Alian Wang | Mineralogy and Petrology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Dr. Alian Wang | Mineralogy and Petrology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Research Professor at Washington University in St. Louis | United States

Prof. Dr. Alian Wang is a distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, recognized for her pioneering contributions to planetary spectroscopy, mineralogy, and surface geochemistry. Her research integrates laboratory simulations, field studies, and mission data analysis to advance understanding of mineralogical processes and electrochemical interactions occurring on planetary surfaces such as Mars, Venus, the Moon, and Europa. With a strong foundation in spectroscopy and quantum electronics, she has developed advanced Raman, FTIR, Vis-NIR, and LIBS spectroscopic techniques and environmental simulation chambers that have significantly enhanced the scientific capabilities of planetary exploration missions. Prof. Dr. Alian Wang investigations into heterogeneous electrochemistry (HEC) have elucidated critical mechanisms governing atmospheric and surface reactions driven by dust and radiation, providing insight into the stability of biomarkers and the potential for habitability beyond Earth. Her leadership extends to active participation in international scientific committees, including chairing the GeoRaman International Science Advisory Committee, and contributing to NASA and NSF review panels. Widely published in high-impact journals, her work has been instrumental in interpreting data from multiple space missions and establishing new frameworks for studying mineral-water interactions in extraterrestrial environments. As a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and recipient of NASA Group Achievement Awards for Mars exploration, Prof. Dr. Alian Wang exemplifies excellence in planetary science through her sustained innovation, interdisciplinary expertise, and dedication to expanding humanity’s understanding of planetary evolution and habitability.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Wang, A., et al. (2025). Isotope effects (Cl, O, C) of heterogeneous electrochemistry induced by Martian dust activities.

Wang, A., et al. (2025). Fast destruction of methane by Martian dust activities.

Wang, A., et al. (2025). Generation of trace methane by Martian dust activities.

Wang, A., et al. (2024). Chlorine cycle on Mars driven by heterogeneous electrochemistry (HEC).

Yan, Y. C., Wang, A., et al. (2024). SCHILGAR: A new experimental apparatus to study the heterogeneous electrochemistry in the Martian atmosphere with inline gas analyzer.

Wang, A., et al. (2024). The 100× enhanced destruction of biomarkers hosted in hydrous vs. anhydrous chloride by energetic electron impact, relevant to Mars, Europa, Enceladus.

Samy K. Moawad | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. Samy K. Moawad | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Ain Shams University, Egypt

Samy Kamal Moawad is a highly accomplished geologist with over 22 years of experience in exploration and development geology, specializing in stratigraphy, sedimentology, and tectonic influence on hydrocarbon systems. Currently serving as the Prospect Generation and Field Studies Manager at Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO), he leads multidisciplinary geoscience teams in generating high-quality exploration prospects and optimizing field development strategies. His career spans across regional and asset-level geological evaluations, technical instruction, and extensive contributions to both national and international geological forums.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Mr. Moawad holds a Master of Science degree in Geology, awarded for his research on high-resolution sequence stratigraphy to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Abu Roash “E” Member in Egypt’s Western Desert. He is currently pursuing his PhD, with research focused on the impact of extensional tectonics on Miocene carbonate hydrocarbon plays in the Southern Gulf of Suez Rift. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in geology from Ain Shams University, where he graduated with honors in 2001. His academic background is deeply rooted in sedimentological and stratigraphic analysis, which forms the foundation of his research and applied geological work.

Professional Experience

Mr. Moawad began his professional career in 2002 with GUPCO, where he worked in sedimentology and stratigraphy, building detailed geological models and conducting outcrop studies across Egypt. He was seconded to BP as a regional geologist, leading Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Paleozoic basin studies across North Africa, constructing gross depositional environment and isopach maps critical to exploration decisions. From 2009 to 2019, he served as Senior Geologist at GUPCO, contributing to resource progression, exploration lead generation, and development planning. His work involved stratigraphic modeling, petrophysical evaluations, and successful drilling of exploration and development wells. Since 2019, he has led geological teams in sub-regional prospect evaluation, field studies, and exploration planning, overseeing drilling operations and technical coaching across the company.

Research Interests

Samy’s primary research interests lie in the integration of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy with depositional environment reconstruction and structural geology. His ongoing PhD research investigates the influence of syn-depositional tectonics on carbonate reservoir development. He has a strong focus on hydrocarbon play analysis, reservoir characterization, and the relationship between structural frameworks and stratigraphic architecture. His studies often incorporate core and thin section descriptions, biostratigraphic data, and reservoir quality mapping to understand the geological controls on petroleum systems. He is also interested in unconventional reservoir development, microbial enhanced oil recovery, and risk-based prospect evaluation methodologies.

Awards and Recognition

Mr. Moawad has earned recognition as a technical leader and educator in Egypt’s petroleum geology sector. He has been entrusted with leading technical seminars, field trips, and workshops for organizations such as SPE YP, AAPG, SEG, and various petroleum companies. His expertise has led him to design and deliver advanced training in stratigraphy, reservoir modeling, and subsurface mapping. Notably, he has led several successful exploration campaigns, contributing to hydrocarbon discoveries and optimizing resource development. His leadership in multi-reservoir redevelopment and risk-based prospect generation has earned commendation within industry circles.

Publications

Mr. Moawad has authored and co-authored several technical papers in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. His key publications include:

“Stratigraphy, facies analysis and depositional environments of the Upper Unit of Abu Roash ‘E’ member…” published in the Journal of African Earth Sciences (2018), cited 26 times.

“Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery: First Successful Pilot in Egypt and Middle East,” presented at SPE GOTECH (2019).

“Unlocking Unconventional Resources in GUPCO,” presented at ADIPEC (2019), cited 11 times.

“Thebes Appraisal Study: Integrated Approach,” presented at the GPC Workshop on Carbonate Reservoirs (2021).

“Eocene Unconventional Success Case Study in Gulf of Suez,” presented at GPC Brown Fields Workshop (2022).

“Microbial EOR: First Successful Pilot in Egypt and Middle East,” presented at ADIPEC (2022).

“Structural Control on Depositional Basin Architecture…” submitted to Marine and Petroleum Geology (under review for 2025).

Conclusion

Samy Kamal Moawad exemplifies technical leadership, geological insight, and commitment to advancing petroleum geology in Egypt and the wider region. His work bridges academic rigor with practical application, contributing to both the scientific community and the energy sector. Through decades of experience, innovative research, and strategic prospect evaluation, he has played a vital role in the development of Egypt’s hydrocarbon resources. His continued academic and field contributions position him as a valuable candidate for recognition in any prestigious geological or petroleum exploration award.