USMAN ZAHID | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. USMAN ZAHID | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. USMAN ZAHID, UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, Brunei Darrussalam

Usman Zahid is an emerging scholar in the field of material science and chemistry, currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES). With a strong foundation in chemistry through his BS from University of the Punjab and MPhil from Quaid-i-Azam University, Usman has built an impressive academic and research profile. He specializes in nanomaterials, perovskite quantum dots, and sustainable catalytic processes. His drive to innovate is reflected in his international publications and active participation in global conferences. Apart from his research, Usman has demonstrated leadership as Chief Coordinator of Sports and Secretary of the Blood Donor Society during his academic tenure. A multilingual communicator and team-oriented researcher, he is passionate about solving environmental challenges through chemistry. Usman’s work reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable advancement, making him a promising contributor to the global scientific community.

Professional Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award: Usman Zahid

Usman Zahid demonstrates a strong and well-rounded research profile in the field of material science and chemistry, making him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His academic journey showcases a progressive and dedicated path, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab, followed by an M.Phil from Quaid-i-Azam University, and currently pursuing a PhD in Material Science at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. This progression reflects a deepening expertise and commitment to research.

Professionally, Usman has gained valuable hands-on experience as a Research Associate and Research Fellow, focusing on cutting-edge topics such as environmentally friendly perovskite quantum dots, Pb-free double perovskites, and nanomaterials catalysis. His work on sustainable materials and fuel desulfurization aligns well with global priorities on environmental safety and clean energy, highlighting his research’s societal relevance.

🎓 Education 

Usman Zahid’s academic journey is rooted in excellence and specialization. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Material Science at the Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (EQF Level 8), focusing on lead-free perovskite materials and their photophysical behavior. Prior to this, he completed his MPhil in Chemistry from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, where his research emphasized catalysis and nanomaterials development. His undergraduate degree, a BS in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, laid a strong foundation in analytical and organic chemistry. Usman has attended specialized training in advanced material characterization and nanotechnology through ASEAN workshops and global symposiums. His academic record showcases an integration of theoretical knowledge and practical research competencies. With strong mentorship from distinguished faculty and a rigorous academic environment, Usman has developed a robust scientific outlook, well-suited for impactful contributions in the field of chemistry and sustainable material development.

💼 Professional Experience 

Usman Zahid has gained diverse experience in research and laboratory practices across top institutions. As a Research Associate at Quaid-i-Azam University, he led the synthesis and characterization of eco-friendly perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and worked on lead-free alternatives, contributing to sustainable material science. His earlier role as Research Fellow Chemist in a HEC/PSF-funded project involved desulfurization of fuel oil, nanomaterials synthesis, and project management. He demonstrated strong command over instrumental analysis techniques including FTIR, UV-VIS, TGA-DTG, DLS, XRD, and cyclic voltammetry. Usman’s professional path is defined by multidisciplinary collaborations, effective scientific communication, and applied research. He also contributes as an event participant in various international scientific forums and symposiums. His experience blends hands-on laboratory expertise with research leadership and analytical skill. His commitment to innovation and sustainability through chemistry makes him an asset in academic and industrial research settings alike.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Usman Zahid has consistently demonstrated leadership and service alongside academic excellence. During his undergraduate years, he was honored as the Chief Coordinator of Sports at University of the Punjab and later became Secretary of the Blood Donor Society at Quaid-i-Azam University. His research excellence has been recognized with active participation and presentation at prestigious international conferences such as Nano Boston 2021, EuroNanoForum 2021, and the ASEAN Workshop on Advanced Materials Characterization. He is currently contributing as a doctoral researcher under the supervision of prominent scholars at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. His publications in leading journals like Journal of Luminescence and RSC Sustainability highlight the impact and innovation of his work. With extensive collaborations and commendations from mentors and co-authors, Usman has carved a unique space in materials chemistry, catalysis, and sustainability research. His ongoing achievements reflect a promising trajectory toward leadership in global chemical research.

🌍 Research Skills On Chemistry

Usman Zahid possesses a multifaceted skill set in materials chemistry, catalysis, and nanotechnology. He specializes in the synthesis and characterization of perovskite quantum dots, with expertise in Pb-free double perovskites and fluorescence dynamics. Usman is proficient in a wide array of instrumentation: FTIR, UV-Vis, SEM, XRD, DLS, GC-MS, HPLC, and cyclic voltammetry, to name a few. His software proficiency includes ChemDraw, HyperChem, and reference managers like Zotero, EndNote, and Mendeley. He also has experience in LIMS and advanced chromatographic techniques. Notably, Usman excels in experimental design, data analysis, and project management. His work on desulfurization processes and catalysis reflects both applied and theoretical research capabilities. Fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, he’s an excellent communicator with strong teamwork and decision-making skills. Usman’s adaptability in research environments and drive for sustainability make him a well-rounded scientist capable of leading interdisciplinary research in chemistry.

