Guozhen Liang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Guozhen Liang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Wuhan University, China

Prof. Guozhen Liang is a distinguished expert in optics, photonics, and laser technologies, currently serving as a professor at the School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in 2015, following a B.S. in Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China. His research spans quantum cascade lasers, mid-infrared photonics, integrated modulators, and LiDAR systems. With over 2,100 citations and an h-index of 17, his work has been featured in top-tier journals such as Nature Photonics and Materials Today. He has held research positions at Columbia University and KLA-Tencor, contributing to global innovations in laser systems. Prof. Liang also holds multiple U.S. patents, reflecting his strength in both academic and applied research. His career demonstrates a commitment to advancing photonic technologies with strong potential for leadership in international research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Prof. Guozhen Liang has a strong academic background rooted in two of the world’s leading institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2010, a university renowned for its rigorous scientific training and research excellence. Driven by a passion for photonics and laser technologies, he pursued his doctoral studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2015. During his Ph.D., he focused on the development of terahertz quantum cascade lasers and advanced photonic systems, laying the groundwork for his future research career. His educational journey combined strong theoretical foundations with hands-on experimental research, enabling him to transition seamlessly into high-impact roles in academia and industry. This solid and internationally recognized educational background continues to support his research contributions and leadership in the fields of optics and optoelectronics.

Professional Experience📝

Prof. Guozhen Liang has amassed a diverse and impactful professional experience across top-tier academic institutions and industry leaders in photonics. He is currently a Professor at the School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University (since May 2024), where he leads research in optics and laser technologies. Prior to this, he served as a Laser Research Scientist in the CTO group at KLA-Tencor Singapore (2019–2024), focusing on the development of high-power, highly stable DUV–VUV solid-state lasers for industrial applications. From 2017 to 2019, he was a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University, working on silicon photonics and LiDAR technologies. His early postdoctoral and project officer roles at Nanyang Technological University (2014–2017) involved pioneering work on mid-infrared and terahertz quantum cascade lasers. His blend of academic and industrial experience positions him as a well-rounded researcher with deep technical expertise and a strong record of innovation in optoelectronic systems.

Research Interest🔎

Prof. Guozhen Liang’s research interests lie at the forefront of optics, photonics, and laser technologies, with a particular focus on quantum cascade lasers, integrated photonic devices, and mid-infrared and terahertz optoelectronics. He is passionate about developing advanced laser systems, including DUV–VUV solid-state lasers, for high-precision industrial and scientific applications. His work also explores graphene-based modulators, nano-photonic structures, and LiDAR systems, aiming to miniaturize and enhance the performance of optical devices for next-generation communication and sensing technologies. Prof. Liang is deeply interested in bridging fundamental research with practical applications, contributing to innovations in both academic and commercial settings. His interdisciplinary research combines materials science, nanotechnology, and electronic engineering to tackle challenges in photonics integration, light–matter interaction, and waveguide design. With a global outlook and experience in collaborative international research, his ongoing efforts aim to shape the future of ultrafast optics, photonic chips, and compact laser systems.

Award and Honor🏆

Prof. Guozhen Liang has received notable recognition for his impactful research in the fields of optics and photonics, with his work being featured in prestigious journals such as Nature Photonics, Materials Today, and ACS Photonics. Several of his research articles have been highlighted in Nature Photonics and Laser Focus World, signifying their innovation and influence in the global scientific community. His contributions have also led to multiple U.S. patents, reflecting his excellence in applied research and technology transfer. He has been invited to present at major international conferences, including the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) and SPIE Photonics Asia, often selected for post-deadline or high-impact sessions. These invitations underscore his standing as a respected voice in the photonics field. While formal titles or specific awards were not listed, the consistent visibility and impact of his work across both academia and industry highlight his strong qualifications and growing recognition as a leader in photonic innovation.

Research Skill🔬

Prof. Guozhen Liang possesses a comprehensive and advanced set of research skills in the fields of optics, photonics, and optoelectronic device engineering. He has extensive expertise in the design, fabrication, and characterization of quantum cascade lasers, DUV–VUV solid-state lasers, and mid-infrared photonic systems. His hands-on proficiency in nanofabrication techniques, waveguide design, and integrated photonic circuit development enables him to drive innovations in compact, high-performance optical devices. Additionally, he is skilled in materials analysis, particularly with 2D materials like graphene for optoelectronic applications. Prof. Liang also excels in simulation and modeling of light–matter interaction using advanced computational tools. His research acumen is complemented by strong project management and interdisciplinary collaboration capabilities, allowing him to lead international research efforts across academia and industry. His ability to translate fundamental research into practical technologies is evident in his numerous patents and high-impact publications, making him a versatile and innovative photonics researcher.

Conclusion💡

Prof. Guozhen Liang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the fields of optics, photonics, and laser technology. With a strong foundation in both academia and industry, he has advanced research in quantum cascade lasers, integrated photonic devices, and next-generation laser systems, with work published in globally recognized journals such as Nature Photonics and Materials Today. His innovations hold significant potential for real-world applications in sensing, communication, and imaging technologies. As a newly appointed professor and experienced international collaborator, Prof. Liang is well-positioned to lead pioneering research initiatives and mentor the next generation of scientists, further amplifying his impact on science and society.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  • Title: 2D perovskite-based metasurfaces for enhanced plasmonic sensing
    Authors: S. Zen, G. Liang, A. Gheno, S. Vedraine, N. Yu
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 3

  • Title: A metal–dielectric–graphene sandwich for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
    Authors: X. Yu, J. Tao, Y. Shen, G. Liang, T. Liu, Y. Zhang, Q.J. Wang
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 27

  • Title: Amorphous random lasing at terahertz frequency
    Authors: Y. Zeng, G. Liang, H. Liang, S. Mansha, B. Meng, T. Liu, X. Hu, J. Tao, L. Li, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Amplitude and phase light modulator based on miniature optical resonators
    Authors: G. Liang, H. Huang, M. Lipson, N. Yu
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Broadband high photoresponse from pure monolayer graphene photodetector
    Authors: B.Y. Zhang, T. Liu, B. Meng, X. Li, G. Liang, X. Hu, Q.J. Wang
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 1113

  • Title: Broadband saturable absorption of graphene oxide thin film and its application in pulsed fiber lasers
    Authors: X. Li, Y. Tang, Z. Yan, Y. Wang, B. Meng, G. Liang, H. Sun, X. Yu, Y. Zhang, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 119

  • Title: Broadly continuously tunable slot waveguide quantum cascade lasers based on a continuum-to-continuum active region design
    Authors: B. Meng, Y.Q. Zeng, G. Liang, J. Tao, X.N. Hu, E. Rodriguez, Q.J. Wang
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Coherent emission from integrated Talbot-cavity quantum cascade lasers
    Authors: B. Meng, B. Qiang, E. Rodriguez, X.N. Hu, G. Liang, Q.J. Wang
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 36

  • Title: Designer multimode localized random lasing in amorphous lattices at terahertz frequencies
    Authors: Y. Zeng, G. Liang, H.K. Liang, S. Mansha, B. Meng, T. Liu, X. Hu, J. Tao, L. Li, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 32

  • Title: Efficient pure phase optical modulator based on strongly over-coupled resonators
    Authors: G. Liang, H. Huang, S. Shrestha, I. Datta, M. Lipson, N. Yu
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Electrically Pumped Mid‐Infrared Random Lasers
    Authors: H.K. Liang, B. Meng, G. Liang, J. Tao, Y. Chong, Q.J. Wang, Y. Zhang
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 66

Maysoon Hilal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maysoon Hilal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecture at University of Samarra, Iraq

 

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal is a dedicated academic with over 30 years of experience in architecture and urban planning. Currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Samarra, she has contributed significantly to teaching, departmental leadership, and research focused on sustainable urban design and the preservation of historical sites. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Town Planning and publications on climate-responsive architecture and urban development, with work indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar. She has supervised impactful undergraduate projects and participated in both national and international conferences. However, her recent publication output appears limited, and there is minimal evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations or major funded research projects. Despite this, her long-term commitment to architectural education and her contributions to applied research make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly within an institutional or regional context focused on sustained academic service and relevant, community-based research.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal holds a strong academic background in architecture and urban planning. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Technology in 1992, followed by a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Baghdad in 1999. She then completed her PhD in Town Planning at the same university in 2003. Her academic journey reflects a focused progression in the field of architecture, with a specialized interest in urban and town planning. Over the years, she has held various academic positions across prominent Iraqi universities, including the University of Technology, Al-Nahrain University, University of Babylon, and University of Tikrit. Since 2008, she has held the rank of Assistant Professor, contributing extensively to both teaching and departmental development. Her education has been the foundation for her active role in architectural education, curriculum development, and guiding applied research projects that address real-world urban challenges in Iraq.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal has amassed extensive professional experience in architecture and urban planning over more than three decades. She began her career as an engineer and has since served in various academic and administrative roles at leading Iraqi institutions. Her teaching experience spans the University of Technology, Al-Nahrain University, University of Babylon, University of Tikrit, and currently the University of Samarra, where she also served as Head of the Architecture Department. Dr. Hilal has taught a wide range of subjects, including architectural design, building construction, urban planning, and drawing, across all academic levels. In addition to her teaching, she has supervised several undergraduate projects focusing on urban development, healthcare design, and cultural heritage preservation. Her involvement in multiple national and international conferences reflects her active engagement in scholarly exchange. Dr. Hilal’s career is marked by a commitment to academic excellence, curriculum development, and mentoring the next generation of architects and planners.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of urban planning, architectural design, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on the integration of cultural heritage and environmental responsiveness in architectural solutions. Her work often explores the impact of local climate on historical architecture, sustainable urban development, and the revitalization of culturally significant sites, such as the areas surrounding the Great Mosque of Samarra and religious shrines. She is particularly interested in how aesthetic and environmental factors contribute to the identity and functionality of urban spaces. Through her research, Dr. Hilal aims to address real-world urban challenges in Iraq, balancing modernization with heritage preservation. She has published studies on traditional Baghdadi houses, Abbasid architecture, and proposed urban designs for historic areas. Her research is rooted in practical application, contributing to urban development policies and architectural education while fostering sustainable and culturally sensitive design practices in Iraq and beyond.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal has earned recognition for her long-standing dedication to architectural education, urban planning, and academic leadership. While specific awards and honors are not explicitly listed in the provided information, her distinguished career reflects a consistent record of professional excellence and institutional trust. Serving as Head of the Architecture Department at the University of Samarra is itself a testament to her leadership capabilities and respect within the academic community. Her participation in prestigious conferences both nationally and internationally—in Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt—demonstrates acknowledgment of her scholarly contributions on a wider stage. Additionally, her role in supervising impactful student projects and developing curricula underscores her influence in shaping future architects and planners. Her contributions to research on heritage preservation, climate-responsive design, and sustainable urban development continue to earn her professional esteem. Dr. Hilal’s career reflects a form of honor earned through sustained service, academic integrity, and dedication to her field.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal possesses strong research skills grounded in her academic expertise in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable design. She demonstrates proficiency in identifying and addressing real-world urban issues, particularly those related to cultural heritage preservation, climate-responsive architecture, and urban development in historical contexts. Her ability to conduct thorough site analyses, evaluate architectural aesthetics, and integrate environmental considerations into design proposals showcases her analytical and critical thinking skills. Dr. Hilal effectively translates theoretical knowledge into practical urban design solutions, as seen in her published studies and student project supervision. Her familiarity with academic research platforms such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate indicates competence in literature review, citation standards, and scholarly communication. Additionally, her engagement with interdisciplinary themes and regional planning challenges reflects adaptability and a problem-solving mindset. These skills, combined with her experience in academic writing and conference participation, make her a capable and impactful researcher in her field.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Maysoon Muhi Hilal is a seasoned academic with a clear contribution to architectural education and urban design research in Iraq. Her long-standing dedication to teaching, administrative leadership, and applied research supervision position her as a respected and competent researcher within her field.

However, for a “Best Researcher Award”—particularly if it’s competitive or international—she may need:

  • Stronger recent publication output in indexed, peer-reviewed journals.

  • Clearer evidence of research impact (citations, funded projects, cross-border collaborations).

  • More active participation in cutting-edge or interdisciplinary research initiatives.

If the award is institutional, national, or regional, and based on cumulative academic service and applied research, she is a strong candidate. If it’s based on recent high-impact research output, she might need to bolster her profile with more current and internationally visible research.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Assessing climate strategies of major energy corporations and examining projections in relation to Paris Agreement objectives within the framework of sustainable energy
    Authors: KH Mudhee, MM Hilal, M Alyami, E Rendal, S Algburi, AZ Sameen, …
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Proposed Urban Design of the Area Surrounding the Great Samarra Mosque
    Authors: MM Hilal, MSM Al-Badri
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 1

  • Title: The role of aesthetic inputs in the sustainable Beauty of Baghdadi House
    Authors: MM Hilal
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Arabic Architectural Space and Its Impact on the Interior Design of the Dwelling: A Case Study of Alfirdus Residential Complexes in the Al-Qadisiyah Area of Tikrit
    Authors: MM Hilal, KH Mudhee
    Year: 2024
    Citations: Not listed

  • Title: Corona’s virus and its impact on urban planning for the contemporary city
    Authors: MM Hilal
    Year: 2023
    Citations: Not listed

  • Title: The impact of Iraqi climate on the design of Abbasid palaces: Case study of Al-Jaafari Palace in Samarra city
    Authors: MM Hilal, MS Mahmood, AAR Kbah
    Year: 2021
    Citations: Not listed

  • Title: THE BEAUTY ELEMENTS OF THE ABBASID PALACES IN IRAQ
    Authors: DMM Hilal
    Year: 2019
    Citations: Not listed

  • Title: التحولات في البنى العميقة للسياق الحضري لمدينة سامراء
    Author: ميسون محي هلال العقيلي
    Year: 2017
    Citations: Not listed

  • Title: Development of the Idea of Design By Class Box Approach In The Architectural Design Projects
    Author: H Abd Aljabbar (No clear co-authorship by MM Hilal mentioned)
    Citations: Not listed

Sara El Kourdi | Engineering | Best Scholar Award

🌟Ms. Sara El Kourdi , Engineering, Best Scholar Award🏆

  •   Sara El Kourdi at Mohammadia Engineering School, Morocco

Sara El Kourdi is a Ph.D. student specializing in waste valorization to bioenergy, biochemicals, and biomaterials at Mohammadia Engineering School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. She holds a degree in Process, Energy, and Environmental Engineering from the National School of Applied Sciences, Morocco. Sara’s research focuses on utilizing pyrolysis to convert biomass residues, particularly from the argan tree, into valuable products like bio-oil and biochar. She has contributed significantly to the development of slow pyrolysis simulation models applicable to various biomass types, facilitating optimization for poly-generation. Sara’s professional journey includes experience in technical sales engineering of industrial processes and collaborative research projects between Moroccan and Tunisian universities. Her dedication to research has earned her recognition, including publications in high-impact journals and participation in international conferences.

Author Metrics

Scopus Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Sara El Kourdi is associated with the Ecole Mohammadia d’Ingenieurs, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. She has been identified in Scopus with the Author Identifier: 57573188100. With 13 citations across 7 documents and an h-index of 3, Sara’s research contributions have made an impact in her field.

Documents

Sara El Kourdi has authored 5 documents indexed in Scopus. These documents encompass her research findings, scholarly articles, and contributions to academic literature. Each document represents a significant aspect of her research journey and expertise in waste valorization and sustainable energy solutions.

h-index

Sara’s h-index of 3 reflects the number of her publications that have received at least 3 citations each. This metric is an indicator of both the productivity and impact of her research output. As her research continues to grow and gain recognition, her h-index may further increase, demonstrating the ongoing influence of her work in the academic community.

Education

Sara El Kourdi graduated from the National School of Applied Sciences, Morocco, in 2018, with a degree in Process, Energy, and Environmental Engineering. Her academic journey equipped her with a strong foundation in engineering principles and a passion for sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Research Focus

Sara’s research focuses on waste valorization to bioenergy, biochemicals, and biomaterials, with a specific emphasis on pyrolysis processes. She investigates the potential of converting biomass residues, particularly from the argan tree, into valuable products such as bio-oil, biochar, and gas. Her work involves experimental studies, modeling, and optimization to maximize the energy and chemical yield from various biomass sources.

Professional Journey

Sara El Kourdi embarked on her professional journey after completing her undergraduate studies, gaining experience as a technical sales engineer in the field of industrial processes. However, driven by her passion for research and sustainability, she transitioned into a Ph.D. program at Mohammadia Engineering School, Mohammed V University. Throughout her academic and professional endeavors, Sara has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge in waste valorization and sustainable energy solutions.

Honors & Awards

Sara’s dedication to research and academic excellence has been recognized through various honors and awards. She has received accolades for her contributions to collaborative research projects, publications in prestigious journals, and presentations at international conferences. These honors underscore Sara’s commitment to making significant contributions to her field.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Sara El Kourdi has made substantial contributions to the academic literature in the field of waste valorization and sustainable energy. Her research publications, including papers in high-impact journals and conference proceedings, showcase her expertise in pyrolysis processes and biomass conversion. Sara’s work has contributed valuable insights into the optimization of bioenergy production and the utilization of biomass residues for industrial applications.

Municipal solid waste generation from Morocco and Tunisia, and their possible energetic valorization

  • Authors: S Aboudaoud, S El Kourdi, S Abderafi, MA Abbassi
  • Published in: 2021 9th International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC)
  • Pages: 1-6
  • Citations: 6
  • Year: 2021

Pyrolysis Technology Choice to Produce Bio-oil, from Municipal Solid Waste, Using Multi-criteria Decision-making Methods

  • Authors: S El Kourdi, S Aboudaoud, S Abderafi, A Cheddadi, AM Ammar
  • Published in: Waste and Biomass Valorization
  • Pages: 1-18
  • Citations: 5
  • Year: 2023

Potential Assessment of Combustible Municipal Wastes in Morocco and their Ability to Produce Bio-Oil by Pyrolysis

  • Authors: S El Kourdi, S Aboudaoud, S Abderafi, A Cheddadi
  • Published in: Materials Science Forum 1073
  • Pages: 149-154
  • Citations: 4
  • Year: 2022

Valorizing argan residues into biofuels and chemicals through slow pyrolysis

  • Authors: S El kourdi, A Chaabane, S Abderafi, AA Mohamed
  • Published in: Results in Engineering
  • Article Number: 101659
  • Citations: 1
  • Year: 2023

Argan Cake Oil Transesterification Kinetics and an Optimized Choice of a High-Performance Catalyst for Biodiesel Production

  • Authors: N Bahani, S El Kourdi, S Abderafi
  • Published in: Waste and Biomass Valorization
  • Pages: 1-20
  • Citations: 1
  • Year: 2023

Simulation and multi-objective optimization of argan residues slow pyrolysis for polygeneration of bio-oil, biochar, and gas products

  • Authors: Sara El Kourdi, Souad Abderafi, Abdelkhalek Cheddadi, Jemaa Mabrouki …
  • Published in: Energy Conversion and Management
  • Volume: 304
  • Year: 2024

These publications demonstrate Sara’s expertise in waste valorization, particularly through pyrolysis processes, and her contributions to sustainable energy research.

Research Timeline

Sara El Kourdi’s research journey has been characterized by a systematic and progressive exploration of waste valorization and biomass conversion processes. From her initial experiments on argan residues to the development of sophisticated pyrolysis simulation models, Sara’s research timeline reflects a trajectory of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. Her contributions have advanced understanding in the field and paved the way for future developments in sustainable energy and environmental engineering.