Tun Naw Sut | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tun Naw Sut | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Sungkyunkwan University | South Korea

Dr. Tun Naw Sut is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in nanomedicine, biomimetic membranes, and bio-sensing technologies, recognized for his interdisciplinary expertise and impactful research contributions. He holds dual doctoral training in nanomedicine and chemical engineering, supported by prior qualifications in materials science and biomedical engineering, forming a strong foundation for his work at the interface of engineering, biotechnology, and nanomaterials. His professional experience spans academic research, diagnostic platform development, electrochemical biomarker detection, phospholipid self-assembly studies, and compliance testing of medical electrical equipment, reflecting both scientific depth and industry-relevant technical capability. Dr. Sut’s research focuses on lipid-based nanomaterials, membrane biophysics, antimicrobial lipids, diagnostic sensors, and therapeutic nanoplatforms, and he has authored numerous publications in high-impact journals that advance the understanding and application of functional biomimetic systems. His leadership includes serving as guest editor and topic editor for international journals, contributing to the curation of scholarly work in biomimicry, functional materials, and membrane science. He has been recognized through competitive research grants, academic scholarships, and editorial appointments that highlight his innovation, scientific rigor, and growing influence in the field. Through his combined research excellence, interdisciplinary training, and dedication to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, Dr. Sut demonstrates exceptional potential for continued contributions to scientific innovation and research leadership.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Molla, A., Sut, T. N., Yoon, B. K., & Jackman, J. A. (2025). Headgroup-driven binding selectivity of alkylphospholipids to anionic lipid bilayers. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.

2. Lee, C. J., Jannah, F., Sut, T. N., Haris, M., & Jackman, J. A. (2025). Curvature-sensing peptides for virus and extracellular vesicle applications. ACS Nano.

3. Kim, D., Baek, H., Lim, S. Y., Lee, M. S., Lyu, S., Lee, J., Sut, T. N., Gonçalves, M., Kang, J. Y., Jackman, J. A., & Kim, J. W. (2025). Mechanobiologically engineered mimicry of extracellular vesicles for improved systemic biodistribution and anti-inflammatory treatment efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis. Advanced Healthcare Materials.

4. Ruano, M., Sut, T. N., Tan, S. W., Mullen, A. B., Kelemen, D., Ferro, V. A., & Jackman, J. A. (2025). Solvent-free microfluidic fabrication of antimicrobial lipid nanoparticles. ACS Applied Bio Materials.

5. Hwang, Y., Zhao, Z. J., Shin, S., Sut, T. N., Jackman, J. A., Kim, T., Moon, Y., Ju, B. K., Jeoni, J. H., Cho, N. J., & Kim, M. (2025). Nanopot plasmonic sensor platform for broad spectrum virus detection. Chemical Engineering Journal.

Dr. Tun Naw Sut’s work advances next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic technologies through innovative biomimetic membrane engineering and lipid-based nanomaterials. His research contributes to global health by enabling more effective pathogen detection, improved targeted delivery systems, and transformative strategies for sensing and treating complex diseases.

Kaíque Oliveira | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Kaíque Oliveira | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Researcher | Federal University of São Carlos | Brazil

Dr. Kaíque Souza Gonçalves Cordeiro Oliveira, a Professor at IFSULDEMINAS, is an expert in electrochemical treatment of water and wastewater, with specialization in electrooxidation and capacitive and faradaic processes; he has completed advanced academic training with graduate degrees focused on electrochemical and environmental engineering disciplines, building a strong foundation in applied research and technological development. His professional experience includes leading instructional and research activities, mentoring students, and contributing to institutional projects that advance sustainable water-treatment technologies. Dr. Oliveira’s research centers on developing innovative electrochemical approaches for pollutant degradation, system optimization, and materials performance, resulting in impactful publications and growing recognition within the scientific community. His scholarly contributions, including peer-reviewed articles and participation in collaborative research initiatives, reflect his commitment to advancing environmentally responsible treatment methods. He has received professional acknowledgments for academic excellence, serves in editorial and review capacities for scientific journals, and contributes to professional societies and technical committees that promote innovation in electrochemical engineering.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Juchen, P. T., Barcelos, K. M., Oliveira, K. S. G. C., & Ruotolo, L. A. M. (2022). Using crude residual glycerol as precursor of sustainable activated carbon electrodes for capacitive deionization desalination. Chemical Engineering Journal, 429, 132209.

2. Barcelos, K. M., Oliveira, K. S. G. C., & Ruotolo, L. A. M. (2020). Insights on the role of interparticle porosity and electrode thickness on capacitive deionization performance for desalination. Desalination, 492, 114594.

3. Oliveira, K. S. G. C., dos Santos, E. V., Loor-Urgilés, L. D., Shabanloo, A., & others. (2025). The world impact of boron doped diamond electrodes and low-cost strategies for novel production systems for sustainable wastewater treatment. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 101648.

4. Oliveira, K. S. G. C., Farinos, R. M., Veroli, A. B., & Ruotolo, L. A. M. (2021). Electrochemical incineration of glyphosate wastewater using three-dimensional electrode. Environmental Technology, 42(2), 170–181.

5. Oliveira, K. S. G. C., Barcelos, K. M., Lado, J. J., Palma, J., & Ruotolo, L. A. M. (2023). Improving the electrochemical desalination performance of chloride-doped polyaniline activated carbon electrode by tuning the synthesis method. Chemical Engineering Journal, 457, 141059.

Dr. Kaíque Souza Gonçalves Cordeiro Oliveira’s work advances sustainable electrochemical technologies that enable cleaner water, improved resource recovery, and more resilient environmental systems. His innovations in electrooxidation and capacitive deionization contribute to global efforts to ensure accessible, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible water treatment solutions for industry and society.

Vassilios Sikavitsas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vassilios Sikavitsas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Professor at University of Oklahoma, United States

Professor Vassilios I. Sikavitsas is a distinguished researcher and educator in biomedical and chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo and postdoctoral experience at Rice University, his work focuses on tissue engineering, cancer therapeutics, and bioreactor technologies. He has authored numerous high-impact publications and holds patents related to bone tissue engineering and scaffold design. Recognized multiple times as Best Professor by chemical engineering students, he has also mentored award-winning graduate researchers. His research bridges fundamental science and clinical application, notably in cancer exosome-based therapies and dynamic in vitro tumor models. Sikavitsas actively contributes to the scientific community through editorial board service and memberships in leading professional societies such as AIChE, BMES, and TERMIS. His commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, student development, and translational impact positions him as a leading figure in his field and a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile

Education

Professor Vassilios I. Sikavitsas holds a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering. He earned his Ph.D. (2000) and M.S. (1995) in Chemical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he built his expertise in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Prior to his graduate studies in the United States, he obtained a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1991. His educational trajectory reflects a progressive focus on biomedical applications within engineering, which laid the groundwork for his future research in regenerative medicine and bioreactor technologies. This combination of classical chemical engineering training and biomedical specialization has enabled him to operate at the intersection of engineering and life sciences, a hallmark of his interdisciplinary research. The international scope of his education also contributes to his broad perspective on engineering challenges and biomedical innovation.

Professional Experience

Professor Sikavitsas has built a distinguished academic career at the University of Oklahoma, where he currently serves as a Professor in the School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and is affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology. He joined the university as an Assistant Professor in 2002 and was progressively promoted to Associate Professor in 2008 and Full Professor in 2015. His academic journey began with a postdoctoral research appointment in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University from 2000 to 2002, where he deepened his expertise in tissue engineering. Throughout his academic appointments, he has established a dynamic and productive research laboratory, collaborated across disciplines, and contributed significantly to curriculum development in bioengineering. In addition to his academic duties, he serves on editorial boards and remains active in professional societies, enhancing his engagement with the broader scientific and engineering communities.

Research Interest

Professor Sikavitsas’s research is centered around tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and bioreactor design. He specializes in the development of 3D biomimetic scaffolds, dynamic in vitro tumor models, and bone tissue constructs using advanced flow perfusion systems. His work investigates the role of mechanical stimulation and surface modifications in cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. In recent years, he has expanded into cutting-edge cancer research, exploring exosome-based drug delivery systems and tumor-immune interactions. His interdisciplinary projects bridge chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications, contributing to both fundamental understanding and clinical translation. Notable innovations include US patents on scaffold technology and tissue construct production. With an emphasis on bioreactor modeling and oxygen transport optimization, his work has practical implications in both regenerative therapies and anti-cancer strategies. His lab’s ability to combine experimental and computational methods distinguishes his contributions in the field of biomedical engineering.

