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. 🌍👕📚

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 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 Bachelor’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. 🎓📖🧪

💼 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. 🏫🧵🔬

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Tawiah’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. 🧪♻️🧵

🏅 Awards

Dr. Tawiah has received multiple accolades, including the “Most Cited Senior Member” award (2022–2023) from the Faculty of Art at KNUST, and the “Second Runner-Up: Most Promising Senior” 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. 🥇🏆📘

📚 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 article

“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 article

“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 article

“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 article

“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 article

“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 article

“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 article

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

“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 article

“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.

 

Fernando Pinto Coelho | Renewable Energy | Best Innovation Award

Prof. Dr. Fernando Pinto Coelho | Renewable Energy | Best Innovation Award

Professor, Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil 

Fernando Pinto Coelho is a distinguished environmental professor and multidisciplinary researcher, actively contributing to sustainability across Brazil and internationally 🌍. Currently serving at the Federal University of Alagoas, he’s involved in groundbreaking research in biomass, marine crop energy, and low-carbon agriculture 🌿. With decades of academic and environmental policy experience, he has significantly impacted renewable energy innovation, environmental management, and scientific education on both national and global scales 📚.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Fernando earned his PhD in Energy and Nuclear Technologies from the Federal University of Pernambuco (2018), with a focus on renewable energies and biomass energy 🌞. He holds two master’s degrees—one in Water Resources and Sanitation from UFAL (2008), and an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (2002) 📘. His academic journey began with a full degree in Geography from UFAL in 1999 🗺️. His expertise bridges geography, climatology, energy, and environmental sciences.

🧪 Experience

Since 2011, Fernando has been a professor at the Federal University of Alagoas, focusing on Geography and Surveying Engineering 📏. He served as Technical Director of the Caatinga Biome Social Carbon Credits Association (2022), and was Director of R&D at the Proalga Brazil Institute 🌾. He’s also an expert environmental analyst for the Alagoas State Court of Justice and has represented the university in river basin environmental committees 💧.

🔬 Research Interest

Fernando’s research explores the interface of biomass, seaweed, marine crop energy, and renewable energy systems 🧫⚡. His work emphasizes sustainable energy production from macroalgae, ecosystem restoration, and carbon credit innovation. He contributes to national initiatives like Brazil’s Low Carbon Agriculture Project (ABC+), focusing on clean energy technologies and sustainable marine biomass use 🌱🌊.

🏆 Award & Distinctions

Honored as a full professor with a PhD title at UFAL in 2018, Fernando also leads a CNPq-recognized research group on energy in semi-arid regions (NUPRES–AL) 🥇. He has served as an Ad Hoc Consultant to Brazil’s Ministry of Education and is a Federal Pedagogical Residency Program Advisor 👨‍🏫. His leadership in environmental policy and academic excellence has earned him national and institutional recognition 🏅.

📚 Publications

Renewable Energy from Beach-Cast Seaweed: Calorific Power Heating Studies with Macroalgae (2025) – Published in Plants, exploring the energy potential of seaweed biomass.
📖 Cited by: forthcoming studies in renewable biomass assessments.

Biorefinery of Beach Cast Seaweed in Brazil: Renewable Energy and Sustainability (2024) – Published in Phycology, discussing sustainable seaweed utilization.
📖 Cited by: marine biomass circular economy frameworks.

Microbiota Fúngica em sistema de ar condicionado de automóveis (2024) – Published in Revista Ouricuri, a study on fungal microbiota in auto air-conditioning systems.
📖 Cited by: fungal ecology and public health research.

🏁 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Fernando Pinto Coelho exhibits innovative excellence in renewable energy, particularly through the novel use of seaweed biomass in energy and environmental systems. His integrated approach, international engagement, and leadership in environmental innovation make him a strong contender for the Best Innovation Award. Highlighting tangible impacts through patents or commercial applications would further solidify his case, but his current contributions already reflect a forward-thinking innovator reshaping the landscape of renewable energies.

Dr. Lisette Alcantara S | Environmental Science | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Lisette Alcantara S | Environmental Science | Best Scholar Award

Graduate Researcher, University of Rochester, United States

Dr. Lisette Alcántara S. is a medical doctor, biomedical researcher, and Ph.D. candidate with over 15 years of clinical practice and 7 years of experience in medical affairs and clinical research. She is dedicated to advancing global health through her work on HIV care, COVID-19 vaccine responses, and evidence-based medical education. As an expert in pharmacotherapy and clinical research methodologies, she mentors and educates healthcare professionals, having trained over 260 individuals in family medicine and community outreach. Her research and expertise bridge clinical practice with scientific discovery to address pressing health challenges. 💉🧑‍⚕️🔬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Alcántara holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (2009). She also earned a Master of Science in Health Systems Administration, with advanced certificates in Healthcare Finance and Project Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology (2017). She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Science at the University of Rochester, with an expected graduation date of 2025. 🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Alcántara’s professional journey spans clinical practice, research, and teaching. She has served as a graduate researcher at the University of Rochester, contributing to impactful research in infectious disease and immunology. In her role as a Data Analyst & Academic Detailer, she led a successful collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, training over 600 healthcare professionals in HIV care. She has also worked as a physician and medical science liaison for the Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic and as a professor of family medicine at Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE). 👩‍⚕️📊📝

Research Interests

Dr. Alcántara’s research focuses on translational biomedical sciences, particularly in infectious diseases, immunology, and global health. She has conducted pioneering research on the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in vulnerable populations, including transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients. Additionally, she explores vaccine skepticism and gender identity’s impact on healthcare practices, with a focus on improving public health outcomes through innovative clinical and educational initiatives. 🧬🔬💉

Awards

Throughout her career, Dr. Alcántara has demonstrated excellence in both research and clinical care. She has received accolades for her contributions to HIV care and vaccine research, particularly in underrepresented populations. She has also been recognized for her dedication to healthcare education and for training hundreds of healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes and public health. 🏆🌍👩‍⚕️

Publications

Alcantara Sanchez, L.; Alvarez Guerra, E.; Li, D.; King, S.M.; Hilchey, S.P.; Zhou, Q.; Dewhurst, S.; Fiscella, K.; Zand, M.S. Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Transplant Recipients and Hemodialysis Patients: Data from the Dominican Republic. Vaccines, 2024, 12, 1312. Link to article

Zand MS, Spallina S, Ross A, Zandi K, Pawlowski A, et al. (2024) Correction: Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PLOS ONE, 19(11): e0313792. Link to article

Dye, Timothy D. PhD; Eckert, Cody; Levandowski, Brooke A. PhD; Farovitch, Lorne PhD; Alcántara, Lisette MD, MS; Pressman, Eva K. MD. Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and COVID-19 Vaccine Skepticism: A Global Assessment [ID 2683475]. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 143(5S): p 5S, May 2024. DOI

Zand, M. S., Spallina, S., Ross, A., Zandi, K., Pawlowski, A., Seplaki, C. L., . . . Foxe, J. J. (2023). Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). medRxiv, 2023.200. Link to article