Hela Ferjani | Material sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc.  Prof. Dr. Hela Ferjani |  Material sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Imam Ibn Saud Univerdity, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Hela Al-Ferjani is an Associate Professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with permanent residency in Riyadh. She has an extensive academic career, having worked at prestigious institutions such as Umm Al Qura University and the University of Tunis El-Manar. With over a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Al-Ferjani has supervised numerous undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students. She is internationally recognized for her research and has built strong collaborations with top global universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Sorbonne University, and Southeast University. Her work spans multiple fields, including nanomaterials, hybrid materials, and organometallic complexes. Dr. Al-Ferjani’s innovative contributions to the scientific community are evident in her numerous patents, peer-reviewed publications, and academic collaborations. Her expertise has garnered recognition in both experimental and theoretical aspects of materials chemistry.

Profile

Education 

Dr. Hela Al-Ferjani earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Tunis El-Manar, Tunisia, in 2014, where she specialized in solid-state chemistry. Prior to that, she completed her M.Sc. in Chemistry with a focus on solid-state chemistry at the same institution in 2010. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from the University of Tunis El-Manar in 2008. Throughout her educational career, Dr. Al-Ferjani displayed exceptional aptitude in scientific research and gained a solid foundation in chemistry and material science. She has since contributed greatly to the development of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, nanomaterials, and organometallic complexes. Her educational background reflects her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the design and application of materials for various technologies, including solar systems, photocatalysis, and biological applications. Her academic credentials have also paved the way for her successful teaching and research career.

Experience 

Dr. Hela Al-Ferjani has extensive experience in higher education and research. She is currently an Associate Professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, where she has been serving since 2022. Prior to this, she was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2017 to 2021. Dr. Al-Ferjani also worked as an Assistant Professor at Umm Al Qura University between 2014 and 2016 and as a Lecturer at the University of Tunis El-Manar from 2010 to 2014. In her academic career, she has taught a variety of courses, including General Chemistry, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, and Quantum Chemistry. Additionally, Dr. Al-Ferjani has supervised numerous student projects at both undergraduate and graduate levels, showcasing her dedication to student mentorship. Her research activities have involved collaborations with leading global institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Sorbonne University, further enhancing her academic contributions.

Research Focus 

Dr. Hela Al-Ferjani’s primary research interests revolve around the synthesis and study of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, nanomaterials, and organometallic complexes. She focuses on designing materials with applications in solar energy systems, photocatalysis, optoelectronics, and magnetic technologies. Additionally, Dr. Al-Ferjani investigates their potential in environmental and biological contexts, including medicinal applications. Her work combines experimental and theoretical approaches, which enables the strategic design of advanced materials with tailored properties for specific applications. By exploring the structure-property relationships of these materials, Dr. Al-Ferjani aims to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies and new solutions to global challenges. Her innovative contributions have led to several patents, as well as numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. She collaborates internationally with renowned research institutions and remains at the forefront of cutting-edge research in materials chemistry and nanotechnology, striving to advance both fundamental science and practical applications.

Publications

  • First-Principles Calculations to Investigate the Effect of Van der Waals Interactions on the Crystal and Electronic Structures of Tin-Based 0D Hybrid Perovskites 🧪💻 (2022)
  • Synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT calculations, 3D energy frameworks studies of Schiff base derivative 📊🔬 (2021)
  • Structural, Hirshfeld surface analysis, morphological approach, and spectroscopic study of new hybrid iodobismuthate containing tetranuclear 0D cluster 🔍🧑‍🔬 (2020)
  • New Quasi‐One‐Dimensional Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Material: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Spectroscopic Studies 🔬🔧 (2014)
  • Facile synthesis of carbon dots by the hydrothermal carbonization of avocado peels and the photocatalytic evaluation 🥑💡 (2024)
  • Graphitic carbon nitride functionalized with Cu-doped Bi2S3 as a heterostructure photocatalyst for the visible light degradation of methyl orange ☀️🌿 (2023)
  • Dual S-scheme heterojunction g-C3N4/Bi2S3/CuS composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity 🌞🔬 (2023)
  • Broad-band luminescence involving fluconazole antifungal drug in a lead-free bismuth iodide perovskite 💊🌐 (2020)
  • Stabilization of supramolecular network of fluconazole drug polyiodide: Synthesis, computational and spectroscopic studies 🔬💊 (2022)
  • Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and DFT calculations of methyl (Z)-4-((4-((4-bromobenzyl) selanyl) phenyl) amino)-4-oxobut-2-enoate 🧪🔬 (2021)
  • Phyto-mediated synthesis of Ag, ZnO, and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles from leaf extract of Solanum macrocarpon 🌱💎 (2024)

Muhammad Arshad | Material Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Muhammad Arshad | Material Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Principal Scientific Officer, Nanosciences and Technology Department, National Centre for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Arshad is a distinguished Staff Scientist at the Nanoscience & Technology Department (NS&TD) of the National Centre for Physics (NCP) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan. He previously served as a Principal Scientific Officer and Associate Professor at the same institution. Dr. Arshad manages advanced spectroscopy and microscopy systems, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). He also contributes as a visiting faculty member in the Department of Physics at QAU. 🧪🔬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Expertise and Technical Skills:
    • Muhammad Arshad demonstrates a broad and deep technical expertise in the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of advanced materials, particularly carbon-based nanostructures. His experience with cutting-edge techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a significant asset.
    • His ability to handle and operate sophisticated equipment and software for data analysis showcases his high-level technical skills and hands-on experience, crucial for impactful research.
  2. Research Contributions:
    • Arshad has an impressive record of publications in reputable journals, highlighting his contributions to various fields, including energy storage devices, graphene-based materials, and spectroscopy. His recent papers indicate ongoing advancements and active engagement in his research areas.
    • His research on energy conversion and storage devices, as well as two-dimensional materials, addresses important and contemporary scientific challenges.
  3. Institutional and International Experience:
    • His experience working at renowned institutions like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Advanced Light Source, as well as his role in establishing and managing a surface science laboratory, demonstrates his capability to work at an international level and contribute to significant scientific projects.
  4. Educational Background:
    • His strong educational foundation, with a Ph.D. from the University of Groningen and extensive teaching experience, further solidifies his qualifications as a leading researcher in his field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Impact and Outreach:
    • While his technical skills and research contributions are strong, enhancing the broader impact of his work through public outreach, collaborations with industry, or policy influence could strengthen his candidacy for the award.
    • Increasing visibility through more high-profile publications or presentations at major conferences could further establish his reputation in the scientific community.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research:
    • Exploring interdisciplinary research opportunities could expand the applications of his work and demonstrate versatility in addressing diverse scientific questions. This could also involve collaborating with researchers from different fields to tackle complex, multifaceted problems.

 

Education

Dr. Arshad earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Netherlands, focusing on carbon-based hybrid nanostructures. He completed his M.Phil. in Physics in 2006 from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and his M.Sc. in Physics in 2003 from Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan. 🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Arshad’s expertise spans the synthesis of carbon-based hybrid nanostructured materials and the growth of thin films and carbon nanostructures. He has substantial experience with synchrotron-based XPS at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and has played a key role in establishing surface science laboratories at NCP. His technical skills include handling XPS, STM, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy systems, among others. 🌟🔧

Research Focus

Dr. Arshad’s research interests include energy conversion and storage devices, graphene-based composites, and the spectroscopy and microscopy of thin films and 2D materials. His work focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of advanced nanomaterials and their properties. 🔋📈

Awards and Honours

Dr. Arshad has been recognized for his significant contributions to nanoscience and technology, including awards for his research in nanostructured materials and spectroscopy. His work has earned him recognition within the scientific community for advancements in material science and surface analysis. 🏆🎖️

Publication Top Notes

S. Sharif, T. Ahmed, Z. Ahmad, M. A. Choudhary, M. Arshad, “Synthesis and characterization of Ag@Ni co-axial nanocables and their fluorescent and catalytic properties,” Science and Engineering of Composite Materials, 31(1), 20240010 (2024). 📄

N. Athar, G. Naz, M. Ramzan, M. S. Sadiq, M. Arshad, et al., “Enhanced sunlight-driven photocatalysis owing to synergetic effect of gold nanoparticles-incorporated ZnO/rGO ternary heterostructures,” J. K. Saud University-Science, 36(3), 103104 (2024). 🌟

E. Dogan, S. Altundag, S. Altin, M. Arshad, et al., “Production of V‐Doped P2‐type Na0.67Mn0.5Fe0.43Al0.07O2 Cathodes and Investigation of Na‐Ion Full Cells Performance,” Energy Technology, 12(1), 2300837 (2024). 🔋

S. Irfan, Y. A Haleem, M. Usman, N. Ahmad, M. Arshad, et al., “Validating superior electrochemical properties of Ti3C2 MXene for supercapacitor applications through first-principles calculations,” New J. Chem., 48, 4982 (2024). 🔬

U. Younas, M. Atif, M. Sahil, T. Ali, M. Arshad, et al., “Structural, optical, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties in BaTi1−xCrxO3 ceramics prepared by a solvothermal reflux approach,” Ceramics International, 50(3), 4469-4479 (2024). 📘

M. Arshad, L. Sorba, P. Rudolf, C. Cepek, “Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers Grown on Vertically Aligned InAs Nanowires Via Chemical Vapour Deposition,” Nanomaterials, 13, 3083 (2023). 📖

Conclusion:

Muhammad Arshad’s robust technical expertise, impressive publication record, and significant contributions to advanced materials research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Article Award. His work in energy storage, graphene-based materials, and advanced spectroscopy techniques demonstrates both depth and breadth in his research. While he has a solid foundation and excellent credentials, expanding his impact through broader outreach and interdisciplinary collaboration could enhance his profile even further. Overall, his qualifications and achievements align well with the criteria for this prestigious award.