Aggeliki Papavasiliou | Environmental Applications | Best Researcher Award

Published on 21/11/202521/11/2025 by Composite Awards

Aggeliki Papavasiliou | Environmental Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aggeliki Papavasiliou at National Centre For Scientific Research Demokritos | Greece

Dr. Aggeliki A. Papavasiliou is a materials scientist whose work spans catalytic materials, nanostructured coatings, environmental applications, and advanced automotive after-treatment technologies. She holds a Diploma in Mineral Resources Engineering from the Technical University of Crete, an MBA in Engineering–Economic Systems from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and the University of Piraeus, and a PhD in Materials Science and Technology from NTUA, where her doctoral research centered on the chemical and thermal stability of electropositively promoted Pt-based catalytic converters. Over two decades, she has contributed extensively as a Scientific Researcher at the Institute of Nanoscience & Nanomaterials, NCSR “Demokritos,” and at NTUA’s Laboratory of Physical Metallurgy, participating in major EU-funded programs including HORIZON, H2020, KRIPIS, FP7, and PENED. Her work has advanced the development of sustainable antimicrobial and antiviral nanocoatings, bifunctional zeolite-based catalysts for methane conversion, hybrid TWV/GPF systems for automotive emissions, carbon–polymer nanocomposites for marine engineering, flame-spray pyrolysis nano-oxides, and next-generation cost-efficient automotive catalysts. A specialist in catalytic behavior, durability optimization, thermal aging resistance, surface modification, and nanostructured materials processing, she combines experimental methodology with applied industrial research across environmental, energy, health, and transportation sectors. Her early work on processing 3D ground-penetrating radar data using neural networks reflects a longstanding focus on technologically integrated material solutions. She has presented at numerous international scientific meetings, supported teaching in ceramic and refractory materials, and completed advanced seminars in technology management and environmental impact assessment. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious Thomaidio Awards for scientific excellence, best PhD thesis, and influential publications, as well as the ENMIX Paper Award. Through her multidisciplinary expertise, Dr. Papavasiliou continues to advance innovative materials and catalytic technologies with strong industrial and societal impact.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Papavasiliou, A., Tsetsekou, A., Matsouka, V., Konsolakis, M., Yentekakis, I. V., & Boukos, N. (2009). Development of a Ce-Zr-La modified Pt/γ-Al₂O₃ TWCs’ washcoat: Effect of synthesis procedure on catalytic behavior and thermal durability. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 90, 162–174.
Matsouka, V., Konsolakis, M., Yentekakis, I. V., Papavasiliou, A., & Tsetsekou, A. (2009). Effect of CexZryLazOδ mixed oxides on the structural and catalytic behavior of monometallic catalytic converters under simulated exhaust conditions. Topics in Catalysis, 52, 1873–1879.
Papavasiliou, A., Tsetsekou, A., Matsouka, V., Konsolakis, M., & Yentekakis, I. V. (2010). An investigation of the role of Zr and La dopants into Ce₁₋ₓ₋ᵧZrₓLaᵧOδ-enriched γ-Al₂O₃ TWC washcoats. Applied Catalysis A: General, 382, 73–84.
Papavasiliou, A., Tsetsekou, A., Matsouka, V., Konsolakis, M., Yentekakis, I. V., & Boukos, N. (2011). Synergistic structural and surface promotion of Pt-only TWCs: Effectiveness and thermal aging tolerance. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 106, 228–241.
Matsouka, V., Konsolakis, M., Yentekakis, I. V., Papavasiliou, A., Tsetsekou, A., & Boukos, N. (2011). Thermal aging behavior of Pt-only TWC converters under simulated exhaust conditions: Effect of rare earths (CeO₂, La₂O₃) and alkali (Na) modifiers. Topics in Catalysis, 54, 1124–1134.

