Dr. Rana Sabouni | Detection | Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Rana Sabouni, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Rana Sabouni is a prominent figure in the field of Chemical Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Science from the University of United Arab Emirates. Dr. Sabouni’s research focuses on advanced materials, particularly Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with applications in environmental sustainability, drug delivery systems, and CO2 adsorption. She has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award and various research grants from AUS. Her dedication to innovative solutions in chemical engineering extends into her teaching, where she inspires future engineers through a combination of theory and practical applications.

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Academic Excellence Award:

Dr. Rana Sabouni, an associate professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the American University of Sharjah, presents a strong profile for the Research for Academic Excellence Award. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and has over a decade of academic experience. Her research focuses on cutting-edge areas such as Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), CO2 adsorption processes, drug delivery systems, and environmental pollutant detection. These are not only highly relevant to contemporary global challenges but also contribute significantly to the fields of chemical engineering and interdisciplinary research.

Education

Dr. Rana Sabouni completed her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Western Ontario in 2013. Her doctoral work focused on advanced materials for environmental and biochemical applications, particularly in the areas of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and CO2 capture. Prior to that, she earned her M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the same university in 2009, concentrating on sustainable chemical processes. Dr. Sabouni also holds a B.S. (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Science from the University of United Arab Emirates, which she completed in 2006. Her comprehensive educational background has provided her with a deep understanding of chemical processes, enabling her to explore innovative solutions for environmental challenges and drug delivery systems.

Experience

Dr. Rana Sabouni has extensive academic experience, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah since 2020. She previously held the position of Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2014 to 2020. Before joining AUS, she worked as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Western Ontario, where she focused on environmental sustainability research. She has also contributed as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Western Ontario from 2007 to 2013, where she developed her expertise in chemical and biochemical engineering. Dr. Sabouni’s practical and research experience spans across multiple areas, including CO2 adsorption, environmental applications of MOFs, and the development of anticancer drug delivery systems.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Rana Sabouni has received numerous awards and grants for her research and academic contributions. In 2023-2024, she was honored with the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award for her innovative work in sensing applications. She has also secured several Faculty Research Grants, including funding for projects like developing fluorescence-based biosensing platforms and MOF-based photo-reactors for pollutant removal. Notably, Dr. Sabouni received the Teaching Excellence Award at AUS for the academic year 2019-2020. She has also been recognized with prestigious scholarships, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and MITACs Accelerated Graduate Scholarship during her time at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Sabouni’s accolades reflect her commitment to advancing chemical engineering research and education.

Research Focus

Dr. Rana Sabouni’s research primarily centers on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with a strong emphasis on their environmental and biomedical applications. Her work on MOFs for CO2 adsorption and micropollutant removal from aqueous solutions addresses critical global environmental challenges. In addition to environmental sustainability, she is deeply involved in developing novel nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery, exploring the effects of external stimuli such as light, ultrasound, and microwaves on drug release profiles. Dr. Sabouni is also focused on advancing biosensor technologies, specifically in the detection of heavy metals and pollutants. Her research combines chemistry, material science, and engineering to offer innovative solutions in both environmental sustainability and healthcare.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Carbon dioxide capturing technologies: a review focusing on metal organic framework materials (MOFs)
Cited by: 238
Title: A novel combined manufacturing technique for rapid production of IRMOF-1 using ultrasound and microwave energies
Cited by: 161
Title: Anti-cancer drug delivery using metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
Cited by: 115
Title: Micropollutants removal from water using microfiltration membrane modified with ZIF-8 metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
Cited by: 105
Title: Biomedical applications of metal− organic frameworks for disease diagnosis and drug delivery: a review
Cited by: 99

Dr. Altynsary Bakirov, East Kazakhstan Technical University, Kazakhstan

Born on June 11, 1985, in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, Bakirov Altynsary is a distinguished metallurgical engineer and educator. He obtained his higher education at K. Satpayev Kazakh National Technical University, specializing in non-ferrous metals metallurgy. With a strong focus on research, Bakirov continued his academic journey, earning a PhD in Metallurgy from Toraighyrov University in 2023. Currently serving as an Associate Professor, he teaches and leads groundbreaking research in metallurgy, contributing to advancements in metal production and processing. Fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and conversant in English and Turkish, Bakirov actively engages in international collaborations and conferences.

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Bakirov Altynsary’s qualifications, research leadership, and dedication to the field of metallurgy make him a strong candidate for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award.’ His blend of academic and industrial experience, project leadership, and continuous professional development positions him well for this recognition. His contributions to both scientific knowledge and the practical application of metallurgical processes demonstrate his impact on the field, and he is well-suited for this award.

Education

Bakirov Altynsary pursued his higher education at K. Satpayev Kazakh National Technical University from 2003 to 2008, earning a degree in Metallurgy of Non-ferrous Metals. His passion for advancing metallurgical sciences led him to complete a Master’s degree (2016–2018) in Metallurgy at the same institution. From 2018 to 2021, he undertook doctoral studies in Metallurgy and defended his dissertation at Toraighyrov University in 2023, earning his PhD in Metallurgy. His academic achievements reflect his dedication to enhancing industrial practices and technological innovations in the field. His educational journey is punctuated by practical research contributions that continue to shape the industry.

Experience

Bakirov Altynsary’s career spans over a decade of professional and academic achievements. Since 2012, he has been an Associate Professor at Toraighyrov University, where he teaches metallurgy and develops cutting-edge research on non-ferrous metals. From 2018 to 2021, he was a doctoral student at East Kazakhstan Technical University, working on advanced metallurgical technologies. Previously, he worked as a Senior Lecturer (2014-2018) and a metallurgical production expert at Aluminum of Kazakhstan (2008-2012). His hands-on experience with various metallurgical processes, from theory to industrial application, has solidified his reputation as an expert in the field.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Bakirov Altynsary has garnered several accolades, including successfully defending his PhD in Metallurgy in 2023. He led the project for young scientists under the “Zhasgalim” grant (2022-2024) and was a key contributor to multiple research programs financed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. His expertise in metallurgy has also earned him recognition as a developer of national qualification standards in Kazakhstan. Additionally, Bakirov has authored significant academic publications and developed educational materials for vocational training in metallurgy. His contributions to both academia and industry have been recognized internationally, including through his participation in advanced training and international internships.

Research Focus

Bakirov Altynsary’s research focuses on advancing metallurgical processes, particularly in non-ferrous metals and the production of alumina and aluminum. His work explores the optimization of pyrometallurgical processes and the development of eco-friendly technologies for industrial applications. He has been involved in multiple research projects aimed at modernizing lead and zinc production processes at major industrial firms. Bakirov is also interested in recycling industrial waste, a key concern in sustainable metallurgy. His contributions to research have not only enhanced industrial output but also addressed environmental challenges, positioning him as a forward-thinking expert in metallurgical engineering.