Mr. G. Plaon Z. Pakar | Energy and Environmental Management | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. G. Plaon Z. Pakar | Energy and Environmental Management | Best Researcher Award

ACE-FUELS,FUTO, Liberia

Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🌱

G. Plason Z. Plakar’s journey into academia began with his unwavering dedication to the sciences. A natural aptitude for chemistry, coupled with a rigorous work ethic, saw him excel during his undergraduate studies at Cuttington University, where he consistently ranked among the top 3% of his class of over 300 students. His 3.81/4.00 GPA underscores not only his intellectual prowess but also his ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.

His undergraduate thesis, titled “A Comparative Analysis of Some Physicochemical Properties of Selected Cane Juices in Liberia,” exemplifies his early interest in addressing real-world challenges. By identifying high levels of toxicity in cane juice products, he contributed to improving public health standards and advocated for better agricultural practices. This formative research experience set the foundation for his future in energy and environmental science.

Professional Endeavors 🚀

Currently pursuing an MSc in Future Energies at the prestigious Africa Center of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Plakar is on a mission to pioneer sustainable energy solutions. His graduate coursework GPA of 3.91/5.00 reflects his command over advanced concepts in renewable energy and electrochemical systems.

His MSc thesis focuses on “Bioelectricity and Biohydrogen Production from Microbial Treatment of Mixed Blackwater and Agricultural Wastes.” This groundbreaking work integrates waste management with renewable energy generation, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. His role in this project spans the full research lifecycle—from designing experiments to publishing findings. This research has already resulted in two peer-reviewed publications, showcasing its scientific and practical significance.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Plakar’s research has consistently sought to address pressing global challenges. His undergraduate thesis laid the groundwork for sustainable agricultural practices by exposing harmful impurities in local food products. Moving forward, his graduate studies pivoted toward addressing the twin challenges of waste management and clean energy production.

Through his MSc research, Plakar has demonstrated how microbial treatment systems can simultaneously treat waste and generate biohydrogen and electricity. His dual focus on environmental sustainability and energy innovation exemplifies the transformative potential of multidisciplinary research. His technical expertise spans advanced laboratory techniques such as UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, HPLC, and GC-MS chromatography, as well as software tools like SPSS, OriginPro, and ChemDraw, making him a versatile and forward-thinking scientist.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Plakar’s academic excellence and research impact have been widely recognized:

  • WACEENET Mobility Scholarship (Oct 2023): Enabled his participation in a student exchange program at CERME, enhancing his exposure to international research collaborations.
  • World Bank Second ACE Impact Scholarship (Nov 2021): Funded his MSc studies, underscoring his potential as a leader in the field of future energies.
  • Firestone-Liberia Gold Scholarship Award (Sept 2016): A highly competitive scholarship with a mere 4% success rate, awarded for his outstanding performance and promise during his undergraduate studies.

These accolades reflect Plakar’s ability to not only excel academically but also secure competitive funding opportunities to advance his education and research.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Plakar’s work has already made tangible contributions to sustainable development. By co-treating blackwater and agricultural waste to produce clean energy, his research addresses key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6).

Furthermore, his recommendations on improving agricultural practices during his undergraduate studies have influenced public health policies in Liberia, highlighting his ability to bridge research with societal impact. His involvement in multidisciplinary projects and his success in securing international scholarships serve as an inspiration for young scientists in Liberia and beyond.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Plakar envisions a future where sustainable energy technologies transform both urban and rural communities. By continuing his research in renewable energy systems, he aims to develop cost-effective solutions that address the dual challenges of waste management and energy scarcity.

As a mentor, he plans to inspire and guide the next generation of researchers, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact. His career trajectory suggests a lasting legacy of scientific innovation, environmental stewardship, and educational mentorship.

Conclusion 📝

G. Plason Z. Plakar’s academic and professional journey is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, dedication, and innovation. From addressing public health challenges through chemistry to pioneering renewable energy solutions, his contributions span diverse fields with a unifying focus on sustainability. With a solid foundation of academic excellence and a vision for a greener future, Plakar stands poised to make a lasting impact on global energy systems and environmental policies.

📝Notable Publications

Valorization of Mixed Blackwater/Agricultural Wastes for Bioelectricity and Biohydrogen Production: A Microbial Treatment Pathway

Authors: G. Plason Zuerkanah Plakar, A. S. Kovo, Kanayo L. Oguzie, Emeka E. Oguzie

Journal: Heliyon

Year: 2024

Adsorption of Bacteria Extracellular Polysaccharide Substances on the Graphite (002) Surface: A DFT and MD Study

Authors: G. Plason Zuerkanah Plakar, Fredy Harcel Kamgang Djioko, Emeka E. Oguzie, Kanayo L. Oguzie

Journal: ACS Omega

Year: 2024

 

Ms. Ashwini Manchalwar | Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ashwini Manchalwar | Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading | Best Researcher Award

Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology Nagpur, India

🔗 Profile

Google Scholar 

📚Early Academic Pursuits 

Ashwini Dnyaneshwar Manchalwar’s academic journey began with a robust foundation in Electrical Engineering. His early education saw impressive achievements, with a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from VNIT, Nagpur, India, where he maintained a CGPA of 6.81. This period marked the beginning of his fascination with energy systems and their sustainable management. His undergraduate project focused on a grid-connected photovoltaic system, a project designed to integrate solar energy into the existing grid infrastructure. This foundational work not only showcased his aptitude for tackling real-world engineering problems but also set the stage for his future research endeavors in sustainable energy solutions.

Following his undergraduate studies, Ashwini pursued a Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electrical Engineering at VNIT, Nagpur, achieving a CGPA of 8.71. His master’s research focused on energy management strategies in smart microgrids, emphasizing effective energy distribution and the promotion of energy trading between microgrids. This phase of his academic career solidified his expertise in energy systems and management, providing him with the tools to address complex energy challenges.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Ashwini’s professional career is marked by significant roles and contributions in the field of electrical engineering. As a Design Engineer at LGPS Hybrid Energy Pvt Ltd, he worked on various energy projects, gaining practical experience in energy system design and implementation. This role allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, enhancing his skills in project management and technical problem-solving.

Currently, as a Research Scholar at VNIT, Nagpur, Ashwini has been at the forefront of pioneering research in peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading and smart grid technologies. His role involves developing innovative models for energy trading and management, which are critical for advancing sustainable energy solutions. His work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has practical implications for improving energy systems and reducing costs.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus 

Ashwini’s research focus lies at the intersection of sustainable energy solutions and advanced technological models. His Ph.D. thesis, titled “Market Design for Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading in a Distribution Network,” involves developing a decentralized P2P energy trading model. This model aims to optimize energy trading by minimizing data sharing among participants, thereby enhancing economic and technical efficiencies. His work in this area is pivotal in reducing energy costs and improving societal welfare by establishing optimal pricing mechanisms.

In addition to his thesis work, Ashwini has contributed significantly to the field through several high-impact publications. His research papers cover various aspects of peer-to-peer energy trading, including the impact of short-term load forecasting and price differentiation in smart grids. Notable publications include:

  • “Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading in a Distribution Network considering the Impact of Short-Term Load Forecasting,” published in Electrical Engineering by Springer.
  • “Decentralized Peer-to-Peer Model of Energy Trading in Smart Grid considering Price Differentiation,” featured in Energy Reports by Elsevier.
  • “Prosumers and Retailers Based Decentralized Energy Trading Model in the Smart Grid Considering Network Constraints,” published in the International Journal of Energy Power and Energy System by Elsevier.

These contributions highlight his role in advancing the understanding and implementation of innovative energy trading models.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Ashwini’s excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards and fellowships. Since 2019, he has been a recipient of the Ph.D. fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, underscoring his significant contributions to research. His academic achievements were further acknowledged through the M.Tech scholarship from MHRD during his master’s studies.

In addition, Ashwini’s performance in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) has been commendable, with successful qualifications in 2016, 2017, and 2018. These accolades reflect his strong grasp of engineering concepts and his dedication to the field.

🌍Impact and Influence 

Ashwini’s work has a profound impact on both academic research and practical energy management. His innovative approaches to P2P energy trading and smart grid technologies are contributing to more efficient and cost-effective energy systems. His research not only advances theoretical knowledge but also offers practical solutions for real-world energy challenges.

As a reviewer for prominent journals and a member of technical committees for conferences such as ICPEE 2022 and ICEPE 2023, Ashwini plays a crucial role in shaping the future of energy research. His involvement in these activities highlights his influence and leadership within the academic community.

🚀Legacy and Future Contributions 

Ashwini Dnyaneshwar Manchalwar’s career is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of electrical engineering. His work in developing sustainable energy solutions and innovative trading models positions him as a leading researcher in his domain. As he approaches the completion of his Ph.D. and continues to contribute to the field, his legacy will likely include significant advancements in energy management and smart grid technologies.

Looking forward, Ashwini’s future contributions are anticipated to further enhance energy sustainability and efficiency. His ongoing research and professional endeavors promise to make lasting impacts on both academic and practical aspects of energy systems.

📚 Publications