Sarah Freeman | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Published on 12/09/202513/09/2025 by Composite Awards

Sarah Freeman | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sarah Freeman at Emory University | United States

Dr. Sarah Slocum Freeman, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine (since September 2024) and a Doctoral Board Certified Behavior Analyst (#1-13-14435, certified since 2013) with extensive expertise in autism intervention, severe behavior, and professional training. She has been affiliated with the Marcus Autism Center since 2018, serving as a clinician in the Complex Behavior Support Program, Program Manager of the Transition Program since 2022, and more recently as Postdoctoral Resident Training Coordinator and Provider Mentorship Director in 2025. Her prior academic appointments include Practicum Coordinator and Visiting Assistant Professor at Rollins College (2015–2018) and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University (2018–2024). She previously held leadership roles at the University of Florida as Associate Clinical Director of the Behavior Analysis Research Clinic (2013–2015). Dr. Freeman earned her B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2010, an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2016, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Rollins College (2015–2016). She has advanced numerous training and administrative programs at Marcus Autism Center, including serving as Program Manager of the Master’s and Ph.D. Program in Applied Behavior Analysis with the University of Georgia (2022–2025), chairing the Severe Behavior Department Research Mentorship Program (2019–2022), co-directing the Applied Behavior Analysis Postdoctoral Training Program (2021–2023), and leading the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (2025–present). A dedicated advocate for professional standards, she has served as Treasurer of the Association for Behavior Analysis International Challenging Behavior Special Interest Group since 2021 and held leadership roles in the Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis, including President in 2023. She has also contributed to state licensure efforts through committee work since 2019. Dr. Freeman is a frequent reviewer for major journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (since 2013), Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities (since 2019), and Education and Treatmen

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Slocum, S. K., & Tiger, J. H. (2010, May). Developing an assessment of sensitivity to and preference for forward and backward chaining strategies. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Scheitauer, M. C., Tiger, J. H., Mevers, J. L., & Slocum, S. K. (2011, May). Assessing preference for choice-making opportunities with college students. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Barlow, K., Tiger, J. H., Slocum, S. K., & Miller, S. J. (2011, May). Comparing mand-training efficiency with selection-based and topography-based communication systems. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Scheitauer, M. C., Tiger, J. H., & Slocum, S. K. (2011, May). Descriptive and experimental evaluations of procedural fidelity failures of parents implementing differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in the treatment of problem behavior. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Slocum, S. K., Miller, S. J., & Tiger, J. H. (2012, May). An evaluation of the blocking procedure to teach conditional discriminations to a child with autism. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Seattle, WA.

Slocum, S. K., Zeug, N. M., Baker, C., Peters, K. P., Wunderlich, K. L., & Vollmer, T. V. (2013, May). A functional analysis of mild punishers for vocal stereotypy. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Minneapolis, MN.

Slocum, S. K., Vollmer, T. R., Whitehouse, C. W., Peters, K. P., Phillips, C. L., Radonavich, K., & Lewis, M. H. (2014, May). Developing a novel treatment for rigid inflexible behavior. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.

Muhammad Wasim Haider | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Published on 07/04/202507/04/2025 by Composite Awards

Muhammad Wasim Haider | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Wasim Haider, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Wasim Haider 🎓 is a dedicated horticulture expert and educator currently serving as a Lecturer 🌱 at the Department of Horticultural Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 🇵🇰. He holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, with specialized experience in potato production, dormancy management, and vegetable value chains 🥔🍅. Fluent in Urdu, English, Punjabi, and Saraiki 🗣️, he has trained at USDA 🇺🇸 and actively mentors undergraduate to doctoral students 📘. His research is deeply rooted in sustainable crop improvement 🌿 and value chain development for community upliftment 🧑‍🌾.

Publication Profile

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Orcid

🔹 Education & Experience

🎓 Education:

📚 Ph.D. in Horticulture (Vegetable Sciences), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2012–2018)
📘 M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Horticulture), UAF (2009–2011)
🎒 B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Horticulture), UAF (2005–2009)

🧑‍🏫 Experience:

📍 Lecturer (BPS-18), Islamia University of Bahawalpur (2022–Present)
📍 Assistant Professor (IPFP), IUB (2021–2022)
🔬 Research Officer, ACIAR-funded Project on Vegetable Value Chains, UAF (2018–2020)
🇺🇸 Research Scholar, USDA Potato Breeding Project, USA (2016)
🧪 Research Scholar, UAF (2012–2018)
🧪 Postgraduate Researcher, UAF (2009–2011)

Suitability Summary

Dr. Muhammad Wasim Haider, a dedicated horticulture scientist and academic, is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award owing to his significant contributions to sustainable vegetable production, potato research, and agricultural development. Currently serving as a Lecturer at the Department of Horticultural Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Dr. Haider has continuously demonstrated excellence in both research and academia. His academic journey is marked by a Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and a portfolio of national and international research collaborations.

