Prof Soon-Do Yoon | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Prof Soon-Do Yoon | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Chonnam National University/Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, South Korea

Profile 

Orcid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Soon-Do Yoon’s academic journey has been deeply rooted in Chonnam National University, where he has demonstrated a consistent and focused commitment to chemical engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Applied Chemical Engineering in 2001. Driven by a desire to advance his expertise, he continued at the same institution for his Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Technology, awarded in 2003. Building on his earlier research and academic success, Dr. Yoon completed his Ph.D. in Applied Chemical Engineering in 2006, focusing on pioneering research within this multifaceted field. Each degree added layers of specialization, equipping him with the knowledge and technical acumen to navigate the challenges of advanced chemical engineering.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Yoon’s professional career began in earnest in 2006 as a postdoctoral researcher at Chonnam National University’s Center for Development of Fine Center. Here, he worked closely on various projects, laying the groundwork for his future pursuits in chemical and biomolecular engineering. In 2007, he transitioned to a dual role as a Senior Researcher and Lecturer at Chonnam National University’s Engineering Research Institute. These positions enabled him to establish a rigorous academic portfolio and research capabilities while imparting knowledge to future engineers.

From 2009 to 2010, Dr. Yoon expanded his research exposure internationally, conducting joint research at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia. This role allowed him to collaborate globally, exploring innovative approaches in engineering and broadening his perspectives in chemical systems. Upon his return to Chonnam National University, he continued to ascend the academic ranks, eventually earning a professorship in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Dr. Yoon’s expertise gained further recognition in 2024 when he took up a visiting professor role at the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, where he collaborated on cross-disciplinary research integrating chemical engineering solutions with biological sciences.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Yoon’s research has had a profound impact on areas such as biomedical polymers, water treatment, cosmetic development, and environmental sustainability. His projects reveal a dedication to applied research with practical outcomes that address real-world challenges. Notable projects under his leadership include:

  • Drug-Imprinted Natural Polymer Patches: Supported by the Korea Ministry of Education, Dr. Yoon’s research from 2019 to 2024 focused on developing functional biomedical patches for drug delivery. This project has opened avenues for personalized medical solutions that enhance patient care.
  • Cosmetic and Microneedle Patch Development: In collaboration with the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs, Dr. Yoon explored the development of cosmetics that use Lactobacillus strains to improve skin health, aiming to create products that have both dermatological and economic value.
  • Water-Soluble Oil Removal in Wastewater: His 2021-2022 project with the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation revolved around creating systems to remove water-soluble oils from wastewater, underscoring his commitment to environmental conservation through engineering solutions.
  • Industrial Waste By-Product Utilization: Dr. Yoon’s efforts with Jeonnam Techopark have led to advanced manufacturing technologies using red mud, an industrial by-product. This project reflects his dedication to sustainable practices by recycling waste materials for practical applications, contributing to a circular economy.

His research portfolio also highlights significant work in biodegradable biomaterials that incorporate molecular recognition, funded by the Korea Ministry of Education. These materials have applications in the biomedical field, showcasing his commitment to integrating sustainability into cutting-edge technological advancements.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yoon’s work has earned him numerous awards that underscore his dedication to excellence and service. His Best Service Award from Chonnam National University in 2023 highlights his commitment to academic and institutional contributions. In 2022, he received the Best Achievement Award from the Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, acknowledging his significant research breakthroughs and dedication to advancing the field. These accolades are testaments to his leadership and the value he brings to his university, students, and the broader engineering community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond his awards and research, Dr. Yoon’s influence is evident in his role as an educator and mentor. His courses in chemical and biomolecular engineering are instrumental in training the next generation of engineers. Through his professorship at Chonnam National University and his visiting roles internationally, Dr. Yoon has inspired countless students and researchers to pursue innovative paths in chemical engineering. His guidance on sustainable solutions and advanced biomaterials has imparted a lasting ethos in his students, encouraging them to prioritize environmentally responsible practices in their future careers.

📈 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yoon’s legacy is one of dedication, scientific curiosity, and a profound commitment to environmental and biomedical advancement. His work on biodegradable biomaterials, sustainable by-product utilization, and biomedical applications of chemical engineering reflects his vision of an engineering field that harmonizes human health with environmental preservation. His future projects, especially those in collaboration with international institutions like the University of Florida, promise to advance both scientific knowledge and practical solutions in the realms of environmental protection and healthcare.

