Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | University of Tabriz | Iran

Prof. Roghieh Hajiboland is a distinguished Full Professor of Plant Physiology in the Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, renowned for her extensive contributions to mineral nutrition, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant–microbe interactions. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and has since developed a globally recognized research portfolio focused on nutrient uptake, transport physiology, heavy metal tolerance, salinity and drought stress adaptation, aluminum toxicity, and silicon- and selenium-mediated stress mitigation in diverse crop and halophytic species. With an active research career spanning more than a decade, Prof. Hajiboland has produced a substantial body of high-impact scientific work, including 60+ international journal articles, influential compilation books with Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, and Shayesteh Publishers, and numerous national publications and conference presentations. Her studies have advanced fundamental understanding of mineral element functions, nutrient remobilization, antioxidant responses, water relations, and physiological/biochemical mechanisms underlying stress resilience in plants. She is widely recognized for pioneering research on tea plant physiology, halophyte species, intercropping systems, and the roles of aluminum, selenium, and silicon in plant stress biology. Prof. Hajiboland teaches a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level courses, including Plant Physiology, Plant Growth and Development, Mineral Nutrition, Uptake and Transport in Plants, Transport Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, and Plant–Microbe Interactions. Her academic leadership includes supervising graduate research, mentoring young scientists, and contributing actively to departmental and institutional development. Her scholarly visibility is supported through Google Scholar, Scopus, and ResearchGate profiles, reflecting strong citation influence and international collaboration, particularly with leading researchers in Europe. Through her sustained research, teaching, and publication record, Prof. Hajiboland continues to shape contemporary understanding of plant stress physiology and sustainable crop improvement under challenging environmental conditions.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Moradtalab, N., Hajiboland, R., Aliasgharzad, N., Hartmann, T. E., & Neumann, G. (2019). Silicon and the association with an arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus clarus) mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress on strawberry. Agronomy, 9(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9010041

Rahmat, S., Hajiboland, R., & Sadeghzade, N. (2017). Selenium delays leaf senescence in oilseed rape plants. Photosynthetica, 55(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-016-0643-6

Hajiboland, R., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2017). Silicon modifies both a local response and a systemic response to mechanical stress in tobacco leaves. Biologia Plantarum, 61(1), 123–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-016-0633-3

Ebrahimi, N., Hartikainen, H., Simojoki, A., Hajiboland, R., & Seppänen, M. (2015). Dynamics of dry matter and selenium accumulation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in response to organic and inorganic selenium treatments. Agricultural and Food Science, 24(3), 219–230.*

Hajiboland, R., Sadeghzadeh, N., Ebrahimi, N., Sadeghzadeh, B., & Mohammadi, S. A. (2015). Influence of selenium in drought-stressed wheat plants under greenhouse and field conditions. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 105(2), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2015.105.2.01

Hajiboland, R., Bastani, S., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2015). Interactions between aluminum and boron in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(12), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-015-1803-1

Nathir | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Nathir | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nathir | Jordan University of Science & Technology | Jordan

Prof. Nathir Ahmad Faisal Al-Rawashdeh (نذير احمد فيصل الرواشده) is an accomplished Professor of Physical Chemistry whose career spans more than three decades across leading institutions in the UAE, Jordan, and the United States. He currently serves as the Director of the Center for Excellence in Education & Learning and Acting Director of the Admissions and Registration Department at the University of Al Dhaid, UAE. Known for his interdisciplinary approach and strong commitment to educational innovation, Prof. Al-Rawashdeh integrates research excellence with institutional leadership to advance academic quality and scientific progress. Prof. Al-Rawashdeh’s research portfolio reflects a deep engagement with applied chemistry, particularly in areas that intersect with national priorities such as environmental sustainability, nanotechnology, materials science, energy, and water treatment. His work in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), corrosion inhibition, graphene-based nanomaterials, photocatalysis, ruthenium complexes for solar energy conversion, and supramolecular inclusion complexes has made significant contributions to the fields of surface science, environmental chemistry, and molecular spectroscopy. His collaborative projects on eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies further demonstrate his capacity to translate scientific theory into impactful real-world solutions. Throughout his career, Prof. Al-Rawashdeh has maintained a strong presence in international academia. His doctoral work at Georgetown University (USA) under Prof. Colby A. Foss, Jr. laid the foundation for advanced research on electromagnetic enhancement in surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy, a theme that continues to influence his scientific trajectory. His Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati further broadened his global research exposure and strengthened his international collaborations. With over 120 scientific publications, numerous high-impact journal papers, and continuous contributions across multidisciplinary domains, he is recognized as a leading researcher in physical and applied chemistry. In addition to his research accomplishments, Prof. Al-Rawashdeh has held several senior academic and administrative roles, including Dean of Academic Operations across multiple campuses of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Dean of Academic Support Services, Head of Chemistry Departments, Vice Dean, and multiple student affairs leadership positions. His leadership has been instrumental in curriculum enhancement, accreditation processes, quality assurance, academic operations management, and strategic program development. His ability to handle complex academic responsibilities demonstrates strong organizational, managerial, and visionary capabilities.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Al Bawab, A., Afaneh, R., Abu-Dalo, M. A., Odeh, F., Al Kuisi, M., & Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F. (2025). Lime and nano-limestone composite-based pretreatment and adsorption strategies for olive mill wastewater treatment: Toward efficient and sustainable solutions. Journal of Composites Science, Published 2025-11-09. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9110618

