Featured Publications
– Korean Journal of Metals and Materials, Oct 2025
– Metals and Materials International, Oct 2023
Dr. Sahar Kafashi is an accomplished mining engineer, researcher, and industry professional whose expertise spans mineral processing, drilling and blasting engineering, hydrometallurgy, and advanced techniques for environmentally sustainable mineral extraction. She currently contributes to research and operational excellence through her engineering role within the global mining sector while simultaneously advancing academic research in collaboration with Murdoch University, CSIRO, and industry partners. Dr. Kafashi’s work focuses on innovative in-situ recovery technologies for metals from impermeable hard rocks, exploring advanced crack-inducing techniques such as microwave radiation, high-voltage pulse stimulation, and cryogenic fluid treatment to enhance rock permeability and improve the efficiency and environmental performance of resource recovery. Her research contributes to the development of sustainable extraction pathways for critical minerals and rare earth elements, addressing industrial challenges associated with energy consumption, processing cost, and recovery efficiency. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and international conference papers, with her published research currently achieving 125 citations referenced by 105 citing documents, supported by an h-index of 5 and an i10-index of 3, demonstrating the growing academic recognition of her scientific contributions. Dr. Kafashi has accumulated extensive technical experience across leading mining organizations including large-scale operations and metallurgical laboratories, working on drill-and-blast optimization, vibration control strategies, production planning, ore blending, and experimental evaluation of rock treatment methods. Her professional background further includes roles in consultancy, international sales, laboratory supervision, and research project execution. She is an active contributor to conferences, professional training programs, and international workshops, and holds memberships in multiple prestigious scientific and engineering organizations. Known for integrating industrial problem-solving with scientific innovation, Dr. Kafashi is committed to advancing sustainable engineering technologies, supporting STEM excellence, and contributing meaningful research that strengthens global mining and resource recovery industries.
Kafashi, S., Rasaei, M., & Karimi, G. (2017). Effects of sugarcane and polyanionic cellulose on rheological properties of drilling mud: An experimental approach. Egyptian Journal of Petroleum, 26(2), 371–374.
K., Sahar., & … (2021). Visual study of TiO₂ nanofluid stabilization methods on inhibition of asphaltene precipitation in porous media. Minerals Engineering, 169.
Kafashi, S., Kuhar, L., Bóna, A., & Nikoloski, A. N. (2023). Review of fracturing techniques (microwaves, high-voltage pulses, and cryogenic fluids) for application as access creation method in low-permeability hard rocks for potential … Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, 1–16.
Kafashi, S., Rasaei, M. R., & Karimi, G. R. (2020). Experimental study of nanoclay absorbents and additives’ effects on modification of rheological properties of drilling fluids in porous media using glass micromodel. Journal of Porous Media, 23(6).
Kafashi, S., Taghdimi, R., & Karimi, G. (2014). Modification of nanoclay systems: An approach to stabilizing drilling fluids. Advanced Materials Research, 829, 818–824.
Ms. Lihong Ding is an accomplished researcher and experimenter in the field of mechanical engineering, currently serving at Jiangsu University of Technology, where she plays a key role in advancing laboratory instruction, engineering innovation, and collaborative research initiatives. With strong academic training in mechanical engineering and extensive hands-on laboratory experience, she has established herself as a dedicated educator and emerging researcher contributing to the development of advanced manufacturing processes and high-performance materials. Her work centers on laser cladding additive manufacturing, with a particular focus on structural integrity, crack arrest mechanisms, and material performance enhancement for demanding industrial environments, including aerospace and high-strength engineering systems. Ms. Ding has authored multiple research publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, including core and SCI-indexed articles, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination. Among her notable scientific contributions is her research on the crack arrest effect of FeMnNiSi-Inconel625-Ni60 laminated structures produced through laser cladding additive manufacturing, which provides valuable insight into process-structure-property relationships and improved crack resistance for advanced gradient materials. She has participated in collaborative education initiatives supported by national academic-industry innovation platforms and has contributed to research project development related to emerging engineering applications. In addition to her scientific achievements, she has authored educational materials, including the professional training book “CNC Lathe Skill Training and Competition Question Selection,” supporting skills development and technical education for engineering students. Through her dedication to experimental teaching, research supervision, and laboratory innovation, Ms. Ding continues to foster strong academic-industry integration and advancement in next-generation manufacturing technologies. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence, professional development, and meaningful scientific impact, positioning her as a promising researcher and valued contributor to the mechanical engineering community.
Ding, L., Lei, W., & Chen, J. (2025). Crack arrest effect of FeMnNiSi–Inconel 625–Ni60 laminated structure prepared by laser cladding additive manufacturing. Materials, 18(21), 4996.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed is a medical microbiologist and research scientist with extensive expertise in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine design, and nanomedicine. Currently serving at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, he combines academic leadership with impactful research collaborations across multiple countries. He has authored numerous high-impact Q1/Q2 publications, holds multiple copyrights, and is actively engaged in global health initiatives, including as a GBD Senior Collaborator and a Registered Scientist (UK). His multidisciplinary work spans from molecular microbiology to translational medicine.
Dr. Ahmed earned his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from Universiti Sains Malaysia, where his doctoral work explored immune checkpoint regulation in EBV-associated cancers. He previously obtained a Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Central Punjab and a BS (Honors) in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of the Punjab. His education is complemented by certifications from professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Biology (UK) and the Malaysia Board of Technologists.
