CdSe quantum dots”

  • Authors: U. Poudyal, C. M. Adhikari, N. H. Makani, B. R. Gautam, and T. Neupane
    Journal: Solid State Communications
    Year: 2025 (Accepted)

“Cubic Nonlinearity of Graphene-oxide Monolayer”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, U. Poudyal, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
    Journal: Materials, Volume 16, Article 6664
    Year: 2023

“Dispersion in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Film: An Application of Bogoliubov–Valatin Transformation for Hamiltonian Diagonalization”

  • Authors: C. M. Adhikari, D. M. Morris, T. W. Noonan, T. Neupane, B. R. Lamichhane, B. R. Gautam
    Journal: Condens. Matter, Volume 8, Article 53
    Year: 2023

“Spatial self-phase Modulation in Graphene-oxide Monolayer”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
    Journal: Crystal, Volume 813, Article 271
    Year: 2023

“Crossover from reverse Saturable to Saturable Absorption in Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, C. M. Adhikarihird-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials
    Journal: Journal of Nepal Physical Society, Volume 8, Pages 31–36
    Year: 2022