Xiang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 03/06/202503/06/2025 by sciencefather

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li, Fudan University, China

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is a distinguished professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Fudan University, Shanghai. A pioneering researcher in breathomics, his work focuses on utilizing exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the early diagnosis of major diseases, especially cancer. With a self-developed high-fidelity breath sampling system and a cutting-edge VOC detection platform, Dr. Li bridges environmental science and medical diagnostics. His research integrates multi-omics and AI to develop personalized breath fingerprints, enabling accurate multi-disease classification models. Beyond clinical applications, he also explores air pollution’s health impact, carbon cycling, and the behavior of emerging pollutants. With over 20 major funded projects, numerous publications, and extensive international collaboration, Dr. Li’s interdisciplinary approach drives innovation in non-invasive diagnostics and environmental health. His work not only contributes to academic excellence but also holds transformative potential for public health and environmental policy worldwide.

Professional Profile

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Assessment of Suitability: Prof. Dr. Xiang Li – Research for Best Researcher Award

Summary of Suitability:

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li stands out as a highly qualified and impactful candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His research career reflects a deep interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of environmental science, analytical chemistry, public health, and medical diagnostics. A major highlight of his work is the innovative application of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in non-invasive disease diagnostics—particularly for cancers such as colorectal, gastric, and brain cancer. This integration of advanced VOC detection systems, multi-omics analysis, and AI-powered disease modeling illustrates a cutting-edge, translational approach with real-world clinical relevance.

His development of standardized breath sampling protocols and AI-driven “breath fingerprinting” exemplifies scientific rigor combined with technological innovation. Such research not only contributes significantly to environmental health science but also sets a strong foundation for public health advancements, particularly in the domain of early, non-invasive disease detection. This has considerable implications for reducing global cancer mortality through early intervention.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li’s academic journey is deeply rooted in environmental science, analytical chemistry, and health-related diagnostics. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in environmental science and engineering from top Chinese institutions, establishing a solid foundation in the physical and chemical behavior of pollutants. Throughout his postgraduate years, he focused on environmental analytical chemistry and the atmospheric behavior of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). He later completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Waterloo in Canada under Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn, a globally recognized expert in microextraction techniques, where Dr. Li enhanced his knowledge in VOC analysis and breath sampling technologies. His education has been instrumental in building an interdisciplinary research career that merges chemistry, biology, data science, and environmental health. This background equips him to lead advanced, multi-faceted research on breathomics, air quality, and pollutant exposure, all of which aim to support public health through environmental innovation.

💼 Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li has held a progressive academic career at Fudan University, starting as an Assistant Professor in 2006 and rising to Full Professor in 2016. He also served as a visiting scholar at TROPOS, Germany, where he collaborated with Prof. Hartmut Herrmann on atmospheric chemistry. Previously, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo, focusing on microextraction methods for environmental and clinical VOC detection. Over nearly two decades, Prof. Li has led interdisciplinary research at the nexus of environmental monitoring and public health. He has secured over 20 competitive research grants amounting to approximately 15 million CNY, including multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects. His professional experience extends to mentoring students, international collaborations, and advancing analytical platforms that are now pivotal in non-invasive diagnostics. His leadership continues to shape the future of environmental science, especially in the context of human health risk assessments.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li has received national and international recognition for his groundbreaking research in environmental science and medical diagnostics. He has been consistently supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, securing prestigious grants including international collaborations such as the Sino-German Key Project. His innovative work with Agilent Technologies earned him multiple awards under their Applications and Core Technology University Research (ACT-UR) program. These recognitions reflect his development of pioneering technologies like thin film sampling, SPME methods, and real-time VOC analysis systems. His contributions to breathomics and non-invasive diagnostics have positioned him as a thought leader in environmental health. In academic circles, he is often invited to speak at global conferences, and his research outputs are widely cited. Additionally, his efforts to standardize breath sampling and integrate AI in disease prediction are setting new benchmarks in clinical and environmental applications alike, marking him as a transformative figure in the field.

