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

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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.

Mohammadali Ahmadi | Enhanced Oil Recovery | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Mohammadali Ahmadi | Enhanced Oil Recovery | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Technology (SUT), Iran

Dr. Mohammadali Ahmadi is a highly accomplished researcher and academic currently affiliated with the University of Calgary and the Petroleum University of Technology. With a research career spanning over a decade, Dr. Ahmadi has made significant contributions to the fields of petroleum engineering, energy systems, and molecular simulation. His innovative work focuses on improving recovery processes in heavy oil reservoirs, enhancing surfactant applications, and applying molecular dynamics and machine learning to address complex challenges in oil and gas systems. With over 185 publications and more than 8,400 citations, his research has not only advanced scientific understanding but also shaped practical applications in energy engineering and sustainable resource development.

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Education

Dr. Ahmadi’s academic foundation is rooted in petroleum engineering, where he earned his advanced degrees specializing in enhanced oil recovery and chemical engineering techniques. His rigorous academic training laid the groundwork for a prolific research trajectory, allowing him to merge fundamental scientific inquiry with industrially relevant challenges. Throughout his education, he cultivated expertise in computational modeling, reservoir simulation, and surfactant-fluid interactions, preparing him for an influential career in both academia and the energy sector.

Experience

Over the years, Dr. Ahmadi has held research and teaching roles that bridge academia and industry. His dual affiliation with the University of Calgary and the Petroleum University of Technology highlights his global influence and collaborative research ethos. He has independently led numerous projects that focus on oil recovery, nanoconfinement effects, interfacial science, and chemical processes in porous media. His hands-on experience spans experimental design, simulation modeling, and the application of artificial intelligence in reservoir characterization. Beyond research, Dr. Ahmadi has mentored graduate students, developed university curricula, and contributed as a reviewer for top-tier scientific journals.

Research Interest

Dr. Ahmadi’s research interests revolve around enhanced oil recovery (EOR), nanoconfinement phenomena, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and the environmental optimization of hydrocarbon production. He is particularly focused on the role of surfactants in emulsification-demulsification processes and their molecular behavior in subsurface environments. Other core interests include CO₂ sequestration, steam-surfactant co-injection, and machine learning applications in petroleum systems. His interdisciplinary approach—blending chemical engineering, geomechanics, and data science—enables him to address both theoretical and practical problems in energy sustainability.

Awards

Dr. Ahmadi has received several accolades in recognition of his groundbreaking research and scholarly contributions. His high citation count, an H-index of 60, and frequent collaboration with leading scientists highlight his standing in the scientific community. While specific award names are not detailed in the public record, his sustained publication in high-impact journals and the adoption of his findings in patent literature underscore his influence and merit for prestigious academic honors.

Publications

Among his extensive portfolio of over 180 works, several stand out for their impact and citation frequency.

His 2022 article, “Molecular dynamics simulation of oil detachment from hydrophobic quartz surfaces during steam-surfactant Co-injection” in Energy (cited 32 times), provides insights into recovery processes at the nanoscale. Another highly cited work, “Comprehensive review of the interfacial behavior of water/oil/surfactant systems using dissipative particle dynamics simulation,” published in Advances in Colloid and Interface Science (2022), has received 37 citations.

His 2021 paper in Fuel on surfactant-asphaltene interactions has been cited 72 times, reflecting its foundational contribution. The 2020 study in Energy & Fuels titled “Insight into the Interfacial Behavior of Surfactants and Asphaltenes” has been cited 58 times.

His 2021 article in Petroleum comparing permeability estimation methods has attracted 139 citations, showcasing his impact on reservoir engineering. “Challenges and future of chemical assisted heavy oil recovery processes,” published in 2020 in Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, is another well-cited piece with 104 references.

Lastly, his 2020 Symmetry publication on surfactant-asphaltene interactions in hydrocarbon solvents has been cited 44 times, reinforcing his expertise in interfacial behavior.

Conclusion

Dr. Mohammadali Ahmadi stands as a leading figure in the field of petroleum engineering and energy science. His ability to tackle intricate challenges using computational tools and experimental insights has not only enriched academic literature but also provided viable solutions for the energy industry. With a remarkable blend of scientific rigor, technical innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Ahmadi continues to shape the future of enhanced oil recovery and sustainable energy processes. His qualifications, productivity, and scholarly excellence make him an outstanding candidate for any distinguished award in engineering and applied science.

