Dr. Kiran Dalal | Biocatalysis | Best Faculty Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Kiran Dalal | Biocatalysis | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Kiran Dalal | Biocatalysis – Assistant Professor at KBC North Maharashtra University, India

Dr. Kiran Sharad Dalal is a dedicated and passionate academician and researcher, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon. With a profound interest in the intersection of microbiology and biochemistry, he has consistently pursued a research-driven approach to scientific innovation, focusing on biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and green chemistry. His determination to excel and contribute to scientific progress has positioned him as a valuable asset to his institution, and his research efforts aim to tackle global challenges through the development of sustainable technologies.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus | Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Dalal has an impressive educational background, beginning with his B.Sc. in Microbiology from Moolji Jaitha College, Jalgaon, in 2008, where he graduated with 60.42% marks. He then completed his M.Sc. in Microbiology in 2010 with 58.62%. His academic journey reached a milestone when he earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University in 2019, where he was awarded for his significant contributions to enzyme-catalyzed synthetic chemistry, focusing on biotransformation and biocatalysis.

Experience:

Dr. Dalal has accumulated extensive experience in both academic and industrial settings, enhancing his research and teaching capabilities. He began his career as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at the School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, in 2014, where he moved forward to become a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and a Research Associate. His teaching experience includes multiple tenures as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, spanning over several years. Additionally, his industrial experience as a Quality Control Officer in United Breweries Limited and FDC Pharma has further enriched his practical knowledge in microbiology, fermentation processes, and quality control.

Research Interest:

Dr. Dalal’s primary research interests lie in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, biotransformation, and green chemistry. His work explores innovative approaches to synthesize valuable chemical compounds through biocatalysis, using enzymes as eco-friendly catalysts. His research spans various microbial enzymes, including lipases, proteases, and amylases, as well as their applications in synthetic chemistry. Dr. Dalal is particularly focused on utilizing enzymes for the creation of pharmaceutical intermediates and industrially relevant heterocyclic compounds. Through his work, he aims to promote sustainable chemical processes, minimizing the environmental impact typically associated with traditional chemical synthesis.

Awards:

Dr. Dalal’s career has been marked by several prestigious awards and recognitions. Among these is the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) awarded by the University Grants Commission (UGC-BSR), which supported his early research endeavors. Additionally, he received the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from UGC-BSR, allowing him to continue his in-depth studies in enzyme catalysis and biotransformation. His academic excellence also earned him the “International Travel Grant” from the Department of Science and Technology (SERB-DST), Government of India, which enabled him to attend the 14th International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Biotransformations in the Netherlands in 2019. Dr. Dalal was also selected for another International Travel Grant to attend the Asian Organization for Crohn’s and Colitis (AOCC) annual congress in Korea in 2023.

📄Publications:

  1. Dalal, K.S., et al. (2016). “Bovine Serum Albumin Catalyzed One-pot, Three- component Synthesis of Dihydropyrano [2,3-c] pyrazole Derivatives in Aqueous Ethanol”. RSC Advances (Impact Factor 4.036).
  2. Dalal, K.S., et al. (2018). “Hen Egg White Lysozyme Catalyzed Efficient Synthesis of 3-Indolyl-3-hydroxy Oxindole”. Catalysis Letters (Impact Factor 3.186).
  3. Dalal, K.S., et al. (2021). “The First Efficient Biocatalytic Route for the Synthesis of Kojic Acid Derivatives in Aqueous Media”. Catalysis Communications (Impact Factor 3.510).
  4. Dalal, K.S., et al. (2021). “Lipase-Mediated Multicomponent Synthesis of 1H-Pyrazolo[1,2-b] phthalazine Derivatives”. Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry (Impact Factor 2.431).

Conclusion:

Dr. Kiran Sharad Dalal is an accomplished researcher and educator whose work stands at the forefront of biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. His expertise in sustainable chemical processes through enzymatic reactions has paved the way for environmentally friendly industrial applications. His commitment to academic excellence, coupled with his numerous achievements in both research and teaching, makes him a strong candidate for the “Best Faculty Award.” Dr. Dalal’s continued contributions to science and education reflect his dedication to furthering knowledge in the field of microbiology and green chemistry. His award nominations are a testament to his innovative approach and significant impact on the scientific community. His work, which bridges the gap between academic research and industrial applications, holds promise for future advancements in biocatalysis and sustainable chemistry.

 

 

 

Richard Kwame Adom | Environmental Management | Excellence in Research

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom | Environmental Management | Excellence in Research

Teaching and Research | University of Witwatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom is a distinguished expert in water governance and environmental management with nearly three decades of teaching and practical experience. His work spans water policy development, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and food security, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. As a teaching and research fellow at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, Dr. Adom is widely recognized for his contributions to geography, environmental studies, and integrated water resource management. His collaborations with governments, international organizations, and NGOs have advanced sustainable environmental solutions and resilience to climate change.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Adom’s academic journey reflects a lifelong dedication to addressing environmental challenges. He earned his Ph.D. in Human and Environmental Geography from the University of Witwatersrand, specializing in water governance and environmental change. His academic foundation includes two master’s degrees: an MPA in Public Management from the University of Fort Hare and an MSc in Economic Geography from the University of Witwatersrand. His undergraduate studies in Geography and Environmental Science and Environmental Management, along with a Diploma in Education, established his strong interdisciplinary expertise.

Experience

Dr. Adom serves as a Teaching and Research Fellow at the University of Witwatersrand. He leads modules on sustainable development, environmental politics, and GIS, while supervising graduate research. His professional experience includes advisory roles for national governments and global organizations like the African Development Bank, FAO, and DFID. His contributions encompass environmental impact assessments, community-based initiatives, and strategic policy development for climate resilience. He previously held teaching and administrative roles at the University of Fort Hare and University of Ghana, enriching his expertise in diverse academic environments.

Research Interests

Dr. Adom’s research focuses on the intersection of climate change, water resource management, and sustainable livelihoods. He examines the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of deforestation, climate funding challenges, and water-energy-food nexus strategies. His work emphasizes actionable policy frameworks and adaptive strategies to enhance resilience in vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa. Dr. Adom’s innovative methodologies in water governance have garnered significant attention and adoption in academic and policy circles.

Awards

Dr. Adom’s academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various honors, including:

  • 2023: Climate Resilience and Governance Excellence Award, Johannesburg.
  • 2022: Leadership in Environmental Research Award, South African Geographical Association.
  • 2020: Research Impact Excellence Award, University of Witwatersrand.
    His contributions have also earned nominations for prestigious awards in environmental policy and governance.

Publications

Dr. Adom has authored numerous impactful publications, including:

  1. “Assessing Social, Economic, and Environmental Challenges of Veld Fires in South Africa” (2025, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, Cited by 24)
  2. “The Complex Task of Evaluating Institutional Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change” (2025, Climate Resilience and Sustainability, Cited by 18)
  3. “Deforestation and Climate Change Implications on Rural Livelihoods in Ghana” (2024, Environmental Management, Cited by 31)
  4. “Exploring Complications of Climate Change Funding in Sub-Saharan Africa” (2024, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Cited by 15)
  5. “Overcoming Policy Implementation Challenges in South Africa’s Water Sector” (2024, Sustainable Water Resource Management, Cited by 19)
  6. “Enhancing Climate Change Governance in South Africa” (2023, Environmental Policy and Governance, Cited by 21)
  7. “The Threat of Climate Change to Water and Food Security in South Africa” (2022, American Journal of Environment and Climate, Cited by 27)

Conclusion

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom is a visionary academic and practitioner whose work bridges theoretical insights and practical solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. His expertise in climate change adaptation, water governance, and sustainable development has left an indelible mark on the academic and professional fields. As a collaborative leader, his contributions continue to influence policy frameworks and empower communities for a more sustainable future.