🌍 Research Skills On Environmental Science

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li’s research skills span analytical chemistry, environmental toxicology, machine learning, and clinical diagnostics. He specializes in trace-level VOC detection using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) and high-fidelity breath sampling. His expertise includes method development for semi-volatile and volatile pollutants in atmospheric and biological matrices, particularly human breath. Dr. Li is adept in multi-omics data integration and AI-based disease modeling, creating personalized diagnostic profiles. He is also highly skilled in environmental monitoring, focusing on emerging pollutants, atmospheric oxidation potential, and carbon cycling. His work demonstrates a seamless fusion of laboratory instrumentation, data science, and field research. His ability to coordinate international collaborations and interdisciplinary projects reflects excellent project management and communication skills. With a career dedicated to improving environmental health through innovation, Prof. Li continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in both clinical diagnostics and environmental research.

Publication Top Notes

1. Advancing Breathomics through Accurate Discrimination of Endogenous from Exogenous Volatiles in Breath

Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
Year: 2024 (Oct 22)
Authors: Zhengnan Cen, Yuerun Huang, Shangzhewen Li, Shanshan Dong, Wenshan Wang, Xiang Li

2. Nitrate pollution deterioration in winter driven by surface ozone increase

Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
Year: 2024 (July 04)
Authors: Zekun Zhang, Bingqing Lu, Chao Liu, Xue Meng, Jiakui Jiang, Hartmut Herrmann, Jianmin Chen, Xiang Li

3. Exhaled volatolomics profiling facilitates personalized screening for gastric cancer

Journal: Cancer Letters
Year: 2024 (May)
Authors: Jian Chen, Yongyan Ji, Yongqian Liu, Zhengnan Cen, Yuanwen Chen, Yixuan Zhang, Xiaowen Li, Xiang Li

4. High‐Resolution Mapping of Regional NMVOCs Using the Fast Space‐Time Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM)

Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Year: 2023 (Nov 27)
Authors: Bingqing Lu, Chao Liu, Xue Meng, Zekun Zhang, Hartmut Herrmann, Xiang Li

5. Abrupt exacerbation in air quality over Europe after the outbreak of Russia-Ukraine war

Journal: Environment International
Year: 2023 (Aug)
Authors: Xue Meng, Bingqing Lu, Chao Liu, Zekun Zhang, Jianmin Chen, Hartmut Herrmann, Xiang Li

6. Virus-induced breath biomarkers: A new perspective to study the metabolic responses of COVID-19 vaccinees

Journal: Talanta
Year: 2023 (Aug)
Authors: Zhengnan Cen, Bingqing Lu, Yongyan Ji, Jian Chen, Yongqian Liu, Jiakui Jiang, Xue Li, Xiang Li

7. Attributing Increases in Ozone to Accelerated Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds at Reduced Nitrogen Oxides Concentrations

Journal: PNAS Nexus
Year: 2022 (Nov 01)
Authors: Zekun Zhang, Jiakui Jiang, Bingqing Lu, Xue Meng, Hartmut Herrmann, Jianmin Chen, Xiang Li, Jiahua Zhang

8. Formation of Secondary Nitroaromatic Compounds in Polluted Urban Environments

Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Year: 2022 (May 27)
Authors: Dongmei Cai, Xinke Wang, Christian George, Tiantao Cheng, Hartmut Herrmann, Xiang Li, Jianmin Chen

9. Connecting the Oxidative Potential of Fractionated Particulate Matter With Chromophoric Substances

Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Year: 2022 (Feb 27)
Authors: Na Wu, Bingqing Lu, Qingcai Chen, Jianmin Chen, Xiang Li

10. Associations of acute exposure to airborne pollutants with COVID-19 infection: evidence from China

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2021 (Sept)
Authors: Bingqing Lu, Na Wu, Jiakui Jiang, Xiang Li

Zhan Qu | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Posted on 12/05/202512/05/2025 by sciencefather

Prof. Zhan Qu | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Prof. Zhan Qu, Nanjing University, China

Zhan Qu, born in October 1993 and of Han ethnicity, is a dedicated scholar in the field of Environmental Engineering. Currently based in Changchun, Jilin, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to tackling pressing environmental issues through rigorous research and innovation. He earned his doctorate from Northeast Normal University, where he cultivated a deep expertise in environmental systems and sustainability science. Known for his analytical mindset and collaborative spirit, Zhan Qu has made substantial contributions to environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation. His work is characterized by a blend of field-based analysis and advanced laboratory techniques, aimed at promoting sustainable environmental practices. Passionate about academic advancement and real-world impact, he continues to publish high-quality research that influences policy and scientific discourse. With strong communication skills and an unwavering dedication to environmental betterment, Zhan Qu exemplifies the qualities of a next-generation environmental scientist and researcher.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Zhan Qu, a doctoral student in Environmental Engineering from Northeast Normal University, is an excellent candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award based on his academic background, research focus, and potential for innovation. At a young age of 30, Qu has demonstrated strong dedication to the field of environmental engineering, which is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges. His research has the potential to contribute significantly to sustainability and ecological conservation, areas that are critical to the advancement of modern science.

