Nelson Etafo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nelson Etafo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nelson Etafo, Saltillo Institute of Technology – TNM,  Mexico

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo is a postdoctoral researcher at the Saltillo Institute of Technology – Tecnológico Nacional de México (TNM), Mexico. His expertise lies in material science, nanotechnology, solid-state lighting, and electrocoagulation-based wastewater remediation. He earned his Ph.D. in Material Science from Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, where he focused on the photoluminescent properties of rare-earth-doped materials. Currently, his research involves the development of energy-efficient batteries through lithium recovery from lepidolite. Dr. Etafo has a strong academic background and a passion for sustainable technological innovation.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo exemplifies the profile of an emerging leader in scientific research, with a strong commitment to solving complex environmental and materials challenges through interdisciplinary methods. His research outputs are both impactful and timely, targeting energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and pollution control. His academic and professional trajectory reflects resilience, innovation, and relevance.

🎓 Education

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo holds a Ph.D. in Material Science from Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, Mexico, earned between 2020 and 2023, where he conducted advanced research on the luminescent properties of BaLaAlO₄:Eu³⁺ and SrLaAlO₄:Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺ under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Eduardo Garcia. He pursued postdoctoral studies at Tecnológico Nacional de México, Saltillo Campus, in the area of Material and Metallurgical Science from 2023 to 2024, where he focused on developing a novel energy-saving battery using lithium recovery from leached lepidolite through electrocoagulation techniques, mentored by Prof. Jose Refugio Parga Torres. Dr. Etafo was also a graduate visiting student at Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), SLP, Mexico, in late 2021, guided by Dr. Jorge Oliva Uc. He earned his M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, between 2011 and 2015, where he worked under Prof. Akin K. Akinlabi on the physico-mechanical properties of vulcanizates derived from modified sawdust and low molecular weight natural rubber. He previously obtained his B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from the same university from 2006 to 2010.

💼Experience

Dr. Etafo brings a well-rounded background in both academia and industry. He served as a Chemistry Tutor and Cambridge Programmes Coordinator at Cambridge Standard Institute from 2014 to 2021, where he taught and coordinated practical classes for GCE A-Level, IGCSE, JAMB, and SSCE exams. Simultaneously, he was a Chemistry Tutor at The Bridge College, Abeokuta, Nigeria, until 2021, preparing students for WASSCE examinations. His experience also includes being an Assistant Examiner with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from 2013 to 2021. Earlier roles include serving as a Science Teacher and School Hostel Coordinator at Dreamers College and as a Laboratory Demonstrator at FUNAAB’s Chemistry Department Laboratory. In industry, he trained at Yalogs Paints, Nigeria, in 2009, where he performed analytical and quality control tests, cost analysis, and safety evaluations of paint formulations.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Etafo’s research expertise spans several frontier areas of materials and chemical sciences. His primary focus includes material science, nanotechnology, solid-state lighting, photoluminescence, catalysis, and wastewater remediation through electrocoagulation technology. He is also engaged in applied research in drug delivery systems and bioimaging, contributing to both environmental and biomedical innovation. His current postdoctoral work centers on lithium recovery from leached lepidolite, showcasing an interdisciplinary blend of metallurgy and sustainable energy solutions.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Etafo is highly skilled in analytical chemistry, spectroscopic analysis, nanomaterial synthesis, electrocoagulation systems, photoluminescent material fabrication, and teaching laboratory coordination. He has demonstrated strong leadership and collaborative skills through academic teaching, volunteer board memberships, and participation in alumni and faith-based organizational roles. His practical capabilities are complemented by his experience in quality control, material characterization, and interdisciplinary research methodologies.

🏆Awards

Dr. Etafo’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including participation in the 2024 Best Thesis Research Contest at Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, recognition as a panelist at the 2022 Festival de Lenguas del Mundo, and a prestigious CONACHYT fellowship in 2021. He also received a commendation for his dedicated service to Bridge College and Cambridge Standard Institute in 2021. His teaching excellence was recognized with the Best Teacher Award at Dreamers College in both 2012 and 2013, and he was honored with a certificate of merit by the Health Community Development Service Group in 2011.