As he continues his work, Dr. Yoon’s contributions will likely lead to even greater innovations, creating safer, more effective biomedical materials and sustainable industrial practices. His commitment to both academia and industry positions him as a trailblazer in chemical and biomolecular engineering, whose influence will extend far beyond the university and his immediate research network.

📝Notable Publications

Synthesis, recognition properties and drug release behavior of diltiazem‐imprinted chitosan‐based biomaterials

Authors: Kyeong‐Jung Kim, Ji‐Hoon Kang, Se‐woon Choe, Yeon‐Hum Yun, Soon‐Do Yoon

Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science

Year: 2024-09-18

Inulin/PVA biomaterials using thiamine as an alternative plasticizer

Authors: Hyun-Gi Youn, Jae-Young Je, Chang-Moon Lee, Soon-Do Yoon

Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers

Year: 2019-09

Sulindac imprinted mungbean starch/PVA biomaterial films as a transdermal drug delivery patch

Authors: Hye-Yeong Tak, Yeon-Hum Yun, Chang-Moon Lee, Soon-Do Yoon

Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers

Year: 2019-03

Physical properties of mungbean starch/PVA bionanocomposites added nano-ZnS particles and its photocatalytic activity

Authors: Yeon-Hum Yun, Eun-Sik Kim, Wang-Geun Shim, Soon-Do Yoon

Journal: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

Year: 2018-12

Mr Xiaoyong Zhang | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Xiaoyong Zhang | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award 

Northeast Forestry University, China

Profile 

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓🌱

Xiaoyong Zhang’s journey into environmental science began at Shanxi Agricultural University, where he completed his undergraduate studies at the Forestry College. His fascination with ecological quality, climate change, and vegetation phenology developed early on, driven by the growing need to address pressing global environmental issues. Zhang’s desire to contribute to the field led him to pursue a Master’s degree at Northeast Forestry University, specializing in Environmental Science. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his research endeavors in ecological monitoring and climate change, which he would continue to explore throughout his academic career.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 💼🌍

Xiaoyong Zhang has amassed an impressive eight years of experience in environmental science, particularly in the areas of remote sensing, ecological monitoring, and climate change analysis. His research is primarily focused on understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of regional ecological quality and the various natural and anthropogenic factors driving these changes. By developing innovative methodologies, such as a novel remote sensing ecological index, Zhang has been able to quantify long-term trends in vegetation-covered areas. His work identifies key drivers, including climate, topography, soil, and urbanization, and their localized impacts on ecological quality.

This research is not only theoretically significant but also has practical implications for environmental protection and sustainable development strategies. Zhang’s work offers valuable insights for policymakers, providing a basis for balancing ecological and economic development while ensuring the protection of regional environments.

Research Focus 📊🌱

Xiaoyong Zhang’s primary research revolves around ecological monitoring through remote sensing technology, focusing on:

  • Ecological Quality Changes: He explores how vegetation phenology and quality evolve over time, particularly in forest-covered areas, urban environments, and desert regions. By analyzing ecological trends, Zhang’s research provides critical information on the health of ecosystems, which is vital for conservation efforts.
  • Climate Change and Vegetation Phenology: Understanding the impact of global climate change on vegetation is a key component of Zhang’s work. He investigates how changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors influence the growth and distribution of plant species across various regions.
  • Remote Sensing Quantitative Monitoring: Zhang employs advanced remote sensing techniques to gather data on ecological conditions. His work focuses on developing tools that provide more accurate and efficient assessments of environmental quality, using a combination of geographical and statistical methods to analyze large datasets.

Zhang has published four highly cited SCI papers as the first author in reputable journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production, Ecological Informatics, and Forests. His papers have provided valuable insights into the long-term impacts of climate change and urbanization on ecological systems.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆🌟

Xiaoyong Zhang’s work has earned him several accolades and recognitions in the scientific community. His publications have garnered attention for their innovative methodologies and practical applications. Among his most notable achievements:

  • Four SCI Publications: As the first author, Zhang’s publications have been featured in internationally recognized journals, contributing significantly to the field of environmental science.
  • Cumulative Impact Factor: With a cumulative impact factor of 20.3 over the last three years, Zhang’s research has demonstrated its far-reaching influence on environmental science and policy.
  • H-index of 7: This metric reflects the citation impact of Zhang’s work, highlighting its relevance and influence within the academic community.

His work has contributed to numerous international conferences, and he has served as a reviewer for several SCI-indexed journals. His efforts have been recognized through various research grants and collaborative projects, further establishing him as a prominent researcher in his field.

Impact and Influence 🌍📚

Xiaoyong Zhang’s research has had a profound impact on the way regional ecological quality is assessed and monitored. His development of a novel remote sensing ecological index has become a valuable tool for both researchers and policymakers. By providing a more accurate and rapid evaluation of ecological quality, Zhang’s work helps to identify critical areas in need of conservation and supports efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

His research on the interactions between natural and human-induced factors, such as urbanization and deforestation, has contributed to a better understanding of how these factors affect ecological systems. This knowledge is essential for the development of sustainable environmental policies and practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱🚀

Looking ahead, Xiaoyong Zhang aims to continue his work in ecological monitoring and climate change research, with a focus on expanding his methodologies to a global scale. His future research will likely delve deeper into the interactions between human activities and natural ecosystems, exploring ways to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization and industrialization on the environment.

Zhang’s contributions to the field of environmental science will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. His innovative approach to remote sensing and ecological quality assessment has paved the way for future researchers to build upon his work. As he continues to publish and collaborate with other researchers, Zhang’s influence will grow, inspiring new generations of environmental scientists.

In the coming years, Zhang hopes to develop more advanced tools for ecological monitoring, incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of environmental assessments. His commitment to balancing ecological protection with economic development will be a guiding principle in his ongoing research efforts.

Conclusion 🌿🌍

Xiaoyong Zhang’s dedication to environmental science has made him a key figure in the field of ecological monitoring and climate change research. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing global ecosystems, and his innovative contributions have set new standards for environmental assessment. As he continues to push the boundaries of research, his impact will be felt not only within the scientific community but also in the broader efforts to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations.

Notable Publications

Point cloud-based crown volume improves tree biomass estimation: Evaluating different crown volume extraction algorithms

Authors: Wang, F., Jia, W., Guo, H., Li, Z., Sun, Y.

Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

Year: 2024

Ecological assessment and driver analysis of high vegetation cover areas based on new remote sensing index

Authors: Zhang, X., Jia, W., Lu, S., He, J.

Journal: Ecological Informatics

Year: 2024

Spatial and temporal variation of ecological quality in northeastern China and analysis of influencing factors

    • Authors: Zhang, X., Jia, W., He, J.
    • Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
    • Year: 2023

Modelling branch growth of Korean pine plantations based on stand conditions and climatic factors

Authors: Guo, H., Jia, W., Li, D., Wang, F., Zhang, X.

Journal: Forest Ecology and Management

Year: 2023

A Novel Approach to Characterizing Crown Vertical Profile Shapes Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)

Authors: Wang, F., Sun, Y., Jia, W., Tang, Y., Guo, H.

Journal: Remote Sensing

Year: 2023

Dr. Omar Soufi | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Omar Soufi | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Mohammed V University of Rabat Mohammadia School of Engineering, Morocco

🔗 Professional Profiles

🌟 Summary

Dr. Omar Soufi is a seasoned data scientist with a doctorate in computer engineering, specializing in artificial intelligence. He has a wealth of experience in data science, spatial remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS), offering exceptional data analysis skills and developing business intelligence solutions to drive organizational advancements and strategic performance.

🎓 Education

  • 2023: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Artificial Intelligence) – EMI Rabat
    • Thesis: Deep Learning for Enhancing Satellite Image Quality and Star Sensor Processing
  • 2020: Engineering Degree in Information Systems Engineering – Polytechnique Grenoble, ENSIMAG
  • 2020: Engineering Degree in Software Engineering and Quality – EMI Rabat
  • 2015: Diploma of University Studies – ARM Merkèns
  • 2014: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering – ARM Merkèns
  • 2011: Baccalaureate in Life and Earth Sciences – 1ER LMR

💼 Professional Experience

  • 2024-Present: Head of AI Missions
  • 2022-2023: Head of Geomatics & Decision Support Tools
  • 2020-2021: Head of BI & Decision Support Tools
  • 2017-2019: Team Leader at Decision Support Center
  • 2016: Project Manager at IT Department

🔬 Research Interests

  • Data Science: Advanced data analysis, business intelligence development, trend evolution in AI.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Deep learning applications in satellite image super-resolution and remote sensing.
  • GIS: Development of thematic cartographic applications and spatial data analysis.

📚 Academic Projects

  • E-learning platform development
  • Big Data architecture implementation
  • Pedagogical resource recommendation system
  • Web application for data visualization and processing
  • Distributed system for streaming data processing

🌐 Languages

  • Arabic, French, English, Spanish

📜 Certifications

  • IA, DL, ML from A to Z
  • Power BI Data Analyst Associate
  • QlikSense Data Analytics
  • Scientific Python
  • Google Data ML

Professional Skills

  • Programming: Python, R, JavaScript, C, Java, Scala
  • Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, PHP, JEE, APIs
  • Databases: SQL, NoSQL
  • Deep Learning: Scikit-learn, OpenCV, Keras, TensorFlow
  • Big Data: Hadoop, Spark, Elasticsearch, Kafka
  • GIS: QGIS, ArcGIS, GeoServer
  • Project Management: Agile methodologies, UML, Merise, Scrum

Dr. Soufi’s extensive expertise and proactive approach position him as a leading figure in leveraging AI and data science for strategic innovation and operational excellence.

Notable Publications

Paper Tittle: Benchmark of deep learning models for single image super-resolution (SISR)
  • Author: Omar Soufi, Zineb Aarab, Fatima-Zahra Belouadha
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 9
Paper Tittle: Study of Deep Learning-based models for Single Image Super-Resolution
  • Author: Omar Soufi, Fatima-Zahra Belouadha
  • Journal: Revue d’Intelligence Artificielle
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 4
Paper Tittle: Deep learning technique for image satellite processing
  • Author: Omar Soufi, Fatima-zahra Belouadha
  • Journal: Intelligent Methods In Engineering Sciences
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 2
Paper Tittle: Enhancing Accessibility to High-Resolution Satellite Imagery: A Novel Deep Learning-Based Super-Resolution Approach
  • Author: Omar Soufi, Fatima Zahra Belouadha
  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 1
Paper Tittle: FSRSI: New Deep Learning-Based Approach for Super-Resolution of Multispectral Satellite Images
  • Author: Omar Soufi, Fatima Zahra Belouadha
  • Journal: Ingenierie des Systemes d’Information
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 1

Dr. Thiruvengadam Venkatesan | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thiruvengadam Venkatesan | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India

🔗 Professional Profiles

🌱 Summary:

Thiruvengadam Venkatesan, an Associate Professor specializing in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. With extensive expertise in cotton, groundnut, and sesame breeding, he is dedicated to conserving genetic diversity and advancing biotechnological applications in agriculture.

📚 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics, 2006, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience:

  • 14 years at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
  • Gene Bank Manager at Ramiah Gene Bank, TNAU.
  • Established infrastructural facilities for the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Breeding.

🔬 Research Interests:

  • Cotton breeding and biotechnology.
  • Disease resistance breeding.

🏆 Achievements:

  • Developed two sesame and one groundnut variety.
  • Managed conservation of 28,000 TNAU germplasms across 50 crops.
  • Guided students in Plant Breeding and Genetics.

🏅 Award Category Preference:

  • Best Researcher Award

📝Notable Publications 

  • Author: S Ganesh Ram, KT Parthiban, R Senthil Kumar, V Thiruvengadam, M Paramathma
  • Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
  • Year: 2008
  • Citations: 229
  • Author: Sundaram Ganesh Ram, Venkatesan Thiruvengadam, Kunnummal Kurungari Vinod
  • Journal: Journal of applied genetics
  • Year: 2007
  • Citations: 218
  • Author: S Rajeswari, V Thiruvengadam, NM Ramaswamy
  • Journal: South African Journal of Botany
  • Year: 2007
  • Citations: 53
  • Author: I-Chieh Chen, Venkatesan Thiruvengadam, Wei-De Lin, Ho-Hsiung Chang, Wen-Hwei Hsu
  • Journal: Plant molecular biology
  • Year: 2010
  • Citations: 49
  • Author: I-Chien Chen, Wei-De Lin, Shin-Kuang Hsu, Venkatesan Thiruvengadam, Wen-Hwei Hsu
  • Journal: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.
  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 43