Alessandro RoccoFasciana | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alessandro Rocco Fasciana | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow, University of Catania, Italy

Alessandro Fasciana ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น, born on January 14, 1991, is an Italian agronomist and research fellow passionate about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Currently affiliated with the University of Catania, he combines academic excellence with hands-on experience across agronomy, construction, and food service. Alessandro is driven by a commitment to improving environmental impacts in the agri-food sector and is actively contributing to consumer preference studies and eco-friendly agricultural solutions.

Profile

Orcid

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Alessandro completed his Masterโ€™s Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology at the University of Catania in 2024 with top honors (110/110 with distinction). His thesis focused on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, along with mitigation strategies. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in the same field in 2020. He also holds a high school diploma in surveying from โ€œE. Majoranaโ€ Technical Institute and a vocational certificate in Graphic File Production from ECAP Gela.

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Alessandro is currently a Research Fellow at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, conducting data analysis on consumer preferences for functional food products (2024โ€“2025). His past experience includes working as a Geometra (2017โ€“2023), where he specialized in building design, permits, and client consultation. He also interned with an agricultural consultant in 2016โ€“2017, learning agronomic documentation and fertilization planning. Earlier in his career, he worked as a kitchen assistant (2013โ€“2016), showcasing adaptability across sectors.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interest

Alessandro’s research interests lie in sustainable agriculture, environmental mitigation, and consumer behavior related to functional foods. His academic and professional work focuses on analyzing emissions in livestock farming and exploring innovative strategies for environmental impact reduction. He is also keenly interested in bio-based waste recycling and soil enhancement practices.

๐Ÿ† Award

In 2024, Alessandro earned the professional qualification to practice as an Agronomist and Forestry Doctor in Italy, marking a major milestone in his career. This achievement reflects his academic dedication and readiness to serve both research and practical agricultural sectors.

๐Ÿ“š Publication

“Preliminary Analysis on Bio-Acidification Using Coffee Torrefaction Waste and Acetic Acid on Animal Manure from a Dairy Farm”, published in Agriculture (2025).
๐Ÿ“„ Read publication | Published: 2025
Cited by: [Awaiting citations]

๐Ÿ Conclusion

Alessandro Fasciana shows great potential as an emerging researcher in agricultural sciences, especially with his focus on sustainability and climate-related challenges. However, for the Best Researcher Award, which typically honors more established and prolific researchers, he may currently be better suited for a “Young Researcher” or “Emerging Talent” category. With continued research, publications, and broader engagement, he could become a strong contender for the main award in the future.

Benjamin Tawiah | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Benjamin Tawiah | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Dr. Benjamin Tawiah is a seasoned Senior Lecturer in Textiles and Fashion at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With over four years of university-level teaching experience and a robust background in textile innovation, he is known for integrating dynamic pedagogy and research excellence. Dr. Tawiah is passionate about mentoring the next generation of textile scholars, blending creativity and technical skills to elevate education and research in fashion technology. His career is rooted in sustainability, energy efficiency, and advanced material applications, making him a thought leader in the global textile industry. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‘•๐Ÿ“š

Profile

Google Scholar

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Tawiah earned his Ph.D. in Textiles and Clothing Technology from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019, focusing on eco-friendly flame retardants. He holds a Master of Engineering in Textile Engineering from Jiangnan University, China (2016), and a Bachelorโ€™s degree in Industrial Art (Fashion and Textiles) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (2010). His academic journey also includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information Systems from GIMPA, Ghana, and a Post-Secondary Teacher Certificate from SDA College of Education. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿงช

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Dr. Tawiah is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, leading innovative research in sustainable polymers and energy-efficient materials. He has held previous roles including Senior Lecturer at KNUST in Ghana, where he supervised MPhil and PhD students and taught courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His past roles also include a Research Associate at the City University of Hong Kong, and a high school teacher under Ghana Education Service. His rich experience bridges education, research, and material innovation. ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿงต๐Ÿ”ฌ

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interests

Dr. Tawiahโ€™s research spans sustainable textiles, flame-retardant materials, energy storage systems, and smart fiber technologies. He focuses on bio-based materials, polymer composites, and multifunctional textiles for fire safety and energy efficiency. His work also explores advanced colorants and dyeing processes, reflecting a strong commitment to ecological sustainability and smart fashion innovation. His cross-disciplinary research bridges chemistry, material science, and fashion technology. ๐Ÿงชโ™ป๏ธ๐Ÿงต

๐Ÿ… Awards

Dr. Tawiah has received multiple accolades, including the โ€œMost Cited Senior Memberโ€ award (2022โ€“2023) from the Faculty of Art at KNUST, and the โ€œSecond Runner-Up: Most Promising Seniorโ€ in the College of Art and Built Environment (2024). He was also a two-time recipient of the Jiangnan University President Scholarship for Best International Student during his Master’s program. His awards celebrate both academic excellence and research impact. ๐Ÿฅ‡๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ“˜

๐Ÿ“š Publications

“Recent Advances in Zinc Anodes for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries”
Authors: H. Jia, Z. Wang, B. Tawiah, Y. Wang, C.Y. Chan, B. Fei, F. Pan
Journal: Nano Energy
Year: 2020
Citations: 612
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Interface Decoration of Exfoliated MXene Ultra-Thin Nanosheets for Fire and Smoke Suppressions of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer”
Authors: B. Yu, B. Tawiah, L.Q. Wang, A.C.Y. Yuen, Z.C. Zhang, L.L. Shen, B. Lin, B. Fei
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2019
Citations: 391
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Manufacturing, Mechanical and Flame Retardant Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid) Biocomposites Based on Calcium Magnesium Phytate and Carbon Nanotubes”
Authors: W. Yang, B. Tawiah, C. Yu, Y.F. Qian, L.L. Wang, A.C.Y. Yuen, S.E. Zhu, E.Z. Hu
Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Year: 2018
Citations: 173
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Functionalization of MXene Nanosheets for Polystyrene Towards High Thermal Stability and Flame Retardant Properties”
Authors: J.Y. Si, B. Tawiah, W.L. Sun, B. Lin, C. Wang, A.C.Y. Yuen, B. Yu, A. Li, W. Yang
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2019
Citations: 136
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Highly Efficient Flame Retardant and Smoke Suppression Mechanism of Boron Modified Graphene Oxide/Poly (Lactic Acid) Nanocomposites”
Authors: B. Tawiah, B. Yu, R.K.K. Yuen, Y. Hu, R. Wei, J.H. Xin, B. Fei
Journal: Carbon
Year: 2019
Citations: 128
Link to article๎ˆ†

“DOPO-Decorated Two-Dimensional MXene Nanosheets for Flame-Retardant, Ultraviolet-Protective, and Reinforced Polylactide Composites”
Authors: Y. Zhou, Y. Lin, B. Tawiah, J. Sun, R.K.K. Yuen, B. Fei
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2021
Citations: 111
Link to article๎ˆ†

“A Facile and Sustainable Approach for Simultaneously Flame Retarded, UV Protective and Reinforced Poly (Lactic Acid) Composites Using Fully Bio-Based Complexing Couples”
Authors: Y. Zhou, B. Tawiah, N. Noor, Z. Zhang, J. Sun, R.K.K. Yuen, B. Fei
Journal: Composites Part B: Engineering
Year: 2021
Citations: 107
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Advances in Flame Retardant Poly(Lactic Acid)”
Authors: B. Tawiah, B. Yu, B. Fei
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2018
Citations: 102
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Microporous Boron Based Intumescent Macrocycle Flame Retardant for Poly (Lactic Acid) with Excellent UV Protection”
Authors: B. Tawiah, Y. Zhou, R.K.K. Yuen, J. Sun, B. Fei
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2020
Citations: 83
Link to article๎ˆ†

“Advances in the Development of Antimicrobial Agents for Textiles: The Quest for Natural Products”
Authors: B. Tawiah, W. Badoe, S. Fu
Journal: Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe
Year: 2016
Citations: Not specified

Conclusion

Based on his robust teaching experience, substantial research contributions, mentorship abilities, and notable publications in renowned journals, Benjamin Tawiah is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to impact both academia and industry, and with further interdisciplinary collaborations, his influence in the field could grow even more.