📚 Publications

  1. Title: Beyond the Swipe: A Review of Photocatalytic Antimicrobial Biocompatible Touchscreen Technology
    Author: Nelson Oshogwue Etafo et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Applied Materials Today

  2. Title: Electrocoagulation Flocs of Torreón Wastewater Treatment for Potential Semiconductor Applications
    Author: Nelson Oshogwue Etafo
    Year: 2025
    Journal: MRS Advances

  3. Title: Hermetic Oxidization/Cyanidation Leaching and Elimination of Contaminants from the Calcine for the Recovery of Gold and Silver by Electrocoagulation Technology
    Author: Nelson Oshogwue Etafo
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Aspects of Mining and Mineral Science

  4. Title: Pollutants Removal and Electrocoagulation Processes for High Quality Precipitate from Cyanide-Contaminated Solutions
    Author: Nelson Oshogwue Etafo
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Aspects of Mining and Mineral Science

  5. Title: The Appealing Prospect of Hydrogel in 3D/4D Printing Technology: Overview and Opportunities
    Author: Nelson Oshogwue Etafo
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Polymer

Conclusion:

Dr. Nelson Etafo is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His track record in publishing, interdisciplinary innovation, and applied research makes him a compelling nominee. By continuing to expand his international collaborations and leadership roles in mentoring and grantsmanship, Dr. Etafo could further solidify his position as a global scientific influencer.

Qurban Aliyar | Environmental Science | Excellence in Innovation

Mr. Qurban Aliyar | Environmental Science | Excellence in Innovation

Mr. Qurban Aliyar, Bamyan University, Afghanistan

Qurban Aliyar is an Assistant Professor and Head of Research Affairs at Bamyan University, Afghanistan. His expertise lies in climate change, forestry, ecology, and environmental science. He has been actively involved in research on natural resource management, land use change, and climate adaptation strategies, collaborating with international institutions such as ICIMOD, UCC, and UNEP. With an MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Development from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, he has published extensively on climate change adaptation, drought resilience, and environmental policy. His work has earned him prestigious research grants and awards, including the Central Asian Journal of Water Research prize for quality publication.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Summary:

Mr. Qurban Aliyar is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong record in climate change adaptation, forestry, and environmental policy. His contributions are well-recognized in academia, and he has secured notable research funding. His leadership at Bamyan University and his international collaborations further highlight his role as an innovator in his field. While his work is impactful, enhancing interdisciplinary approaches, policy engagement, and citation impact could further strengthen his global research influence.

 

🎓 Education

Qurban Aliyar holds an MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Development from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, where he conducted research on farmers’ perceptions and adaptation measures to cope with drought in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. He earned his BSc in Forestry and Natural Resources from Kabul University, securing first position with a CGPA of 82.47%. During his undergraduate studies, he was actively involved in projects on beekeeping, strawberry marketing, wheat production, and forest nursery management with the Advancing Afghan Agriculture Alliance (A-4).

💼Experience

He is currently an Assistant Professor and Head of Research Affairs at Bamyan University, Afghanistan, where he teaches courses on Climate Change, Ecology, and Environmental Science. He leads research collaborations nationally and internationally, oversees faculty research activities, and evaluates research proposals for funding. Prior to this, he served as a researcher at the University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, under a competitive fellowship, and contributed to research at the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) – ICIMOD. He has also worked as an Assistant Professor at Bamyan University, where he taught Forestry, Environmental Conservation, and Climate Change, supervising 12 undergraduate research projects. His earlier roles include research work at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India, and serving as a Lecturer and Department Chair in Forestry & Natural Resources at Bamyan University. Additionally, he worked as a Livelihood Manager for Action Contre La Faim, leading agricultural, livestock, and nutrition programs in Afghanistan.

🔬Research Focus

His research spans climate change adaptation, natural resource management, forest and land use change, protected areas, watershed management, and rangeland ecosystems. He has contributed to multiple studies on social capital’s influence on poverty reduction, climate change perception, and adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in Afghanistan and India. His work has also examined the impacts of polluting fuels on child health and analyzed long-term climate change trends in Afghanistan.

Awards

He has received multiple awards for his research excellence, including a prize from the Central Asian Journal of Water Research for his publication on Afghan farmers’ drought adaptation. He was recognized by Bamyan University as a top researcher for his publications, research projects, and mentorship. He has secured several research grants, including the UCC Sanctuary Scholarship for studying rural community adaptation in Ireland, an ICIMOD grant for studying polluting fuels and child health, and UNEP funding for research on rangeland communities in Afghanistan.

 

Skills

Qurban Aliyar is proficient in statistical and research software, including SPSS, Stata, and R. He has expertise in climate modeling, data analysis, GIS applications in environmental research, and survey methodologies for socio-environmental studies. He is skilled in research project management, academic mentorship, and policy engagement, facilitating knowledge transfer between academia and governmental agencies.

 

Publications

 

Publication Title: Influence of Social Capital on the Poverty Reduction of Rangeland Communities in the Bamyan Province, Afghanistan
Authors: Qurban Aliyar, Chan-jung Lee, Pone Salimath, Yohan Lee
Journal: Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
Year: 2024

Conclusion:

 Mr. Qurban Aliyar is a strong candidate for the “Research for Excellence in Innovation” award. His contributions to climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and rural development reflect innovation and academic excellence. With continued interdisciplinary expansion and global outreach, he has the potential to make even greater contributions to environmental sustainability and policy-driven research.