Clement Nyarko Opoku | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Clement Nyarko Opoku | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Clement Nyarko Opoku, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Clement Nyarko Opoku is a graduate researcher in Materials Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. His research focuses on ceramic engineering materials, sustainable building materials, corrosion, and waste management. He has experience as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, contributing to studies on geopolymer cement and material characterization. Clement has also interned in the construction and civil engineering sectors, gaining practical expertise in material testing and site supervision. He is a recipient of the KNUST Engineering Education Project Scholarship and has held leadership roles in GRASAG KNUST. His skills include XRD, XRF, microscopy characterization, AutoCAD, and research analysis.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Clement Nyarko Opoku is a promising researcher in materials engineering with a focus on sustainable construction materials. His academic achievements, research contributions, technical skills, and leadership roles make him a strong candidate for recognition. However, expanding his publication record, engaging in more collaborations, and securing grants would further solidify his standing as a top researcher.

🎓 Education

Clement Nyarko Opoku is currently pursuing an MPhil in Materials Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where his research focuses on investigating the effect of Gibbsite in Lithomargic Clay on the mechanical and physical properties of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement. He previously earned a BSc in Materials Engineering from KNUST, during which he conducted research on bitumen-reinforced carbon black for pavement applications and material selection for various engineering projects. Additionally, he holds an Advanced Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health from the Imperial College of Mines and Safety.

💼Experience

Clement has gained extensive experience in research, teaching, and engineering practice. As a Graduate Research Assistant at KNUST, he collaborated with researchers on geopolymer cement advancements and gained hands-on exposure to laboratory equipment and experimental protocols. He also served as a Laboratory Research and Teaching Assistant, assisting lecturers with research and guiding students facing academic difficulties. His industry experience includes an internship at Sino Africa Development Company, where he supported construction supervision, safety compliance, and site inspections. He also interned at the Ghana Ports and Harbor Authority’s Civil Engineering Department, working on concrete testing, welding operations, and road material assessments.

🔬Research Focus

Clement’s research interests encompass ceramic engineering materials, sustainable building materials, corrosion, sustainable energy materials, waste management, and water treatment. His work contributes to the development of innovative and eco-friendly materials for construction and industrial applications.

🛠️Skills

Clement possesses strong technical skills, including intermediate knowledge of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and microscopy characterization. He is proficient in software tools such as AutoCAD, Origin, and Microsoft Office. His professional qualities include teamwork and leadership capabilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational and time management abilities, and resilience under pressure.

🏆Awards

Clement was nominated for the Graduate Assistant of the Year award during the 30th Anniversary of GRASAG KNUST in 2023. He is also a recipient of the KNUST Engineering Education Project Scholarship (KEEP KNUST) from January 2022 to November 2024. His leadership experience includes serving as the Organizing Committee Secretary for GRASAG KNUST, where he played a key role in planning events and supporting international postgraduate students. He was also a Postgraduate Representative on the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Board, advocating for postgraduate students, and served as a Senator for the Materials Engineering Department in GRASAG KNUST. Additionally, as Deputy Welfare Committee Chairperson for the College of Engineering, he helped implement mentorship programs for first-year students.

📚 Publications

Title: Effect of gibbsite in lithomargic clay on the mechanical and physical properties of limestone calcined clay cement

Author: Clement Nyarko Opoku

Year: 2025

Journal: International Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science

Conclusion:

Mr. Opoku is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly for early-career researchers. While he has demonstrated significant research contributions and leadership, further strengthening his publication record and international collaborations would enhance his competitiveness for such an award.

Ram Pravesh Kumar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ram Pravesh Kumar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ram Pravesh Kumar, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ram Pravesh Kumar is a faculty member at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), India, specializing in infectious diseases, tuberculosis management, public health, and molecular diagnostics. His research focuses on drug-resistant tuberculosis, aerosol-PM2.5 dynamics, snakebite management, and advanced molecular detection techniques. Dr. Kumar has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing to clinical microbiology, epidemiology, and environmental health. He is actively involved in global health collaborations and policy recommendations. His recent work includes studies on Linezolid in drug-sensitive TB, hypercalcemia in TB patients, and novel microchip-based DNA extraction techniques.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ram Pravesh Kumar is a highly accomplished researcher in infectious diseases, public health, and molecular diagnostics. His strong publication record, innovative research on tuberculosis and environmental health, and contributions to global health policy make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. However, increasing citation impact, securing larger research grants, and expanding his leadership in mentorship and patent development can further enhance his profile.

🎓 Education

Ram Pravesh Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, where he conducted research on the seasonal variation of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in the ambient atmosphere of the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. He completed his M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2008 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology, Mathematics, and Computer Science from BN College, Patna University, in 2005.

💼Experience

He is currently an Assistant Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, a position he has held since 2020. Before this, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Haryana from 2017 to 2020. His academic career also includes roles at the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University as an Assistant Professor and Teaching Apprentice, respectively.

🔬Research Focus

His research is centered on urban air quality, atmospheric sciences, aerosols, and urban land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics. His work integrates remote sensing, GIS, and machine learning to analyze air pollution trends, forecast urban expansion, and assess environmental health risks. His recent studies have examined LULC changes in Delhi-NCR over two decades, projecting further urban expansion and its implications for sustainable urban planning in line with SDG 11. He is currently the Principal Investigator of a project funded by DST-SERB, Government of India, focusing on post-monsoon air pollution load over the Delhi-NCR region, analyzing its chemical composition, health impacts, and mitigation strategies.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in various environmental modeling and data analysis tools, including AQ+, AERONET, R-Studio, ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, ArcGIS, MATLAB, SPSS, Statistica, HYSPLIT Model, GCM Model, and GEOS-Chem. His expertise extends to working with satellite data from Resourcesat-2, RISAT-1, Landsat (5, 7, 8), Sentinel, MODIS, OMI, and MISR. He is also multilingual, with fluency in Hindi and English.

🏆Awards

He has demonstrated academic excellence by qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) with a rank of 77 in the Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences category under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. He has also qualified for the UGC-NET and ASRB-NET in Environmental Sciences. His contributions to research have been recognized through multiple editorial roles, including as the Lead Executive Guest Editor for Physics and Chemistry of the Earth and as a Guest Editor for Frontiers in Environmental Science.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Recent progress in the synthesis of C-S bond via sulfonyl hydrazides
    Authors: Uday U. Mishra, Budhdeo B. Gautam, Priyanka P. Kumari, Navedul N. Haque, Rajesh S. R.S. Kumar
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Sulfur Chemistry

  • Title: Hypercalcemia in pulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis patient on modified BPaL regimen
    Authors: Shanmugapriya S. Kumaravadivelu, Bella Devaleenal B.D. Daniel, Prabhakaran P. Rathinam, Ram Pravesh R.P. Kumar
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Indian Journal of Tuberculosis

  • Title: Evaluation of Land Use Land Cover Changes in Response to Land Surface Temperature With Satellite Indices and Remote Sensing Data
    Authors: Qun Q. Zhao, Muhammad M. Haseeb, Xinyao X. Wang, Walid H. W.H. Soufan, Khalid F. K.F. Almutairi
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Rangeland Ecology and Management

  • Title: Snakebite Management: The Need of Reassessment, International Relations, and Effective Economic Measures to Reduce the Considerable SBE Burden
    Authors: Ram Pravesh R.P. Kumar, Anurag Singh A.S. Rathore
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health

  • Title: Aerosol-PM2.5 Dynamics: In-situ and satellite observations under the influence of regional crop residue burning in post-monsoon over Delhi-NCR, India
    Authors: Ram Pravesh R.P. Kumar, Ranjit R. Singh, Pradeep Vijay Kiran P.V.K. Kumar, Sudhir Kumar S.K. Kumar Singh, Charanjeet Singh C.S. Nijjar
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Environmental Research

  • Title: A novel Fusion-5 Filter based Micro-chip: A highly efficient, On-chip DNA extraction and On-chip PCR amplification for rapid detection
    Authors: Suman S. Nagpal, Ram Pravesh R.P. Kumar
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Chemical Biology Letters

  • Title: Role for Linezolid in drug-sensitive tuberculosis
    Authors: Ram Pravesh R.P. Kumar, Gopalan G. Narendran, Chandrasekaran C. Padmapriyadarsini
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Journal of Infection and Public Health

Conclusion:

Dr. Ram Pravesh Kumar has a strong research portfolio that aligns well with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to infectious disease management, epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and environmental health demonstrate scientific excellence and real-world impact. While he is a deserving candidate, focusing on research funding, mentorship, and innovation commercialization can further strengthen his candidature for future awards.