Omar Israel González Peña | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Omar Israel González Peña | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico

Prof. Dr. Omar Israel González Peña is a multidisciplinary researcher and academic with expertise in electrochemical engineering, micro/nanotechnology, and educational innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, an M.S. in Electrochemistry from CIDETEQ, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Guadalajara. Currently advancing his studies in educational research and statistical techniques at TECH Global University in Spain, he integrates cutting-edge research with transformative teaching methods. His work spans microfabrication, lab-on-a-chip systems, electrochemical sensors, energy storage technologies, and environmental remediation. Passionate about sustainable innovation and knowledge transfer, he actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and open science through the Penta Helix model. Prof. González Peña’s contributions reflect a strong commitment to advancing both scientific progress and human development through holistic, impactful research and education.

Professional Profile:

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Education

Prof. Dr. Omar Israel González Peña holds a diverse and interdisciplinary academic background spanning chemical engineering, electrochemistry, and educational research. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Statistical Techniques at TECH Global University, Spain, with expected completion in 2026. He has also completed a Master of Education in Research in Education at the same institution in 2025, with the degree documentation currently being processed. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, in 2015. His doctoral dissertation, titled “Mass transport enhancement during copper electrodeposition due to gas co-evolution,” was supervised by Prof. Uziel Landau. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Electrochemistry in 2007 at the Center of Research and Technologic Development in Electrochemistry (CIDETEQ) in Querétaro, Mexico. His thesis, under the mentorship of Prof. Rene Antaño López, focused on the fundamental behavior of citrate and thiocyanate additives at the metal/solution interface in electrodeposition processes. Prof. González Peña began his academic journey at the University Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering (CUCEI) at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2003. Notably, he earned a Certification of Satisfactory Academic Performance from the National Center for Higher Education Assessment (CENEVAL) during his undergraduate graduation review.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Omar Israel González Peña has amassed significant academic and research experience across a multidisciplinary spectrum, blending electrochemical engineering, educational innovation, and environmental sustainability. As a professor and researcher, he has developed and implemented pedagogical strategies rooted in emotional intelligence, neurocognition, flipped classrooms, and experiential learning. His work emphasizes knowledge management and holistic education, aiming to cultivate human competencies and disruptive innovation. His technical expertise spans the design and fabrication of microelectronic materials and micro/nano structures, including advanced applications in microfluidics, electrochemical sensors, programmable system-on-a-chip technologies, and lab-on-a-chip platforms. He has conducted pioneering research in energy conversion and storage technologies such as microbial fuel cells, flow batteries, supercapacitors, and green hydrogen production. His experience also extends to environmental engineering, where he has contributed to the development of remediation systems for emerging pollutants using electrochemical and photocatalytic processes. Furthermore, he has actively participated in the formulation and analysis of public policies and certifications related to hazardous waste, desalination, electronic waste management, and pollution control. With a strategic focus on innovation, he promotes collaborative networks through open innovation hubs based on the Penta Helix model, fostering synergies between academia, industry, government, civil society, and media to drive sustainable technological advancement.

Research Interests

Prof. Dr. Omar Israel González Peña’s research interests lie at the intersection of science, technology, education, and sustainability, approached through a holistic and interdisciplinary lens. He integrates personal and professional competencies to drive scientific inquiry, with a strong focus on knowledge management, emotional intelligence, neurocognition, and innovative teaching methodologies such as flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, and experiential education. His research is deeply rooted in the development and application of electrochemical systems for health, energy, and environmental solutions. He specializes in microelectronic materials and micromachining techniques for fabricating micro- and nanoscale structures, including microfluidic systems such as lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip platforms, which are used for drug delivery, single-cell analysis, and clinical diagnostics. His expertise also covers advanced electrochemical power systems like microbial fuel cells, supercapacitors, flow batteries, photovoltaics, and green hydrogen production. Moreover, he investigates environmental remediation technologies, including advanced oxidation processes and heterogeneous photocatalysis for removing emerging pollutants from wastewater. He is also engaged in electrodeposition techniques utilizing complex fluids and protic ionic liquids for developing multifunctional materials with electronic, magnetic, or optical properties. Additionally, he explores the design and modeling of electrochemical systems for energy storage and conversion, applying system dynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical engineering principles. His broader vision incorporates public policy, environmental legislation, and the creation of open innovation ecosystems using the Penta Helix model to facilitate technology transfer, circular economy practices, and citizen science initiatives.

Publications

Pharmaceuticals market, consumption trends and disease incidence are not driving the pharmaceutical research on water and wastewater

Cited: 279

Analysis of competency assessment of educational innovation in upper secondary school and higher education: a mapping review

Cited: 48

Use of cyclic voltammetry to describe the electrochemical behavior of a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell

Cited: 44

Mathematics anxiety and self-efficacy of mexican engineering students: Is there gender gap?

Cited: 43

Implicaciones de la gamificación en educación matemática, un estudio exploratorio

Cited: 43

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Dr. Manuel Luna | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel Luna | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel Luna, University of Cadiz, Spain

Dr. Manuel Luna is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cádiz, specializing in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. He earned his PhD in Nanoscience and Material Technologies in 2019, receiving the Extraordinary Doctoral Award 🏆. His research focuses on developing Au/TiO₂/SiO₂ photocatalysts for self-cleaning and depolluting applications in construction materials 🏗️. He has contributed to six research projects, including the prestigious H2020 InnovaConcrete project. Dr. Luna has authored 22 indexed publications 📚, three patents, and collaborated with global industry leaders like Sika and TINO. His work bridges fundamental research and industrial application, advancing sustainable material technologies 🌍.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🏆

Dr. Manuel Luna is an outstanding candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to nanomaterials and photocatalysis. His research bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, particularly in sustainable and self-cleaning materials. With a track record of high-impact publications, patents, and industrial collaborations, he exemplifies innovation and academic excellence.

Education & Experience 🎓💼

Education 📚

  • PhD in Nanoscience and Material Technologies, University of Cádiz, Spain (2019) 🎓
    • Extraordinary Doctoral Award 🏆
  • Master in Nanoscience and Material Technologies, University of Cádiz, Spain (2014) 🏅
    • Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award
  • Bachelor in Chemistry, University of Cádiz, Spain (2012) 🧪
    • Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award

Experience 🏢

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cádiz (2022 – Present) 🔬
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Cádiz (2020 – 2021) 📊
  • Research Assistant, University of Cádiz (2015 – 2019) 🏗️

Professional Development 🚀

Dr. Manuel Luna has built an impressive career in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. As part of the TEP243-Nanomaterials research group since 2013, he has led research on self-cleaning and depolluting materials 🌱. His expertise spans six major projects, including the €7M H2020 InnovaConcrete project, the largest in UCA history 🌍. He has authored 22 high-impact papers 📖, including a review in Nature Reviews Materials (IF 83.5). His work extends beyond academia, collaborating with industry giants like Sika, TINO, and Cosentino. With three patents 🏅, international research stays, and extensive teaching, he is shaping the future of sustainable materials.

Research Focus 🔬🏗️

Dr. Luna’s research centers on photocatalytic materials for sustainable applications. His work on Au/TiO₂/SiO₂ photocatalysts enhances self-cleaning and depolluting coatings, making buildings more eco-friendly 🌍. As a key researcher in the TEP243-Nanomaterials group, he has contributed to groundbreaking innovations in construction materials and environmental remediation 🌱. His involvement in European (H2020), national, and industry projects ensures his research has real-world impact. With international collaborations 🌎, he has developed materials that improve air and surface quality. His patents and industry contracts demonstrate his commitment to transforming nanoscience into commercial solutions 💡.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • Extraordinary Doctoral Award (PhD, 2019) 🎓🏅
  • Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award (2014) 🏆
  • Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award (2012) 🏅
  • H2020 InnovaConcrete Project Contributor (€7M funding) 🌍🔬
  • Nature Reviews Materials Review Publication (IF 83.5) 📖
  • Cover Article in Chemical Engineering Journal (2019, IF 10.65) 🎨
  • Three Patents (Two in commercialization) 🏗️💡
  • Research Contracts with Sika, TINO, and Cosentino (€200,000 contract with Sika) 💰

Publication Top Notes:

  • 🏗️ “Water-soluble fluorosilane supplemented with fumed silica as admixture for producing hydrophobic concrete: Effects on cement hydration, mechanical properties and water protection properties” (2024) – 5 citations.
  • 🏛️ “Validation of alkoxysilane-based protective treatments for increasing service life of cementitious materials under different weathering conditions” (2023) – 4 citations.
  • 🌞 “Strong Metal-Support Interaction (SMSI) in Au/TiO2 photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications: Effectiveness enhancement and side effects” (2023) – 14 citations.
  • 🏭 “Influence of gold nanoparticles size for photocatalytic NO oxidation in low loading Au/TiO2 catalysts” (2023) – 8 citations.
  • 🧱 “Studying the bulk hydrophobization of cement mortars by the combination of alkylalkoxysilane admixture and fluoropolymer-functionalized aggregate” (2023) – 7 citations.