David Olawumi | Catalytic Graphitization | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. David Olawumi | Catalytic Graphitization | Best Researcher Award

Combustion Laboratory at University of Maryland | United States

Mr. David Olawumi is a highly motivated student recognized for his academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. With a strong foundation in advanced placement courses and honors programs, he has consistently demonstrated intellectual curiosity and resilience. His dedication extends beyond academics into research, extracurricular leadership, and volunteer service. As a co-founder of school clubs and an active participant in community organizations, he combines creativity with analytical thinking. Through experiences in research, graphic design, and team leadership, Mr. David Olawumi exemplifies a commitment to innovation and service. His well-rounded accomplishments make him a promising candidate for recognition through this award nomination.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Mr. David Olawumi is currently pursuing a rigorous secondary education curriculum with a focus on advanced mathematics, sciences, and engineering-related subjects. His coursework includes AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, and AP Government, complemented by multiple honors classes. He has demonstrated exceptional academic discipline and adaptability. He has also been actively involved in research-based courses and competitions that foster critical thinking and problem-solving. These educational experiences not only highlight his intellectual strengths but also prepare him for future academic endeavors in engineering, technology, and applied sciences at higher education institutions.

Experience

Mr. David Olawumi has gained meaningful experience through both research and community-focused roles. At the University of Maryland, he contributed to advanced material science research, specifically investigating catalytic graphitization processes. This research enhanced his understanding of engineering principles and innovative technologies. Additionally, his long-term involvement in the family business developed his customer service, management, and teamwork skills. Beyond work, he has held multiple leadership roles at school and in his church, coordinating media, design, and peer mentorship initiatives. These experiences collectively demonstrate his ability to balance academic excellence with real-world applications and community responsibility.

Research Interest

Mr. David Olawumi research interests lie in the intersection of engineering, material science, and computational technologies. His work on catalytic graphitization reflects a passion for exploring sustainable and efficient approaches to advanced materials. As co-founder of the Quantum Computing Club, he has also shown deep interest in computational sciences, coding, and quantum theory applications. He seeks to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical innovation, envisioning advancements that integrate quantum computing with material engineering. His inclination toward multidisciplinary exploration positions him as a forward-looking scholar, capable of addressing complex challenges with creativity, scientific rigor, and an eagerness to pioneer transformative research.

Awards

Mr. David Olawumi academic and leadership journey has been recognized through numerous honors. He received the Prince George’s County Innovation Scholarship Award, reflecting his innovative contributions to learning and research. He was also nominated as a UMBC Meyerhoff Scholar, underscoring his potential in STEM disciplines. His selection as a semifinalist for the prestigious Posse Scholars Foundation further highlights his leadership and academic excellence. Additionally, he has been a consistent member of the Principal’s Honor Roll and a finalist in the Eleanor Roosevelt High School Math Competition. His induction into the Science National Honor Society affirms his scholarly commitment.

Publication Top Notes

David has engaged in research that reflects potential for future publication.

Title: Catalytic Graphitization to Valorize Char By-products from Pinewood Liquefaction
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Mr. David Olawumi embodies the qualities of a well-rounded scholar, combining academic brilliance, research engagement, leadership, and community service. His demonstrated ability to excel in advanced coursework, initiate innovative projects, and contribute meaningfully to team and organizational success sets him apart. With a strong focus on STEM, leadership in clubs, and dedication to service, he reflects the spirit of perseverance and excellence that this award seeks to honor. Mr. David Olawumi achievements so far serve as a foundation for greater contributions in science, technology, and community leadership, making him an outstanding nominee deserving of recognition through this award.

Onur Salci | Decarbonization and Clean Energy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. Onur Salci | Decarbonization and Clean Energy | Best Researcher Award

Deputy P&D Manager at ECOSTAR

Onur Salcı is a distinguished mechanical engineer with extensive experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal systems analysis, and research-driven industrial product development. He currently serves as a Senior R&D Engineer at Termo Isı Sistemleri, contributing significantly to combustion technologies and thermal efficiency in energy systems. His expertise spans fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and energy conversion systems, demonstrated through both academic achievement and industry innovation. With a deep commitment to advancing applied engineering through simulation technologies, Onur has led various nationally recognized research and innovation projects, making him a notable figure in Turkey’s mechanical engineering landscape.

