Workiye Getnet Abera | Chemical Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Mr. Workiye Getnet Abera | Chemical Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Lecturer, Debre Tabor university, Ethiopia

Workiye Getnet Abera is a dynamic and innovative Chemical Engineer from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, specializing in modeling, simulation, and the development of biomass-based products. With over five years of academic and research experience, he currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University. His journey began at Jimma University, where he earned both his BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering with a focus on process engineering. Throughout his career, Workiye has demonstrated a passion for sustainable materials, publishing numerous papers in top-tier international journals and contributing actively as a reviewer and editorial board member. His hands-on industrial training at Fincha Sugar Factory enriched his practical knowledge, bridging the gap between theory and industry. As an academic with strong technical skills and a commitment to innovation, he continuously works toward developing eco-friendly engineering solutions that can address global sustainability challenges and promote cleaner production methods.

Profile

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๐ŸŽ“ Educationย 

Workiye Getnet Abera pursued both his undergraduate and postgraduate education in Chemical Engineering at Jimma University, one of Ethiopia’s most prestigious institutions. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in 2017, gaining a strong foundation in core engineering principles, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical process design. Building on this, he continued his academic journey and received his Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Process Engineering in 2020. His master’s research was focused on sustainable technologies and renewable resource utilization, particularly in polymer and biomass-based material synthesis. His academic training emphasized both theoretical rigor and practical application, equipping him with advanced knowledge in process modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques. His educational background, coupled with strong analytical and research skills, has laid a solid foundation for his professional and academic accomplishments, preparing him for impactful work in the chemical engineering and sustainability sectors.

๐Ÿงช Experience

Workiye has a diverse professional background combining teaching, research, and industrial experience. He currently works as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University, where he leads research in polymer chemistry and additive manufacturing and delivers core chemical engineering courses. Before this, he served as a Lecturer and Researcher at Dilla University from 2020 to 2024, where he was actively engaged in curriculum development, mentoring students, and advancing research in sustainable processes and materials. His industry experience began with an internship at Fincha Sugar Factory in 2015, where he gained practical exposure to large-scale industrial operations, including sugar production and bioproduct processing. This blend of academia and industry has shaped him into a well-rounded professional. His experience across both academic institutions and industrial settings enables him to bridge theory and practice, nurturing a new generation of engineers while conducting impactful research that meets real-world needs.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focusย 

Workiye Getnet Aberaโ€™s research centers around sustainable materials engineering, biomass utilization, and process optimization. His work contributes to global environmental goals by creating value-added products from renewable and agro-industrial waste. His primary research interests include the synthesis and characterization of bioplastics, development of plant-based biolubricants, and formulation of gluten-free functional foods. He employs modeling, simulation, and design of experiments (DoE) techniques using tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Design Expert, and ANSYS to optimize chemical processes. Additionally, Workiye is exploring polymer chemistry and additive manufacturing to produce eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on experimentation, he aims to develop green engineering solutions for food, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. His work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also holds practical implications for local industries and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond. His forward-looking research aligns well with the goals of global climate action and circular economy.

๐Ÿ“š Publication Top Notes

  1. ๐Ÿงด Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization of Antimicrobial Biolubricant from Ocimum lamiifolium and Lactic Acid โ€“ Heliyon, 2025

  2. ๐Ÿž Quality Assessment of Gluten-Free Sorghum Bread with Sweet Lupin Flour โ€“ CYTA Journal of Food, 2024

  3. ๐Ÿช Effect of Baking Conditions on Gluten-Free Biscuit from Groundnut Oilseed Cake and Teff โ€“ Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2024

  4. ๐ŸŒฟ Synthesis and Characterization of Bioplastic from Banana Peel Starch and Cellulosic Fiber โ€“ Biomass Conversion & Biorefinery, 2023

 

 

Shakeb Akhtar | Social Sciences Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shakeb Akhtar | Social Sciences Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Woxsen University, India