Gloria Kgomotso Matobole | Green Energy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms. Gloria Kgomotso Matobole | Green Energy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Gloria Kgomotso Matobole | Green Energy – Junior lecturer at VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, South Africa

Kgomotso Matobole is an accomplished chemical engineer and academic, renowned for expertise in sustainable energy and environmental management. With over a decade of experience spanning academia, industry, and mentorship, Matobole has consistently demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing green technologies. As a lecturer and researcher, they have made substantial contributions to chemical engineering, particularly in waste management and energy optimization, earning recognition as a thought leader in the field.

Professional Profile 

ORCID | Scopus

Education

Matobole’s academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation in chemical engineering. They hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Pretoria (2008), which laid the groundwork for their technical expertise. Further advancing their qualifications, they completed a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (2023) at Vaal University of Technology, focusing on the modeling and scale-up of biomethane production from food waste through anaerobic digestion. Currently, Matobole is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at the same institution, with research centered on producing fire briquettes from pyrolyzed waste activated sludge—a study that underscores their dedication to sustainable energy and environmental conservation.

Experience

Matobole has amassed a wealth of professional experience, seamlessly integrating academic knowledge with industrial applications. As a Chemical Engineering Lecturer at Vaal University of Technology, they excel in developing curricula, mentoring students, and conducting both virtual and in-person classes. Their previous roles include serving as a Business Mentor at The Innovation Hub Management Company, where they guided township entrepreneurs in transitioning from start-up phases to sustained growth.

Earlier in their career, Matobole gained hands-on industry experience as a Production Supervisor Intern at Pioneer Foods, where they optimized manufacturing processes and ensured adherence to safety standards. Their tenure as a Research Assistant at Adcock Ingram involved developing training materials and facilitating operational training. These diverse roles reflect Matobole’s adaptability and proficiency in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical implementation.

Research Interest

Matobole’s research interests lie at the intersection of chemical engineering, waste management, and sustainable energy solutions. They are particularly focused on leveraging advanced technologies like pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion to convert waste materials into valuable energy resources. By addressing global challenges such as waste disposal and renewable energy generation, Matobole aims to contribute to a more sustainable future. Their research not only seeks to optimize energy production but also aligns with global sustainability goals, showcasing a commitment to impactful and transformative science.

Awards

Matobole’s contributions to academia and industry have earned them recognition as a dedicated and innovative professional. Their work has been acknowledged through various accolades and opportunities, reflecting their influence in the field of chemical engineering. Their achievements highlight a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and research-driven innovation.

Publications

📄 “Ultrasonic Pre-treatment Investigation on Biogas Production of Biomethane of Fruit and Vegetable Waste” (2021), Chemical Engineering Transactions, cited by 25 articles.
📄 “Anaerobic Digestion Modeling for Biomethane Production from Food Waste” (2023), Renewable Energy Journal, cited by 18 articles.
📄 “Pyrolysis Techniques in Waste-to-Energy Applications” (2022), Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, cited by 15 articles.
📄 “Advances in Fire Briquettes Production from Pyrolyzed Materials” (2023), Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, cited by 12 articles.
📄 “Optimization of Biogas Yield Using Pre-treatment Methods” (2020), Energy Conversion and Management, cited by 22 articles.
📄 “Integration of Pyrolysis in Circular Economy Models” (2021), Waste Management & Research, cited by 17 articles.

Conclusion

Kgomotso Matobole exemplifies the qualities of a visionary researcher and dedicated mentor, blending technical expertise with a passion for sustainability. Their academic achievements, impactful research, and professional versatility underscore their potential for driving meaningful advancements in chemical engineering. With a focus on addressing critical environmental challenges, Matobole is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the field. As a nominee for the “Best Researcher Award,” they bring a proven track record of excellence and innovation that aligns with the award’s prestigious standards.