Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award-2401

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Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology. Her work focuses on green and sustainable chemistry, specifically the use of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids to convert biomass-derived glucose into valuable biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has professional experience as a Research Scientist Intern and Sales Technology Chemist. With a strong background in coordination chemistry and applied research, she brings a passion for innovation, community impact, and scientific advancement.

Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

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 🎓 Education

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 .

Contribution

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has made meaningful contributions to the field of chemistry through her academic research and applied scientific work. Her Ph.D. research is advancing sustainable chemical processes by converting agricultural waste into high-value biochemicals using innovative materials like ZIF-8 and ionic liquids—supporting green chemistry and waste valorization efforts. She has also contributed to the understanding of metal-ligand complexes with potential antibacterial and anticancer properties, enriching the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Beyond the lab, she has supported research development at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology and contributed to technology-driven solutions during her time at Buckman Laboratories and the Technology Innovation Agency. Through her academic achievements, technical skills, and public-sector engagement, she is helping to bridge research, industry, and societal impact.

🏆Awards

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.

👩‍🔬 Experience

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.

🔬 Research Focus

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.

📚 Publications

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

Dr Maryam Mirfatah | Computational Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Maryam Mirfatah | Computational Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maryam Mirfatah 🎓 is a macroeconomist with expertise in monetary policy, exchange rate regimes, and DSGE modeling. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Yazd University and has held research positions at leading institutions like the London School of Economics, King’s College London, and currently, Banco de Portugal 🇵🇹. Her work blends empirical policy analysis 📊 with applied macroeconomics, publishing in top journals like Economic Modelling. A UK HEA Fellow 👩‍🏫, she actively contributes to global economic dialogues 🌍 through collaborations and international conferences. Dr. Mirfatah’s research supports sustainable, evidence-based policymaking across diverse economies. 📈📚💡

Dr Maryam Mirfatah, King’s College London, United Kingdom

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🎓 Education

Dr. Maryam Mirfatah holds a Ph.D. in Economics (2019) from Yazd University, Iran, with a thesis focused on “Money Growth Rules in Emerging Economies” 📈🌍. She earned her M.Sc. in Economics (2011) from Azad University of Isfahan and a B.Sc. in Statistics (2006) from Isfahan University of Technology 📊📘. Committed to teaching excellence, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (2020) at the University of Surrey, earning Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) 👩‍🏫🌟. Additionally, she participated in the prestigious GTA Workshop at the London School of Economics in 2024 🎓🇬🇧.

🏛️ Experience

Dr. Maryam Mirfatah is a highly accomplished economist with over 15 years of professional experience in academic, policy, and industry roles 🌍📊. She currently serves as a Research Fellow at Banco de Portugal 🏛️ and a Visiting Fellow at King’s Business School, London, focusing on macroeconomic policy and global financial spillovers. Her academic roles span King’s College London, LSE, and City University of London, where she teaches macroeconomics, econometrics, DSGE modeling, and policy design 🎓📈. She also has corporate experience in financial risk analysis and feasibility studies in Iran’s steel and mining sectors 🏗️💼, blending technical expertise with real-world economic application.

🌍 Presentation

Dr. Maryam Mirfatah has actively contributed to prestigious international economic conferences 🌍📈. From 2019 to 2025, she presented at events such as the CEBRA Annual Meeting 🇩🇪, Southern Economic Association® Meetings 🇺🇸, Money Macro and Finance Society Conferences 🇬🇧, and Computing in Economics and Finance Conferences 🇫🇷🇨🇦. Her insights have been showcased at T2M at CREST, France (2025) and India’s ISI Growth Conference (2021) 🇮🇳. Dr. Mirfatah’s work bridges macroeconomics, finance, and computational modeling, earning global recognition and fostering interdisciplinary academic dialogue 📊💡🤝. Her frequent invitations reflect her influence in modern economic theory and policy research.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Maryam Mirfatah’s research bridges monetary economics and international macroeconomics with a forward-looking lens on climate change and energy transition 🌱⚡. Her interests span monetary and fiscal policy, open economy macroeconomics, and macro-financial stability 💼🏦. She delves into the interplay between macroprudential frameworks and global economic shocks, analyzing how policies can foster resilience in volatile financial systems 📉🛡️. Her work is crucial in shaping economic strategies that align sustainability with stability, offering insights into managing cross-border financial risks and driving green economic transformation for a more balanced and future-ready world 🌐🌿.

📚 Publications

LAMP, Informality and Monetary Growth Rules in an Emerging Economy
Authors: M. Mirfatah, V.J. Gabriel, P. Levine
Journal: Economic Modelling (2025)
Explores macroeconomic policy and informal sector dynamics in emerging markets.

Optimal Liquidity Provision and Interest Rate Rules: A Tale of Two Frictions
Authors: P. Levine, M. Mirfatah, J. Pearlman, S. Tsiaras
Journal: School of Economics Discussion Papers (2023)
Investigates interest rate policy under market frictions in a DSGE framework.

Monetary Growth Rules in an Emerging Open Economy
Authors: M. Mirfatah, V.J. Gabriel, P. Levine
Journal: School of Economics Discussion Papers (2020)
Focuses on monetary rule design in economies with exchange rate volatility.

Imperfect Exchange Rate Pass-through: Empirical Evidence and Monetary Policy Implications
Authors: V. Gabriel, P. Levine, M. Mirfatah, J. Swarbrick
Year: 2019
Empirical study analyzing how exchange rate fluctuations impact domestic prices.

Analysis of the Impact of Good Governance on the Non-Oil Export of Oil Exporting Countries
Authors: H. Sharifi-Renani, H. Mollaesmaeili-Dehshiri, M. Mirfatah
Journal: Journal of Economic Policy and Research 8(1), 1–10 (2013)
Early work examining governance and diversification in oil-dependent economies.

Mr Sina Soltani | Computational Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Sina Soltani | Computational Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Sina Soltani is a skilled Instrumentation Engineer at Honeywell UOP, Rosemont, IL, USA, with a strong academic foundation in electrical and control engineering 🎓⚙️. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Shiraz University, Iran, in 2011 and 2013, respectively. His expertise spans estimation theory, nonlinear systems, adaptive control, signal processing, and intelligent data mining techniques 🧠📊🔧. With a deep interest in innovative industrial automation and smart system integration, he combines practical engineering with advanced control strategies to enhance system reliability and efficiency 🛠️💡📈. He continues to contribute to next-generation engineering solutions globally 🌍🔬.

Mr Sina Soltani, Honeywell UOP, United States

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🎓 Education

 Sina Soltani earned his M.Sc. in Control and Power Engineering from Shiraz University in 2014 🎓⚡ and a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Shiraz University of Technology in 2012 💡🔌. He also holds a High School Diploma from Naserian High School, completed in 2005 🏫📘. His academic path is further strengthened by a range of professional certifications in PLC programming (TIA Portal, S7-400H), industrial networks (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet), and electrical safety (ATEX, ISO 9001) 🧠📈⚙️. This blend of formal education and applied training equips him with strong expertise in automation and instrumentation engineering 🔍🔧.

📏 Experience 

Sina Soltani has over a decade of experience in instrumentation, automation, and control engineering ⚙️🔧. At Honeywell UOP 🇺🇸, he leads instrumentation system design and integration for industrial applications. Previously, he served as a senior engineer at Neyriz Ghadir Steel Complex 🇮🇷, focusing on fire & gas systems, PLC/DCS programming, and calibration 🎛️💡. At Piramoon Pardazesh Qeshm, he specialized in radioactive measurement systems and technical documentation 📊📐. He also held roles as a chief electrical engineer at PetroAzma and as a university lecturer 📚🧠. His expertise spans sensors, analyzers, motors, safety systems, and advanced process control 🌍🔍.

🛠️ Technical Skills 

Sina Soltani possesses a robust technical skill set in Instrumentation Engineering, Control Systems, Automation, and Calibration 🧪⚙️📏. He is proficient in configuring and maintaining advanced industrial instruments, including flowmeters, analyzers, and control valves 🔄🔍. With deep knowledge of PLC/DCS systems, loop tuning, and process optimization, he excels at designing and integrating control strategies for complex operations 💻🔧. His expertise includes working with safety standards (NEC, IEC) and executing diagnostics and root-cause analysis for system failures 🚨🛠️. These capabilities make him a valuable asset in driving innovation and operational excellence across modern industrial environments 🌐🏭.

🏆 Achievement 

On May 22, 2024, Sina Soltani was honored with the Top Researcher Award at Neyriz Ghadir Steel Complex, Shiraz, Iran, for his exceptional contributions to Instrumentation and Automation Engineering 🛠️📡. His innovative work in process control systems, real-time signal integration, calibration technologies, and automation reliability set a benchmark in industrial engineering ⚙️📊. This distinction reflects his impact on system accuracy, safety enhancements, and advanced control methodologies 📈🔍. Recognized for combining deep technical expertise with practical problem-solving, he continues to lead advancements in instrumentation for critical infrastructure and manufacturing environments 🌍🔬.

🔬 Research Focus 

Sina Soltani’s research is centered on advanced control systems, signal processing, and intelligent estimation methods for industrial applications 🧠📉⚙️. His recent work includes the application of autoregressive Kalman filters for gamma level measurement and well-log data estimation 🔬📡, as well as the development of fuzzy logic and iterative learning-based control algorithms for instrument air units and harmonic mitigation ⚡🔁. He also explores high-efficiency modeling of electrical machines using subdomain techniques and smart controllers for distributed energy systems ⚙️🔋🌍. His interdisciplinary focus bridges control theory, automation, and real-time optimization in complex engineering systems 🛠️📊🤖.

📚 Publications

Advances in Gamma Level Measurement by Optimal Autoregressive Kalman Filter

Author: S. Soltani
Conference: 2024 20th CSI International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Signal Processing

Designing and Implementing an Algorithm Based on an Autoregressive Kalman Filter to Estimate Well-Log Data

Author: S. Soltani
Conference: 2023 9th International Conference on Control, Instrumentation and Automation (ICCIA)

Introducing an Improved Control Method for Instrument Air Unit Based on Fuzzy and Iterative Learning Control

Author: S. Soltani
Journal: ISA Transactions (2025)

An Analytic 2D Subdomain Model for Slotless Electrical Machines with Internal Arc/Cubic Shape Permanent Magnets

Authors: M. Pourahmadi-Nakhli, M.J.K. SeyedHassanDaryanavard, S. Soltani
Journal: Intelligence 1(1), 13–23 (2025)

Fast Subdomain Approximation of Brushless Electrical Machines with Spoke-Hub Permanent Magnets

Authors: M. Pourahmadi-Nakhli, S.H. Daryanavard, M. Jokar-Kohanjani, S. Soltani
Conference: 2024 32nd International Conference on Electrical Engineering (ICEE)

A Novel Fuzzy Type-2 PI Repetitive Control Methodology for Harmonic Elimination in Distributed Generation Sources

Authors: S. Soltani, M. Rayat
Conference: 2024 9th International Conference on Technology and Energy Management (ICTEM)

Prof Norasikin Othman | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Norasikin Othman | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Norasikin Othman is a distinguished professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to chemical engineering research, particularly in liquid membrane technology and solvent extraction processes. She is a passionate educator, accomplished researcher, and active professional member in renowned engineering societies.

Prof Norasikin Othman, Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia 

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🎓 Academic Background

Prof. Dr. Norasikin Othman is a highly accomplished Chemical Engineer 🏗️ with an extensive academic background from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). She earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering 🧪 in 2006, specializing in metal recovery using emulsion liquid membrane technology. Prior to this, she obtained her Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Chemical Engineering ⚙️ in 1997, enhancing her expertise in separation processes. Her journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering 🔬 in 1992, building a strong foundation in industrial applications. With her vast knowledge, she has contributed significantly to research, innovation, and academic excellence. 🚀

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience 

Prof. Dr. Norasikin Othman is a distinguished researcher and chemical engineering expert ⚙️ with extensive experience in academic evaluations, journal reviewing, and scientific conferences 🌍. She serves as a reviewer for high-impact Q1 & Q2 journals 📖, including Journal of Separation and Purification, Desalination, and Chemical Engineering Research & Design. She is also a technical evaluator panel member for major research grants, including GUP TIER 1, FRGS, and YUTP 🏆. A sought-after invited speaker 🎤, she has shared her insights at ICoST, ICCSS, and UTM seminars. Her contributions extend to book evaluations, panel reviews, and scientific committee roles. 🏅

🏆 Honors & Awards 

Prof. Dr. Norasikin Othman has received numerous prestigious awards 🏅 for her contributions to chemical engineering research and innovation 🔬. She has won multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals 🥇🥈🥉 at INATEX, MTE, and Seoul International Invention Fair, recognizing her groundbreaking work in silver recovery, dye recovery, and high-voltage demulsification ⚙️. She also received the Excellence Service Award (2008, 2012) for her dedication to academia 🎓. Notably, she earned the Best Award (MTE 2010) and Publication Award (2007) 📖. Her Bio-Inno Awards highlight her contributions to biotechnology and applied sciences, making her a distinguished researcher in her field. 🚀

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Norasikin Othman specializes in separation processes ⚗️, with a focus on solvent extraction and liquid membrane technology 🌊. Her research aims to develop synergistic liquid membranes for removing and recovering pollutants from industrial wastewater 🚰. She explores reactive dye removal, phenol extraction kinetics, and chromium removal using eco-friendly membranes 🍃. Her innovative work on green liquid membrane formulation enhances metal and dye recovery, contributing to sustainable environmental solutions 🌍. By integrating advanced membrane fabrication 🏭, she addresses critical challenges in wastewater treatment, promoting cleaner industrial practices and efficient resource recovery 🔄.