📖  Publication Top Notes

  • Green and eco-friendly adsorption of dyes with organoclay: isothermal, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
    Authors: S Tariq, M Saeed, U Zahid, M Munir, A Intisar, M Asad Riaz, A Riaz, …
    Journal: Toxin Reviews, Volume 41, Issue 4, Pages 1105-1114
    Citations: 19
    Year: 2022

  • Hazardous effects of cadmium contaminated water on biological characteristics of fish; a review
    Author: F Hameed
    Journal: RHAZES: Green and Applied Chemistry, Volume 6, Pages 01-10
    Citations: 11
    Year: 2019

  • Polyoxometalates for carbon dioxide activation: Current progress and perspective
    Authors: H Ahsan, M Saeed, W Ahmad, A Rehman, A Haseeb Bashir, V Aiman, …
    Journal: Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society, Volume 71, Issue 6, Pages 526-549
    Citations: 2
    Year: 2024

  • Band Gap Tuning in Mercaptoacetic Acid Capped Mixed Halides Perovskites and Effect of Solvents on Their Fluorescence Dynamics: A Potential Sensor for Polarity
    Authors: MA Riaz, U Zahid, M Mukhtar, MA Khalid, M Mubeen, A Iqbal
    Journal: Journal of Fluorescence, Pages 1-9
    Citations: 1
    Year: 2025

  • CeNiO3 perovskite nanoparticles synthesized using gelatin as a chelating agent for CO2 dry reforming of methane
    Authors: U Zahid, WS Sarifuddin, AH Mahadi, D Prasetyoko, H Bahruji
    Journal: RSC Sustainability, Volume 2, Issue 12, Pages 3806-3816
    Citations: 1
    Year: 2024

  • Effect of MAAc Capping on the Enhanced Photophysical and Photoluminescence Properties of Pb-free Cs2SnCl6 Double Perovskites
    Authors: U Zahid, MA Riaz, A Iqbal
    Journal: Journal of Luminescence, Article 121306
    Year: 2025

Angélique Nicolas MESSI | Chemistry | Academic Excellence Honor

Dr. Angélique Nicolas MESSI | Chemistry | Academic Excellence Honor

Dr. Angélique Nicolas MESSI, Département de chimie organique, Université de Yaoundé 1, Cameroon

Dr. Angélique Nicolas Messi is a distinguished Cameroonian chemist renowned for her contributions to organic and natural products chemistry. Born on February 7, 1983, in Ngambe, Cameroon, she has dedicated her career to exploring bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, focusing on their potential in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and cancer. Her work integrates advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, emphasizing green chemistry and sustainable practices. Dr. Messi’s research has not only advanced scientific understanding but also garnered international recognition, including the Best Researcher in Organic Chemistry award in 2025. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I and heads the Department of Basic and Applied Fundamental Sciences at the State University of Ebolowa. Her dedication to education and research continues to inspire and pave the way for future innovations in chemistry.

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Suitability Summary for Research for Academic Excellence Honor

Dr. Angelique Nicolas Messi stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Academic Excellence Honor owing to his outstanding contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in natural products and pharmaceutical chemistry. His profound expertise in chromatographic techniques (HPLC, MPLC, flash chromatography), spectral analysis (NMR, IR, LC-MS), and green synthetic strategies demonstrates a deep mastery of both experimental and theoretical aspects of chemical research. This technical expertise underpins his impactful research on bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants, focusing on neuroprotection, anticancer, antimalarial, and anti-HIV properties, which are of significant relevance to global health challenges.

In addition to his research prowess, Dr. Messi has demonstrated excellence in academic leadership and mentorship. Serving as a full-time senior lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I and heading the Department of Basic and Applied Fundamental Sciences at the State University of Ebolowa, he actively shapes future generations of scientists through rigorous teaching and supervision. His role as chair of the Natural Product Chemistry Laboratory and his supervision of multiple Master’s students highlight his commitment to fostering academic growth and scientific inquiry.

🎓 Education

Dr. Messi’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Yaoundé I, focusing on biflavonoids and other constituents from Ochna species. Prior to this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Ngaoundere. Her foundational studies began with a DEUG in Applied Chemistry and Advanced Levels in Sciences and Mathematics from B.G.S Buea. To further her research, she undertook postdoctoral studies at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland under Prof. Christian G. Bochet. These academic pursuits have equipped her with a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, enabling her to contribute significantly to the field.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Messi’s professional career is marked by a blend of teaching, research, and leadership. As a Senior Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I, she imparts knowledge in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Botany, Pharmacognosy, and research methodology. She also leads the Department of Basic and Applied Fundamental Sciences at the State University of Ebolowa and serves as a part-time Senior Lecturer at the International School of Petroleum Engineering. Her roles extend to supervising Master’s students and chairing the Natural Product Chemistry Laboratory at the University of Yaoundé I. Dr. Messi’s extensive experience in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, coupled with her leadership in various academic departments, underscores her multifaceted contributions to the field of chemistry.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Messi’s exemplary work in chemistry has been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships. In 2025, she was honored as the Best Researcher in Organic Chemistry. Her international engagements include a research visit to the University of Free State, South Africa, in 2023, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, during 2020-2021. She also participated in the African Training School on Green Chemistry and Environmental Sustainability in Morocco in 2025. Additionally, she received a Ph.D. research fellowship at the University of Free State in 2015. These accolades reflect her global impact and dedication to advancing chemical research.

