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.

 

 

Mr. Stephen Kabasa | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Stephen Kabasa | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Poland.

Stephen Ochieng Kabasa is a highly skilled researcher and graduate from the University of Nairobi, with an MSc in Nuclear Science. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Instytut Chemii I Techniki Jadrowej in Warsaw, Poland. Stephen has a strong background in nuclear science and radiation technologies, specializing in gaseous and wastewater treatment, and has actively contributed to multiple publications in his field. His research combines advanced laboratory techniques with practical applications for environmental protection, with a particular focus on the removal of emerging organic pollutants using radiation technologies.

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🎓 Education

Stephen Ochieng Kabasa earned his MSc. in Nuclear Science (2012-2016) from the University of Nairobi, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, where he focused on advanced radiation technologies for environmental applications. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (2006-2010) from Moi University, which laid the foundation for his expertise in nuclear science and environmental analysis. His academic background has equipped him with a solid understanding of radiation technologies, environmental protection, and analytical techniques.

💼 Experience

Stephen Ochieng Kabasa has diverse experience spanning research, teaching, and industry roles. As a PhD Graduate Researcher (2020-2024) at Instytut Chemii i Techniki Jadrowej, Poland, he focused on advanced oxidation processes for wastewater and gaseous pollutant treatment using ionizing radiation, employing cutting-edge equipment like GC-MS and HPLC. During his time as a Business Intelligence Officer (2019-2020) at BURN Manufacturing USA LLC in Kenya, he managed the after-sales network across East Africa and Somalia, providing valuable data insights. As an Assistant Sessional Lecturer (2017-2019) at Technical University of Kenya, he taught organic and inorganic chemistry and contributed to curriculum development. Stephen also held roles as an After Sales/Market Analytics Officer (2016-2018) at BURN Manufacturing USA LLC, where he optimized service station operations, and as a Graduate Research Assistant (2012-2016) at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, focusing on environmental sample analysis using advanced radionuclide techniques.

🔬 Research Interests

⚛️ Ionizing Radiation for Pollution Treatment

He specializes in applying ionizing radiation to degrade emerging organic pollutants, contributing to cleaner and safer ecosystems.

🔬 Advanced Analytical Techniques

Stephen utilizes advanced methods like gamma spectrometry, HPLC, LC-MS, and UV-Vis to assess the effectiveness of treatment processes and analyze pollutants.

🌱 Environmental Protection

His interdisciplinary approach seeks to advance sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, using radiation technologies to protect the environment from harmful contaminants.

📚 Publications

Kabasa, S., et al. (2024). Degradation of Hydroxychloroquine from Aqueous Solutions Under Fenton-Assisted Electron Beam Treatment Processes. Processes. Link

Kabasa, S., et al. (2024).Chloroquine Degradation in Aqueous Solution Under Electron Beam Irradiation.Nukleonika. Link

Kabasa, S., et al. (2024). Degradation of Hydroxychloroquine in Aqueous Solutions Under Electron Beam Treatment. Nukleonika. Link

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cengiz KARAİSMAİLOĞLU | Plant taxonomy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cengiz KARAİSMAİLOĞLU | Plant taxonomy | Best Researcher Award

Bartın University, Turkey

Mehmet Cengiz Karaismailoğlu is an Associate Professor specializing in molecular biology and botany. He currently serves at Bartin University in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. His academic journey reflects a strong focus on systematic and molecular studies of plant taxa, particularly within the Brassicaceae family. With numerous publications, awards, and projects to his name, he is an active contributor to biosystematics and environmental biodiversity research.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Karaismailoğlu holds a Ph.D. in Biology, which he earned in 2018 from Istanbul University. His doctoral thesis focused on the Systematic Research on Certain Taxa of Thlaspi L. (Brassicaceae), a significant contribution to plant taxonomy and molecular biology. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Karaismailoğlu completed a Master’s Degree in Biology in 2013 at Karadeniz Technical University, where his research explored the mutagenic effects of pesticides on sunflower root tip cells. He began his academic journey at Siirt University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2009. His academic background underscores his deep commitment to advancing the field of biology, particularly in plant systematics and environmental biology.

Experience 🏛️

Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Karaismailoğlu is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Bartin University since 2022, where he contributes to both teaching and research in the field of biology. Prior to this, he was an Associate Professor at Siirt University from 2020 to 2022, where he further developed his expertise in plant biology and environmental studies. His academic journey began as a research assistant at Istanbul University from 2013 to 2018, where he worked on various research projects that led to his Ph.D. studies. Earlier, Dr. Karaismailoğlu gained valuable experience as a research assistant at Karadeniz Technical University between 2011 and 2013, as well as at Siirt University in 2011. His progression through different academic institutions reflects his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and education in biology.

Research Interests 🔬

Biosystematics and Taxonomy

Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Karaismailoğlu’s research in biosystematics and taxonomy primarily revolves around the Brassicaceae family. He has conducted detailed studies on the systematic relationships within this plant family, employing molecular tools to explore genetic diversity and evolutionary history. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of plant classification and the identification of new species within the Brassicaceae family.

Plant Morphology

Dr. Karaismailoğlu also specializes in plant morphology, with a particular focus on the seed and fruit structures of various plant species. His research investigates the development, characteristics, and functional adaptations of seeds and fruits, which are essential for understanding plant reproduction, dispersal mechanisms, and ecological interactions.

Ecological Studies

In the realm of ecological studies, Dr. Karaismailoğlu conducts extensive biodiversity inventories and conservation research within Turkish ecosystems. His work aims to identify and document the diversity of plant species in various ecological zones, contributing to efforts aimed at the conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems.

Awards 🏆

Publication Encouragement Awards (2014–2019): TÜBİTAK.

2211-A Doctoral Scholarship (2013): TÜBİTAK.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Biosystematics Studies of Endemic Thlaspi violascens Boiss. and T. densiflorum Boiss. & Kotschy: Highlights on Molecular and Morphological Identification, Published: November 2024. Journal: Flora

Contributors: Mehmet Cengiz Karaismailoğlu, Vahap Eldem, Behcet İnal, Mehmet Ali Balcı. Link

Seed Morphology of 31 Euphorbia L. Species (Euphorbiaceae) in Turkey and Their Taxonomic Significance, Published: November 2024, Journal: Microscopy Research and Technique

Contributors: Aysun Patterson, Mehmet Cengiz Karaismailoğlu, Orhan Küçüker. Link

Thlaspi harungalipii (Brassicaceae), A New Species from Turkey, Published: December 2023, Journal: Iğdır Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi

Contributors: Cengiz Karaismailoğlu. Link

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Oxyfluorfen on The Somatic Cells of Allium cepa, Published: 2022, Journal: Ksu Tarim ve Doga Dergisi-ksu Journal of Agriculture and Nature

Contributors: Karaismailoğlu, Cengiz. Link

Practicality of Seed Morpho-anatomical Characters for the Identification of Species Alyssum (Brassicaceae) in Turkey: A Systematic Approach, Published: 2022, Journal: Ksu Tarim ve Doga Dergisi-ksu Journal of Agriculture and Nature

Contributors: Karaismailoğlu, Mehmet Cengiz. Link