Mr. Mehrdad Faraji | Nanoscale Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehrdad Faraji | Nanoscale Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehrdad Faraji, University of Padova, Italy

Mehrdad Faraji, born on September 3, 1994, is a dedicated researcher and materials engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Padova, Italy, under the supervision of Irene Calliari. His expertise spans aluminum alloys, electrochemical and corrosion studies, and 2D materials. Mehrdad is also the CEO of Azmano, an educational group fostering scientific learning through virtual workshops. His academic journey, from a Bachelor’s at Hamedan University of Technology to a Master’s at Iran University of Science and Technology, has been marked by exceptional achievements and contributions to materials engineering. Fluent in Persian and English, Mehrdad is proficient in software like Microsoft Office, ZView, and CES Edupack, and has a strong passion for machine learning applications in his field.

Professional Profile:

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Evaluation for “Best Researcher Award”

Suitability Summary

Mehrdad Faraji is a promising candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” showcasing a comprehensive profile with academic excellence, impactful research contributions, and significant achievements in materials engineering. Hereโ€™s an analysis of his qualifications

๐ŸŽ“Education :

Mehrdad Faraji is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at the University of Padova, Italy, focusing on advanced materials and corrosion studies. He earned his M.Sc. in Materials Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, under the guidance of Professors Saeed Shabestari and S.H. Razavi, where his research emphasized thermomechanical treatments for AA5083 alloys. Mehrdad obtained his B.Sc. in Materials Engineering from Hamedan University of Technology, where his thesis explored anti-wear composites. His academic journey began with a diploma in Mathematics and Physics from Bu-Ali Sina High School, Hamedan, where he achieved a CGPA of 17.82/20.

๐ŸขExperience :

Mehrdad Faraji has gained substantial experience in materials engineering, teaching, and research. He is the CEO of Azmano Educational Group, where he leads workshops on gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and materials selection using CES Edupack software. As a research assistant at Hamedan University of Technology, Mehrdad contributed to projects on aluminum alloy composites and carbide-derived nanocarbons. His industry experience includes an internship in casting and mold design at Zobrizan Company. In academia, he has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and presented his work at international conferences. Mehrdadโ€™s teaching endeavors include virtual and in-person workshops, emphasizing applied materials science and analytical techniques.

๐Ÿ…Awards and Honors :

Mehrdad Faraji has achieved remarkable accolades throughout his academic career. He ranked 181st among 6000 candidates in Iranโ€™s national entrance exam for a masterโ€™s degree and secured 7th and 6th places in doctoral entrance exams in 2020 and 2022, respectively. His consistent academic excellence earned him recognition as a top-ranking student during his undergraduate and masterโ€™s studies. Mehrdad has also been honored for his innovative contributions to materials engineering, with achievements highlighted through numerous conference presentations and impactful publications in renowned journals.

๐Ÿ”ฌResearch Focus :

Mehrdad Farajiโ€™s research centers on aluminum alloys, 2D materials, and electrochemical corrosion studies. His Ph.D. work at the University of Padova explores the role of natural inhibitors in enhancing the corrosion resistance of titanium and magnesium alloys. Previously, his masterโ€™s research delved into the effects of thermomechanical treatments on AA5083 alloys, enhancing their microstructure and mechanical properties. Mehrdadโ€™s work has also advanced the understanding of carbide-derived nanocarbon structures, produced through HF electrochemical etching of MAX phases. Through innovative approaches, Mehrdad aims to bridge the gap between fundamental materials science and practical engineering applications.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Effect of Natural Inhibitors on the Corrosion Properties of Grade 2 Titanium Alloy
  • “Simultaneous Improvement of Mechanical Strength and Corrosion Resistance in Aluminum Alloy 5083 via Severe Plastic Deformation”.
  • “Investigation of the Microstructure and Corrosion Behaviors of Composite Hard-Faced Layers on Al5052 Using SiC and TiB2 in 3.5% NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 Solutions”
  • “The Effects of Cold Rolling and Stabilization Treatment on the Improvement of Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior of AA5083 Sheet”
  • “The Electrochemical and Microstructure Effects of TiB2 and SiC Addition to AA5052/Al2O3 Surface Composite Coatings in 0.5 M H2SO4 Solution”

 

 

 

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis | Nanoparticle Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis | Nanoparticle Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis, National Technical university of Athens, Greece

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis is a dedicated researcher and academic in the field of nanotechnology and materials science. Born on May 20, 1982, in Greece, he completed his military service before pursuing an advanced education in physics. Currently, he serves as an Experimental Officer at the National Technical University of Athens and a Post-doctoral Researcher at the University of West Attica. With extensive teaching experience, he has been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. Dr. Skotadis has successfully led scientific projects, focusing on the development of hybrid nano and bio-material-based sensors for various applications. His work has garnered recognition, including several awards for outstanding publications and research contributions. A proficient communicator, Dr. Skotadis excels in mentoring students and managing interdisciplinary research teams. His commitment to advancing technology through innovative materials research continues to drive his career

Professional Profile:

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Best Researcher Awards: Dr. Evangelos Skotadis

Summary of Suitability for the Award:

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award, showcasing an impressive career marked by significant contributions to the fields of nanotechnology and materials science. His academic journey, rooted in a solid foundation in physics, has led him to become a pivotal figure in the development of innovative hybrid nano and bio-material-based sensors.

๐ŸŽ“Educationย 

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis holds an impressive academic background in physics and material science. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the National Technical University of Athens in October 2013, where he specialized in materials physics, nanotechnology, and sensor technology. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his M.Sc. in Microsystems & Nanodevices in 2008, focusing on material physics and microelectronic processes. He obtained his Diploma in Applied Mathematics and Physics from the same university in 2007, with an emphasis on Optoelectronics and Material Physics. His foundational education includes a high school degree from The Italian School of Athens. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Skotadis has continuously sought to expand his knowledge and skills, preparing him for a successful career in research and teaching.

๐ŸขExperienceย 

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis has amassed a wealth of experience in research and academia. He currently works as an Experimental Officer at the National Technical University of Athens, overseeing the Nanomaterials Characterization Facility and engaging in materials characterization and research. Additionally, he is a Post-doctoral Researcher at the University of West Attica, focusing on hybrid nano and bio-material-based sensors for biomedical applications. Previously, he held the position of Scientific Project Director at Neuropublic S.A., where he led the AcID project aimed at creating smart farming devices utilizing advanced-material sensors for pesticide detection. His career includes adjunct lecturing at the University of West Attica, where he taught courses in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. Dr. Skotadis has also worked as a research consultant and project manager, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary teams and projects, particularly in the EU-funded sector.

๐Ÿ…Awards and Honorsย 

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis has received numerous accolades throughout his academic and research career, highlighting his contributions to the field of nanotechnology and sensor development. He was honored with the Outstanding Publication/Presentation Award at Eurosensors in 2012, recognizing his impactful research work. Additionally, he received the prestigious “Thomaideio Award” from the National Technical University of Athens in both 2012 and 2013. His academic excellence was further acknowledged with the โ€œHeraclitus IIโ€ PhD Scholarship in 2010, which supported his doctoral research. He also secured the โ€œIKY-Siemensโ€ Post-doc Scholarships for two consecutive years (2014-2016, 2016-2017), allowing him to enhance his research capabilities. Dr. Skotadis serves as a Guest Editor for the journal Biosensors, contributing to the advancement of sensor technologies. He is the Principal Investigator for the AcID Research Program under the โ€œRESEARCH-CREATE-INNOVATEโ€ initiative, which further solidifies his reputation as a leader in his field.

๐Ÿ”ฌResearch Focusย 

Dr. Evangelos Skotadis specializes in nanotechnology and materials science, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative sensors for various applications. His research primarily focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterization of hybrid nano and bio-material-based sensors aimed at improving biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. His work on chemiresistive sensors and the functionalization of gold nanoparticles has opened new avenues for vapor sensing technology. Dr. Skotadis is committed to advancing the field of materials research through the exploration of nanomaterials and their interactions at the molecular level. He has been involved in multiple research projects, such as the AcID project for smart farming, which leverages advanced materials for real-time pesticide detection. His interdisciplinary approach combines theoretical insights with practical applications, making significant contributions to the development of next-generation sensing technologies and enhancing our understanding of material properties.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Hybrid Nanoparticle/DNAzyme Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of Divalent Heavy Metal Ions and Cr3+
  2. Highly sensitive stretchable sensor combined with low-power memristor for demonstration of artificial mechanoreceptor properties
    • Citations: 1
  3. Overcoming the response instability of MoS2 humidity sensors by hydrochloric acid surface treatment
    • Citations: 2
  4. Integrated Plastic Microfluidic Device for Heavy Metal Ion Detection
    • Citations: 6
  5. Nanoparticle/DNAzyme Based Biosensors for Heavy-Metal Ion Detection: Effect of DNAzyme Surface Modifications on Device Sensitivity
    • Citations: 1

