David Olawumi | Catalytic Graphitization | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate and Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Katia D. S. Gomes is an emerging scholar with a strong foundation in civil engineering and energy systems. Currently pursuing her PhD, she brings over two years of academic research experience, particularly in energy project development, modelling, and international collaboration. Katia is well-versed in utilizing advanced modelling tools such as EnergyPLAN, OSeMOSYS, and HOMER. Her academic journey is marked by cross-cultural exposure and a passion for sustainable energy transitions. Through her roles in academia and industry, she has demonstrated strong skills in proposal writing, project coordination, and analytical thinking. Katia continues to contribute to energy sustainability through her innovative research.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Katia holds a Master of Science in Energy and Green Hydrogen, which she completed at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal. Her graduate studies focused on the economics, policies, and technologies of green hydrogen, reflecting a deep interdisciplinary understanding of energy transitions. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde. Her academic trajectory shows a commitment to continuous learning and the application of engineering principles to solve real-world energy problems, particularly in developing regions and cross-border collaborative settings.

Experience

Katia has accumulated a wealth of experience through progressive roles in both academic and industry settings. Currently, she works as a research assistant at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, contributing to energy modelling and proposal development for hydrogen-related projects across Africa and Europe. She also supported the university as a student assistant in 2023. Before her academic tenure, she worked as a civil engineer at Varela & Engineering in Cape Verde from 2019 to 2021, overseeing infrastructure projects. Her diverse background blends practical engineering skills with academic rigor, enabling her to lead and support international energy initiatives effectively.

Research Interest

Katia’s research interests revolve around energy transition technologies, green hydrogen integration, and sustainable energy modelling. She is particularly focused on using computational tools like EnergyPLAN, HOMER, and OSeMOSYS to simulate energy systems in African and European contexts. Her research aims to evaluate the feasibility and optimization of hydrogen infrastructure and its socio-economic implications. Katia is also interested in the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and regional cooperation in renewable energy projects. Her interdisciplinary approach brings together technical knowledge, policy analysis, and sustainable development goals to address the global energy crisis through innovative modelling and collaborative research.

Award

Katia has demonstrated exceptional potential in research, project execution, and scientific communication. Her successful coordination of proposals and research collaborations in Africa and Europe has positioned her as a rising talent in the field of green hydrogen and sustainable energy systems. She was selected as a research assistant at a leading German institution, RWTH Aachen University, a recognition of her growing academic and professional influence. Her innovative mindset, cross-cultural communication ability, and proficiency in modern modelling tools make her a strong candidate for research-based awards that highlight early-career excellence and interdisciplinary impact in sustainable energy.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: The role of transport sector integration in achieving high shares of renewable energy in African islands
    Journal: The case of Santiago, Cabo Verde
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Katia D. S. Gomes embodies the qualities of a promising researcher with a clear vision for sustainable development through energy innovation. Her academic and professional pursuits are deeply aligned with addressing critical challenges in renewable energy integration, especially in developing regions. She brings a unique blend of engineering expertise, policy insight, and cross-cultural collaboration. With her ongoing PhD and project engagements, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the global energy landscape. Recognizing her through this award would not only honor her work but also empower her continued impact in the energy transition field.