Ahmed ElMahalawy | Spotlights | Best Academic Researcher Award

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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.

Kahsay | Managing Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kahsay | Managing Research | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Adal Medical University, Somalia

Dr. Kahsay Hailu Negash is a distinguished academic and researcher with over 16 years of professional experience in the areas of inclusive education, language teaching, curriculum design, and educational policy development. Based in Borama, Somaliland, he currently serves as Vice President for Research and Community Service at Adal Medical University. Dr. Negash has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and inclusive community service, particularly in the context of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. He is recognized for his bilingual and cross-cultural communication expertise and has provided substantial contributions through teaching, supervision, and collaborative international training programs.

Professional Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Negash began his academic journey at Addis Ababa University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in English Language Education in 2007, graduating with distinction. He continued his studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching in 2011. His academic pursuit culminated in a Doctoral Degree in Inclusive Education from the University of South Africa in 2017. His educational background is enriched with more than 20 professional trainings, including certifications from YALI, the World Bank Institute, the US Peace Corps, and others in curriculum development, research, and intercultural communication.

Experience 💼

Professionally, Dr. Negash has served in diverse academic and consultancy roles. He has held faculty and leadership positions at several higher education institutions, including Adal Medical University, Mekelle University, Jigjiga University, and the US Peace Corps. His roles have spanned from lecturer to assistant professor and eventually vice president, reflecting his steady career progression. At Jigjiga University, he also directed the Disability Studies and Support Directorate. His responsibilities have included teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, developing curricula, managing community outreach programs, conducting research, and supporting students with disabilities. Furthermore, he contributed as a senior communication and social affairs expert at Motion Consultancy, enhancing communication strategies and policy advocacy efforts.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Negash’s research interests lie at the intersection of inclusive education, visual impairment, language acquisition, behavioral sciences, and educational equity. He is particularly invested in understanding barriers to inclusion for learners with disabilities and exploring strategies to improve access to quality education for marginalized groups. His research spans qualitative and quantitative methods and has influenced training programs, curriculum reforms, and policy development within the East African region. He has also supervised multiple postgraduate theses on visual impairment, school environments, and mental health challenges.

Awards 🏆

Among his notable recognitions, Dr. Negash received a certificate for graduating with distinction from Addis Ababa University in 2007. Additionally, he has earned numerous training and proficiency certificates from prestigious institutions, including a certificate in “Understanding Human Rights” from YALI and language proficiency testing certification from the US Peace Corps. These accolades underscore his excellence in academics, research, and community service.

Publications Top Notes 📚

  • Negash, K.H., & Gasa, V. (2022). Academic barriers that prevent the inclusion of learners with visual impairment in Ethiopian mainstream schools. SAGE Open, 12(2), 21582440221089934.
    — This study investigates systemic academic challenges—including curriculum inaccessibility, lack of teacher training, and inadequate materials—that hinder the inclusion of visually impaired students in Ethiopian mainstream schools.

  • Negash, K.H. (2017). The inclusion of visually-impaired learners in Ethiopian secondary schools (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation). University of South Africa.
    — This doctoral thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the educational inclusion landscape for visually impaired students in Ethiopian secondary schools, identifying both obstacles and emerging opportunities.

  • Negash, K.H. (2020). Possible strategies to be considered to realise the inclusion of learners with visual impairment; a case study of secondary schools in Ethiopia. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 7(1), 93–102.
    — The paper offers practical strategies—such as teacher training, adaptive technology, and policy reform—to promote inclusive education for visually impaired learners in Ethiopian secondary schools.

  • Negash, K.H. (2019). Pre-service Teachers’ Attitude towards the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 8(12), 271–274.
    — This article examines pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards disability inclusion, revealing a mixture of optimism and a need for improved training in inclusive education principles.

  • Negash, K.H., & Gasa, V. (2025). Academic dishonesty among higher education students in Somaliland. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11.
    — The study explores the prevalence and underlying factors of academic dishonesty in Somaliland’s universities, focusing on cultural, institutional, and policy-related influences.

  • Negash, K.H. (2020). Somaliland’s University Students’ Online Learning Experiences during the COVID-19 Lock-down. International Conference on Studies in Education and Social Sciences (ICSES).
    — This conference paper investigates the challenges and adaptations experienced by university students in Somaliland during COVID-19-induced remote learning.

  • Hailu, K. (2013). Teaching Speaking Skills through Role Play: Teachers’ Perceptions and Application. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Vol. 1, p. 108.
    — The book analyzes how role-play is perceived and implemented by teachers as a method for improving speaking skills in language classrooms, highlighting both benefits and barriers to its effective use.

  • Negash, K.H., & Gasa, V.G. Social Sciences & Humanities Open.
    — Likely a general reference to the authors’ multiple publications within Social Sciences & Humanities Open, particularly focusing on inclusion and academic integrity in higher education settings.

Conclusion 🔚

Dr. Kahsay Hailu Negash exemplifies academic integrity, leadership, and social commitment. His dynamic portfolio of teaching, research, and community service makes him a valuable contributor to educational development in Africa. With his multilingual abilities, inclusive approach, and research-driven mindset, Dr. Negash continues to influence educational policy and practice. His efforts not only contribute to academic discourse but also bring tangible improvements to learning environments, particularly for students with disabilities and those from underrepresented backgrounds. He is a deserving nominee for any award that celebrates educational leadership and academic excellence.

DongYu Hou | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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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 🏅.