Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar | Microwave Pretreatment for Biomass Pyrolysis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar | Microwave Pretreatment for Biomass Pyrolysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar | Universidad San Francisco de Quito | Ecuador

Prof. Dr. Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar is an accomplished and dynamic scholar recognized for her pioneering contributions to biomass valorization, sustainable and circular bioeconomy, and the engineering of high-value-added bioproducts. She earned her Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA, where she also completed diplomas and master’s studies in Bio-based Materials and Macromolecular Science, alongside an MSc in Organic Chemistry Technology from Universitatea si Politehnic Bucuresti, Romania. Currently serving as Emeritus Professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Ecuador, she has over two decades of teaching and research excellence, having co-directed the GICAS Research Laboratory and collaborated with numerous international institutions. Her professional engagements include consultancy roles with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), ECLAC-UN, and Geocircular Consulting Group, focusing on sustainable bioeconomy strategies and circular engineering initiatives. Dr. Orejuela-Escobar has led and participated in over 25 major research projects across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, supported by prominent funding bodies such as SENESCYT, CEDIA, ARES Belgium, and UNDP. Her research encompasses green synthesis of nanomaterials, biomass-based energy-efficient materials, microalgae biorefineries, and sustainable bioethanol production from agro-industrial waste. She has spearheaded projects integrating artificial intelligence in biomass valorization and developed innovative solutions for environmental remediation, water disinfection, and sustainable packaging, with several patents registered for her novel biotechnological processes. As co-director and principal investigator, she has strengthened multidisciplinary collaborations with universities in Belgium, Japan, Venezuela, and the United States, among others. Her work has been featured in high-impact journals such as Sustainability and Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, contributing significantly to applied bioengineering and environmental science. With over 60 scientific publications, numerous book chapters, and conference presentations, her research has achieved more than 900 citations and an h-index of 17 (Google Scholar), underscoring her international influence. She has presented at more than fifty scientific events and served as a panel expert at major symposia promoting circular economy innovation in Latin America. Her contributions extend beyond academia through technical consulting, mentoring of graduate research, and development of public–private partnerships advancing bio-based industries. Dr. Orejuela-Escobar continues to drive interdisciplinary initiatives linking biotechnology, circular engineering, and sustainability, shaping policies and innovations for a greener, circular, and inclusive future.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Naranjo, E., Hernández Guerra, I., & Orejuela-Escobar, L. (2025). Biopolímeros: alternativa ecoamigable y sostenible en la recuperación mejorada de petróleo. ACI Avances en Ciencias e Ingenierías, 17(2).

Landázuri, A. C., Pullas, Y., Prócel, L. M., Niebieskikwiat, D., Orejuela‐Escobar, L. M., León, M., Guerrero, V. H., Herrera, N., Luciani, C., & Chacón‐Torres, J. C. (2025). Tunable dielectric carbon materials from hydrothermally nanostructured organic carbon sources. ChemPhysChem, 26(12), e202400711.

Mathura, S. R., Landázuri, A. C., Mathura, F., Andrade Sosa, A. G., & Orejuela-Escobar, L. M. (2024). Hemicelluloses from bioresidues and their applications in the food industry – towards an advanced bioeconomy and a sustainable global value chain of chemicals and materials. Sustainable Food Technology, 2(1), 35.

Orejuela-Escobar, L., Venegas-Vásconez, D., & Méndez, M. A. (2024). Opportunities of artificial intelligence in valorisation of biodiversity, biomass and bioresidues – towards advanced bio-economy, circular engineering, and sustainability. International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research, 13(2), 76–89.

Jara-Medina, N. R., Sundaramanickam, A., Cueva, D. F., Cedeño-Pinargote, A. C., Gualle, A., Aguilera-Pesantes, D., Méndez, M. Á., Orejuela-Escobar, L., Cisneros-Heredia, D. F., Cortez-Zambrano, R., et al. (2024). Eco-alternative treatments for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae biofilms from shrimp industry through Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Guava (Psidium guajava) extracts: A road for an Ecuadorian sustainable economy. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0304126.

Venegas-Vásconez, D., Orejuela-Escobar, L., Valarezo-Garcés, A., Guerrero, V. H., Tipanluisa-Sarchi, L., & Alejandro-Martín, S. (2024). Biomass valorization through catalytic pyrolysis using metal-impregnated natural zeolites: From waste to resources. Polymers, 16(13), 1912.

Hidalgo Robayo, N., Lantsoght, E. O. L., Batallas Tituaña, J., Montenegro Défaz, M., Játiva, F., & Orejuela-Escobar, L. (2024). Initial study on natural fibers for use in concrete mixes as a sustainable materials alternative. ACI Avances en Ciencias e Ingenierías, 16(1).

Yunyun Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yunyun Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, China

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Yunyun Liu began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering at Tianjin University of Science and Technology (2003–2007). Her passion for sustainable technologies led her to pursue a Master's degree in Pulp and Paper Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Gaosheng Wang at the same institution, completed in 2010. Her academic pursuit culminated in earning a Doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at South China Agricultural University (2013–2016) under the guidance of Prof. Jun Xie, equipping her with robust interdisciplinary skills combining molecular biology and biomass engineering.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Liu’s professional career took root at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she served as a Research Associate in the Biomass Energy Bio-Chemical Conversion Lab from 2010 to 2017. Here, under the mentorship of Prof. Zhenhong Yuan, she honed her expertise in bioenergy research. In 2017, she transitioned into academia, accepting a position as an Associate Professor in the Power Engineering Department at the Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, where she continues to contribute significantly in both teaching and research capacities.

🧪 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Liu’s primary research interests lie in the efficient conversion of biomass and waste resources into biofuels and biomaterials, including biochar. Her work emphasizes biomass pretreatment techniques, high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis, C1 gas fermentation (CO/CO₂) for bioethanol production, and the development of biochar for supercapacitor electrodes. She also integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of these processes. Dr. Liu’s interdisciplinary approach bridges biochemical conversion with sustainability analysis, reflecting her commitment to cleaner, renewable energy solutions.

🧬 Technical Expertise and Methodologies

Throughout her career, Dr. Liu has mastered various conventional and advanced bioconversion techniques. These include thermal chemical processing, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation at high solids concentration, C1 gas utilization, and biochar synthesis and characterization. She is well-versed in process simulation and control, especially in the context of bioethanol fermentation, and proficient in LCA software tools for environmental analysis. Her laboratory acumen is coupled with field-scale experimental knowledge, offering a well-rounded perspective on both fundamental science and applied engineering.

📚 Teaching Experience and Academic Guidance

Since joining Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Dr. Liu has taken on active roles in undergraduate and graduate education, especially in guiding student research projects in energy systems and environmental engineering. Her dedication to academic mentorship has earned her Outstanding Thesis Supervisor Awards in 2025 for both Master's and Undergraduate Theses. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes integrating research with practical applications, fostering critical thinking in students across interdisciplinary boundaries.

🏆 Recognitions and Awards

Dr. Liu’s achievements have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards, including the First Prize of the Kudo Award (2016) at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Research and recognition as an Excellent Doctoral Graduate at South China Agricultural University. She has also been honored multiple times for supervising award-winning theses and has received accolades at national and international conferences on bioenergy and sustainability. Her contributions continue to shape both scientific inquiry and academic mentorship.

📊 Research Projects and Leadership

Dr. Liu has led and contributed to numerous national and provincial research projects. She has been the Principal Investigator (PI) on projects funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province, the Xi'an Science and Technology Bureau, and the State Key Laboratory of Agro-bioresources. These projects focus on topics such as direct biomass-to-liquid fuel conversion, bioethanol process optimization, and rheological studies in enzymatic hydrolysis. Additionally, she has participated in major initiatives under China’s National High-Tech R&D Program (863 Plan) and the National Science and Technology Support Program, demonstrating her capacity for collaborative, high-impact research.

🌍 Academic Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s research has had a strong impact on the field of biomass energy technology, particularly in areas related to biofuel production and biochar applications. She has shared her insights at international symposia, such as the International Conference on Bioprocess and Sustainability (ICBS) and the International Symposium on Biomass Utilization Technologies. Her academic work is recognized and cited in numerous publications, and she is actively contributing to the dialogue on renewable energy innovation in China and beyond.

📈 Academic Citations and Publications

While detailed citation metrics are not included here, Dr. Liu’s papers are featured in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, covering topics such as bioethanol process development, biomass enzymatic hydrolysis, and biochar-based energy materials. Her participation in key conferences and forums helps disseminate her work and fosters international collaboration in bioenergy research.

🧑‍🏫 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Liu’s academic and professional trajectory reflects a deep commitment to green technology, renewable energy, and sustainability. She continues to mentor the next generation of engineers and researchers while advancing the frontier of waste-to-energy conversion technologies. Her focus on life cycle environmental impact, coupled with her cross-disciplinary expertise, ensures that her work will contribute meaningfully to achieving China’s carbon neutrality goals and the global transition toward sustainable energy systems.

Selected Publications

  • Title: Life cycle environmental impact assessment of microalgae biodiesel derived from different processes
    Authors: Yunyun Liu, Rundong Xia, Yujing Wang, et al.
    Journal: Industrial Crops & Products
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Efficient bamboo biorefining based on liquid hot water pretreatment: Co-production of xylo-oligosaccharides and lignin-containing cellulose nanofiber films
    Authors: Miaomiao Ju, Yunyun Liu, Xinlong Sun, et al.
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Interpretable Machine Learning for Optimizing Carbon Source Design to Enhance Bioethanol Yield in Gas Fermentation
    Authors: Yunyun Liu, Chengcheng Feng, Chong Fang, et al.
    Journal: Fuel
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Product characteristics of supercritical water gasification via the preheating of hydrothermal flames: A detailed chemical kinetic simulation
    Authors: Yuejie Zhao, Fengming Zhang, Yunyun Liu, et al.
    Journal: Fuel
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Thermodynamic and exergy assessments of supercritical water gasification of oily sludge assisted by hydrothermal flame
    Authors: Yuxin Qiu, Yunyun Liu, Fengming Zhang, Weiqing Rong
    Journal: Energy
    Year: 2024

Ms. Xiaohui Wang | Microelectronics | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Xiaohui Wang | Microelectronics | Best Researcher Award

South University of Science and Technology of China.

