Yang Li | Electrical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yang Li | Electrical Engineering
| Best Researcher Award

Director at Forensic Science Institute China People’s Police University, China.

Dr. Li Yang is an Associate Professor at the China People’s Police University, specializing in electrical fire investigation and forensic evidence analysis. With a Ph.D. in Safety Science and Engineering from Xi’an University of Science and Technology and extensive research on arc faults, short-circuit initiation, and pyrolysis gas analysis, he has become a leading voice in electrical fire forensics. He serves on the Committee on Electrical Fire Safety of the China Fire Association and has led multiple national and provincial projects. Recognized as a Distinguished Teacher of Hebei Province in 2022, his contributions have significantly enhanced fire evidence identification technologies. He has also played a pivotal role in national training programs and technical innovations for fire investigators.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Dr. Li Yang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering work in electrical fire investigation. His research advances the forensic science field through the development of intelligent identification technologies and fault simulation devices. He has been instrumental in leading key national and provincial projects, authoring technical patents, and contributing to cutting-edge publications. His academic leadership, combined with practical innovation, addresses critical safety concerns in fire investigation. Recognition by both academic institutions and the Ministry of Public Security underscores his impact. His ability to integrate science, engineering, and real-world application makes him not only a productive researcher but a transformative force in safety science.

🎓 Education :

Li Yang holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Safety Science and Engineering from Xi’an University of Science and Technology (2018–2022). Prior to that, he earned a Master of Science in Materials Science (2008–2011) and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Investigation (2004–2008), both from the China People’s Police University. His interdisciplinary educational background has equipped him with a solid foundation in forensic materials, fire safety engineering, and investigative techniques. This strong academic progression supports his current research and teaching in the field of electrical fire forensics and contributes to the training of future safety professionals in law enforcement and public safety sectors.

🏢 Work Experience :

Dr. Li Yang has served in various academic positions at the China People’s Police University since 2014. Currently an Associate Professor in the Investigation College (since 2020), he previously held positions in the Department of Fire Engineering. Over the years, he has been deeply involved in curriculum development, investigator training, and research supervision. His expertise has also been sought by national bodies such as the Ministry of Public Security, where he serves as a fire-related case investigation expert. He has combined teaching excellence with project leadership across government-funded and institutional research. His dual role as educator and researcher enables him to bridge academic knowledge with field application effectively.

🏅 Awards and Honors :

Dr. Li Yang has received numerous accolades for his contributions. Notably, he was honored as a Distinguished Teacher of Hebei Province in 2022 and selected as a Fire Investigation Expert by the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security in 2020. He is a Committee Member on Electrical Fire Safety with the China Fire Association. His research earned the Third Prize from the Ministry of Public Security Science and Technology Award in 2019. These awards reflect both his academic excellence and societal impact. Through these honors, Dr. Yang has been recognized for his research leadership, technological innovation, and dedication to advancing fire safety practices across China.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Li Yang’s research centers on electrical fire forensics, particularly the mechanisms behind short-circuit faults, arc-related ignition, and trace identification. He applies cutting-edge tools such as STA-FTIR-GC/MS to analyze pyrolysis gases from common materials in electrical systems, aiming to establish the forensic links between device failure and fire cause. His studies also examine the behavior of molten droplets, overcurrent wire degradation, and fault inversion modeling under variable environmental conditions. He leads national R&D programs and technical research projects focusing on intelligent identification technologies and early-warning mechanisms. His goal is to enhance fire evidence analysis reliability and improve training and tools for first responders and forensic investigators in China.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

🔥 Lin Q‑W, Li X, Li Y, Deng J, Man P‑R, Jia Y‑Z. Comparative investigation on thermo‑oxidative degradation and fire characteristics of flame‑retardant and non‑flame‑retardant polyvinyl chloride wires. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress. 2025;57:103210. • 📄 Cited X times

⚡ Lin Q‑W, Li Y, Man P‑R, Jin Y, Lyu H, Wang H, Zhao Y, Su W, Deng J. Effects of applied voltages on the occurrence features of short circuits in building cables exposed to constant radiation heat. Journal of Building Engineering. 2024;98:111038. • 📄 Cited Y times