Dr. Ahmed’s career spans clinical diagnostics, academic teaching, and advanced research. As Assistant Professor at the University of Tabuk, he teaches medical sciences and contributes to curriculum design and quality assurance. His previous roles include Graduate Research Assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he managed research grants and ethics approvals, and Laboratory Technologist roles in top medical institutions in Pakistan. He has also served as a visiting lecturer in multiple universities.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed possesses a diverse skill set combining technical, analytical, and linguistic competencies. He is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi, advanced in English, and has basic proficiency in Arabic. His programming expertise includes R for data cleaning, visualization, and statistical modelling, with proficiency in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. He is skilled in data analysis software such as R, SPSS, RevMan, CMA, and OpenMeta, and proficient in Microsoft Office and LaTeX for document creation. His laboratory expertise spans advanced instruments including flow cytometry, PCR systems, ELISA readers, HPLC analyzers, hematology analyzers, and automated diagnostic systems.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed has earned multiple prestigious recognitions for his academic and research excellence. He received the Graduate on Time Award and was nominated for the Best PhD Thesis Award at Universiti Sains Malaysia. His presentation skills and impactful research earned him the 2nd Place Oral Presentation and Young Investigator Award at the Regional Conference on Molecular Medicine and the National Conference for Cancer Research. He has twice received the Sanggar Sanjung Award for outstanding publications, along with awards for best oral and poster presentations. Additionally, he was awarded the USM Research Assistance Scheme for academic merit.
Dr. Ahmed’s research focuses on infectious diseases, nanomedicine, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular diagnostics. He integrates in silico, in vitro, and translational approaches to address global health challenges, including the development of nanomaterials for diagnostics and therapeutics, computational vaccine design, and the study of emerging pathogens. His work bridges fundamental science and clinical application, with strong collaborations in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
A Review of In Silico and In Vitro Approaches in the Fight Against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Absar, M.; Zaidah, A.R.; Ahmed, N.; Nik Hashim, N.H.H.; Yean, C.Y.; Mahmood, A.; Ahmad, S.; Ejaz, H.
Journal: Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis (2025)
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials as Multifunctional Particles for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Naveed Ahmed; Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah; Muhammad Absar; Muhammad Sajid Noor; Bakhtawar Bukhari; Saira Ali Anjum; Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh; Chan Yean Yean
Journal: Nano LIFE (2025)
The Microbial Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Potential Anticancer Therapeutic Options
Authors: Naveed Ahmed; Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah; Muhammad Absar; Muhammad Hassan Nasir; Anam Farzand; Ijaz Ahmad; Zaineb Sohail; Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh; Atif Amin Baig; Chan Yean Yean
Journal: Nano LIFE (2025)
ipaH-Targeted Electrochemical Genosensor: A Fast and Reliable Diagnostic Approach for Simultaneous Detection of Shigella Species and Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
Authors: Pavithrah Shunmugam; Naveed Ahmed; Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh
Journal: Microchemical Journal (2025)
Prevalence of Leptospirosis Infections Among Humans in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohd Yusof M.S.; Naveed Ahmed
Journal: Tropical Biomedicine (2025)
Exploring TGF-β Signaling in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: From Cellular Senescence to Fibrosis and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Abida Khan; Hayat Ali Alzahrani; Shatha Ghazi Felemban; Alanood Saeed Algarni; Amani Baqqan S. Alenezi; Mehnaz Kamal; Zia Ur Rehman; Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq; Naveed Ahmed
Journal: Biogerontology (2025)
Synthesis, and Biological Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Produced via Green Synthesis Method Using Cordyceps Militaris Aqueous Extract
Authors: Muhammad Afzal; Tayyaba Khan; Noshaba Mehmood; Romaisa Irfan; Ravish Fatima; Zeemal Seemab Amin; Naveed Ahmed
Journal: Nano (2025)
Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed demonstrates all the hallmarks of a top-tier researcher international collaborations, a strong publication record in Q1/Q2 journals, clinical and laboratory expertise, intellectual property generation, and leadership in medical science education. His contributions to infectious disease research, vaccine development, and nanomedicine strongly support his nomination and suitability for the Best Researcher Award.
Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has an extensive academic background in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, where her research focuses on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the conversion of glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse to value-added biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her master’s research centered on the synthesis and evaluation of Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes and their morpholine adducts, with applications in antibacterial and anticancer studies. she completed her Honours degree in Chemistry with distinction (Cum Laude) at the University of Fort Hare, focusing her research on bipyridine adducts of transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of Fort Hare. Prior to that, she obtained her matric exemption from Templeton High School .
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ms. Tokoyi has been recognized for her excellence and dedication. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarship for both her Honours and Master’s studies. In 2017, she was awarded the James Moir Medal by the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) for outstanding academic performance in Chemistry. She has completed numerous professional development programs, earning certificates in business writing and communications, Microsoft digital literacy, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety, Mushroom Cultivation, and the design of bioactive molecules such as Pleuran and Cordycepin. She also holds certifications in Quality Control and Quality Assurance Techniques.
Ms. Tokoyi brings over three years of professional experience, primarily within research and applied chemistry roles. she has been serving as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology. Her earlier roles include working as a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories under the Yes Graduate Program, where she honed her skills in technical sales and client support. Additionally, she served as a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, gaining practical experience in scientific research, laboratory operations, and applied innovation in the chemical sciences.
Ms. Tokoyi’s research is rooted in applied and sustainable chemistry. Her current Ph.D. work investigates the use of advanced materials such as ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the green conversion of biomass-derived glucose into biochemicals, contributing to circular economy and renewable resource utilization. Her prior research involved transition metal complexes with potential biological applications, highlighting her interests in bioinorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and materials chemistry. Her academic trajectory illustrates a commitment to leveraging chemistry for innovation in both health-related and environmental applications.
Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering Transactions, July 2024
Potential Application of IL@ZIFMOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques
Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques
Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Journal of Molecular Liquids