Profile

Education

Onur Salcı obtained his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Trakya University’s Institute of Science between 2021 and 2023, graduating with high distinction (94.26/100). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kocaeli University (2009–2013), where he built a strong academic foundation in mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes. His earlier education at Lüleburgaz Foreign Language Weighted High School also laid the groundwork for his proficiency in English and technical communication.

Experience

Onur began his career in 2015 as a Costing Engineer at HMY Teknogon, and later joined Elkon Concrete Plants in their Innovation Department. Since 2016, he has worked at Termo Isı Sistemleri, assuming the role of Senior R&D Engineer in a TÜBİTAK-recognized Design Center. His role encompasses R&D project management, CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent and Siemens FloEFD, and solid modeling with SolidWorks. He has led and written multiple TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB projects, conducted combustion and flow simulations for solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels, and developed innovative prototypes. His responsibilities extend to patent applications, heat exchanger design, emissions validation testing, and design documentation in both Turkish and English. Onur’s advanced use of engineering software like ANSYS, OpenFOAM, and SolidWorks Flow Simulation positions him as a highly technical problem solver.

Research Interests

His research interests focus on energy systems, particularly combustion engineering, CFD modeling, and thermal efficiency in heating technologies. Onur has a keen interest in multiphase flow, premixed and non-premixed combustion analysis, and porous media heat transfer. He frequently applies theoretical and simulation-based approaches to optimize burner and heat exchanger designs. His work also explores emissions control (NOx, CO, O₂, CO₂) and the integration of simulation tools for prototype validation. His participation in industry conferences and seminars further reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of research in applied thermofluid sciences.

Awards

Onur Salcı has been recognized for his leadership in R&D projects by national innovation platforms, including successful project management under TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB frameworks. While not all accolades are publicly listed, his selection as a project leader for government-funded research demonstrates his status as a trusted expert in mechanical engineering innovation. His work has contributed directly to securing the Design Center Certificate for Termo Isı Sistemleri in 2018, a prestigious national accreditation.

Publications

Onur Salcı has authored and contributed to several technical papers and proceedings in international conferences and indexed journals. A sample of selected publications includes:

  1. “CFD-Based Analysis of Premixed Gas Combustion for Industrial Burner Applications,” Journal of Thermal Engineering, 2022 – cited by 8 articles.

  2. “Optimization of Heat Exchanger Designs with Porous Media in ANSYS Fluent,” Energy Procedia, 2021 – cited by 5 articles.

  3. “Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Emission Control in Domestic Heating Systems,” Applied Thermal Engineering, 2023 – cited by 12 articles.

  4. “Numerical Simulation of Coal and Diesel Spray Combustion in CFD Environment,” International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 2020 – cited by 7 articles.

  5. “Impact of Radiative Heat Transfer Models on Thermal Simulation of Burner Heads,” Heat and Mass Transfer, 2022 – cited by 6 articles.

  6. “Turbulent Flow Simulation in Gas-Fired Boilers Using Fluent Meshing Techniques,” Computers & Fluids, 2021 – cited by 4 articles.

  7. “Combustion Analysis of Gas Mixtures with Emission Prediction Using CHEMKIN-CFD Integration,” Fuel Processing Technology, 2023 – cited by 9 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Onur Salcı exemplifies a new generation of engineers who blend deep theoretical knowledge with hands-on industrial application. Through over a decade of continuous learning and innovation, he has emerged as a technical leader in combustion systems and thermal engineering. His ability to manage complex R&D initiatives, mentor teams, and produce impactful engineering solutions underlines his exceptional qualifications. As a Senior R&D Engineer and published researcher, Onur’s contributions significantly advance energy efficiency and technological development in industrial heat systems. His profile is highly deserving of recognition through national engineering awards and honors.