Xiaohui Wang (汪晓) is a passionate and proactive researcher with a strong team spirit and a positive attitude towards learning. Known for his dedication and enthusiasm, Xiaohui is always focused on achieving the best results and is approachable, honest, and cheerful. With a solid academic background and notable achievements, he has built a strong reputation in his field. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at the Southern University of Science and Technology, focusing on semiconductor materials physics.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Xiaohui Wang is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the Southern University of Science and Technology (2022-Present), focusing on Semiconductor Materials Physics. This advanced research allows him to explore cutting-edge innovations in material science, particularly in semiconductors and nanomaterials. Prior to this, he earned his Master's in Wood Science and Technology from Nanjing Forestry University (2019-2022), where he specialized in Polymer Material Modification, Adhesives, and Modern Chemical Analysis. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Wood Science and Engineering from Beihua University (2015-2019), where he studied Adhesives and Coatings, as well as Electrical and Electronic Technology. Xiaohui’s diverse educational background has laid a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to research and innovation in materials science.

Experience 💼

Xiaohui Wang is currently a doctoral researcher at Southern University of Science and Technology, specializing in Semiconductor Materials Physics. His research is focused on developing advanced semiconductor materials and their applications in electronics, energy storage, and sensor technologies. Xiaohui aims to enhance nanomaterial applications, pushing the boundaries of material science to address key challenges in high-tech industries.

During his time as a Master's researcher at Nanjing Forestry University, Xiaohui worked on Polymer Material Modification, adhesives, and coatings. His work contributed to innovations in modern chemical analysis and sustainable materials, focusing on improving performance for industrial applications, particularly in wood science and forest engineering.

As an undergraduate researcher at Beihua University, Xiaohui laid the foundation for his future research by studying Wood Science and Engineering. He focused on adhesives, coatings, and electrical/electronic technologies, gaining a deep understanding of material properties and their potential applications across multiple fields.

Research Interests 🔬

Biomass-based Carbon Quantum Dots 🌱
Xiaohui explores the potential of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from biomass, aiming to enhance photovoltaic performance in solar cells. By leveraging the properties of these eco-friendly materials, his work contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Semiconductor Materials ⚛️
Xiaohui delves into the physics of semiconductor materials, with a focus on the modification of materials at the nano-scale. His work is pivotal in advancing the field of semiconductors, with applications in electronics, energy storage, and sensor technologies.

Polymer Material Modification 🧪
In the area of polymer material modification, Xiaohui is dedicated to enhancing adhesives, coatings, and other polymer materials. His research aims to improve the performance and durability of these materials for industrial use, particularly in environmentally sustainable applications.

Optical Coatings and Sensing Technologies 💡
Xiaohui is also involved in developing novel coating films that exhibit enhanced optical properties, such as fluorescent CQD-doped styrene acrylic emulsion films. Additionally, he innovates in heavy metal sensing techniques using biomass-derived carbon dots, advancing environmental monitoring tools for cleaner water sources.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Excellent Student (2019-2020): Nanjing Forestry University

Third Prize (2021): National College English Competition, Class A

Excellent Student (2020): Summer School of "Scientific and Technological Innovation and Green Development of Forestry Engineering," Hunan Province

Six-time Recipient: Second-Class and Third-Class Excellent Scholarships

Merit Student (Two-time)

Excellent League Member (Twice)

Excellent Class Cadre (Once)

Project Leader: Jilin University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project

Attendee: 2021 Sustainable Materials Research Summit (SMART) International Conference

Publications Top Notes 📚

Optimization of CuOx/Ga2O3 Heterojunction Diodes for High-Voltage Power Electronics
Journal: Nanomaterials, 2025-01-08

Improved gate leakage current and breakdown voltage of InAlN/GaN MIS-HEMTs by HfAlOx-based charge-trapping layer dielectric and in situ O3 treatment
Journal: Applied Physics Letters, 2025-01-06

Improvement of DC Performance and RF Characteristics in GaN-Based HEMTs Using SiNx Stress-Engineering Technique
Journal: Nanomaterials, 2024-09

High-performance β-Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diodes with Mg current blocking layer using spin-on-glass technique
Journal: Applied Physics Letters, 2024-09-23

Biomass-based carbon quantum dots for polycrystalline silicon solar cells with enhanced photovoltaic performance
Journal: Energy, 2023-07