🌍 Research Skills On Chemistry

Dr. Messi possesses a comprehensive skill set in chemical research. Her expertise encompasses chromatographic techniques like Column, Flash, Reverse Phase, MPLC, HPLC, and Preparative TLC. She is proficient in spectroscopic methods including NMR, IR, LC-MS, GC-MS, and HRESIMS. Her research involves the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, employing spectroscopic techniques such as 1D and 2D NMR, IR, UV, Mass Spectrometry, optical rotations, and elemental analysis. Dr. Messi also emphasizes green synthetic strategies and has a strong understanding of GLP and laboratory safety requirements. Her multilingual abilities in French and English, combined with her proficiency in software like Microsoft Office and Chemdraw, further enhance her research capabilities.

📖  Publication Top Notes

  1. Cytotoxic flavonoids and other constituents from the stem bark of Ochna schweinfurthiana
    Authors: JT Ndongo, ME Issa, AN Messi, J Ngo Mbing, M Cuendet, DE Pegnyemb, …
    Journal: Natural Product Research, Volume 29, Issue 17, Pages 1684-1687
    Citations: 48
    Year: 2015
  2. Phenolic compounds from the roots of Ochna schweinfurthiana and their antioxidant and antiplasmodial activities
    Authors: AN Messi, JN Mbing, JT Ndongo, MA Nyegue, AT Tchinda, FL Yemeda, …
    Journal: Phytochemistry Letters, Volume 17, Pages 119-125
    Citations: 28
    Year: 2016
  3. Phytochemical Study of Aqueous Extract of Ochna schweinfurthiana F. Hoffm Powder Bark and Evaluation of Their Anti‐Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Genotoxic …
    Authors: SV Djova, MA Nyegue, AN Messi, AD Afagnigni, FX Etoa
    Journal: Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, Article ID 8908343
    Citations: 22
    Year: 2019
  4. In Vitro and In Silico Potential Inhibitory Effects of New Biflavonoids from Ochna rhizomatosa on HIV-1 Integrase and Plasmodium falciparum
    Authors: AN Messi, SL Bonnet, BA Owona, A Wilhelm, ELD Kamto, JT Ndongo, …
    Journal: Pharmaceutics, Volume 14, Issue 8, Article 1701
    Citations: 9
    Year: 2022
  5. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the leaves, stem-barks extracts and fractions of Ochna schweinfurthiana F. Hoffm (Ochnaceae)
    Authors: MA Nyegue, JN Mbing, SV Djova, AN Messi, SV Olugu, DE Pegnyemb, …
    Journal: African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Volume 10, Issue 17, Pages 370-378
    Citations: 6
    Year: 2016
  6. Biflavonoid Methylchamaejasmin and Khaya grandifoliola Extract Inhibit NLRP3 Inflammasome in THP-1 Cell Model of Neuroinflammation
    Authors: BA Owona, A Mary, AN Messi, KA Ravichandran, JN Mbing, E Pegnyemb, …
    Journal: Molecular Neurobiology, Volume 62, Issue 2, Pages 1605-1619
    Citations: 1
    Year: 2025
  7. Rhizomatoflavonoid D and Other Flavonoids from the Twigs of Ochna Rhizomatosa as a Potential Inhibitor of HIV-1
    Authors: AN Messi, B Tsakem, M Akongwi, O Bodede, P Moyo, …
    Journal: Chemistry Africa, Volume 7, Issue 9, Pages 4719-4726
    Citations: 1
    Year: 2024
  8. Two new aggreceride derivatives and other chemical constituents from the stems of Tarenna conferta Benth and their potential antileishmanial activity against Leishmania …
    Authors: RC Dzukoug, AN Messi, RD Zeukang, SL Bonnet, A Wilhelm, DG Tene, …
    Journal: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Volume 121, Article 104990
    Citations: Not specified
    Year: 2025
  9. Antimicrobial activity and structure elucidation of Pterosterone, a naturally occurring phytoecdysteroid isolated from the leaves of Vitex madiensis Oliv.(Lamiaceae)
    Authors: EM Lengbiye, AN Messi, LM Messi, B Fofack, AAA Zintchem, DS Gwladys, …
    Journal: Pharmacological Research-Natural Products, Article 100264
    Citations: Not specified
    Year: 2025
  10. Impact of solvation on plant-derived cyclic octapeptide alkaloid reactivity and drug suitability against target proteins implicated in leukemia: DFT, pharmacokinetics and …
    Authors: OC Godfrey, EA Adindu, JC Ugwu, AN Messi
    Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure, Article 142504
    Citations: Not specified
    Year: 2025