Saleh, A. M., Albiss, B. A., Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F., & Alsharaeh, E. H. (2024). An ammonia gas sensor based on reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels. ChemistrySelect, Published 2024-06-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202401500

Azzam, W., Subaihi, A., Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F., & Al-Nawaiseh, A. (2024). Imaging of terphenyldithiol molecules in highly orientated and ordered aromatic dithiol SAMs on Au(111). The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Published 2024-03-07. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c00102

Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F., Allabadi, O., & Aljarrah, M. T. (2020). Photocatalytic activity of graphene oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposites with embedded metal nanoparticles for the degradation of organic dyes. ACS Omega, Published 2020-11-03. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c03608

Abu-Dalo, M., Jaradat, A., Albiss, B. A., & Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F. (2019). Green synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles/pristine pomegranate peel extract nanocomposite and its antimicrobial activity for water disinfection. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Published 2019-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2019.103370

Abu-Dalo, M. A., Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F., Al-Mheidat, I. R., & Nassory, N. S. (2016). Preparation and evaluation of new uranyl imprinted polymer electrode sensor for uranyl ion based on uranyl–carboxybenzotriazole complex in PVC matrix membrane. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Published 2016-05. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2015.12.076

Kenju Otsuka | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kenju Otsuka | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kenju Otsuka | TS3L Research | Japan

The nomination highlights an accomplished researcher whose work spans laser physics, quantum electronics, self-mixing laser metrology, and nonlinear optical dynamics. Their academic background reflects decades of contributions to the development of advanced solid-state laser systems and the fundamental understanding of dynamic behavior in optical environments. The researcher has completed significant investigations, including the invention of stoichiometric laser crystals enabling highly efficient microchip lasers, as well as pioneering methods for controlling transverse laser modes through pump-beam modulation. Their studies on nonlinear dynamics—such as antiphase behavior, clustering phenomena, and chaotic itinerancy—have shaped theoretical and experimental approaches in optical complex systems. Current research focuses on advancing self-mixing metrology using thin-slice solid-state lasers with ultra-high sensitivity for measuring non-cooperative objects. This includes groundbreaking progress on laser-diode-pumped ruby lasers designed for extreme-precision sensing applications. The researcher has led several major projects in this domain, including development of thin-slice Cr:Al₂O₃ lasers aimed at pushing the limits of metrological sensitivity. Their scholarly output is extensive, with thousands of citations, numerous indexed journal publications, authored book chapters, and a monograph on nonlinear optical dynamics. They also hold multiple patents related to laser technologies, reflecting a strong innovation portfolio. The researcher has maintained active collaborations with leading scientists and institutions, contributing significantly to the global optics and photonics community. In addition to research achievements, they have served in editorial roles and hold prestigious fellowships in internationally recognized scientific societies, acknowledging their influence in laser science, photonic device engineering, and nonlinear dynamics. Their contributions to self-mixing laser metrology, laser mode manipulation, and the exploration of complex optical behaviors continue to advance precision measurement and optical system design.

Profiles:  Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2025). Harmonics-assisted 50-fold optical phase amplification with a self-mixing thin-slice Nd:GdVO₄ laser with wide-aperture laser-diode pumping. Photonics, 12(11), Article 1098. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111098

Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2025). Evaluation of thermal expansion of elastomer using self-mixing vibrometry with thin-slice solid laser. Journal of Applied Physics, 138(4), Article 0281888. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0281888

Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2024). Self-mixing thinly sliced ruby laser for laser Doppler velocimetry with high optical sensitivity. Optics Continuum, 3(11), Article 532807. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.532807

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Spiking ruby revisited: Self-induced periodic spiking oscillations leading to chaotic state in a Cr:Al₂O₃ laser with cw 532-nm pumping. Optics Continuum, 2(9), Article 497640. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.497640

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Erratum: Nonlinear dynamics of a self-mixing thin-slice solid-state laser subjected to Doppler-shifted optical feedback [Phys. Rev. E, 104, 044203 (2021)]. Physical Review E, 108(3), 039901. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.108.039901

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2022). Self-mixing interference in a thin-slice solid-state laser with few feedback photons per observation period. Physical Review A, 106(5), 053504. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.053504

Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharon Youmans | University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy | United States 