Sameer Arora | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sameer Arora | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Best Researcher Award

Sector Specialist at National Institute of Urban Affairs, India

Sameer Arora is an accomplished environmental engineer specializing in water resource engineering and waste management. With extensive experience across academia, research institutions, and policy advisory roles, he has made significant contributions to urban environmental sustainability. His expertise spans integrated waste management, pollution control, climate resilience, and the implementation of sustainable environmental policies. Dr. Arora has worked with leading organizations, including the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Jhpiego-NISHTHA, the Central Pollution Control Board, and various academic institutions. His research primarily focuses on water quality modeling, air pollution assessment, and waste management strategies. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between research and practical environmental solutions, influencing sustainable urban development.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Sameer Arora holds a Ph.D. in Water Resource Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, earned in 2021. His research at IIT Delhi focused on advanced modeling techniques for improving urban river water quality. Prior to this, he completed his M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from Delhi Technological University (DTU) in 2012, where he gained extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment technologies and environmental impact assessment. He began his academic journey with a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in 2009, laying a strong foundation in sustainable engineering practices and environmental conservation.

Experience

Dr. Arora has amassed a wealth of experience across various sectors. Currently serving as a Sector Specialist in Waste Management at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, he is actively involved in assessing and improving urban waste management systems under the CITIIS 2.0 program. Previously, as a Technical Lead for Water and Waste Management at Jhpiego-NISHTHA, he played a pivotal role in integrating climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability in public healthcare facilities. His tenure at the Central Pollution Control Board as a Consultant in Science and Engineering involved extensive work in air and water pollution monitoring, regulatory framework analysis, and sustainable waste management. Additionally, he has held academic positions at Sharda University, G D Goenka University, and Galgotias University, where he contributed to teaching, research, and curriculum development in environmental engineering.

Research Interests

Dr. Arora’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of environmental sustainability domains. His work extensively explores water quality modeling, particularly the development of predictive models for dissolved oxygen dynamics in urban rivers. He has also conducted significant research on air pollution analysis, industrial waste management, and e-mobility solutions. His interest in climate resilience has led to studies on carbon footprint assessment in healthcare facilities and strategic planning for environmental sustainability. With a focus on integrating technology with environmental conservation, he has employed machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical modeling to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Sameer Arora has received numerous accolades for his contributions to environmental research and policy. His work has been recognized by leading academic and governmental institutions, highlighting his commitment to sustainable urban development. He has been a key contributor to national environmental policies and has received appreciation for his efforts in waste management and air pollution control. Additionally, he has been invited as a guest speaker at various faculty development programs (FDPs) and short-term training programs (STTPs), further emphasizing his impact in the field.

Selected Publications

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2023). Implementing Machine Learning Algorithm to Model Reaeration Coefficient of Urbanized Rivers. Environmental Modeling & Assessment. (Cited by multiple studies on urban water modeling.)

Arora, S. (2023). Assessment of technological and financial challenges in upgradation of BS-III and BS-IV vehicles. International Journal of Vehicle Design.

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2023). Implication of dissolved nitrogen dynamics of urban rivers using multivariate regression and structural equation modeling. CLEAN–Soil, Air, Water.

Arora, S., & Gargava, P. (2023). E-Mobility: Hindrances and motivators for policies implementation in India. Case Studies on Transport Policy.

Singh, K., Arora, S., & Gargava, P. (2023). Waste paper trade and recycling policy in India: a review. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2022). Modeling re-aeration of rivers using predictive models and developed ANN models under varying hydrodynamic conditions. Hydrological Sciences Journal.

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2021). ANFIS-ARIMA modeling for scheming re-aeration of hydrologically altered rivers. Journal of Hydrology.

Conclusion

Dr. Sameer Arora’s extensive experience, strong academic background, and impactful research in environmental sustainability position him as a leading expert in his field. His commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges, particularly in waste management, water quality modeling, and pollution control, has contributed to the advancement of sustainable urban infrastructure. Through his policy advisory roles and academic contributions, he continues to drive meaningful change in the domain of environmental engineering. His work not only influences research and industry practices but also shapes policies for a cleaner and more sustainable future.