Qu’s work in environmental engineering, particularly his focus on sustainable solutions to pressing environmental issues, makes him an ideal candidate. His ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge with hands-on research positions him as an emerging leader in his field. Furthermore, his strong academic foundation at Northeast Normal University, combined with his drive for research excellence, signals a promising future in scientific discovery.

Education

Zhan Qu pursued his academic journey in the field of Environmental Engineering with distinction. He completed his doctoral studies at Northeast Normal University, a prestigious institution renowned for its contributions to environmental sciences. His doctoral research focused on advanced environmental monitoring systems, pollution remediation technologies, and ecological risk assessments. Throughout his education, he excelled in core environmental science courses, including hydrology, atmospheric chemistry, and sustainable resource management. Zhan also engaged in multiple interdisciplinary projects, combining engineering principles with environmental stewardship. His academic rigor was supported by active participation in conferences and research seminars, both nationally and internationally. Zhan's dissertation was highly regarded for its innovation and practical relevance, laying the groundwork for his later scientific endeavors. The depth and breadth of his educational background have equipped him with a robust foundation to address complex environmental challenges using data-driven solutions and novel technological interventions.

Professional Experience

Zhan Qu has garnered valuable professional experience as a researcher and academic in the environmental science sector. He has held research roles affiliated with his alma mater, Northeast Normal University, focusing on fieldwork-based environmental impact assessments and water quality monitoring in industrial regions. His responsibilities have included data modeling, pollution control technique development, and ecosystem risk analysis. As part of collaborative university projects, he contributed to designing mitigation strategies for urban water pollution and assessing the environmental health of freshwater systems. Zhan has also worked closely with local governments and environmental agencies to implement policy-driven environmental practices. Additionally, he has co-supervised student research, integrating teaching with active project work. His hands-on experience with both qualitative and quantitative environmental research tools makes him a versatile and reliable contributor to multidisciplinary projects. Zhan’s professional ethos emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and continuous innovation in environmental remediation.

Awards and Recognition

Zhan Qu’s excellence in environmental research has been recognized through several awards and honors. He received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award at Northeast Normal University for his groundbreaking research on environmental pollutant modeling. His contributions have also earned him the Young Environmental Researcher Award, highlighting his impact in scientific forums and conferences. Zhan has presented at major academic gatherings such as the National Environmental Engineering Symposium and has been commended for clarity in communication and depth of insight. He was also a finalist for the Emerging Sustainability Leader Prize, awarded to young researchers promoting eco-innovations. His scholarly articles have received accolades for originality and policy relevance, further cementing his status as a rising leader in environmental science. These recognitions not only celebrate his individual achievements but also underscore his ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable environmental solutions through robust scientific inquiry.

Research Skills On Environmental Science

Zhan Qu possesses a strong repertoire of research skills in the field of environmental science and engineering. His expertise spans environmental monitoring, GIS-based spatial analysis, pollution control technologies, and ecological risk assessment. He is proficient in modeling environmental data using statistical software and programming languages such as R and Python. Zhan has hands-on experience with remote sensing tools and field-based environmental sampling techniques, especially in aquatic ecosystems. His research often focuses on identifying contaminant sources and predicting their ecological impact. In the laboratory, he is skilled in chromatography, spectroscopy, and bioassay methods to analyze pollutants. His interdisciplinary mindset enables him to work effectively on collaborative projects involving policy, engineering, and ecological restoration. Zhan’s scientific communication skills, both written and oral, support dissemination of his research in academic and public platforms. His strong foundation in sustainability science underpins all his research pursuits, aimed at real-world environmental problem-solving.

