Mostafa Hosseinzadeh | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mostafa Hosseinzadeh | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD student | University of Cape Town | South Africa

Mostafa Hosseinzadeh is currently a PhD candidate in Hydrometallurgy at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. His research focuses on the recovery of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) from spent automotive catalyst leach solutions using ion exchange. Hosseinzadeh has a solid academic background, with an M.Sc. in Mineral Processing Engineering from the University of Shahid Bahonar in Kerman, Iran, and a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran. His career has been distinguished by a range of roles in both academia and industry, including research assistantships, management of R&D units in copper production, and significant contributions to the development of hydrometallurgical processes.

Profile

Scholar

Education
Hosseinzadeh’s academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Hydrometallurgy from the University of Cape Town, where he has been enrolled since 2021, specializing in the recovery of PGMs. Before this, he completed an M.Sc. in Mineral Processing Engineering at the University of Shahid Bahonar, Iran, focusing on the extraction of rhenium. He also holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Sahand University of Technology, where he worked on the environmental impact of tailing dams. His education reflects a strong foundation in engineering principles, with a focus on mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and environmental considerations in mining operations.

Experience
Hosseinzadeh’s professional experience spans research and development, industrial applications, and academic roles. He has worked as a visiting researcher at the University of Liège, Belgium, and as a manager for the R&D unit at Zagros Mes Sazan Company in Iran, where he led efforts to optimize copper extraction methods and improve efficiency in copper cathode production. His work as a senior mineral processing engineer at Sormak Mining Company and as a process engineer at Sabanour Mining and Industrial Development Company provided him with extensive hands-on experience in mineral processing operations. Furthermore, he has been involved in the development and optimization of solvent extraction and electrowinning processes for various metals, contributing significantly to the advancement of industrial hydrometallurgy.

Research Interests
Hosseinzadeh’s research interests include the extraction of valuable metals through hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning. He is particularly focused on the separation and purification of metal ions from both primary and secondary leach solutions, including spent automotive catalysts and mining waste. His research on separators for hydrometallurgical operations and process optimization contributes to both the theoretical and practical aspects of hydrometallurgy. Through his work, Hosseinzadeh aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mineral processing, particularly in the extraction of precious and base metals.

Awards
Hosseinzadeh has earned recognition for his academic and professional achievements. Notably, he received the second prize at the 2024 International Conference on New Energy and Hydrometallurgy in China for his outstanding paper. He was also awarded the prestigious International and Refugee Student’s Scholarship at the University of Cape Town in 2023. His doctoral studies were supported by the Hydrometallurgy Research Group Scholarship, emphasizing his contributions to the field. Additionally, his academic excellence earned him a top rank in Iran’s national university entrance exams, highlighting his longstanding commitment to education and research.

Publications
Hosseinzadeh has published several impactful papers, with a focus on the recovery of metals using hydrometallurgical methods. Some of his notable publications include:

  1. Hosseinzadeh, M., & Petersen, J. (2025). “Platinum(IV), Palladium(II), and Rhodium(III) Recovery from Mixed Acidic Chloride Solutions Using Chelating Ion Exchange Resin Puromet MTS9600,” Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange.
  2. Hosseinzadeh, M., & Petersen, J. (2024). “Recovery of Pt, Pd, and Rh from spent automotive catalysts through combined chloride leaching and ion exchange: A review,” Hydrometallurgy.
  3. Hosseinzadeh, M., & Petersen, J. (2024). “Efficient rhenium recovery from molybdenite roasting dust leach solution using tributyl phosphate solvent extraction,” Hydrometallurgy for the Future Conference, South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
  4. Hosseinzadeh, M., Azizi, A., & Hassanzadeh, A. (2022). “Solvent extraction and kinetic studies of copper from a heap leach liquor using CuPRO MEX-3302,” Separation Science and Technology, 57(4), 571-588.
  5. Hosseinzadeh, M., et al. (2021). “A kinetic investigation on leaching of copper from a low-grade copper oxide deposit in sulfuric acid solution,” Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 7, 1154-1168.
    His works are widely cited in the field of hydrometallurgy, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in metal recovery.

Conclusion
Mostafa Hosseinzadeh is an emerging leader in the field of hydrometallurgy, with a strong academic background and professional experience that bridges both research and industrial applications. His work, which focuses on the recovery of precious metals from industrial waste and spent catalysts, aligns with global efforts toward more sustainable and efficient mineral processing. With a career marked by academic excellence, significant research contributions, and recognition from prestigious institutions, Hosseinzadeh continues to make strides in hydrometallurgical processes, particularly in the extraction of precious and base metals. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to sustainability position him as a valuable contributor to the future of mining and metallurgy.

Shams Al Ajrawi | Computer engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shams Al Ajrawi | Computer Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Alliant International University, United States

Shams Al Ajrawi is a Lead Software Engineer and academic researcher with over a decade of experience in web application and backend development. His expertise spans across full-stack development, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technologies. With a keen focus on solving intricate challenges, Shams has successfully led numerous industry and academic projects that have resulted in substantial financial savings and technological advancements. He has been actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and research, playing a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of engineers and computer scientists. His work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, contributing to both corporate innovation and academic progress.

Profile: 

SCOPUS

Education:

Shams Al Ajrawi holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from a joint program between the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University, where his research focused on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) applications. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the Technological University. His academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in electrical engineering, computer science, and AI, with a specific focus on innovative applications in neuroscience and data processing.

Experience:

Shams has held prominent roles in both industry and academia. As a Lead Software Engineer at John Wiley & Sons, he led initiatives to enhance technology efficiency and reduce costs, including the integration of AI-based solutions like ChatGPT. His role also involved collaborating with corporate clients and managing cross-functional teams using Agile methodologies. In academia, he has served as an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Manager at Alliant International University, where he developed curricula, conducted research, and managed grants. Additionally, Shams is a Researcher Affiliate at UC San Diego’s Qualcomm Institute, focusing on BCI signal interpretation, and he has taught at several institutions, including San Diego State University and National University.

Research Interest:

Shams Al Ajrawi’s primary research interests lie in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, artificial intelligence, and signal processing. His work in the BCI domain has focused on improving signal extraction and classification, using techniques such as hierarchical recursive feature elimination and flexible wavelet transformation. His research aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of interpreting brain signals, particularly for applications related to assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, he explores the integration of AI and machine learning techniques in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, striving to develop innovative solutions that merge computational efficiency with real-world applications.

Awards:

Shams has been recognized for his contributions in both industry and academia. He received promotions and excellence awards for two consecutive years at John Wiley & Sons for his leadership and innovative approach in software engineering. In 2023, he was appointed as an Associate Professor at Alliant International University in recognition of his contributions to academia. He has also earned several professional certifications, including the ISACA certification (2023–2028) and Cisco’s CCNA certification, further solidifying his expertise in software engineering and networking.

Publications:

Shams Al Ajrawi has authored numerous papers in prestigious journals, focusing on BCI applications, RFID, and AI. Some of his notable publications include:

“Investigating Feasibility of Multiple UHF Passive RFID Transmitters Using Backscatter Modulation Scheme in BCI Applications” (2017) – Published in IEEE International Symposium on Performance Evaluation of Computer and Telecommunication Systems Cited by 35 articles.

“Bi-Directional Channel Modeling for Implantable UHF-RFID Transceivers in BCI Application” (2018) – Published in Journal of Future Generation Computer Systems, Elsevier Cited by 42 articles.

“Efficient Balance Technique for Brain-Computer Interface Applications Based on I/Q Down Converter and Time Interleaved ADCs” (2019) – Published in Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, Elsevier Cited by 30 articles.

“Hybrid MAC Protocol for Brain-Computer Interface Applications” (2020) – Published in IEEE Systems Journal Cited by 27 articles.

“Cybersecurity in Brain-Computer Interfaces: RFID-Based Design-Theoretical Framework” (2020) – Published in Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, Elsevier Cited by 22 articles.

Conclusion:

Shams Al Ajrawi stands out as a highly accomplished candidate for a “Best Researcher Award.” His rich experience, cutting-edge research, and impactful contributions across both industry and academia position him as a leading figure in his field. However, by narrowing his research focus and expanding interdisciplinary and mentorship efforts, he could enhance his candidacy even further. Overall, he appears highly suitable for the award.

Tanaya Mandal | Engineering | Best Researcher Awards

Ms. Tanaya Mandal | Engineering | Best Researcher Awards

PhD Candidate | Texas A&M University | United States

Short Bio 🌟

Tanaya Mandal is a dynamic materials engineer and Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University, with over four years of experience in researching the impact of material temperature on product performance. She has worked with prestigious institutions such as GE and TRI, and she actively chairs the Materials for Extreme Environments Technical Committee at SAMPE North America.

Profile

SCOPUS

Education 🎓

Tanaya Mandal is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University, maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.00. She previously earned her M.E. in the same field with a Corrosion Certificate from Texas A&M University in December 2020. Before that, she received her M.HSc from Trinity School of Medicine in May 2019, and her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Houston Baptist University in May 2013.

Experience 🛠️

Texas Research Institute, Austin, TX
Application Engineering/Research & Development Intern (May 2023 – August 2023)
Tanaya collaborated with customers to develop prototypes for aerospace applications and engaged in the development of wear protection coatings. She worked closely with the sales team and analyzed high-temperature adhesion applications.

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
PhD Research Student/Graduate Teaching Assistant (January 2021 – Present)
She led a project for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, creating and analyzing self-healing vitrimer composites for aerospace. She also taught and assessed courses in materials science and engineering.

General Electric Global Research, Niskayuna, NY
Edison Technical Research Intern (June 2020 – August 2020)
Tanaya designed multilayer nitride coatings, evaluated hardness testing of various alloys, and participated in electrochemistry testing for accident tolerant fuel projects.

Research Interest 🔬

Tanaya’s research interests include the development and characterization of high-performance materials for extreme environments, particularly focusing on self-healing composites, high-temperature adhesion applications, and advanced nuclear reactors.

Awards 🏆

  • Best Oral Presentation in Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology at the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (ChEGSA) Research Symposium (2024)
  • Moderator for Non-Destructive Evaluation & Materials Testing Technical Presentations at CAMX (2023)
  • SAMPE Student Chapter Grant Award (2021-2023)
  • Semifinalist for SAMPE University Research Symposium (URS) Program Competition (2021)
  • Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP) Next Gen Mentorship Program (2021-present)
  • Judge for Senior Division of Materials Science at the Texas Science & Engineering Fair (2021)
  • SAMPE University Leadership Experience Award (2020)
  • Judge for Undergraduate Research Symposium at TAMU (2019)

Publications 📚

  • Mandal, T., Ozten, U., Vaught, L., Meyer, J.L., Amiri, A., Polycarpou, A., Naraghi, M. (2024). Processing and Mechanics of Aromatic Vitrimeric Composites at Elevated Temperatures and Healing Performance. J. Compos. Sci., 8, 252.
  • Mandal, T., Rodriguez-Melendez, D., Palen, B., Long, C.T., Chiang, H., Sarikaya, S., Naraghi, M., Grunlan, J.C. (2023). Heat Shielding Nanobrick Wall for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites. American Chemist Society Applied Polymer Materials, 5(5), 3270-3277.
  • Hoffman, A. K., Umretiya, R. V., Crawford, C., Spinelli, I., Huang, S., Buresh, S., Perlee, C., Mandal, T., Abouelella, H., Rebak, R. B. (2023). The relationship between grain size distribution and ductile to brittle transition temperature in FeCrAl alloys. Materials Letters, 331, 133427.