Dan Cui | Industrial Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Dan Cui | Industrial Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at Shihezi University | China

Cui Dan is an accomplished scholar in chemical engineering and environmental sciences whose work focuses on catalytic technologies for NOx removal and ammonia synthesis. She has distinguished herself through research, leadership, and active participation in competitions and academic activities, consistently demonstrating technical expertise and collaborative skills. With multiple publications in high-impact journals and patents in advanced catalytic materials, her contributions are shaping sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Cui Dan completed her undergraduate studies at Bohai University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering. Her academic training was grounded in rigorous coursework that covered advanced mathematics, physical chemistry, air and water pollution control engineering, and environmental chemistry. This foundation instilled in her a strong technical understanding of environmental systems and processes. Building on her undergraduate background, she advanced to doctoral studies at Shihezi University, specializing in Chemical Engineering and Technology. Her graduate coursework included chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and catalysis chemistry, providing a robust platform for her current research in catalyst design and performance optimization.

Experience

Beyond formal studies, Cui Dan has actively engaged in roles that highlight her organizational and leadership abilities. She has served as a subject matter leader within her academic group, managing daily operations such as coordinating resources, handling expenses, organizing group events, and ensuring effective communication. Her dedication to these responsibilities has earned her respect and recognition from both peers and faculty. Her participation in competitive activities further reflects her commitment to professional growth. She has contributed to multiple skill-based competitions, earning distinctions such as First Prize in a Laboratory Skills Competition, where she was responsible for safety quizzes and practical experiments. Additionally, she secured Second Prize in the North Control Cup Waterworks Skills Competition, where she played a vital role in presentations and experimental demonstrations. These experiences highlight her ability to combine technical expertise with collaborative teamwork.

Research Focus

Cui Dan’s research is centered on catalytic technologies, specifically targeting NOx removal and hydrogenation processes for ammonia synthesis. Her work investigates non-noble metal supported catalysts, catalyst carrier effects, and the development of novel bimetallic systems. Through her studies, she seeks to optimize catalytic performance while contributing to environmentally sustainable solutions for industrial emissions control and cleaner energy production. The broader impact of her research lies in addressing critical environmental issues, such as reducing nitrogen oxide pollutants, while simultaneously developing efficient pathways for ammonia generation.

Publication Top Note

Title: Vacancy-rich Nd₂S₃/TiO₂ S-scheme heterojunction for boosted photocatalytic tetracycline hydrochloride degradation: Interfacial engineering and mechanism insight
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Summary: The study designs a vacancy-rich Nd₂S₃/TiO₂ heterojunction, achieving efficient photocatalytic tetracycline degradation through interfacial engineering, improved charge dynamics, and mechanistic understanding for advanced environmental pollution control.

Conclusion

Through her academic journey, research achievements, and leadership roles, Cui Dan has established herself as a rising talent in the field of chemical engineering. Her research in catalytic systems for NOx removal and ammonia synthesis addresses urgent environmental and energy challenges, while her publications and patents demonstrate both theoretical innovation and practical applications. Recognized for her academic performance and contributions to competitive activities, she embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and leader. Her trajectory suggests not only a continued contribution to scientific knowledge but also a lasting impact on sustainable technological development.

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar | Process Engineering | Chemical Engineering Award

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Mr. Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar | Process Engineering | Chemical Engineering Award

Modibbo  Adama University (MAU) ,Nigeria

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar is a Nigerian Chemical Engineer dedicated to innovation in renewable energy, chemical reaction engineering, and water treatment. Born and raised in Adamawa State, he has developed a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application of chemical engineering principles. With academic qualifications from the University of Maiduguri and a diverse professional portfolio, he brings experience from academic, industrial, and development sectors. His work spans teaching, research, water quality analysis, and biogas technology. Abdulhalim currently serves as an Assistant Lecturer at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), where he integrates research, student mentorship, and curriculum advancement. Known for being proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven, he is committed to using his skills for environmental sustainability and energy transformation in Nigeria and beyond. His vision is to contribute meaningfully to solving global energy and environmental challenges through cutting-edge research and innovative engineering practices.

Professional Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maiduguri, where he graduated with distinctions (B.Eng: 4.55 CGPA, M.Eng: 4.85 CGPA). His academic journey began at University Primary School, followed by Imam Malik Secondary School, where he earned his WAEC certificate in 2013. He pursued higher education with a clear focus on energy, environmental remediation, and reaction engineering. In addition to formal academic achievements, he has undertaken numerous professional training programs and certifications, including diplomas in Oil & Gas Management and Control Engineering, and certifications in AutoCAD, data science, project management, and programming. These multi-disciplinary skills strengthen his engineering knowledge and his capacity to tackle complex industrial challenges. His educational path reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning, enabling him to contribute both in research and practical problem-solving within the chemical engineering domain.