 

 

Mr. Sheyi Rotimi | Nano Material Awards | Excellence in Research

Mr. Sheyi Rotimi | Nano Material Awards | Excellence in Researchย 

Mr. Sheyi Rotimi, Peptide Sciences Laboratory, UKZN Durban, South Africa. South Africa

I am a dedicated and driven researcher with a robust academic background in chemistry, currently pursuing a PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban. My research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of peptides, specifically exploring the use of 1,3,5-triazine as a linker in the synthesis of dendrimer-based peptides through solid-phase peptide synthesis. I have been a PhD student and research fellow at the Peptide Sciences Laboratory since January 2020, where I have gained extensive experience in peptide chemistry, utilizing various analytical instruments such as HPLC, LCMS, and NMR. My research includes the synthesis of antibacterial triazine-based super-cationic branched peptides, and I have contributed to the scientific community by authoring technical papers for high-impact journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences.

In addition to my PhD studies, I have served as a research assistant at the Peptide Sciences Laboratory since June 2018. In this role, I have designed and delivered presentations summarizing our research findings, collaborated on research reports and publications, and mentored students to help them achieve their academic goals. My commitment to education is further demonstrated by my role as a mentor at the School of Chemistry and Physics at UKZN since May 2018, where I provide one-on-one mentoring to first-year chemistry students, adapting my approach to meet their individual needs.

Professional Profile:

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Experience ๐Ÿงช

PhD Student Research Fellow, 01/2020 – Current Peptide Sciences Laboratory, UKZN – Durban

  • Engaged in peptide chemistry research, focusing on synthesis and characterization using HPLC, LCMS, and NMR. ๐Ÿงฌ
  • Synthesized antibacterial triazine-based super-cationic branched peptides. ๐Ÿฆ 
  • Led vocational classes, enhancing students’ practical skills. ๐ŸŽ“
  • Published technical papers in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. ๐Ÿ“‘
  • Coordinated safe and effective laboratory experiments. ๐Ÿฅผ

Research Assistant, 06/2018 – Current Peptide Sciences Laboratory, UKZN – Durban

  • Created and presented research findings at national and international conferences. ๐ŸŒ
  • Contributed to collaborative research reports and publications. ๐Ÿ“Š
  • Mentored students to help achieve their academic goals. ๐ŸŽฏ

Additional Information ๐Ÿ“œ

  • References and contacts available upon request.
  • Academic recommendation letters, experience certificates, and scientific certificates are available.

Core Qualifications ๐Ÿ…

Certificates:

  • Computer and Internet Skills “Huge Courses”
  • Certificate of English Proficiency (UKZN 2018)
  • Golden Key Membership Certificate

Skills:

  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. โฐ
  • Sociable, self-initiated, presentable, and a team player. ๐Ÿค—
  • Voluntary work and cultural activities. ๐ŸŒ
  • Proficient in computer and internet usage: software & hardware. ๐Ÿ’ป
  • Expert in using all Windows & MS Office products. ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Doctor of Philosophy: Chemistry, 2020-Present University of KwaZulu-Natal

  • Thesis: “1,3,5-Triazine, a Suitable Linker in the Synthesis of Dendrimer-Based Peptides using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis Approach”

Master of Science: Chemistry, 2020 University of KwaZulu-Natal

  • Thesis: “2,4,6-Trichloro-1,3,5-Triazine as a Triorthogonal Chemoselective Linker”

 

Publication Top Notes:

Linkers: An assurance for controlled delivery of antibody-drug conjugate

s-Triazine: a privileged structure for drug discovery and bioconjugation

Investigating Triorthogonal Chemoselectivity. Effect of Azide Substitution on the Triazine Core

Phenol as a Modulator in the Chemical Reactivity of 2, 4, 6-Trichloro-1, 3, 5-triazine: Rules of the Game II

1, 3, 5-Triazine as core for the preparation of dendrons