Assist Prof Dr. Xianshu Qiao | Electrocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Xianshu Qiao | Electrocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Jingdezhen Ceramic University, China

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xianshu Qiao’s journey in materials science began with a strong foundation in chemical engineering. She earned her Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Inner Mongolia University of Technology, China, where she developed a keen interest in chemical processes and reaction mechanisms. Her master’s dissertation, focused on the absorption of sulfur dioxide and the preparation of barium sulfate using a triethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide system, showcased her ability to tackle complex chemical challenges. This early exposure to chemical processes not only honed her analytical skills but also laid the groundwork for her future exploration of catalysis and materials science.

Her academic pursuit reached new heights when she embarked on a Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology, one of China’s top technical universities. Under the mentorship of distinguished professors Wei Qin and Xiaohong Wu, Dr. Qiao focused on the preparation of iridium and iron co-modified β-Ni(OH)₂ electrode materials, with a particular emphasis on their oxygen evolution performance. Her doctoral research was marked by a meticulous approach to material design and synthesis, leading to the development of highly efficient electrode materials. These experiences not only enriched her scientific knowledge but also cemented her passion for electrocatalysis, a field that would become the core of her research career.

💡 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Xianshu Qiao’s career as an academic and researcher has been defined by her role as an Associate Professor of Materials Science at Jingdezhen Ceramic University. In this position, she has seamlessly integrated teaching, mentorship, and research, shaping the next generation of scientists while advancing the field of materials science. Her dedication to education is evident in her ability to inspire students, instilling in them a strong foundation in scientific principles and a curiosity for research.

In her research, Dr. Qiao has established herself as a leading figure in the development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts. Her work centers on the rational design, controlled synthesis, and catalytic reaction mechanisms of materials, particularly those involving nickel, iron, and cobalt compounds. Her extensive research on these materials has led to significant advancements in the efficiency of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), two critical processes for sustainable energy conversion. As a researcher, she has demonstrated a rare ability to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications, making substantial contributions to the development of efficient, durable catalysts.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xianshu Qiao’s research is characterized by a deep understanding of transition metal-based electrocatalysts, particularly those involving nickel, iron, and cobalt. Her focus on the rational design and controlled synthesis of these materials has led to the development of catalysts with exceptional performance in OER and HER. These reactions are vital for renewable energy technologies, including water splitting and hydrogen production.

Her work has resulted in numerous high-impact publications, including 13 SCI papers as the first author in internationally recognized journals such as Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Small, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, and Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers. These publications reflect not only her expertise in the field but also her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. In addition to her first-author publications, she has co-authored more than 30 SCI papers, demonstrating her ability to collaborate with other researchers and contribute to multidisciplinary projects.

One of her most notable achievements is the development of porous Fe-doped β-Ni(OH)₂ nanopyramid array electrodes for water splitting, a breakthrough that has been widely recognized in the field. Her innovative approach to catalyst design, involving electronic dual modulation and grain boundary engineering, has set a new standard for the performance of transition metal-based catalysts. This work has not only advanced the understanding of catalytic mechanisms but also paved the way for the development of next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Xianshu Qiao’s contributions to materials science have earned her significant recognition in the scientific community. Her research has been published in some of the most prestigious journals in the field, and her work on transition metal-based electrocatalysts has been widely cited by peers worldwide. Her reputation as a leading researcher is further reinforced by her extensive publication record, which includes 13 first-author SCI papers and over 30 co-authored SCI papers.

Beyond her publications, Dr. Qiao has been recognized for her ability to mentor and inspire young researchers. Her role as an educator at Jingdezhen Ceramic University has allowed her to shape the careers of aspiring scientists, fostering a culture of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. Her dedication to scientific rigor and innovation has made her a respected figure in the academic community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Qiao’s research extends far beyond her publications. Her innovative work on efficient electrocatalysts has the potential to drive the development of sustainable energy solutions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. By improving the efficiency of OER and HER, her catalysts can enhance the performance of renewable energy systems, making them more viable for large-scale applications.

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Qiao has influenced the next generation of scientists, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. Her ability to foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment has inspired many young researchers to pursue careers in materials science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Xianshu Qiao’s legacy is one of scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship. Her groundbreaking research on transition metal-based electrocatalysts has transformed the field of catalysis, providing new insights into the design and optimization of efficient, durable catalysts. As she continues to explore new materials and catalytic mechanisms, her work will likely lead to further advancements in sustainable energy technologies.

In the future, Dr. Qiao is expected to expand her research into new areas of energy conversion and storage, exploring the potential of novel materials and catalytic systems. Her commitment to education and mentorship will continue to shape the careers of young scientists, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.

📝Notable Publications

 Hierarchical Ultrafine Nanosheet-Based O-Doped FeCoS₂ Microsphere Catalyst for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Author: Xianshu Qiao
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2025

Ultra-Small β-Ni(OH)₂ Quantum Dot Catalyst with Abundant Edges for an Efficient Urea Oxidation Reaction

Author: Xianshu Qiao
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers
Year: 2025

Modulating Electronic Structure of Iridium Single-Atom Anchored on 3D Fe-Doped β-Ni(OH)₂ Catalyst with Nanopyramid Array Structure for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Author: Xianshu Qiao
Journal: Small
Year: 2024

 Grain Boundary Density and Electronic Dual Modulation of Intermetallic Co₂B by Fe Doping Toward Efficient Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Author: Xianshu Qiao
Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Year: 2022

Novel FeNi-Based Nanowires Network Catalyst Involving Hydrophilic Channel for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Author: Xianshu Qiao
Journal: Small
Year: 2022

Dr. Yanfen Wang | Motivation and Employee Engagement | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yanfen Wang | Motivation and Employee Engagement | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), China

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Yanfen Wang’s academic journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to understanding and advancing knowledge in the field of Business Administration. She began her formal higher education at Xi’an International Studies University in 2014, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Her dedication and passion for business strategy and organizational behavior soon led her to enroll in a Master’s program in Business Administration at the same institution. During this time, she studied under Professor Zizhen Geng, who played a crucial role in shaping her early research direction, particularly in team dynamics and creativity within organizational contexts.

This foundation set the stage for her doctoral journey at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)—one of China’s most prestigious research institutions—where she embarked on her Ph.D. in Business Administration in 2022 under the mentorship of Professor Qingxiong Weng. Her doctoral studies mark a significant transition into more rigorous and high-impact research, focusing on workplace psychology, employee behavior, and leadership dynamics.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Yanfen Wang’s professional journey as an academic has been heavily research-oriented, marked by her active involvement in both theoretical development and empirical investigation in the field of organizational behavior. Despite being a current Ph.D. candidate, she has already authored and co-authored several impactful papers in reputable international journals.

Her involvement in ongoing research collaborations—with both her former advisor, Professor Geng, and current mentor, Professor Weng—demonstrates her ability to bridge academic theory with practical implications. She has delved into pressing workplace issues such as leader-member exchange (LMX), paradoxical leadership, and team creativity, offering nuanced perspectives and empirical evidence that contribute meaningfully to business psychology literature.

Her growing portfolio of conference presentations at the Academy of Management (AOM) meetings further reflects her standing in the global academic community. Notably, she has presented three times at AOM (2021, 2023, and 2024), with one of her works being recognized with a Best Paper Notification in the OB Division—a testament to the quality and relevance of her research.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Yanfen’s research contributions explore the intricacies of employee behavior and workplace dynamics, particularly in the Chinese organizational context. A core theme running through her publications is how leadership behaviors, both constructive and paradoxical, influence employee outcomes—ranging from creativity and motivation to counterproductive behaviors.

One of her notable studies, “Catching up or putting them down?”, published in Personality and Individual Differences, investigates how employees react to highly conscientious coworkers—shedding light on social comparison mechanisms and interpersonal dynamics in workgroups. Her co-authored paper on “LMX ambivalence” in Applied Psychology dissects the dual-edge consequences of inconsistent leader behavior, identifying its potential to deplete relational energy and trigger counterproductive actions.

In her work in progress, she is tackling bold questions like “Cheating from dominating?”, where she examines how dominant leadership traits can inadvertently push employees toward unethical behaviors—highlighting her interest in the darker side of organizational psychology.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Though still early in her academic career, Yanfen has garnered impressive accolades. Her Best Paper Notification from the AOM’s Organizational Behavior Division is a significant early recognition that places her among promising young scholars in the field. Moreover, her role as corresponding author on several publications—an uncommon feat for a doctoral student—reflects the high level of trust and credibility she has earned from her collaborators.

Her Google Scholar profile further reinforces her academic impact, showcasing her citations and growing influence within the research community.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Yanfen Wang’s research resonates deeply in both academic and practical circles. Her focus on team dynamics, leadership styles, and employee behavior offers actionable insights for HR professionals, corporate leaders, and organizational consultants seeking to build more effective and ethical workplace cultures. Her empirical work, rooted in both Western theories and Chinese workplace realities, provides a culturally grounded perspective that enriches global organizational behavior scholarship.

Her multi-methodological expertise—ranging from SPSS and Stata to Mplus, Amos, and fsQCA—also showcases her versatility in tackling complex behavioral phenomena using robust analytical techniques. This skill set makes her well-positioned to produce rigorous and policy-relevant research in both academia and industry contexts.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Yanfen Wang is poised to become a thought leader in organizational psychology and business administration. Her research trajectory suggests a growing interest in the ethical and psychological implications of leadership, and her ability to interrogate both the motivational and adverse effects of workplace behaviors will continue to shape conversations in organizational studies.

Her evolving body of work contributes not only to theory development but also to practical frameworks that managers and organizational developers can use to create healthier, more transparent, and performance-enhancing workplaces.

If her early achievements are any indication, Yanfen is set to leave a lasting impact on the academic world, with a legacy rooted in intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, and a deep commitment to advancing human potential in organizational settings. ✨

Motivation and hindrance: The mixed blessing of paradoxical leader behaviour for workplace creativity in China

Authors: Z. Geng, Y. Wang, Y. Fan, C. Shan
Journal: Asia Pacific Business Review
Year: 2023

Motivating R&D team creativity: the social cognitive effect of external developmental feedback and internal goal interdependence

Authors: Z. Geng, Y. Wang, J. Xue, H. Tang, H. Liu
Journal: R&D Management
Year: 2022

Diminished relational energy: How and when LMX ambivalence leads to leader‐directed counterproductive work behavior

Authors: L. Chen, Q. Weng, A. Popelnukha, H. Jiang, Y. Wang
Journal: Applied Psychology
Year: 2025

Catching up or putting them down? An investigation of employee divergent reactions to coworker conscientiousness

Authors: Q. Weng, Y. Wang, X. Wang, H. Qin
Journal: Personality and Individual Differences
Year: 2025

Navigating the Paradox of Originality and Usefulness: The Roles of Distinct Error Climates in Fostering Team Radical Creativity

Authors: Z. Geng, M. Xiao, H. Wang, J. Xue, Y. Wang
Journal: Creativity and Innovation Management
Year: 2025

Dr. Mohammed Q. Alkhatib | Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mohammed Q. Alkhatib | Research | Best Researcher Award

University of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Mohammed Q. Alkhatib’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in Telecommunications Engineering at Yarmouk University in Jordan. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2008, he displayed a keen interest in the intricacies of communication systems, signal processing, and network technologies. His undergraduate years were marked by rigorous coursework, extensive lab work, and an insatiable curiosity for cutting-edge innovations in the field of telecommunications.

Eager to expand his knowledge and contribute to technological advancements, Alkhatib pursued higher education in the United States. He enrolled in the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. With a stellar GPA of 3.9/4.0, his postgraduate studies allowed him to delve deeper into complex electrical engineering concepts, refining his expertise in communication networks, digital signal processing, and programming. The completion of his master’s degree in December 2011 was a significant milestone, setting the stage for his doctoral pursuits.

Recognizing his academic prowess, UTEP welcomed Alkhatib into its Ph.D. program in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He dedicated himself to extensive research, exploring new frontiers in signal processing and remote sensing. His doctoral work, completed in May 2018 with an impressive GPA of 3.92/4.0, laid the foundation for his future contributions to academia and industry. His research during this period was instrumental in enhancing remote sensing methodologies, particularly in detecting anomalies and improving imaging technologies.

Professional Endeavors and Teaching Excellence 🌟

Alkhatib’s professional career has been marked by a blend of teaching, research, and industry collaboration. His passion for educating future engineers and innovators led him to take on academic roles in the UAE, where he has had a profound impact on students and colleagues alike.

He began his academic career as a Lecturer at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic in 2014, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s curriculum and mentoring students. His expertise in Computer Electronics, Java Programming, and Calculus enabled him to deliver comprehensive and engaging courses. Beyond teaching, he actively contributed to academic administration by leading the Quality Assurance (QA) committee. In this capacity, he developed Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) reports, ensuring that the institution maintained high educational standards. His meticulous approach to curriculum development and student assessment helped foster an environment of academic excellence.

In January 2021, Alkhatib joined the University of Dubai as an Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering and IT (CEIT). In this role, he has been instrumental in designing and delivering courses in Communication Systems, Signals and Systems, Digital Signal Processing, and Networking. His commitment to student success goes beyond the classroom; he provides academic advising, supervises research projects, and mentors students in their academic and professional journeys. His ability to break down complex engineering concepts into digestible lessons has earned him admiration from both students and colleagues.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌐

Alkhatib’s research interests are deeply rooted in remote sensing technology, digital signal processing, and communication networks. His tenure at the University of Dubai has allowed him to expand his research portfolio, focusing on the development of advanced algorithms for remote sensing applications. As an advisor at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center Lab (MBRSC-Lab), he has contributed significantly to research initiatives in satellite imaging and remote sensing.

His previous research experience as a Research Assistant at UTEP saw him develop unsupervised algorithms for detecting skin wounds and ulcers using infrared (IR) video imagery. This research, conducted in collaboration with SpectralMD Company, showcased his ability to merge engineering principles with healthcare applications. His work in this domain demonstrated the potential of machine learning and imaging technologies in medical diagnostics, further proving his interdisciplinary expertise.

Alkhatib has consistently contributed to the academic community through scholarly publications in reputable journals and conferences. His research findings have provided valuable insights into remote sensing methodologies, improving image processing techniques and communication technologies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout his career, Alkhatib has been recognized for his academic excellence, research contributions, and dedication to student mentorship. His outstanding academic record, demonstrated by his high GPAs across all levels of education, reflects his commitment to learning and intellectual growth. His work in academia and industry has earned him respect as a leading researcher and educator in the field of electrical and computer engineering.

His role as a peer reviewer for academic journals underscores his credibility in the research community. By participating in peer review processes, he has helped maintain the quality and integrity of scientific publications, ensuring that groundbreaking research meets rigorous academic standards.

Impact and Influence in Academia and Industry 💡

Alkhatib’s impact extends beyond his immediate academic environment. As an educator, he has inspired countless students to pursue careers in engineering and technology. His mentorship has helped students navigate complex research topics, guiding them toward innovative solutions and career success. Many of his mentees have gone on to contribute significantly to industry and academia, a testament to his effectiveness as a mentor.

In the research domain, his work in remote sensing and digital signal processing continues to shape technological advancements. His contributions to satellite imaging and healthcare applications highlight the practical implications of his research, bridging the gap between theory and real-world solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Looking ahead, Alkhatib aims to expand his research in remote sensing, exploring new applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and space technology. His involvement with MBRSC-Lab positions him at the forefront of space research in the UAE, where he continues to push the boundaries of satellite imaging and data processing.

As an academic leader, he is committed to enhancing engineering education through innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development. His focus on integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, into traditional engineering courses ensures that his students remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market.

Alkhatib’s legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to education, research, and technological innovation. His contributions have already left an indelible mark on the field of electrical and computer engineering, and his future endeavors promise to further solidify his reputation as a thought leader and pioneer in the domain.

With a career built on excellence, curiosity, and a passion for knowledge, Mohammed Q. Alkhatib stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers and researchers worldwide. His journey from a dedicated student to a distinguished professor and researcher exemplifies the power of perseverance, intellectual rigor, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

📝Notable Publications

“Tri-CNN: A Three Branch Model for Hyperspectral Image Classification”

Authors: MQ Alkhatib, M Al-Saad, N Aburaed, S Almansoori, J Zabalza, S Marshall, …

Journal: Remote Sensing

Year: 2023

“A Review of Spatial Enhancement of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Imaging Techniques”

Authors: N Aburaed, MQ Alkhatib, S Marshall, J Zabalza, H Al Ahmad

Journal: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing

Year: 2023

“Improved Spatial-Spectral Superpixel Hyperspectral Unmixing”

Authors: MQ Alkhatib, M Velez-Reyes

Journal: Remote Sensing

Year: 2019

“3D Expansion of SRCNN for Spatial Enhancement of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Images”

Authors: N Aburaed, MQ Alkhatib, S Marshall, J Zabalza, H Al Ahmad

Journal: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Security (ICSPIS)

Year: 2021

“PolSAR Image Classification Using Attention-Based Shallow to Deep Convolutional Neural Network”

Authors: MQ Alkhatib, M Al-Saad, N Aburaed, MS Zitouni, H Al-Ahmad

Journal: IGARSS 2023 – IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium Proceedings

Year: 2023