Professional Development

Dr. Haider has actively pursued international and national training to enhance his research and teaching capacities 🌍📚. His participation in the USDA’s potato breeding project through IRSIP 🇺🇸 has equipped him with advanced techniques in pollen handling, artificial pollination, and seed production 🌾. He has contributed significantly to ACIAR-funded programs, developing training modules and conducting extensive field research across Pakistan 🇵🇰. As an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor and reviewer for several renowned journals 📑🧠, he continues to stay updated with scientific innovations and agricultural strategies aimed at uplifting farming communities 👨‍🌾📈.

Research Focus

Dr. Haider’s research lies in the realm of Vegetable Science with a strong focus on potato dormancy, production improvement, and stress mitigation strategies 🥔💡. His studies explore sustainable solutions for enhancing yield and quality, including salinity tolerance, seed viability, and nutrient optimization 🌱💧. He is passionate about integrating biotechnological tools like plant tissue culture and hormone analysis (HPLC) into crop improvement 🔬🧬. With a keen interest in postharvest physiology and the vegetable supply chain, his goal is to bridge the gap between research and rural impact, ensuring better livelihoods through science 🚜📦.

Awards & Honors🔹:

🧠 HEC Approved Ph.D. Supervisor (2021–22)
🌐 Reviewer at top journals including Scientific Reports, BMC Plant Biology, European Journal of Potato Research
🎓 HEC Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship (Phase II, Batch II, 2013–14)
🏅 Merit Scholarship during M.Sc. (Hons.), UAF (2010–11)
🌎 IRSIP Fellowship – Research Training at USDA, USA (2016–17)

Publication Top Notes

📈 Impact of foliar application of seaweed extract on growth, yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) – 112 citations, 2012
🫑 Combined application of hot water treatment and methyl salicylate mitigates chilling injury in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits – 54 citations, 2021
🥔 Potato tuber yield and quality in response to different nitrogen fertilizer application rates under two split doses in an irrigated sandy loam soil – 47 citations, 2019
🌱 Postharvest dormancy-related changes of endogenous hormones in relation to different dormancy-breaking methods of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers – 38 citations, 2022
🌶️ Postharvest Aloe vera gel coating application maintains the quality of harvested green chilies during cold storage – 33 citations, 2021
🍅 Assessment of various growth and yield attributes of tomato in response to pre-harvest applications of calcium chloride – 33 citations, 2012
🍊 The combined application of Arabic gum coating and γ-aminobutyric acid mitigates chilling injury and maintains eating quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin fruits – 28 citations, 2023

Raminder Kaur | Environmental effects | Best Women Award

Published on 19/08/202419/08/2024 by Composite Awards

Dr. Raminder Kaur | Environmental effects | Women Researcher Award

DOCTORATE at DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, India

The individual is a distinguished Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi. With an extensive background in polymer technology and chemical engineering, they have established a notable career through research and academic contributions in bio-based materials and reaction kinetics.

Profile

ORCID Profile

Scopus profile

Author Metrics

The researcher has an impressive publication record with 42 research papers, 2 book chapters, and a patent. Their work has a total impact factor of 125.68, with 916 citations as of August 2024. Their h-index is 17, and their i10-index is 24.

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi (2009)
M.Tech in Polymer Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh (2002; First Rank)
B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Beant College of Engineering and Technology (BCET), Gurdaspur, PTU Jalandhar (2000)

Research Focus

Their research focuses on bio-based polymeric materials, including bio-based polyurethane and non-isocyanate polyurethane, energy storage solutions, pollution abatement techniques, and reaction kinetics. They explore novel applications and sustainable practices in these areas.

Professional Journey

The researcher has held positions as an Assistant Professor at DTU Delhi since October 2010, progressing through ranks with varying AGP levels. Prior roles include Senior Research Fellow at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, and Research Scientist at the Centre for Polymer Science, IIT Delhi.

Honors & Awards

Commendable Research Award, DTU (2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017)
DRDO Research Project Award, ER&IPR, Ministry of Defence (2015)
Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), CSIR, Govt. of India (2003)
Merit Certificate, Education Department Punjab Govt.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Notable publications include research on nano-structured polyaniline for hazardous waste eradication and environment-friendly rigid polyurethane foam. Their contributions span 42 research publications, 2 book chapters, and significant citations in international and national journals.

Research Timeline

2000: B.Tech in Chemical Engineering
2002: M.Tech in Polymer Technology
2003: Senior Research Fellowship at CSIR
2009: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
2010-Present: Assistant Professor at DTU Delhi

Collaborations and Projects

Key projects include developing a novel adsorbent for wastewater treatment and creating environmentally friendly polyurethane foam. They have collaborated with DRDO and CSIR, reflecting their engagement in high-impact research and development initiatives.

Publications

Primary Microplastics in the Ecosystem: Ecological Effects, Risks, and Comprehensive Perspectives on Toxicology and Detection Methods
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C
2024-07-05
DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2024.2370715
Contributors: Pooja Singh, Gunjan Varshney, Raminder Kaur

Innovations in Packaging to Monitor and Maintain the Quality of the Food Products
Journal of Packaging Technology and Research
2024-03
DOI: 10.1007/s41783-024-00163-4
Contributors: Neelam Yadav, Raminder Kaur

One Pot Synthesis of Bio-Based Porous Isocyanate-Free Polyurethane Materials
Materials Letters
2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2022.133433
EID: 2-s2.0-85141918099
Contributors: Pooja Singh, Raminder Kaur

Catalytic Performance of Cow-Dung Sludge in Water Treatment Mitigation and Conversion of Ammonia Nitrogen into Nitrate
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2022
DOI: 10.3390/su14042183
EID: 2-s2.0-85124846744
Contributors: L. Kumar, J. Sharma, Raminder Kaur

Fabrication and Investigation on Influence of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Thermal, Flammability and UV Characteristics of Polyethylene Glycol Based Phase Change Materials
Journal of Energy Storage
2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2022.105318
EID: 2-s2.0-85134606450
Contributors: S. Tanwar, Raminder Kaur

Strengths of the Women Researcher Award

Pioneering Research Contributions
- The recipient’s research in bio-based polymeric materials, including innovative work on bio-based polyurethane and energy storage solutions, demonstrates a significant impact on both academia and industry. Such pioneering contributions enhance the sustainability and practical applications of chemical engineering materials.
Impressive Publication Record
- With 42 research papers, 2 book chapters, and a patent, the researcher’s publication record showcases a high level of productivity and quality in their field. The total impact factor of 125.68 and 916 citations reflect the substantial influence of their work.
Recognition and Awards
- The researcher has received multiple Commendable Research Awards from DTU and a DRDO Research Project Award, highlighting their excellence and consistency in research. These accolades underscore their significant contributions and recognition within the academic community.
Collaborative Projects with High Impact
- Their involvement in collaborative projects with prestigious organizations such as DRDO and CSIR demonstrates their capability to contribute to high-impact, interdisciplinary research. This collaboration emphasizes the practical relevance and potential societal benefits of their work.
Educational Background and Progression
- The researcher’s educational journey, from a B.Tech to a Ph.D. and subsequent academic roles, illustrates a solid foundation and continuous growth in their expertise. Their progress from a Senior Research Fellow to an Assistant Professor reflects their dedication and expertise in the field.

Areas for Improvement

Broaden Research Scope
- While the focus on bio-based polymers and reaction kinetics is notable, expanding research into emerging areas such as advanced nanomaterials or artificial intelligence applications in chemical engineering could further enhance the impact and scope of their work.
Increase Public Engagement
- Increasing engagement with the public through outreach activities, such as popular science articles or public lectures, could help translate their research findings into accessible information, raising awareness and fostering greater societal impact.
Diversify Collaborative Networks
- Expanding collaborations beyond DRDO and CSIR to include international institutions and industry partners could provide new perspectives and resources, potentially leading to innovative breakthroughs and broader research applications.
Enhance Research Funding
- Securing additional research funding from diverse sources, including international grants or industry partnerships, could support larger-scale projects and facilitate the exploration of new research avenues.
Focus on Emerging Trends
- Keeping abreast of and integrating emerging trends and technologies, such as green chemistry or digitalization in chemical engineering, could ensure that the research remains at the cutting edge and addresses future challenges effectively.

Conclusion

In summary, the researcher has demonstrated outstanding achievements through their pioneering research, impressive publication record, and significant recognition within the academic community. Their contributions to bio-based materials and reaction kinetics are particularly notable, reflecting their expertise and dedication. However, to further enhance their impact, they could benefit from expanding their research scope, increasing public engagement, diversifying collaborative networks, enhancing research funding, and focusing on emerging trends. By addressing these areas for improvement, the researcher has the potential to continue making significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering and beyond.