Publication Top Notes

Production of ZnAlFeO4 spinel through pyrometallurgical treatment of electroplating sludge: Growth and stabilization process of spinel
Authors: W. Yang, Z. Qu, J. Yang, S. Zhai, Z. Zhu
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2025
Machine-Learning-Based Approach To Assessing Water Quality in a Specific Basin: The Case of Wujingang Basin
Authors: S. Zhang, R. He, Q. Wang, Y. Wang, H. Ren
Journal: ACS ES and T Water
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

H M IMRAN KAYS | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 28/01/202528/01/2025 by sciencefather

Mr. H M IMRAN KAYS | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. H M IMRAN KAYS, University of Oklahoma, United States

H.M. Imran Kays is a PhD candidate at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science. He specializes in transportation engineering, particularly in flood propagation and cascading failures in interdependent transportation and stormwater networks. Imran’s research integrates socio-technical systems and crisis response communities, contributing to transportation resilience. His career includes work as a graduate research assistant at renowned institutions, with a solid background in transportation system modeling. Imran also serves as a major in the Corps of Engineers, Bangladesh Army, bringing a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards, including the 2024 Best Poster Award at the Oklahoma Transportation Symposium and various scholarships and fellowships. His innovative work is highly regarded in his field, influencing both academic research and real-world infrastructure solutions.

Professional Profile

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Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” – H.M. Imran Kays

H.M. Imran Kays, a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, stands out as an exceptional candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to his impactful research in transportation engineering, particularly focusing on interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks, resilience frameworks, and the modeling of cascading failures in critical infrastructure systems. His multidisciplinary approach, blending engineering with risk and resilience studies, has led to several high-quality publications, including journal articles and conference proceedings, which reflect his deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering and transportation.

Kays’ ongoing work, including his involvement in projects like “Modeling Flood Propagation and Cascading Failures in Interdependent Transportation and Stormwater Networks,” showcases his ability to address pressing global challenges like climate change and infrastructure resilience. His research bridges critical gaps in understanding the vulnerabilities of interconnected systems under stress, making it highly relevant to contemporary issues. Additionally, his impressive list of awards—such as the Best Poster Award at the 2024 Oklahoma Transportation Symposium and several prestigious scholarships—demonstrates recognition of his contributions from the academic community.

🎓 Education

Imran Kays is currently pursuing his PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, specializing in transportation engineering. He earned his MSc and BSc in Civil Engineering from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh, where he focused on transportation systems and their resilience. His academic journey includes distinguished research in socio-geographic monitoring, transportation policies, and infrastructure utilization metrics. Imran’s advanced education has been supported by several prestigious scholarships, including the 2024 Donald E Hall Scholarship and the Walt Kolb Civil Engineering Graduate Fellowship. His strong academic foundation underpins his research focus on transportation system modeling, including flood propagation and cascading failures in interdependent systems. The expertise gained during his PhD research is coupled with hands-on experience in major engineering projects, ensuring his work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical solutions in civil engineering.

💼 Professional Experience

Imran Kays has substantial professional experience, including roles as a Graduate Research Assistant and PhD student at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University, and Georgia Southern University. His research primarily focuses on transportation engineering, with key studies on the interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks. As a graduate research assistant, Imran has contributed to numerous high-impact projects, applying his expertise in flood modeling, traffic management, and crisis response frameworks. In addition to his academic work, Imran serves as a Major in the Corps of Engineers, Bangladesh Army, where he applies his engineering knowledge to real-world infrastructure and crisis management challenges. His professional experience spans a broad spectrum, from hands-on traffic analysis to sophisticated modeling and resilience planning, which has shaped his approach to solving complex engineering problems.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Imran Kays has received multiple awards and recognitions throughout his academic career. He was honored with the Best Poster Award at the 2024 Oklahoma Transportation Symposium and has been awarded the 2024 Donald E Hall Scholarship and the 2024 Cleo Cross Scholarship. His academic excellence is further acknowledged by the 2024 Walt Kolb Civil Engineering Graduate Fellowship and the 2024 Bullard Dissertation Completion Fellowship. These accolades underscore his outstanding contributions to transportation research. Imran’s dedication to his field has also earned him the 2024 Robberson Travel Grant and the 2023 Gallogly College of Engineering Scholarship, among others. In addition to academic scholarships, Imran has been recognized for his work on the intersection of transportation and stormwater systems, with multiple publications and presentations at prestigious conferences. His achievements reflect his leadership in the field and his commitment to advancing transportation engineering.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Imran Kays is a skilled researcher with a focus on transportation system modeling, resilience frameworks, and socio-technical systems in infrastructure. His expertise lies in analyzing and modeling the interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks, exploring cascading failures during natural disasters. Imran has developed advanced resilience frameworks for transportation systems, incorporating data-driven approaches to assess infrastructure vulnerability and develop adaptive strategies. His work on integrating socio-geographic monitoring with transportation policies has received significant attention for its potential to shape future urban transportation planning. Additionally, Imran’s research includes flood modeling, crisis response communities, and risk perception analysis in online social networks. He employs a combination of AI, machine learning, and GIS to predict long-term traffic patterns and assess infrastructure resilience under varying conditions. Imran’s research contributes to the practical application of civil engineering in managing disasters and enhancing the resilience of transportation networks.

Publication Top Notes

H-CTM for simulating non-lane-based heterogeneous traffic
Authors: HMI Kays, TH Shimu, M Hadiuzzaman, SM Muniruzzaman, …
Citation: Transportation Letters, 11 (7), 382-390
Year: 2019
Identifying crisis response communities in online social networks for compound disasters: the case of hurricane Laura and COVID-19
Authors: KA Momin, HMI Kays, AM Sadri
Citation: Transportation Research Record, 03611981231168120
Year: 2023
Centrality-based lane interventions in road networks for improved level of service: the case of downtown Boise, Idaho
Authors: MA Ahmed, HMI Kays, AM Sadri
Citation: Applied Network Science, 8 (1), 2
Year: 2023
Exploring the interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks: The case of Norman, Oklahoma
Authors: HMI Kays, AM Sadri, KKM Muraleetharan, PS Harvey, GA Miller
Citation: Transportation Research Record, 2678 (5), 491-513
Year: 2024
Towards Unifying Resilience and Sustainability for Transportation Infrastructure Systems: Conceptual Framework, Critical Indicators, and Research Needs
Authors: HM Kays, AM Sadri
Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2208.10039
Year: 2022
Translating Social Media Crisis Narratives into Road Network Utilization Metrics: The Case of 2020 Oklahoma Ice Storm
Authors: HM Kays, KA Momin, MB Thwala, KK Muraleetharan, AM Sadri
Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2212.08616
Year: 2022
Modeling Flood Propagation and Cascading Failures in Interdependent Transportation and Stormwater Networks
Authors: HMI Kays, AM Sadri, PS Harvey, GA Miller
Citation: International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, 100741
Year: 2025
Translating Risk Narratives in Socio-Technical Systems into Infrastructure Utilization Metrics During Compounding Hazard Events
Authors: HMI Kays, KA Momin, KK Muraleetharan, AM Sadri
Citation: Arif, Translating Risk Narratives in Socio-Technical Systems into …
Year: 2024
A Data-driven Resilience Framework of Directionality Configuration based on Topological Credentials in Road Networks
Authors: HM Kays, KA Momin, KK Muraleetharan, AM Sadri
Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.07371
Year: 2024
A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Understand User’s Perceptions of Acceptance of Ride-Sharing Services in Dhaka City
Authors: MMI Sourav, MR Islam, HM Kays, M Hadiuzzaman
Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2210.04086
Year: 2022

DPS RATHORE | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 23/04/202430/04/2024 by sciencefather

Dr. DPS RATHORE | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits and Professional Endeavors

Dr. DPS Rathore embarked on his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from A.M.U., Aligarh, India, in 1981. Subsequently, he joined the esteemed Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research in 1981, where he dedicated over three decades to advancing analytical chemistry, particularly in the realm of uranium analysis and environmental science.

Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his illustrious career spanning 41 years, His primary focus has been on analytical chemistry, specializing in metal complexation, spectrophotometric determinations, metallochromic indicator synthesis, and chelating polymeric resins. His expertise extends to various analytical techniques such as fluorimetry, spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry.

Accolades and Recognition

His contributions to the field have earned him prestigious recognitions, including Fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), Fellow of the International Congress of Chemistry (FICS), and Membership in the American Chemical Society (M-ACS). He has also received the ITSR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, a testament to his outstanding contributions and leadership in analytical chemistry and environmental science.

Impact and Influence

His impact extends beyond his research endeavors. He has actively contributed as a reviewer for over 30 international journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and quality standards in the field. His expertise has also been acknowledged through numerous invited talks at national and international conferences, where he shares insights and advancements in analytical chemistry and uranium analysis.

Legacy and Future Contributions

His continues his research activities through publications, reviewer engagements, and mentorship roles, his legacy as a distinguished analytical chemist and researcher grows stronger. His contributions in uranium analysis and environmental science remain pivotal for the sustainable growth of the nuclear industry worldwide, ensuring scientific rigor and technological advancements in metal complexation and spectroscopic determinations.