Ahmed ElMahalawy | Spotlights | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed ElMahalawy | Spotlights | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed ElMahalawy, Suez Canal University, Egypt

Ahmed Mohamed El-Sayed Mohamed El-Mahalawy is an accomplished Associate Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Egypt. With deep expertise in experimental solid-state physics, particularly organic thin films for optoelectronic and solar cell applications, Dr. El-Mahalawy has established himself as a significant contributor to materials science and photodetector technology. His career spans extensive academic teaching, impactful research, and participation in global conferences and workshops, all of which underscore his commitment to scientific innovation and education.

🔹Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. El-Mahalawy’s academic foundation is rooted in the Suez Canal University, where he earned his BSc in 2010, MSc in 2015, and PhD experimental solid-state physics. His doctoral work titled “Study of Some Physical Properties of Copper (II) Acetylacetonate Thin Films and Their Optoelectronic Applications” reflects his early focus on exploring materials for future energy and sensor technologies. His master’s thesis investigated 1,4,5,8 Naphthalene Tetracarboxylic Dianhydride Thin Films, while his undergraduate project examined spectroscopic properties of doped polyvinyl alcohol films. These research efforts laid a strong foundation for his current trajectory in optoelectronics and nanomaterials.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Since joining Suez Canal University, Dr. El-Mahalawy has served across multiple instructional roles, beginning as a teaching assistant and ascending to Associate Professor in 2024. He has taught an expansive range of courses, including Experimental Physics, Semiconductor Physics, Advanced Solid State Physics, Electronic and Optical Properties of Nanomaterials, and Biophysics. He has also contributed to postgraduate and diploma-level programs, particularly within the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport. His teaching excellence is complemented by his participation in curriculum design, digital education tools, and quality management in higher education.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. El-Mahalawy’s research interests are centered around thin-film materials, organic-inorganic hybrid systems, nanostructured semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices. His investigations primarily target the development of next-generation photodetectors, solar cells, and functional electronic materials. He is particularly interested in doping effects, plasma treatments, and material characterizations that lead to optimized optical and electronic properties.

📚Publications Top Notes

🔹Unveiling of novel synthesized coumarin derivative for efficient self-driven hybrid organic/inorganic photodetector applications

Authors: A.R. Wassel, E.R. El-Sawy, A.M. El-Mahalawy
Summary: Synthesized coumarin-based compound enhances hybrid photodetector performance with self-powered and efficient photoresponse.

🔹Exploration of doping-dependent structural, optical, and electrical properties of thermally evaporated CdSe thin films for improved photodetection performance

Authors: A.R. Wassel, S.A. Mansour, F.M. Mohamed, A.M. El-Mahalawy
Summary: Cd doping improves CdSe thin films’ structure and optoelectronic behavior for better photodetectors.

🔹 Exploitation of plasma treatment-assisted monocarboxylic cobalt phthalocyanine nanorod growth for high-efficiency photodetection applications

Authors: A.M. El-Mahalawy, M.A. Abd El‑Ghaffar, W. Abbas, A.R. Wassel
Summary: Plasma-guided nanorod growth enhances photodetector sensitivity, morphology, and overall optoelectronic performance.

🔹Controllability of optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of synthesized Cd-doped MgFe₂O₄ nanostructure

Authors: S.E. Ali, A.A. Marzouk, H. Abdel-Khalek, A.M. El-Mahalawy
Summary: Cd-doped MgFe₂O₄ nanostructures exhibit tunable properties for sensing and magnetic device applications.

🔹Appreciably optimization of PVA/PVP nanocomposite blend for enhanced optoelectronics properties and multifunctional applications

Authors: A.M. El-Mahalawy, M.M. Abdrabou, S.A. Mansour, F.M. Ali
Summary: Optimized PVA/PVP blend shows improved conductivity, flexibility, and stability for flexible electronic devices.