Award and Honor

Professor Sikavitsas has received numerous awards and recognitions that reflect his excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship. He has been honored multiple times as the “Best Chemical Engineering Professor” by senior undergraduate students at the University of Oklahoma, recognizing his dedication to teaching and student engagement. As a research advisor, he has mentored students who have won prestigious accolades, including the Biomedical Engineering Society’s Best Dissertation Award and several Best Poster Awards at regional and national conferences. His achievements are further highlighted by multiple editorial board appointments in respected journals like the Journal of Functional Biomaterials and Scientifica (tissue engineering section). Additionally, his professional affiliations with AIChE, BMES, the Biomaterials Society, and TERMIS underscore his standing in the scientific community. These recognitions demonstrate his well-rounded excellence as a researcher, educator, and mentor, making him a strong role model and leader in his academic field.

Conclusion

Professor Vassilios I. Sikavitsas is a highly accomplished researcher and educator whose work bridges chemical engineering and biomedical science. His academic background, combined with over two decades of professional experience, has positioned him as a leader in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer therapeutic research. His innovative work on bioreactors, scaffolds, and cancer exosomes has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, patents, and awards. Equally committed to mentorship and education, he has been recognized for excellence in teaching and for guiding students toward national-level accolades. His involvement in editorial boards and leading scientific societies demonstrates a commitment to the advancement of science and engineering at large. Professor Sikavitsas’s sustained contributions to both research and academic service, along with his interdisciplinary impact, make him a compelling candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award. His career reflects a balance of innovation, collaboration, and academic leadership.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Fluid flow increases mineralized matrix deposition in 3D perfusion culture of marrow stromal osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner
    Authors: GN Bancroft, VI Sikavitsas, J Van Den Dolder, TL Sheffield, CG Ambrose, et al.
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 901

  • Title: Biomaterials and bone mechanotransduction
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, JS Temenoff, AG Mikos
    Year: 2001
    Citations: 815

  • Title: Mineralized matrix deposition by marrow stromal osteoblasts in 3D perfusion culture increases with increasing fluid shear forces
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, GN Bancroft, HL Holtorf, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 595

  • Title: Formation of three‐dimensional cell/polymer constructs for bone tissue engineering in a spinner flask and a rotating wall vessel bioreactor
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, GN Bancroft, AG Mikos
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 541

  • Title: Design of a flow perfusion bioreactor system for bone tissue-engineering applications
    Authors: GN Bancroft, VI Sikavitsas, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 529

  • Title: In vitro generated extracellular matrix and fluid shear stress synergistically enhance 3D osteoblastic differentiation
    Authors: N Datta, QP Pham, U Sharma, VI Sikavitsas, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 521

  • Title: Effect of flow perfusion on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells cultured on starch‐based three‐dimensional scaffolds
    Authors: ME Gomes, VI Sikavitsas, E Behravesh, RL Reis, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 468

  • Title: Effect of bone extracellular matrix synthesized in vitro on the osteoblastic differentiation of marrow stromal cells
    Authors: N Datta, HL Holtorf, VI Sikavitsas, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 388

  • Title: Flow perfusion enhances the calcified matrix deposition of marrow stromal cells in biodegradable nonwoven fiber mesh scaffolds
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, GN Bancroft, JJ Lemoine, MAK Liebschner, M Dauner, et al.
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 247

  • Title: Flow perfusion culture of marrow stromal osteoblasts in titanium fiber mesh
    Authors: J van den Dolder, GN Bancroft, VI Sikavitsas, PHM Spauwen, JA Jansen, et al.
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 205

  • Title: Pre‐culture period of mesenchymal stem cells in osteogenic media influences their in vivo bone forming potential
    Authors: H Castano‐Izquierdo, J Álvarez‐Barreto, J Dolder, JA Jansen, AG Mikos, et al.
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 203

  • Title: Tuning the biomimetic behavior of scaffolds for regenerative medicine through surface modifications
    Authors: NR Richbourg, NA Peppas, VI Sikavitsas
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 196

  • Title: Flow perfusion improves seeding of tissue engineering scaffolds with different architectures
    Authors: JF Alvarez-Barreto, SM Linehan, RL Shambaugh, VI Sikavitsas
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 171

  • Title: Polypyrrole thin films formed by admicellar polymerization support the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
    Authors: H Castano, EA O’Rear, PS McFetridge, VI Sikavitsas
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 158

  • Title: Influence of the in vitro culture period on the in vivo performance of cell/titanium bone tissue‐engineered constructs using a rat cranial critical size defect model
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, J Dolder, GN Bancroft, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 150