📚 Publications

Separation of silver from photographic wastes by emulsion liquid membrane system 🧪
👨‍🏫 Authors: N. Othman, H. Mat, M. Goto
📖 Journal: Journal of Membrane Science 282 (1-2), 171-177 (2006)
📊 Citations: 210

Review of research progress on aluminium–magnesium dissimilar friction stir welding 🔩
👨‍🏫 Authors: L.H. Shah, N.H. Othman, A. Gerlich
📖 Journal: Science and Technology of Welding and Joining 23 (3), 256-270 (2018)
📊 Citations: 160

Performance of plastic wastes in fiber-reinforced concrete beams 🏗️
👨‍🏫 Authors: F.S. Khalid, J.M. Irwan, M.H.W. Ibrahim, N. Othman, S. Shahidan
📖 Journal: Construction and Building Materials 183, 451-464 (2018)
📊 Citations: 128

Easy removal of phenol from wastewater using vegetable oil-based organic solvent in emulsion liquid membrane process 🌱💧
👨‍🏫 Authors: N. Othman, N.F.M. Noah, L.Y. Shu, Z.Y. Ooi, N. Jusoh, M. Idroas, M. Goto
📖 Journal: Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering 25 (1), 45-52 (2017)
📊 Citations: 111

Highly selective transport of palladium from electroplating wastewater using emulsion liquid membrane process ⚛️
👨‍🏫 Authors: N.F.M. Noah, N. Othman, N. Jusoh
📖 Journal: Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers 64, 134-141 (2016)
📊 Citations: 90

Werkne Sorsa | materials | Sustainable Materials Recognition

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Werkne Sorsa | materials | Sustainable Materials Recognition

Mr Werkne Sorsa, Jimma university and Applied forest university Germany, Ethiopia

🌍 Mr. Werkne Sorsa is a dedicated Senior Lecturer and researcher in the School of Chemical Engineering at Jimma University Institute of Technology. With a focus on 🌱 sustainable environmental engineering, he specializes in nanomaterials and has conducted impactful research on eco-friendly solutions, such as calcium oxide nanoparticles from corncobs and eggshells for cadmium removal. His technical skills include MATLAB, advanced analytical techniques (NMR, FTIR), and laboratory coordination. 📊 His recent publications on water remediation and waste management emphasize green chemistry approaches, making him a strong candidate for the 🌐 Sustainable Materials Recognition award.

Publication Profile

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Professional Highlights

Mr. Werkne Sorsa is a Senior Lecturer and researcher in the School of Chemical Engineering at Jimma University Institute of Technology. With a focus on environmental engineering and nanomaterials, his work includes developing sustainable processes for industrial applications and conducting experiments on nanoparticles for environmental remediation.

Academic Background

Mr. Sorsa holds an MSc in Environmental Engineering, with projects emphasizing sustainable solutions such as producing fuel oil from waste plastics and eco-friendly hand sanitizers. His research includes synthesizing corncob-supported calcium oxide nanoparticles from eggshells for removing cadmium from aqueous solutions.

Technical Skills

Mr. Sorsa is proficient in MATLAB, Excel, and advanced analytical instrumentation, including NMR and FTIR. His skills extend to chemical engineering software and laboratory coordination, contributing to his effective research practices.

Research Focus

🔬 Mr. Werkne Sorsa’s research centers on environmental remediation and sustainable water treatment. His work explores innovative approaches using natural and waste-derived materials like corncob-supported calcium oxide nanoparticles and biochar to tackle heavy metal contamination in water. His projects include cadmium and chromium removal from wastewater and nutrient extraction from coffee industry effluents using constructed wetlands. With methodologies like electrocoagulation and response surface analysis, Mr. Sorsa’s studies contribute to eco-friendly and cost-effective treatment solutions, emphasizing waste-to-resource innovations ♻️ and green chemistry 🌱. His research is vital for advancing sustainable environmental engineering practices\

Publication Top Notes

Corncob-supported calcium oxide nanoparticles from hen eggshells for cadmium (Cd-II) removal from aqueous solutions; Synthesis and characterization

Conclusion

Mr. Werkne Sorsa’s expertise in environmental engineering and sustainable materials positions him as an ideal candidate for the Sustainable Materials Recognition award. His research, which combines chemical engineering with environmental remediation, contributes significantly to eco-friendly and sustainable practices, underscoring his impact in the field.