🧪 Lin Q‑W, Li Y, Deng J, F‑F He, P‑R Man. Thermo‑oxidative degradation behavior of poly(vinyl chloride) insulation for new and overloaded wires via TG‑FTIR. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2024;141(39):e55994. • 📄 Cited Z times

🧯 Li Z, Lin Q‑W, Li Y, et al. Effect of the current on the fire characteristics of overloaded polyvinyl chloride copper wires. Polymers. 2022;14(21):4766.* • 📄 Cited A times

🔥 Lin Q‑W, Li Y, Deng J. Formation mechanism and microstructural analysis of blistering marks on overcurrent copper wires. Fire Safety Journal. 2024;150(Pt A):104268. • 📄 Cited B times

⚡ Li Y, Sun Y, Gao Y, et al. Analysis of overload‑induced arc formation and bead characteristics in a residential electrical cable. Fire Safety Journal. 2022;131:103626. • 📄 Cited C times

Kofi Sarkodie | Structural Health | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Kofi Sarkodie |Structural Health
| Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at University of Education Winneba, Ghana.

Kofi Sarkodie is an experienced educator and researcher from Ghana, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Coast. He holds an M.Phil. in Geography with Education and a B.A. (Hons.) in Social Science Education from the University of Education, Winneba. With over 12 years of teaching experience across various levels of Ghana’s pre-tertiary education system, he currently serves as a Geography tutor at Nsaba Presbyterian Senior High School and a part-time lecturer at the University of Cape Coast. His research spans medical geography, climate change, gender issues, and GIS. Sarkodie is committed to learner-centered pedagogy and strives to empower all students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, through inclusive and meaningful education.

🌍 Professional Profile:

ORCID

Google scholar

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Kofi Sarkodie is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions in the fields of medical geography, environmental development, and education. His interdisciplinary research has addressed pressing issues such as healthcare-seeking behavior, climate change, and population dynamics in Africa. Sarkodie’s dedication to practical and inclusive education, coupled with his scholarly output, positions him as a role model for applied geographic research. As a Ph.D. candidate and part-time lecturer, he blends theory with practice, influencing future educators and learners alike. His work has been published in reputable journals and showcases a commitment to research that drives social transformation. His intellectual rigor, field engagement, and advocacy for equity in education and development exemplify excellence in research.

🎓 Education :

Kofi Sarkodie’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to geographic and educational research. He is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Coast (2023–present). He earned an M.Phil. in Geography with Education (2018–2020) and a B.A. (Hons.) in Social Science Education, majoring in Geography and minoring in Political Science (2013–2017), both from the University of Education, Winneba. His earlier education includes the West African Senior School Certificate from Manso Adubia Senior High School and the Basic Education Certificate from Bereku D/A Junior High School. Additionally, he has completed international professional courses on technology-enabled learning and teacher education from institutions in Canada and the UK, reflecting his global educational outlook.

🏢 Work Experience :

Kofi Sarkodie brings over 12 years of diverse teaching experience, currently serving as a Geography tutor at Nsaba Presbyterian Senior High School since 2018. He has recently begun working as a part-time assistant lecturer with the University of Cape Coast’s Institute of Education (2024–present). Previously, he served as a Teaching and Research Assistant at OLA College of Education and completed internships at Assin State College. His roles have included curriculum planning, instructional delivery, assessment design, and student mentoring. Sarkodie has been promoted through ranks in the Ghana Education Service, now holding the title of Assistant Director II. His classroom practices emphasize inclusive learning, discipline, and student engagement, which reflect his passion for education and his capacity for academic leadership.

🏅 Awards and Honors :

Kofi Sarkodie has earned recognition within the Ghana Education Service, notably attaining the rank of Assistant Director II in 2023 and Principal Superintendent in 2018, in acknowledgment of his dedication and professionalism. His contributions to both classroom instruction and academic research have led to his selection as a part-time lecturer, highlighting his growing influence in higher education. While specific awards for research excellence may still be pending due to his ongoing doctoral studies, his publications in peer-reviewed journals and invitations to academic programs underscore his rising scholarly profile. Furthermore, his participation in global professional development courses signals his international academic engagement and commitment to lifelong learning. His steady ascent reflects both merit and promise in the education and research fields.

🔬 Research Focus :

Kofi Sarkodie’s research focuses on medical geography, climate change, population studies, GIS, environmental sustainability, and teacher education. His interdisciplinary approach bridges geography with public health, education, and socio-political analysis. His recent publications address healthcare-seeking behavior, environmental challenges, and gendered development issues in Ghana. He is particularly interested in how geographic methods and spatial analysis can inform policymaking and education reform. As a proponent of learner-centered instruction, Sarkodie also researches innovative pedagogy and curriculum design in geography education. His use of GIS tools and field-based methodologies allows him to generate insights that are both academically rigorous and practically impactful. His ongoing doctoral research continues to explore contemporary African development issues through a geographical and planning-oriented lens.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

📘 Sky Economy: Economic Effects of Trading on the Upper Floors of Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast, Ghana
🗓️ Year: 2025 | 📖 International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | 📑 Cited by: N/A 🏙️📈

🌿 Influencing Factors of Place and Healthcare Seeking Behaviour of Pregnant Women Accessing Care at a Herbal Clinic in Ghana
🗓️ Year: 2025 | 📖 Advances in Integrative Medicine | 📑 Cited by: 1 🩺🤰🌍

📊 Challenges of Using the “Balance Score Card” (BSC) Framework to Serve as a Basis for Strategic Decisions and Reforms in a Public Sector Organization
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 📖 Global Scientific Journal (GSJ), Vol. 12(10) | 📑 Cited by: N/A 🏛️📉

🛍️ Livelihood Resilience Among Street Hawkers During COVID-19 Lockdown in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, Ghana
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 📖 Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences | 📑 Cited by: N/A 🦠🛒📉

🌍 Land Cover Change Analysis of Ho Municipality
🗓️ Year: 2023 | 📖 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, Vol. 10(5) | 📑 Cited by: 1 🗺️🌳📐

🚗 Mapping Vehicular Accident and Casualties on Ohiamaadwen to Gomoa Odumasi Road Using Geographic Information Systems
🗓️ Year: 2017 | 📖 Academia.edu | 📑 Cited by: N/A 📍🛣️📉

Hoon Choi | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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 Dr. Hoon Choi | Chemical Engineering| Best Researcher Award

Dr.  Hoon Choi NREL, United States

Dr. Hoon Choi is a distinguished researcher and Staff Scientist-Separation Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). With expertise in chemical engineering and advanced separation technologies, he has made significant contributions to renewable energy and sustainable materials processing. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has conducted extensive research on chromatographic separations, lithium recovery, and bioprocessing. Dr. Choi has received numerous awards, including the President’s Award at NREL and multiple Key Contribution Awards. As a member of several DOE consortia, he actively collaborates on critical materials and bioprocessing research. His prolific publication record and impactful research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Hoon Choi’s groundbreaking work in separation technologies and renewable energy innovation positions him as a leading researcher. His contributions to lithium extraction, polymer recycling, and bio-based chemical production have had a transformative impact on the field. Recognized with prestigious awards, including NREL’s President’s Award and multiple Key Contribution Awards, Dr. Choi’s research excellence is well-established. His leadership in DOE consortia and collaborations with top scientists underscore his influence. With a strong publication record in high-impact journals and patents in development, Dr. Choi’s work directly advances sustainable technologies. His dedication, expertise, and research impact make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Hoon Choi holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University (2018), where he studied under Prof. Nien-Hwa Linda Wang, focusing on advanced separation processes. He earned his M.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Yonsei University (2014) under Prof. Kangtaek Lee, specializing in bioprocessing and membrane separations. His B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Yonsei University (2012) provided a strong foundation in reaction engineering and process design. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Choi received numerous scholarships and honors, including the National Science and Engineering Full Scholarship and the Moojin Science and Technology Scholarship. His multidisciplinary education has equipped him with expertise in chromatography, polymer recycling, and sustainable chemical processes.

🏢 Work Experience 

Dr. Hoon Choi is a Staff Scientist-Separation Engineer at NREL (2022–present), leading projects on lithium separation and polymer recycling. He previously served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at NREL (2020–2022), working with Dr. Eric M. Karp on bio-based chemical separations. Before that, he was an engineer at Samsung Electronics Foundry (2019), where he contributed to semiconductor materials processing. His research experience spans bioprocessing, chromatography, and sustainable materials. Dr. Choi’s leadership in DOE-funded projects and industry collaborations has advanced critical material recovery and energy-efficient separations. With extensive expertise in applied research, he continues to make significant contributions to renewable energy technologies and green chemistry innovations.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Hoon Choi has received numerous accolades recognizing his research excellence. He was honored with the President’s Award at NREL (2024) and Key Contribution Awards for five consecutive years (2020–2024). He received the Director’s Award at NREL (2021) for his outstanding contributions to bio-based chemical processes. Before joining NREL, he was named Employee of the Month at Samsung Electronics Foundry (2019). In academia, he won the Silver Prize in the 2018 Mobile World Scholar Challenge and received a Hanwha Travel Grant for the AIChE Annual Meeting (2018). Additionally, he was a recipient of the Moojin Science and Technology Scholarship and was consistently recognized on the Dean’s List at Yonsei University.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Hoon Choi’s research focuses on sustainable separation processes for renewable energy applications. His work includes developing chromatographic techniques for lithium extraction, designing efficient bioprocessing separations, and advancing polymer recycling through catalytic methods. He integrates machine learning with separation technologies to optimize material recovery. As part of the DOE Bioprocessing Separations Consortium, BOTTLE, and Critical Materials Collaborative, he contributes to national initiatives on circular economy solutions. His research has resulted in high-impact publications in journals such as Energy & Environmental Science and Nature Chemical Engineering. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Choi is pioneering next-generation separation processes for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Choi, H., Alherech, M., Jang, J. H., Woodworth, S. P., Ramirez, K. J., Karp, E. M., & Beckham, G. T. (2024). Counter-current chromatography for lignin monomer–monomer and monomer–oligomer separations from reductive catalytic fractionation oil. Green Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4GC00765D

  • Choi, H., Soland, N. E., Buss, B. L., Honeycutt, N. C., Tomashek, E. G., Haugen, S. J., Ramirez, K. J., Miscall, J., Tan, E. C. D., Smith, T. N., et al. (2022). Separation of bio-based glucaric acid via antisolvent crystallization and azeotropic drying. Green Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1GC03984A

  • Choi, H., Soland, N. E., Moss, M. R., Liu, J., Prestangen, R. R., Katahira, R., Lee, S.-J., Thorson, M. R., Freeman, C. J., & Karp, E. M. (2022). The cell utilized partitioning model as a predictive tool for optimizing counter-current chromatography processes. Separation and Purification Technology, 120330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2021.120330

  • Choi, H., Harvey, D., Ding, Y., & Wang, N.-H.L. (2018). Constant-pattern design method for the separation of ternary mixtures of rare earth elements using ligand-assisted displacement chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2018.09.056

  • Choi, H., Harvey, D., Ding, Y., & Wang, N.-H.L. (2018). Key parameters controlling the development of constant-pattern isotachic trains of two rare earth elements in ligand-assisted displacement chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2018.05.057

  • Choi, H., Um, K., Im, M., & Lee, K. (2015). A simple method for nanostructure engineering of mesoporous zinc silicate particles. Chemistry of Materials. https://doi.org/10.1021/cm503768j

  • Ahn, H., Kim, T., Choi, H., Yoon, C., Um, K., Nam, J., Ahn, K.H., & Lee, K. (2014). Gelation of graphene oxides induced by different types of amino acids. Carbon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2014.01.033

  • Kang, T., Choi, H., Joo, S.-W., Lee, S.Y., Yoon, K.-A., & Lee, K. (2014). Peptide nucleic acid-mediated aggregation of reduced graphene oxides and label-free detection of DNA mutation. Journal of Physical Chemistry B. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp501820j