🏆 Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed El-Mahalawy exemplifies the integration of scholarly rigor and practical innovation. Through his contributions to photodetector design, material optimization, and physics education, he has built a distinguished academic profile marked by high-impact publications and international engagement. His ongoing commitment to advancing optoelectronic material science, combined with his mentorship of students and leadership in academic development, make him an outstanding nominee for recognition in scientific excellence awards. His work not only advances fundamental knowledge but also contributes directly to emerging technologies in sustainable electronics and sensor design.

DongYu Hou | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. DongYu Hou | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Phd Student, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, China

Dongyu Hou is a dedicated and emerging researcher currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology. With a strong academic background in materials and chemical engineering, Dongyu has focused his research on high-performance materials for energy storage and thermal insulation applications. His work emphasizes the integration of low-temperature plasma technology with advanced material systems for electric vehicles and electronic components. He has contributed to a significant research publication in the Journal of Energy Storage (2025), co-authored a pending Chinese invention patent, and received the Outstanding Graduate Award of Yunnan Province, establishing himself as a young leader in materials science and electrical engineering.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dongyu holds a master’s degree in Materials and Chemical Engineering from Kunming University of Science and Technology 🎓. During his graduate studies, he developed a plasma-assisted process for regenerating lithium-ion battery cathode materials, which significantly reduced processing time and improved material performance. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Harbin University of Science and Technology 📘. His doctoral work focuses on the development of high thermal conductivity insulating materials, particularly for use in electric vehicle motors, aiming to address challenges in heat management and energy efficiency within compact power systems.

🧪 Experience

Throughout his academic journey, Dongyu has worked on a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects at the intersection of chemical engineering, plasma physics, and electrical materials. Under the mentorship of Professor Chengxu Zhang (2021–2024) and Professor Yu Feng (from 2024), Dongyu has sharpened his theoretical and experimental skills. He has explored material design strategies such as polymer blending, plasma surface modification, and composite optimization. Dongyu’s approach combines innovative engineering solutions with sustainable practices, focusing on scalable technologies for the energy sector ⚙️.

🔍 Research Interests

  • Low-temperature plasma applications for material modification

  • Recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries

  • Dielectric energy storage materials for high-temperature use

  • High thermal conductivity composites for electrical insulation
    Currently, he is investigating ways to enhance the thermal conductivity and dielectric efficiency of polymers through advanced filler design and multilayer architectures. His long-term goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for the energy storage and automotive industries 🔋🚗.

📄 Selected Publication

“Improvement of high-temperature energy storage performance of PC/FPE all-organic composite dielectrics based on functional multilayer structure design”, Journal of Energy Storage, 2025.
Authors: Wenchao Zhang, Qingguo Chen, Yu Feng, Dongyu Hou et al.
This study introduces a novel multilayer structure combining polycarbonate (PC) and fluorinated polyether (FPE) to improve dielectric performance under high-temperature conditions. The research proposes a functional layering method that enhances energy storage density and breakdown strength while maintaining thermal stability. Dongyu contributed significantly to the experimental methodology and thermal conductivity analysis. This paper marks a notable advancement in the development of polymer-based energy storage systems that are both efficient and thermally resilient. The publication has already begun to attract scholarly attention and is expected to be widely cited due to its relevance to next-generation electronic and automotive systems 🔬📈.

🏁 Conclusion

Dongyu Hou is a promising early-career researcher who demonstrates a rare combination of academic rigor, innovative thinking, and commitment to sustainable engineering. His current Ph.D. research on high-performance insulating materials is aligned with pressing technological challenges in electric vehicle systems and power electronics. His co-authored 2025 publication in the Journal of Energy Storage represents a significant scientific contribution and reflects his ability to collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary projects. With a patent application under review and membership in esteemed professional organizations such as the IEEE and the Plasma and their Applications Committee, Dongyu remains actively engaged with the scientific community. His achievements so far, combined with his strong potential for future impact, make him a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅.