Mr. Nikhil Dilip Pawar – Decarbonization of industry – Best Researcher Award

DLR - Germany

Author Profile 

ORCID 

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Nikhil Dilip Pawar’s journey into the field of sustainable engineering began with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. he later pursued a master's degree in renewable energies at the technical university of berlin, which marked a significant shift towards addressing global environmental challenges. during his academic training, nikhil honed his expertise in renewable energy systems and explored innovative methods to integrate sustainability into industrial processes.

🏭 Professional endeavors

Currently serving as a scientific researcher at the german aerospace center (dlr), nikhil has played a pivotal role in projects aimed at decarbonizing the fertilizer industry. his work has included exploring renewable energy-driven solutions for nitrogenous fertilizer production and sustainable water management strategies. as part of his professional journey, he contributed to projects like the eu horizon 2020 “zero brine” project and collaborated with iFOREST in india to provide actionable insights for policy reforms.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Nikhil’s research primarily revolves around the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, particularly the fertilizer sector. he has delved into green ammonia production and renewable-based desalination processes, emphasizing minimum liquid discharge strategies. his recent studies have focused on identifying flexibility options for desalination plants to complement Decarbonization of industry variable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing reliance on costly battery storage systems. these efforts align with a broader vision of integrating circular economy principles into industrial practices.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Nikhil’s research contributions have garnered attention in the academic and policy-making spheres. his paper on green ammonia production has achieved a high citation index of 1.737 on scopus, reflecting its impact within the scientific community. his expertise has also been sought for consultancy and collaboration projects, underlining his growing influence in the field of Decarbonization of industry sustainable industry practices.

🌍 Impact and influence

Through his collaborative work, nikhil has directly influenced policy recommendations for india’s transition to sustainable urea production. his actionable reports and scenario modeling have provided valuable insights into economic and environmental trade-offs, paving the way for a greener industrial landscape. his efforts underscore the critical role of renewable energy and Decarbonization of industry water resource management in achieving global sustainability goals.

🔄 Legacy and future contributions

Nikhil’s work represents a significant step toward realizing a carbon-neutral future for energy-intensive industries. by bridging the gap between research and policy, he is creating a legacy of actionable solutions that prioritize environmental and economic sustainability. moving forward, nikhil aims to expand his focus on integrating advanced technologies and fostering international collaborations to accelerate the transition to sustainable industrial practices.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Decarbonization of Urea Production in India and its Impact on Water Withdrawal and Costs: A Cost Optimization Approach
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Kunal Singhal; Chandra Bhushan; Thomas Pregger; Patrick Jochem
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Title: Valorization of coal mine effluents — Challenges and economic opportunities
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Steve Harris; Krzysztof Mitko; Gijsbert Korevaar
    Journal: Water Resources and Industry
  • Title: Potential of green ammonia production in India
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Heidi Ursula Heinrichs; Christoph Winkler; Philipp-Matthias Heuser; Severin D. Ryberg; Martin Robinius; Detlef Stolten
    Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Mr. Ajan Meenakshisundaram – Geothermal energy – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ajan Meenakshisundaram - Geothermal energy - Best Researcher Award

University of North Dakota - United States

Author Profile 

SCOPUS

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Ajan Meenakshisundaram embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Dr. M.G.R Educational and Research Institute in Chennai, where he achieved a CGPA of 7.3/10. His quest for deeper knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Energy Engineering at the University of Genoa in Italy, graduating with a vote of 100/110. Currently, he is furthering his expertise with a Ph.D. in Energy Engineering at the University of North Dakota, where he maintains an impressive GPA of 3.9/4.

Professional endeavors 🌟

Ajan's professional experience reflects a strong commitment to advancing energy engineering. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of North Dakota, he is actively involved in a Department of Energy project focusing on hydrogen production from biomass feedstock. His role includes modeling high-temperature shell and tube heat exchangers and analyzing pilot experimental data. Additionally, he has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where he supports the development of lecture materials and tutorials for courses on project dynamics and applied business analysis. His internship at the Energy and Environmental Research Center further enriched his knowledge of the North Dakota energy market.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Ajan’s research contributions are centered on energy engineering, with a particular focus on hydrogen production and biomass feedstock. His work involves using advanced computational fluid dynamics software to model heat exchangers and assess thermophysical characteristics of Geothermal energy core samples. His research on high-pressure and temperature equipment demonstrates his technical expertise and commitment to addressing complex energy challenges. This work aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems, making a significant impact in the field.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Ajan's academic and professional achievements have been recognized through his involvement in prestigious organizations. He is an active member of the American Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). His role as the Secretary for the Geothermal energy Student Association of India (SAI) at the University of North Dakota and his volunteer work with the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) highlight his leadership and organizational skills. These roles underscore his dedication to both his professional field and community engagement.

Impact and influence 🌍

Ajan’s work in energy engineering has the potential to significantly influence the field, particularly in the areas of hydrogen production and biomass utilization. His innovative approach to modeling and data analysis contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable Geothermal energy energy systems. By addressing critical energy challenges and providing valuable insights into energy markets, he is helping to shape the future of energy engineering and its applications.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Ajan Meenakshisundaram's legacy will be defined by his contributions to energy engineering and his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. His ongoing research and professional endeavors are paving the way for future innovations in the field. As he continues to explore new methodologies and technologies, his work is expected to leave a lasting impact on the energy sector, influencing both academic research and practical applications.

Notable Publications 

Dr. Onyedika Ubani – Bioremediation -Best Researcher Award

Dr. Onyedika Ubani - Bioremediation -Best Researcher Award

University of South Africa - South Africa

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Onyedika Ubani's academic journey began with a B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry from Abia State University, Nigeria. His undergraduate work focused on the phytochemical analysis of the Avocado plant as a medicinal resource. He later pursued an MSc in Environmental Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he researched compost bioremediation of oil sludge. Onyedika earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from UNISA, focusing on developing active bacterial formulations for degrading complex crude oil wastes. His education has provided a strong foundation in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and ecotoxicology.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏢

Onyedika's professional career includes postdoctoral fellowships at the University of South Africa and Vaal University of Technology. At UNISA, he worked on projects related to compost biofilters and nanotechnology for treating mine wastewater. His role involved designing and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). At Vaal University of Technology, he focused on the evaluation and phytoremediation of wetlands using Cannabis Sativa and Hemp. His work has spanned various aspects of environmental science, demonstrating his versatility and expertise.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Onyedika's research contributions are significant in the fields of environmental pollution control and bioremediation. He has developed innovative solutions for wastewater treatment, including the use of compost biofilters and microbial biofilms combined with nanotechnology. His work on phytoremediation has explored the use of plant species like Cannabis Sativa in constructed wetland systems for cleaning contaminated Bioremediation water. Onyedika's research has practical applications in reducing environmental pollution and advancing sustainable practices.

ACCREDITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Onyedika's academic and research achievements have been recognized in various ways. He holds a permanent residence permit in South Africa based on extraordinary skills, reflecting his expertise and contributions to environmental sciences. His work has been supervised by prominent Bioremediation figures such as Professor Harrison Ifeanyichukwu Atagana, further validating the quality and impact of his research. Onyedika has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge and solving complex environmental issues.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Onyedika's research has had a profound impact on environmental sciences, particularly in the areas of pollution control and bioremediation. His work has provided valuable insights into the use of natural and technological solutions for treating contaminated water. The innovative approaches he has developed for mitigating the effects of AMD and other pollutants contribute to the global efforts to protect and preserve Bioremediation natural ecosystems. Onyedika's influence extends beyond academia, impacting environmental policies and practices.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

Onyedika Ubani's legacy lies in his pioneering research and dedication to addressing environmental challenges. His contributions to the development of sustainable technologies for pollution control will continue to influence future research and applications. Onyedika's ongoing work promises to further enhance our understanding of bioremediation and environmental management. His commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that his legacy will inspire future generations of scientists and researchers.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS