Assoc Prof Dr. khalid Khan | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 09/10/202409/10/2024 by ScienceFather

Assoc Prof Dr. khalid Khan | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan

Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

The academic journey of this accomplished chemistry professional began with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Zoology, and Botany from Government College Peshawar (2000-2002). This laid the foundation for a more focused engagement in organic chemistry during a Master of Science (MSc) at the University of Peshawar (2002-2004), where the individual distinguished themselves as a top performer in the class. This early period was marked by a passion for the intricacies of chemical science, ultimately guiding them towards advanced studies.

In 2008, the pursuit of academic excellence took them to Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, where they embarked on a Ph.D. in Chemistry. The focus of their doctoral research was on the design, synthesis, and loading potential of a new family of nonionic amphiphilic Dendro-Calix[4]arene, under the supervision of Dr. Yan-Song Zhong. During this period, they not only demonstrated technical prowess in synthesis and characterization techniques such as NMR, IR, and HR MS but also acquired deep expertise in examining nanoparticles using methods like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Their dissertation work significantly contributed to the field of nanomaterials and advanced drug delivery systems.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 🧪

The professional trajectory of this individual at Islamia College University, Peshawar, reflects over 15 years of dedication to teaching, research, and mentoring. They first took on the role of Lecturer (2005-2008) before advancing to Assistant Professor (2013-2020) and later Associate Professor (2020-present) in the Department of Chemistry.

Throughout this period, their research remained focused on cutting-edge topics in chemistry, particularly in synthetic organic chemistry, nanomaterials, and medicinal chemistry. Their work involved supervising numerous graduate and undergraduate research projects, many of which explored structure-activity relationships (SAR) for drug discovery. A notable project involved the design of new derivatives of the antiviral drug Favipiravir for inhibiting the SARS-CoV-II virus, tested using in silico models alongside advanced computational methods like ADDMET, DFT, and MD simulations. This work highlights their versatility in both experimental and computational chemistry, a skill set that has enabled them to collaborate with various national and international research organizations.

In addition to academic mentorship, this professional has contributed significantly to the academic community at Islamia College University through administrative roles, such as being a Warden of two student hostels and serving on several university committees. They have reviewed and examined multiple Ph.D., MPhil, and BS theses, adding to their already robust academic profile.

Research Focus 🔬

A significant portion of this professor’s research revolves around the development and synthesis of complex organic molecules and nanomaterials. Their Ph.D. work on nonionic amphiphilic Dendro-Calix[4]arenes has implications for drug delivery systems, a topic that remains at the forefront of pharmaceutical research today.

Moreover, their ongoing research has made substantial contributions to the understanding of antiviral drug design, particularly against viral infections such as COVID-19. By synthesizing and testing new derivatives of favipiravir, the researcher explored the interaction of these compounds with viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, one of the critical proteins in viral replication. Their work blends both theoretical modeling and practical synthesis, emphasizing the synthesis of compounds that not only inhibit viral replication but also show desirable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity profiles.

Their research contributions extend beyond organic chemistry into the realm of nanotechnology, where their understanding of nanoparticle behavior, size determination, and drug-loading capacity is crucial. The use of advanced techniques such as TEM and DLS in characterizing these particles showcases their expertise in materials chemistry, particularly in developing nanoscale drug delivery systems.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

The career of this chemist has been marked by a series of awards and accolades that reflect their excellence at every stage of their academic and professional life. They were awarded the Pakistan and Chinese Government Cultural Exchange Scholarship to pursue their Ph.D. in China, a testament to their academic promise and potential.

In addition, they have consistently achieved recognition for their teaching and research. From being a topper during their Master’s degree to securing grants and collaborations with international organizations, they have built a reputation for academic rigor and innovative research. Membership in prestigious organizations like the American Chemical Society and the Royal Chemical Society further attests to their standing in the global scientific community.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Their influence on both students and the broader academic community is profound. Having supervised and mentored numerous Ph.D., MPhil, and BS students, this individual has nurtured the next generation of chemists. Their administrative roles, such as being part of the Tenure Track System Affairs Committee and the Grievances/Conflicts Resolution and Redressal Committee, demonstrate their commitment to improving academic governance.

Furthermore, their research on antiviral drug design has direct implications for global health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their work on favipiravir derivatives represents a meaningful contribution to the fight against viral diseases, highlighting the real-world impact of their research.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking forward, this chemist’s future contributions are poised to build upon their extensive background in organic synthesis, nanotechnology, and medicinal chemistry. With ongoing collaborations and an established track record in cutting-edge research, they are well-positioned to make further contributions to antiviral drug development and nanomaterials science. Their leadership in academic mentoring ensures that their legacy will not only be in their own research but also in the students and professionals they have trained, who will continue to advance the frontiers of chemistry.

📝Notable Publications

**Metabolic and pharmacological profiling of Penicillium claviforme by a combination of experimental and bioinformatic approaches**

Authors: Khalid Khan

Journal: Annals of Medicine

Year: 2022-12-31

**Insights into metabolic and pharmacological profiling of Aspergillus ficuum through bioinformatics and experimental techniques**

Authors: Khalid Khan

Journal: BMC Microbiology

Year: 2022-12-09

Molecular docking and dynamic simulations of Cefixime, Etoposide, and Nebrodenside A against the pathogenic proteins of SARS-CoV-2

Authors: Khalid Khan

Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure

Year: 2022-01

Structural insights into the Zika virus NS1 protein inhibition using a computational approach

Authors: Khalid Khan

Journal: Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics

Year: 2021-05-24

**Antifungal activity of compounds isolated from Aspergillus niger and their molecular docking studies with tomatinase**

Authors: Khalid Khan

Journal: Natural Product Research

Year: 2020-09-16

Prof Paolo Iodice | Best Researcher Award | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 04/10/202404/10/2024 by ScienceFather

Prof Paolo Iodice | Best Researcher Award | Best Researcher Award

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy

Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Paolo Iodice has cultivated a strong foundation in engineering and environmental studies, reflected in his extensive academic contributions. His early research, beginning in the 2010s, focused on the environmental impact of vehicles, particularly the behavior of emissions in various conditions. Iodice’s deep commitment to understanding vehicular emissions led him to investigate cold and hot conditions for motorcycles and scooters, laying the groundwork for his future work on sustainability and environmental protection. His early publications, including his work presented at the 65th and 66th ATI National Congresses, showcase his collaboration with renowned academics such as A. Senatore and M.V. Prati. During these formative years, Iodice’s research established his expertise in emission behavior and experimental methodologies.

His engagement with academia is further evidenced by his involvement in international conferences, including the 10th Urban Environment Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden (2010), where his contributions helped shape discussions on sustainable urban transport and environmental issues. This phase of Iodice’s career was marked by a curiosity for experimental research, leading him to create and refine models that predict and assess the environmental impact of road transport.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Building on his academic foundation, Iodice embarked on a professional journey that married theory with practical application. His professional career has been largely dedicated to the field of automotive engineering and environmental monitoring, focusing on emission control and vehicle performance evaluation. A key milestone in Iodice’s career was his involvement in the development of methodologies to quantify and reduce the environmental footprint of road transport. His work spans innovative solutions like ethanol-gasoline blended fuels, where he explored their impact on motorcycle emissions.

Iodice has contributed to the growing body of knowledge on cold start emissions, presenting his findings at global conferences, such as the SAE ICE conferences in Capri, Italy, and Detroit, USA, where he collaborated with other experts in the field. He has authored numerous papers on vehicular emissions, cold emissive behavior of motorcycles, and the modeling of pollutant dispersion, underscoring his focus on integrating sustainable technologies into transportation.

His professional endeavors also extend into experimental investigation, particularly with chassis dynamometer setups that allow for real-time monitoring of emissions from two-wheelers and scooters. This combination of empirical data and theoretical modeling has enabled Iodice to make impactful contributions to both industrial practices and policy discussions regarding environmental standards for vehicles.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Paolo Iodice’s research trajectory reveals a steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of vehicular emissions and their environmental consequences. His scholarly work is deeply intertwined with real-world applications, where his focus has predominantly been on the following areas:

Emission Behavior of Motorcycles and Scooters: Iodice has extensively studied the behavior of emissions from motorcycles and scooters in different operational conditions. His early work with high-performance motorcycles, where he applied a theoretical-experimental model to evaluate emissions, continues to be a reference point in this area of study.
Cold Start Emissions: A significant portion of Iodice’s research centers on the emissions produced during cold starts—one of the most pollutive phases of vehicle operation. His investigations into ethanol-gasoline blends have offered insights into how alternative fuels can reduce emissions during this critical phase.
Sustainable Transportation Solutions: Throughout his career, Iodice has sought to develop eco-friendly transportation models. His work on innovative power-assisted bicycles and electrically assisted bicycles has garnered attention for their potential to contribute to urban sustainability goals.

These contributions have not only furthered academic discourse but have also provided valuable insights for industries and policymakers working toward reducing transportation’s carbon footprint. His collaborations with other experts have strengthened his research’s interdisciplinary appeal, as seen in his work on eco-compatible protocols for soil remediation in the SIN Litorale Domizio-Agro Aversano project.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Paolo Iodice’s contributions to engineering and environmental sciences have been met with significant recognition from his peers and the broader scientific community. He has been invited to present his research at prestigious conferences worldwide, including the World Congress on Engineering and the ASME-ATI-UIT joint conferences. His research on emission inventories, especially from two-wheeler vehicles, has been included in the Springer “Alliance for Global Sustainability” book series, attesting to the importance of his work in global discussions on sustainable development.

Iodice has also received accolades for his research on trigeneration plants and their role in sustainable urban development. His ability to bridge the gap between advanced engineering solutions and environmental sustainability has made him a sought-after speaker and collaborator in both academic and professional circles.

Impact and Influence 🌱

Iodice’s research has had a profound impact on how emissions from motorcycles and scooters are understood and addressed. His work on ethanol-gasoline blends, for instance, has paved the way for further research into alternative fuels that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, his development of models to predict pollutant dispersion from motor vehicles in metropolitan areas has had far-reaching implications for urban planners and environmental regulators, aiding them in creating more effective environmental protection policies.

His influence extends beyond the academic community, as his research has practical implications for industries looking to meet stricter environmental standards. The emission factors he developed for two-wheelers are now integral to emission inventories used by governments and environmental agencies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔭

Looking forward, Paolo Iodice’s legacy will undoubtedly be defined by his tireless pursuit of innovative solutions to one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time: vehicular emissions. His research will continue to influence the development of more sustainable transportation systems, especially in urban areas, where the need to reduce emissions is most pressing. His work on electrically assisted bicycles and alternative fuel models could play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban mobility.

As he continues to explore new methodologies and technologies for emission reduction, Iodice’s contributions to both the academic and practical aspects of engineering will remain influential. His future research may well expand into areas such as electric vehicles and renewable energy integration, ensuring that his work continues to be at the cutting edge of environmental sustainability.

In summary, Paolo Iodice’s journey from an inquisitive researcher to a globally recognized expert in vehicular emissions exemplifies his unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable future. His contributions to academia and industry will have a lasting impact on both fields, making him a key figure in the fight against climate change. 🌍