Giovanni Morales | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Giovanni Morales | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Industrial University of Santander | Colombia

Dr. Giovanni Morales Medina is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia. Teaching, research, and industrial experience, he specializes in process modeling, simulation, optimization, and techno-economic evaluation of chemical processes. His career integrates academic leadership, applied research, and consultancy for the Colombian Institute of Petroleum and Ecopetrol. Dr. Morales has published extensively in high-impact journals and presented at leading international conferences, advancing knowledge in carbon capture, molecular simulation, and sustainable energy processes. He has also contributed significantly to curriculum development and ABET accreditation. His blend of research innovation, academic excellence, and practical engineering solutions makes him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Giovanni Morales Medina exemplifies excellence in research with impactful contributions to chemical engineering, energy transition, and process optimization. His expertise spans molecular simulation, artificial neural networks for process failure detection, and techno-economic assessments that support sustainable industrial practices. He has authored influential publications in journals such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, CT&F, and Waste and Biomass Valorization, and has presented at prestigious global conferences including AIChE and ECOS. Beyond publications, his work bridges academia and industry, delivering innovative solutions for petroleum refining, CO₂ capture, and renewable energy systems. His strong record of collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and applied innovation highlights his leadership in advancing chemical engineering research, making him a highly deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Education 

Dr. Giovanni Morales Medina earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering  from Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), Colombia, where he also completed his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering . His doctoral research centered on applying electronic structure calculations to study thermochemical properties, reaction mechanisms, and molecular modeling, laying the foundation for his expertise in simulation and computational chemistry. Complementing his academic degrees, he pursued specialized training in pedagogy, innovation in teaching, and engineering education, completing over 500 hours of certifications from UIS, SENA, and Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano. This strong educational background, blending advanced chemical engineering knowledge with modern teaching strategies, underpins his career as a researcher, educator, and consultant, equipping him to contribute to both scientific advancement and academic excellence.

Work Experience 

Dr. Morales has extensive professional experience spanning academia, industry, and consultancy. Since , he has served as Associate Professor at UIS, teaching process synthesis, simulation, and capstone design while contributing to ABET accreditation. Previously, he lectured in UIS’s Chemical Engineering and Refining & Petrochemical Master’s Program and held an associate professorship at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano . In industry, he worked with Ecopetrol and the Colombian Institute of Petroleum (via TIP Ltda. and Ambiocoop Ltda.), focusing on molecular simulation, crude oil refining, and refinery optimization models. He also led projects on CO₂ capture, crude blending, and refinery planning. His diverse career reflects a unique integration of teaching, industrial innovation, and applied research across Colombia’s chemical engineering sector.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Morales has received recognition for his pioneering contributions to chemical engineering through numerous international presentations and intellectual property registrations. He has delivered oral and poster presentations at prestigious venues such as the AIChE Annual Meeting (USA), ECOS Conference (Greece), CLAQ (Colombia), and Canadian Conference on Computational Chemistry, reflecting the global relevance of his research. His registered software developments—CrudeExpert and CrudeOverlap—are innovative tools applied in petroleum refining, demonstrating his impact on industrial practice. Additionally, his involvement in ABET accreditation and curriculum development at UIS highlights his commitment to advancing engineering education. These achievements, coupled with his extensive publication record, position him as an influential researcher whose work has significantly contributed to both academia and industry in chemical engineering.

Research Focus 

Dr. Morales’s research focuses on process modeling, simulation, optimization, and sustainable energy systems. His expertise includes molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations for analyzing reaction mechanisms, molecular properties, and carbon capture using liquids and solids. He has advanced the use of artificial neural networks for operational failure detection in chemical processes and applies techno-economic evaluation to assess energy transition technologies. His work bridges fundamental research with industrial applications, covering refinery optimization, virtual sensors, CO₂ management, and renewable resource valorization. By integrating computational chemistry, statistical data analysis, and advanced process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, MATLAB, and GAMS, his research delivers innovative solutions to modern energy and environmental challenges, advancing the frontiers of chemical engineering.

Publication Top Notes

  • Mathematical model of a falling film reactor for methyl ester sulfonation
    Year: 2009 | Cited by: 23

  • Theoretical comparison of ketene dimerization in the gas and liquid phase
    Year: 2008 | Cited by: 19

  • Prediction of density and viscosity of Colombian crude oils from chromatographic data
    Year: 2012 | Cited by: 10

  • Thermochemical properties and contribution groups for ketene dimers and related structures from theoretical calculations
    Year: 2009 | Cited by: 10

  • Molecular and multiscale modeling: Review on the theories and applications in chemical engineering
    Year: 2009 | Cited by: 9

  • Ajuste de curvas de propiedades de crudos: nueva metodología e implementación en el módulo CrudeExpert
    Year: 2012 | Cited by: 4

Conclusion

Prof. Morales Medina is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong record in chemical engineering research, innovation in modeling and simulation, and dedication to teaching and curriculum development make him stand out as both a scholar and mentor. With greater focus on international collaborations, wider dissemination of his work, and continuous pursuit of interdisciplinary research, he has the potential not only to lead within his field but also to shape future directions in sustainable chemical engineering.

Qihui Yu | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Qihui Yu | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Department Head at Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology  |  China

Dr. Qihui Yu is an accomplished associate professor at Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, with a Ph.D. in Mechatronic Engineering from Beihang University. Specializing in compressed air energy storage and energy-efficient pneumatic systems, he brings over a decade of academic and postdoctoral research expertise. His innovative work integrates thermal and fluid power systems to address energy efficiency challenges. He has served as a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham, strengthening international collaboration. Dr. Yu has led a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project, showcasing his leadership in high-impact research. His technical excellence and commitment to sustainable energy systems make him highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing innovation, dedication, and significant contributions to his field.

Professional Profile 

Scopus

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Qihui Yu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to the fields of compressed air energy storage, pneumatic system optimization, and thermal energy management. With a Ph.D. from Beihang University and postdoctoral experience in automation and fluid power systems, he has led impactful research at Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology. His leadership in a National Natural Science Foundation of China project demonstrates national recognition and technical excellence. Dr. Yu’s international academic collaboration as a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham, coupled with a strong publication record, underscores his innovative work and global research relevance. His work aligns with sustainable energy goals, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Education 

Dr. Qihui Yu pursued his academic journey in mechanical and mechatronic engineering across top Chinese institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechatronic Engineering (Fluid Power Drive and Control) from Beihang University (BUAA) between 2010 and 2015, where he focused on advanced energy systems. Prior to that, he completed his master’s degree in Mechanical Electronic Engineering at Zhengzhou University (2007–2010). His undergraduate education in Mechanical Engineering and Automation was obtained from Henan University of Science and Technology (2003–2007). Throughout his education, Dr. Yu developed a strong foundation in fluid dynamics, automation, and thermal energy, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to energy-saving pneumatic and heat storage systems.

Work Experience 

Dr. Qihui Yu is currently an associate professor at Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, a position he has held since 2018, following his earlier role as a lecturer (2016–2018). He also spent a year (2021–2022) as a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham, UK, enhancing his international research exposure. From 2014 to 2016, he served as a postdoctoral fellow at Beihang University’s School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering. His diverse roles in academia, research, and international collaboration reflect a career dedicated to the advancement of energy storage and fluid power technologies. His trajectory highlights both technical leadership and consistent growth in academic responsibility and recognition.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Qihui Yu has earned recognition for his contributions to energy systems and engineering innovation. While specific award titles are not listed, his selection as a project leader for the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) underscores his standing in the academic and engineering research community. His appointment as a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham further signifies his scholarly impact and collaborative value. His progressive academic promotions—from lecturer to associate professor—also reflect institutional acknowledgment of his research performance and teaching excellence. Dr. Yu’s track record and leadership in high-value research initiatives affirm his eligibility for esteemed awards such as the Best Researcher Award, celebrating sustained achievement and future promise.

 Research Focus 

Dr. Qihui Yu’s research is centered on compressed air energy storage (CAES), pneumatic energy-saving systems, and heat storage technology. He explores the thermodynamic behavior of gas-liquid interactions and energy optimization under variable spatial constraints. As principal investigator of a NSFC project (52465008), he investigates quasi-isothermal CAES processes to improve system efficiency. His work bridges theory and application, enhancing the performance and sustainability of modern energy storage solutions. With a strong focus on renewable and efficient energy systems, Dr. Yu contributes to national strategies for green technology development. His research has broad implications for industries seeking low-carbon solutions and positions him as a key innovator in mechanical and energy engineering.

 Publication Top Notes

Water spray heat transfer gas compression for compressed air energy system,

Year: 2021

Compressed air energy storage capacity configuration and economic evaluation considering the uncertainty of wind energy

Year: 2022

Experimental and performance study of spray heat transfer‑based compressed air quasi‑isothermal expansion system

Year: 2023

Performance analysis of an innovative kind of two‑stage piston type expansion air engine

Year: 2018

Comparative study on air distribution system for piston‑type compressed air engine

Year: 2017

Fuzzy logic speed control for the engine of an air‑powered vehicle

Year: 2016

Optimization study on a single‑cylinder compressed air engine

Year: 2015

A review of compressed‑air energy storage

Year: 2019

Citations: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Qihui Yu is a highly competent and dedicated researcher in the field of energy-efficient pneumatic systems and compressed air energy storage. His record of managing national research projects, his innovative focus on gas-liquid heat and mass transfer, and his evolving academic trajectory support his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. His contribution addresses pressing global challenges in sustainable energy and mechanical efficiency, making him a valuable contributor to engineering research. With further expansion of his international collaborations, higher-impact publications, and broader dissemination of his work, Dr. Yu is well-positioned to grow into a leading voice in his field. He is a worthy nominee whose potential for continued research excellence is both clear and promising.

Geon-Ju Choi | Energy Harvesting | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Geon-Ju Choi | Energy Harvesting
| Best Researcher Award

Research Engineer at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, South Korea.

Geon-Ju Choi is a Research Engineer at the Energy and Environment Research Institute, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, South Korea. He specializes in materials science with a focus on energy harvesting technologies. Holding a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from SeoulTech, his work primarily targets the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) using advanced polymer composites and nanostructured materials. Dr. Choi has published 15 SCI-indexed journal papers and contributed to 15 major research projects. His innovations in phase engineering and surface modification aim to enhance energy conversion efficiency. With 316 citations and an h-index of 9, he is establishing a strong footprint in self-powered systems and sustainable energy technologies.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Google Scholar 

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Dr. Geon-Ju Choi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to energy harvesting technologies. His pioneering work on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) using advanced polymer composites has led to substantial advancements in mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion. With 15 SCI-indexed journal publications, 15 completed/ongoing research projects, and impactful collaboration with Dongguk University, his research showcases both depth and innovation. His citation index of 316 and h-index of 9 reflect growing international recognition. Dr. Choi’s research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also holds practical potential in developing sustainable, self-powered devices. His dedication and achievements make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

🎓 Education :

Geon-Ju Choi completed his entire academic training in Materials Science and Engineering at the Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech), South Korea. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.S.), followed by a Master of Science (M.S.), and then a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the same field. Throughout his academic journey, he focused on polymer science, nanostructured materials, and their application in energy harvesting systems. His doctoral research centered on the design and development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on polymer composites. His education laid a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research combining materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental energy systems, enabling him to lead cutting-edge innovations in sustainable energy technologies.

🏢 Work Experience :

Dr. Geon-Ju Choi currently serves as a Research Engineer at the Energy and Environment Research Institute of Seoul National University of Science and Technology. With a focus on energy harvesting, he has successfully led or contributed to 15 research projects. His professional experience spans the synthesis and characterization of polymer composites, development of nanostructured materials, and engineering of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). In addition to academic research, he has worked on two consultancy or industry-related projects, highlighting his ability to bridge academia and real-world applications. His collaboration with Prof. Sohn at Dongguk University further underscores his teamwork and interdisciplinary research capabilities. Dr. Choi’s expertise continues to drive innovation in next-generation energy systems.

🏅Awards and Honors

While Dr. Geon-Ju Choi has not listed specific formal awards, his academic contributions and research impact represent honors in their own right. His work has garnered 316 citations with an h-index of 9, indicating growing international acknowledgment. Publishing 15 SCI-indexed journal papers and contributing to 15 major research projects demonstrate consistent research excellence. His collaborative project with Dongguk University further reflects peer recognition. As a rising expert in energy harvesting materials, his achievements position him as a researcher of high merit. His eligibility for the Best Researcher Award is further reinforced by the novelty and applicability of his research, which is oriented toward real-world solutions in the field of renewable and sustainable energy.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Geon-Ju Choi’s research focuses on advanced polymer composites and nanostructured materials for energy harvesting, particularly triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). His work addresses the enhancement of TENG efficiency by exploring surface modifications, phase engineering, and the design of functional nanostructures. He aims to create highly responsive, durable, and environmentally adaptive TENGs capable of converting low-frequency mechanical energy into electricity. His research contributes to the development of self-powered systems that can operate under variable environmental conditions, providing sustainable solutions for powering wearable devices, IoT sensors, and environmental monitoring systems. His innovations align with global energy sustainability goals and aim to advance practical applications of nanogenerators in real-world scenarios.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

Performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerators based on polyvinylidene fluoride/graphene quantum dot composite nanofibers
Cited by: 76 | Year: 2019

Churros-like polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers for enhancing output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators
Cited by: 68 | Year: 2020

Nafion-mediated barium titanate-polymer composite nanofibers-based triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered smart street and home control system
Cited by: 60 | Year: 2023

Metal-organic frameworks-induced Self-Poling effect of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers for performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerator
Cited by: 22 | Year: 2023

Synergistic coupling of tribovoltaic and moisture‐enabled electricity generation in layered‐double hydroxides
Cited by: 21 | Year: 2024

Electronegative polyvinylidene fluoride/C60 composite nanofibers for performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerators
Cited by: 19 | Year: 2022

🔚 Conclusion

Geon-Ju Choi is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly within categories related to energy harvesting, nanogenerator systems, and polymer composite research. His focused contributions to triboelectric nanogenerators have led to real advancements in sustainable energy technologies, addressing global challenges like renewable energy and self-powered electronics.With strong research credentials, a growing citation record, and high-impact publications, he embodies the qualities of a dedicated, innovative, and future-forward researcher. Enhancing his global presence and commercial impact would make his profile even stronger for future recognitions.