Pascal Mwenge | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Pascal Mwenge | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Pascal Mwenge, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

Pascal Mwenge is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology, South Africa. His research focuses on biofuels, wastewater treatment, and machine learning applications in chemical engineering. With over six years of laboratory experience, he also serves as a part-time lecturer and has supervised more than 40 undergraduate research projects. Recognized for his contributions to climate and energy innovation, he was a semi-finalist in the 2024 MIT Climate & Energy Prize and a finalist in the 2024 ClimateLaunchpad South Africa. His expertise spans laboratory analysis, data science, and sustainable energy solutions.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Pascal Mwenge is a promising young scientist with a strong foundation in chemical engineering, sustainable energy, and machine learning applications. His innovative research, technical expertise, and academic leadership make him a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His recognition in global climate and energy competitions further strengthens his case.

 

🎓 Education

He holds a Master of Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Vaal University of Technology, having previously obtained a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and a National Senior Certificate in Industrial Chemistry. He has further enhanced his knowledge through certifications in data science, occupational health and safety, educational psychology, and first aid training.

 

💼Experience

His professional journey includes roles as a quality control lab technician and assistant manager in effluent and emulsifiers plants, where he ensured compliance with municipal regulations and conducted quality and safety inspections. As a trainee chemical engineer, he gained hands-on experience in effluent monitoring, laboratory analysis, and production planning. His teaching assistant and laboratory assistant roles further reinforced his expertise in student mentorship, practical demonstrations, and research facilitation.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on biofuel production, wastewater treatment, and the integration of machine learning in chemical engineering processes. He has supervised and co-supervised over 40 Bachelor of Technology and Advanced Diploma research projects, guiding students in developing research methodologies and analytical skills. As a part-time lecturer, he has been instrumental in teaching courses such as Applied Thermodynamics, Equipment Design, Plant Design, and Unit Operations. His contributions extend to laboratory management, where he has played a key role in commissioning pilot-plant equipment, facilitating safety training, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

 

Awards

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to climate and energy innovation, he was a semi-finalist in the 2024 MIT Climate & Energy Prize and a finalist in the 2024 ClimateLaunchpad South Africa competition. His academic excellence was further acknowledged with the Best Presentation Award at the 20th International Conference on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Engineering in Cape Town. He has received merit bursaries from Vaal University of Technology and actively participated in various academic and professional organizations, including serving as an executive committee member of the Postgraduate Students Association.

 

Skills

Proficient in computer literacy and simulation software, he is skilled in ChemCad, DWSIM, and Microsoft Office applications. His laboratory expertise includes Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). He has extensive experience in field sampling, data collection, academic writing, and research analysis, with a strong foundation in machine learning applications in chemical engineering.

 

Publications

Mwenge, P., & Rutto, H.L. (2025). Machine learning-based predictive modelling of biodiesel production from animal fats catalysed by a blast furnace slag geopolymer. Results in Engineering. Citations: 0.

Conclusion:

Pascal Mwenge is well-suited for this award based on his research excellence, innovative contributions to renewable energy, and leadership in academia. Strengthening his research impact through citations, collaborations, and funding acquisition could further solidify his position as a leading young scientist. Given his achievements and potential, he is a strong contender for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

Mahdokht arshadi | Chemical | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Mahdokht Arshadi | Chemical | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Mahdokht Arshadi, Amirkabir University,  Iran

Dr. Mahdokht Arshadi is a researcher at Amirkabir University, Iran, with expertise in chemical engineering and a focus on sustainable bioleaching methods for extracting valuable metals from electronic waste.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Mahdokht Arshadi stands out as a pioneering researcher in chemical engineering, with her innovative focus on sustainable bioleaching methods for electronic waste. Her work addresses a critical global challenge, aligning with environmental and industrial priorities. She demonstrates the technical depth, creativity, and societal relevance required for recognition as an outstanding researcher.

 

🎓 Education

Mahdokht Arshadi holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, where she has been studying since 2015. She earned her M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (2013–2015) from Tarbiat Modares University and completed her B.Sc. in the same field (2009–2013) at Sharif University of Technology.

 

💼Experience

Her research focuses on the bioleaching of e-waste, encompassing projects from her B.Sc. to her Ph.D. studies. These include innovative approaches to recovering metals like nickel, copper, and gold from electronic waste.

🔬Research Focus

Her work primarily explores sustainable bioleaching methods for extracting valuable metals from electronic waste. Through collaborations and independent research, she has made significant contributions to the field of resource recovery and environmental sustainability.

Awards

She has achieved several notable honors, such as being ranked first in the Third Physics Trial Olympiad (2005-2006), the top student of her M.Sc. program (2015), and receiving the Seventeenth Young Kharazmi Award (2016). She was also a Privileged Researcher at Sharif University of Technology (2018) and a recipient of the 27th Privileged Country Student Award.

 

Skills

Mahdokht has expertise in bioleaching, statistical optimization of environmental processes, heavy metals recovery, and advanced techniques in wastewater treatment.

 

Publications

  • Simultaneous recovery of Ni and Cu from computer-printed circuit boards using bioleaching: statistical evaluation and optimization
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S.M. Mousavi
    Citations: 147
    Year: 2014

 

  • Enhancement of simultaneous gold and copper extraction from computer printed circuit boards using Bacillus megaterium
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S.M. Mousavi
    Citations: 138
    Year: 2015

 

  • Multi-objective optimization of heavy metals bioleaching from discarded mobile phone PCBs: simultaneous Cu and Ni recovery using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S.M. Mousavi
    Citations: 132
    Year: 2015

 

  • Content evaluation of different waste PCBs to enhance basic metals recycling
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei, S.M. Mousavi
    Citations: 105
    Year: 2018

 

  • Enhancement of simultaneous gold and copper recovery from discarded mobile phone PCBs using Bacillus megaterium: RSM based optimization of effective factors and evaluation of interactions
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S.M. Mousavi, P. Rasoulnia
    Citations: 83
    Year: 2016

 

  • Ni and Cu recovery by bioleaching from the printed circuit boards of mobile phones in non-conventional medium
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S. Nili, S. Yaghmaei
    Citations: 47
    Year: 2019

 

  • Optimized bioleaching of copper by indigenous cyanogenic bacteria isolated from the landfill of e-waste
    Authors: B. Arab, F. Hassanpour, M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei, J. Hamedi
    Citations: 46
    Year: 2020

 

  • Evaluating the optimal digestion method and value distribution of precious metals from different waste printed circuit boards
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei, A. Esmaeili
    Citations: 30
    Year: 2020

 

  • Optimal electronic waste combination for maximal recovery of Cu-Ni-Fe by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei, S.M. Mousavi
    Citations: 28
    Year: 2019

 

  • Study of plastics elimination in bioleaching of electronic waste using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei, S.M. Mousavi
    Citations: 28
    Year: 2019

 

  • Green recovery of Cu-Ni-Fe from a mixture of spent PCBs using adapted A. ferrooxidans in a bubble column bioreactor
    Authors: M. Arshadi, F. Pourhossein, S.M. Mousavi, S. Yaghmaei
    Citations: 27
    Year: 2021

 

  • Investigating critical parameters for bioremoval of heavy metals from computer printed circuit boards using the fungus Aspergillus niger
    Authors: M. Arshadi, A. Esmaeili, S. Yaghmaei
    Citations: 26
    Year: 2020

 

  • Advances in bioleaching of copper and nickel from electronic waste using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans: evaluating daily pH adjustment
    Authors: M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei
    Citations: 26
    Year: 2020

 

  • Simultaneous leaching of Cu, Al, and Ni from computer printed circuit boards using Penicillium simplicissimum
    Authors: A. Esmaeili, M. Arshadi
    Citations: 22
    Year: 2022

 

  • Fungal bioleaching of e-waste utilizing molasses as the carbon source in a bubble column bioreactor
    Authors: S. Nili, M. Arshadi, S. Yaghmaei
    Citations: 20
    Year: 2022

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Arshadi is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given her impactful contributions to chemical engineering and sustainability. Her innovative solutions for recycling electronic waste exemplify excellence in research and innovation. Strengthening industry ties and expanding her interdisciplinary scope could position her as an even more influential figure in the field, deserving of accolades such as this award.