Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan | Dark Matter | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan | Dark Matter | Best Researcher Award

The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Dr. Chan Man Ho is a distinguished academic specializing in astrophysics, philosophy, and science education. He is currently an Assistant Dean and Associate Dean at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong. With over 100 refereed publications and multiple prestigious awards, Dr. Chan’s research spans dark matter, black holes, multiverse theories, and philosophy of science. His work has received international recognition, with media coverage in top science outlets. A committed educator and researcher, he actively contributes to the scientific community as a journal reviewer, conference organizer, and elected fellow of esteemed societies.

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🎓 Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan is a distinguished academic with expertise spanning astrophysics, philosophy, and physics education. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Hong Kong Baptist University (2013–2017) under the supervision of Prof. Kwan Kai Man. Prior to that, he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Physics Education) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2010–2012) and an M.A. in Christian Studies from the same institution (2008–2010). His strong foundation in astrophysics includes a Ph.D. (2004–2008) and an M.Phil. (2002–2004) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, both supervised by Prof. Chu Ming Chung. Dr. Chan began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (1999–2002), establishing a solid background in scientific research and interdisciplinary studies.

💼 Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan has an extensive academic and teaching career, currently serving as the Assistant Dean and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) since 2024. He has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Science and Environmental Studies at EdUHK since 2021, following his tenure as an Assistant Professor from 2015 to 2021. Before joining EdUHK, he was a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 2012 to 2015. His early career includes valuable experience in secondary education, having taught at Shatin Pui Ying College (2005–2011) and Peace Evangelical Secondary School (2004–2005). His diverse roles reflect a strong commitment to education, research, and academic leadership.

🔬 Research Interests

Astrophysics: Dark Matter, Supermassive Black Holes, Exoplanets, Multiverse

Philosophy of Science: Cosmopsychism, Scientific Realism, Creativity

Science Education: Constructivist Learning, Early Science Literacy

🏆 Awards & Honors

2024 Honorable Mention, Awards for Essays on Gravitation (Gravity Research Foundation, USA)

2024 Departmental Teaching Excellence Award (EdUHK)

2023 Elected Fellow, Royal Astronomical Society (UK)

2023 President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Research (EdUHK)

2022 Humanities & Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship (Research Grants Council)

2022 Faculty Research Output Prize (EdUHK)

2021 Elected Fellow, International Society for Science and Religion

2020 President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Research (Early Career) (EdUHK)

📚 Selected Publications

Astrophysics:

"Identifying dark matter signals by the radio continuum spectral data of the cool-core cluster RX J1720.1+2638" (2025)Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Co-authored with Chak Man Lee

Explores potential dark matter signals in galaxy clusters

[DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stae2638]

Science Education:

"Pathways to early science literacy: Investigating the different role of language and reading skills in science literacy among early primary school children" (2025)International Journal of Science Education

Co-authored with Yuanke Sun

Examines the influence of language and reading skills on young students' science literacy

[DOI: 10.1080/09500693.2024.2335671]

"Constructivist learning approaches do not necessarily promote immediate learning outcome or interest in science learning" (2025)The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher

Co-authored with Elaine Kit Ling Yeung, Miao Zhong, Jing Huang, Tik Sze Carrey Siu, and Him Cheung

Evaluates the effectiveness of constructivist learning methods in science education

[DOI: 10.1007/s40399-024-00893-8]

"The impact of immersive design on the relations between students’ motivational and science literacy awareness: A mixed methods study" (2025)Cogent Education

Co-authored with Yuan-Ke Sun and Wing-Chi Wong

Investigates the effects of immersive learning environments on student motivation and science literacy

[DOI: 10.1080/2331186X.2025.2467494]

Philosophy:

"On Philip Goff’s case for agentive cosmopsychism" (2024)International Journal for Philosophy of Religion

Co-authored with Kai Yan Chan

Critically examines Goff's argument for cosmopsychism

[DOI: 10.1007/s11153-024-09931-3]

 

 

Ms. Florence Acha | Super hydrophobic Coatings | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Florence Acha | Super hydrophobic Coatings | Best Researcher Award

University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States.

Florence Nkemamaka Acha is a dedicated researcher in polymer engineering, with expertise in biomaterials, nanotechnology, and composites. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, she has an impressive academic track record and multiple research publications. Florence has significant teaching, research, and industrial experience, complemented by numerous leadership and volunteer roles. She has received several prestigious awards for her academic excellence and leadership contributions.

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Education 🎓

Florence Nkemamaka Acha is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where she is working under the supervision of Prof. Joey Mead on developing PFAS-free superhydrophobic coatings for textile applications. She holds a Master of Engineering in Plastics Engineering with honors from the same institution, with an impressive GPA of 3.917/4.0, and is expected to complete her degree in February 2025. Florence earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Textile Engineering with first-class honors from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, in 2019, achieving a stellar GPA of 4.67/5.0. Her undergraduate thesis focused on evaluating the physical and end-use properties of alkyd paints using local materials as extenders. Prior to her university studies, she completed her secondary education at Elaihor Grammar School, Egweaholor-Isi, Edo State, Nigeria, in 2013.

Experience 💼

Florence Nkemamaka Acha has built a strong foundation in academic research and teaching through her roles at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She has been a Research Assistant since May 2023, working on innovative projects in plastics engineering, and served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant from August 2023 to August 2024, assisting in the delivery of key engineering courses.

In addition to her academic roles, Florence gained valuable industry experience during her production internship at Obino Industrial Company Limited in Nigeria. She also worked as a Research Assistant at Igwe Isaac Laboratory from 2019 to 2023 and as a Business Development Officer at Jimcol Resources Nig. Ltd., where she developed her business and technical expertise. This diverse experience equips her with both technical and leadership skills essential for addressing complex engineering challenges.

Research Interests 🤾‍♀️

Florence’s research focuses on:

Polymer Engineering

Polymer Science

Composites

Biomaterials

Material Science

Polymer Chemistry

Nanotechnology

Awards and Honors 🏆

Best Graduating Student Award, Polymer and Textile Engineering, FUTO (2019)

IBE MIT Alumni Award for Best Graduating Student, Polymer and Textile Engineering, FUTO (2019)

Educational Support Award, HillCity Foundation, Nigeria (2016-2019)

Delta State Bursary Scholarship, Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board (2015-2019)

Award of Excellence for Service and Leadership, Holiness Campus Fellowship, FUTO (2019)

Publications Top Notes 📝

Scheff T.; Acha, F.; Diaz Armas N.; Mead J.L.; Zhang, J. (2024). Tuning Wetting Properties Through Surface Geometry in the Cassie-Baxter State. Biomimetics, 2025, 10, 20.

Isaac O. Igwe, Florence N. Acha, et al. (2021). Utilization of Granite Quarry Dust Extender in Formulating Anti-Corrosive Paints for the Protection of Steel. Australian Journal of Science and Technology, 5(3), 631-637.

Book Chapter: Florence N. Acha (2024). Cleaning of Paints. In: Isaac O. Igwe (ed.). The Science and Technology of Paints. Submitted for publication.

Isaac O. Igwe, Florence N. Acha, Christian O. Anyaegbu, et al. (2020). Formulation of Anti-Corrosive Alkyd Paints Based on Umuahia Clay Extender. SSRG International Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering, 7(2), 25-30.

Ifeoluwa Sarah Fesojaye, Favour Dada, Florence N. Acha (2023). Innovative Applications of Nanomaterials in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Advancing Efficiency and Performance for Next-Generation Technologies.