Dr. Sharon Lynn Youmans is a distinguished leader in pharmacy education, health literacy, and diversity advancement within academic health sciences. With a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master’s in Public Health, she has built an influential career integrating clinical pharmacy practice, education, and leadership. Over the past three decades, she has held progressive academic and administrative positions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy, where she currently serves as Executive Vice Dean and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. Her leadership extends to the UCSF School of Dentistry as Associate Dean for Community Engagement, demonstrating her broad impact on interprofessional collaboration and community health outreach. Her scholarly and service contributions focus on health communication, health disparities, diversity, equity, inclusion, and global health. Dr. Youmans has played an instrumental role in shaping pharmacy education through curriculum transformation, experiential learning innovations, and national leadership in accreditation and professional organizations such as AACP, ACPE, and ASHP. She has served as an evaluator and consultant on pharmacy education programs worldwide, contributing to global standards in health science education. An accomplished educator, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple UCSF Apple Awards for Teaching, the UCSF Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, and induction into the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators. Her leadership in promoting diversity and addressing health disparities has earned national recognition from professional pharmacy associations. Through her extensive invited lectures and scholarly activities, Dr. Youmans has advanced dialogue on cultural competence, health equity, curriculum reform, and workforce development in pharmacy. Her ongoing work continues to inspire innovation in pharmacy education, advocate for equitable healthcare delivery, and strengthen academic excellence and community impact across the health professions.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn 

Featured Publications 

Schillinger, D., Hammer, H., Wang, F., Palacios, J., McLean, I., Tang, A., & Youmans, S. L. (2008). Seeing in 3-D: Examining the reach of diabetes self-management support strategies in a public health care system. Health Education & Behavior, 35(5), 664–682. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198107303316

Youmans, S. L., & Schillinger, D. (2003). Functional health literacy and medication use: The pharmacist’s role. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 37(11), 1726–1729. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1D166

Robles, J. R., Youmans, S. L., Byrd, D. C., & Polk, R. E. (2009). Perceived barriers to scholarship and research among pharmacy practice faculty: Survey report from the AACP Scholarship/Research Faculty Development Task Force. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(1), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj730117

Nkansah, N. T., Youmans, S. L., Agness, C. F., & Assemi, M. (2009). Fostering and managing diversity in schools of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(8), Article 152. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj7308152

Mandap, M., Carrillo, S., & Youmans, S. L. (2014). An evaluation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health education in pharmacy school curricula. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 6(6), 752–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2014.06.011

Bautista, C. A., Huang, I., Stebbins, M., Floren, L. C., Wamsley, M., Youmans, S. L., & others. (2020). Development of an interprofessional rotation for pharmacy and medical students to perform telehealth outreach to vulnerable patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(5), 694–697. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2020.1810253

Li Yu | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Li Yu | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Li Yu | Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Yu Li is a distinguished Research Fellow at the Oil Crops Research Institute (OCRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), specializing in Food Science and Technology with a strong emphasis on mycotoxin prevention, detection, and safety assurance in agricultural products. Her research integrates advanced analytical techniques and immunological approaches to develop innovative detection systems for food contaminants. She has successfully led and participated in more  major national and provincial research projects, including those funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Her pivotal role in the award-winning project “Development of Targeted Antibodies and Ultrasensitive Detection Technologies for Aflatoxins in Agricultural Products” earned her team the Second-Class Prize of the National Technical Invention Award . Recognized for her excellence, Dr. Li has been selected for the Outstanding Young Talent Cultivation Program of OCRI-CAAS and the “Young Top Talent” Program of Hubei Province. Beyond her research, she contributes to scientific development as a Guest Editor for Molecules and as a member of the Science and Technology Expert Database of the Hubei Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

Profiles:  ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Tang, F., Ma, F., Wang, D., Fang, M., Zhang, L., Li, P., & Yu, L. (2025). Highly efficient detoxification of aflatoxin B1 in peanut meals by attapulgite-supported laccase. Food Control, 164, 111759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111759

Ma, F., He, Y., Tang, F., Fu, L., Zhang, L., Li, P., & Yu, L. (2025). In-situ stabilization of conjugated microporous polymer on sieve plates for multifunctional applications: Detection and removal of aflatoxins. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 478, 139457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139457

Liu, M., Wang, X., Yang, Y., Tu, F., Yu, L., Ma, F., Wang, X., Jiang, X., Dou, X., Li, P., & others. (2025). Authentication of edible oil by real-time one class classification modeling. Foods, 14(7), 1235. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071235

Dou, X., Tu, F., Yu, L., Yang, Y., Ma, F., Wang, X., Wang, D., Zhang, L., Jiang, X., & Li, P. (2024). Adulteration detection of edible oil by one-class classification and outlier detection. Food Frontiers, 5(1), Article e395. https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.395

Huang, F., Liu, A., Fang, M., Wang, D., Yu, L., Ma, F., Wang, X., Zhang, L., & Li, P. (2024). Characteristic volatile flavors of high-oleic peanut oil and normal peanut oil. Microchemical Journal, 199, 110389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2024.110389