💼 Experience

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar has gained diverse experience across academic, industrial, and community-based projects. He began his practical journey as a Plant Operator Intern at Maiduguri Water Treatment Plant in 2017. During his NYSC service year, he served at Mada Water Works, where he performed water quality analysis. He briefly taught at Bulumkutu Islamic Science School before joining Modibbo Adama University (MAU) in 2019 as a Graduate Assistant, and subsequently, as an Assistant Lecturer in 2023. He has participated in data gathering and fieldwork as an Enumerator with Borno Women Development Initiative. His career showcases a balance of academic responsibilities and field engagement. He also has notable experience with environmental modeling and simulation software, and his teaching and research focus on sustainable engineering practices. These roles reflect his multidisciplinary capabilities and his commitment to using engineering tools for real-world impact, especially in energy and environmental sectors.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar has been recognized for his service, academic excellence, and professional dedication. Notable among his accolades is the Certificate of Service awarded for his voluntary role as Tutorial Coordinator by the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), UNIMAID Student Chapter (2018). He also received recognition from the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Faculty of Engineering Branch, for his voluntary academic support in 2017/2018. He has earned certificates of participation and achievement in over a dozen international workshops, seminars, and webinars, including those hosted by prestigious institutions such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Siirt University in Türkiye. His proactive participation in global conferences and research congresses underscores his commitment to continuous learning and professional engagement. These honors reflect both academic leadership and a deep-seated drive to contribute to scholarly and societal advancement in engineering and beyond.

🔍 Research Focus

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar’s research centers around renewable energy systems, biogas production, microbial kinetics, environmental remediation, chemical reaction engineering, and waste-to-energy technologies. He has a particular interest in transforming organic waste materials, such as chicken manure and medical waste, into biogas through anaerobic digestion processes. His master’s research explored microbial growth modeling and digester performance, contributing insights into sustainable energy generation from biodegradable waste. His research also addresses pharmaceutical waste management, modeling and simulation using ASPEN Plus, and water treatment processes using eco-friendly techniques. Additionally, he has presented studies on energy access in underserved areas like refugee camps, reflecting his interest in humanitarian engineering. Abdulhalim is dedicated to applying data science, programming, and simulation tools to solve energy and environmental challenges. His goal is to develop scalable, cost-effective technologies that bridge the gap between clean energy supply and waste reduction, particularly in Africa and other developing regions.

📚 Publication Top Notes

1. Modeling Anaerobic Decomposition: JMP Application with Biomass Data

Authors: Abubakar, A. M.; Elboughdiri, N.; Chibani, A.; Nneka, E. C.; Yunus, M. U.; Ghernaout, D.
Journal: Portugaliae Electrochimica Acta (2025)
Summary: This paper models anaerobic digestion using JMP software based on experimental data from two biomass combinations in Nigeria. Neural networks and response surface methodology were applied to optimize biogas production. Monod kinetic parameters were also estimated, showing excellent prediction accuracy and insight into biomass-substrate interactions.

2. Review on Municipal Solid Waste, Challenges and Management Policy in Pakistan

Authors: Asif, M.; Laghari, M.; Abubakar, A. M.; Suri, S. K.; Wakeel, A.; Siddique, M.
Journal: Portugaliae Electrochimica Acta (2025)
Summary: A critical review highlighting Pakistan’s challenges in managing municipal solid waste, including rapid urbanization, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of effective policy enforcement. It recommends comprehensive reforms, sustainable waste processing, and public-private collaborations for improved waste governance.

3. Development of Low-Cost Adsorbents from Coconut Shell for Energy-Efficient Dye Removal from Laboratory Effluent Discharge

Authors: Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar; Naeema Nazar; Abdulghaffaar Assayyidi Yusuf; Enyomeji Ademu Idama; Moses NyoTonglo Arowo; Aisha Maina Ma’aji; Irnis Azura Zakarya
Journal: Measurement: Energy (June 2025)
Summary: This research focuses on developing coconut shell-based adsorbents for removing dyes from laboratory wastewater. The material showed over 90% dye removal efficiency under optimal conditions and was confirmed as a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for effluent treatment.

4. Characterizing the Reducing Properties of Biofuels in Activating Metal Catalyst of Refinery Process

Authors: Mohammed Abdulrahim; Usman Habu Taura; Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar; Marwea Al-Hedrewy
Journal: Sustainable Processes Connect (May 2025)
Summary: Examines the effectiveness of biofuels in enhancing metal catalyst performance in refinery processes. The study found that biofuels provided a reducing atmosphere that facilitated catalyst activation but also noted challenges such as catalyst deactivation and thermal instability.

5. Impact of Furfural Raffinate Oil as a Filling Agent on the Vulcanization and Mechanical Properties of Rubber

Authors: Suleiman A. Wali; Abubakar Mohammed; Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar; Abdulmuhsin Usman; Kamran Khan
Journal: Current Engineering Letters and Reviews (January 2025)
Summary: Investigates the use of furfural raffinate oil as a rubber additive. Findings show improvements in rubber strength and flexibility up to a certain concentration, indicating potential for sustainable and cost-effective rubber production using industrial by-products.

Conclusion

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar stands out as a dynamic and forward-thinking Chemical Engineer whose academic achievements, hands-on industrial experiences, and proactive engagement in research and professional development reflect a deep commitment to sustainable innovation. His work spans critical sectors including renewable energy, biogas production, water treatment, and environmental remediation—key areas that align with global sustainability goals. Through a strong foundation in chemical engineering, supported by advanced software and data science skills, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Abdulhalim’s numerous certifications, conference contributions, and teaching roles further underscore his dedication to lifelong learning and capacity building. As he continues to evolve as a researcher and educator, his efforts are poised to contribute significantly to solving pressing energy and environmental challenges both within Nigeria and internationally. His trajectory reflects not only technical competence but also a clear vision for engineering as a tool for societal transformation.