Shakeb Akhtar is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in Banking and Finance. He earned his Ph.D. from Aligarh Muslim University in 2021, focusing on the performance evaluation of private and foreign banks in India. With a solid academic background, including multiple gold medals, Shakeb has made significant contributions to the fields of finance and sustainable development. He is passionate about integrating technology in finance and enhancing financial inclusivity. Shakeb actively publishes research papers and engages in collaborative projects, positioning himself as a prominent voice in contemporary finance discussions. His commitment to addressing critical issues in banking and finance, coupled with his innovative research, makes him a valuable asset in the academic community.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Robust Academic Background:
    • Shakeb has a Ph.D. in Commerce with a focus on Banking and Finance, demonstrating a solid foundation in his field.
    • His academic excellence is highlighted by multiple gold medals and top ranks in his postgraduate diploma and masterโ€™s program.
  2. Diverse Research Interests:
    • His research spans significant topics like Banking, Finance, Efficiency Management, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), indicating a well-rounded understanding of contemporary financial issues.
  3. Publication Record:
    • A considerable number of published papers in reputable journals, reflecting both the quality and impact of his research. His work has been recognized and cited in various academic platforms.
  4. Awards and Recognition:
    • Listed in the P-Rank for researchers, which emphasizes his standing in the academic community.
    • Recipient of fellowships aimed at minority students, showcasing his commitment to promoting inclusivity in education.
  5. Innovative Contributions:
    • His ongoing projects and white papers on emerging topics like FinTech and technology in education display forward-thinking and relevance to current trends in finance and technology.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Collaboration:
    • While he has an impressive publication record, increasing collaborative projects with international researchers could enhance the diversity and impact of his work.
  2. Public Engagement:
    • Engaging more with the public or industry through workshops or seminars could amplify his research impact beyond academic circles.
  3. Focus on Practical Applications:
    • Further emphasis on the practical implications of his research findings for banking practices and policy-making could enhance the relevance of his work in real-world contexts.
  4. Networking and Visibility:
    • Actively participating in more international conferences could increase his visibility and allow for networking with other leading researchers in his field.

 

Educationย 

Shakeb Akhtar holds a Ph.D. in Commerce from Aligarh Muslim University, India, completed in 2021, where he concentrated on Banking and Finance. His doctoral thesis examined the performance evaluation of select private and foreign banks in India under the supervision of Prof. Mohd. Mohsin Khan. Prior to this, he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance (PGDIBF) in 2015, achieving the highest marks and ranking first in his program. In 2014, he completed his Master of Finance and Control (MFC) with top honors as well. His undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) obtained in 2012. He also excelled in his higher secondary education, scoring 83%, and completed his secondary education with a commendable 74.75%. This strong academic foundation has equipped Shakeb with the knowledge and skills to excel in research and academia.

Experience

Shakeb Akhtar has a diverse professional background, including summer internships that provided practical experience in the finance sector. He interned at Idafa Investments Pvt. Ltd., where he explored the Shariah-compliant approach to running an equity broking company. Additionally, he gained valuable insights into the commodity market during his internship at IndiaInfoline Limited. As a researcher, Shakeb has authored numerous papers published in esteemed journals, contributing to his field’s knowledge base. His involvement in ongoing projects focuses on examining calendar anomalies in the Indian stock market, demonstrating his commitment to advancing financial research. Shakeb is also engaged in collaborative works, such as a book on the adoption of FinTech, which underscores his dedication to integrating technology in finance. His academic and practical experiences have shaped him into a well-rounded researcher and advocate for innovative practices in the banking and finance sectors.

Awards and Honors

Shakeb Akhtar has received numerous accolades throughout his academic journey, reflecting his dedication and excellence in research. He was listed in P-Rank, ranking 403 among top researchers in January 2023, showcasing his impact in the academic community. Shakeb has been awarded the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students (JRF and SRF) by the University Grants Commission, recognizing his commitment to promoting inclusivity in higher education. He has also received two University Gold Medals for achieving the highest percentage of marks in both his Post Graduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance and his Master of Finance and Control, establishing his academic prowess. Furthermore, he was granted the Central Minority Scholarship from 2010 to 2014, further underscoring his exceptional performance. These awards highlight Shakebโ€™s commitment to excellence and his significant contributions to the fields of banking and finance.

Research Focusย 

Shakeb Akhtar’s research interests are primarily centered on Banking and Finance, with a keen focus on Efficiency Management, Profitability Management, and sustainable practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. He is currently working on time series modeling and has authored white papers exploring the role of technology in modern education and the triumphs of small banks in the fintech space. His ongoing projects include examining calendar anomalies in the Indian stock market, demonstrating his engagement with contemporary financial issues. Shakebโ€™s publications cover diverse topics, including the performance drivers of Indian banks and the impact of digitalization on bank performance. His research aims to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the financial sector and advocating for sustainable practices within banking.

Publication Top Notes

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Akhtar, S., “Performance drivers of Indian Banks: A Dynamic Panel Analysis using CAMELS framework vis-ร -vis demonetization” (Under review).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Akhtar, S., “Gauging the Banks’ Profitability, Productivity and Efficiency in Emerging Economy: Insights from the Static Panel Analysis using CAMELS Framework” (Under review).
  • ๐Ÿ“š Jafar, S. H., Hemachandran, K., Akhtar, S., Khan, P.A., & Chaarani, H. (2024). “The Adoption of FinTech Using Technology for Better Security, Speed, and Customer Experience in Finance.”
  • ๐ŸŒ Khan, P.A., Johl, S.K., Akhtar, S. (2022). “Vinculum of sustainable development goal practices and firmsโ€™ financial performance: A moderation role of green innovation.”
  • ๐ŸŒฑ Khan, P.A., Johl, S.K., Akhtar, S. (2021). “Firm sustainable development goals and firm financial performance through the lens of green innovation practices and reporting: a proactive approach.”
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Jan, A.A., Lai, F.W., Asif, M., Akhtar, S., Ullah, S. (2023). “Embedding sustainability into bank strategy: Implications for sustainable development goals reporting.”
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Khan, P.A., Johl, S.K., Akhtar, S., Asif, M., Salameh, A.A., Kanesan, T. (2022). “Open innovation of institutional investors and higher education system in creating open approach for SDG-4 quality education: a conceptual review.”
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Akhtar, S., Alam, M., Ansari, M.S. (2022). “Measuring the performance of the Indian banking industry: Data envelopment window analysis approach.”
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Akhtar, S., Alam, M., Khan, A., Shamshad, M. (2023). “Measuring technical efficiency of banks vis-ร -vis demonetization: an empirical analysis of Indian banking sector using CAMELS framework.”
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Azmi, S.N., Akhtar, S., Nadeem, M.R. (2020). “Impact of Digitalisation on Bank Performance: A Study of Indian Banks.”
  • ๐Ÿ” Akhtar, S., Khan, T., Khan, P.A. (2020). “EXAMINE THE KEY DRIVERS AFFECTING BOTTOM LINE: A PANEL ESTIMATION STUDY OF INDIAN COMMERCIAL BANK.”
  • ๐Ÿ” Akhtar, S., Alam, M., Khan, M.M. (2021). “YES bank fiasco: arrogance or negligence.”
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Chaturvedi, K., Akhtar, S., Azhar, N., Shamshad, M. (2021). “Impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance of selected banks in India: based on camel model.”
  • ๐ŸŒ Akhtar, S., Niazi, M.N.H., Khan, M.M. (2020). “Cascading Effect of COVID 19 on Indian Economy.”
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Azmi, S.N., Akhtar, S. (2023). “Interactions of services export, financial development and growth: evidence from India.”

Conclusion

Shakeb Akhtarโ€™s extensive academic qualifications, impactful research, and notable achievements position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to exploring critical areas in banking and finance, along with a clear commitment to sustainable practices, underscores his potential to influence both academic and practical spheres. By enhancing collaboration, public engagement, and visibility, he can further elevate his research contributions. Overall, he embodies the qualities of an exemplary researcher deserving of this recognition.