Xiaohui Ren | Environmental Pollutant Detection | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaohui Ren | Environmental Pollutant Detection | Best Researcher Award

Instructor at Yancheng Institute of Technology | China

Dr. Xiaohui Ren is an accomplished Instructor at the Yancheng Institute of Technology, whose career reflects a strong dedication to advancing research in environmental sciences and applied chemistry. With a solid academic foundation and long-term engagement in cutting-edge methodologies, Ren has cultivated expertise across molecular imprinting technology, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), fluorescence technology, water pollution chemistry, and computational chemistry, achieving significant outcomes in pollutant detection and environmental monitoring. In addition to teaching and academic responsibilities, Ren has actively contributed to innovative research initiatives, including the development of pulp molding products derived from waste paper fibers, showcasing both scientific rigor and a commitment to sustainable solutions. Her scholarly output has been widely recognized, with more than 10 first-author papers published in high-impact international journals such as Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Microchimica Acta, and Applied Surface Science, reflecting her ability to generate impactful knowledge in the global scientific community. Ren’s research interests lie primarily in environmental pollutant detection and the application of advanced chemical and analytical techniques to address pressing ecological and industrial challenges. Beyond research, she is also an active member of the China Textile Engineering Association, where she engages with peers to exchange knowledge and foster innovation within the field. Her work is distinguished not only by technical depth but also by its translational potential in addressing sustainability and environmental health issues, aligning scientific inquiry with practical applications. Through consistent innovation, impactful publications, and a focus on bridging fundamental science with real-world environmental needs, Dr. Xiaohui Ren continues to strengthen her role as a dynamic researcher and educator. Her ongoing contributions exemplify dedication to both scientific advancement and societal benefit, positioning her as a promising leader in her field and a deserving candidate for recognition through prestigious awards.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Ma, W., Cai, H., Xiang, Z., & Ren, X. (2024). Iron and nitrogen co-doped carbon catalysts derived from ZIF-8 towards enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation and contaminants removal: The synergistic effects of FeN and α/γ-Fe species.

Song, X., Zhang, Y., Ren, X., Tang, D., Zhang, X., & Li, X. (2024). Self-cleaning SERS sensor based on flexible Ni₃S₂/MoS₂@Ag@PDMS composites for label-free multiplex volatile organic compounds detection.

Song, X., Zhang, Y., Ren, X., Zhang, X., Tang, D., Wu, J., & Li, X. (2023). Fabrication of flexible multidimensional CC/MoS₂@Ag@PDMS hybrids as stable and self-cleaning SERS substrate for sensitive and quantitative point-of-care testing.

Guo, H., Ren, X., Song, X., & Li, X. (2023). Preparation of SiO₂@Ag@molecular imprinted polymers hybrid for sensitive and selective detection of amoxicillin using surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Song, X., You, X., Ren, X., Zhang, X., Tang, D., & Li, X. (2023). Vertically aligned Ag-decorated MoS₂ nanosheets supported on polyvinyl alcohol flexible substrate enable high-sensitivity and self-cleaning SERS devices.

Song, X., Ren, X., Tang, D., & Li, X. (2022). Specific iodide effect on surface-enhanced Raman scattering for ultra-sensitive detection of organic contaminants in water.

Ren, X., Feng, X., Li, X., & Li, X. (2021). Preparation of silver with an ultrathin molecular imprinted layer for detection of carbendazim by SERS.

Pietro Falciglia | Environmental Engineering | Best Review Paper Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pietro Falciglia | Environmental Engineering | Best Review Paper Award

Associate Professor at University of Catania, Italy

Dr. Pietro Paolo Falciglia is an Associate Professor of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering at the University of Catania, Italy. His expertise lies in environmental remediation technologies, particularly microwave-based treatments for contaminated soils, sediments, and groundwater. Over the last two decades, Dr. Falciglia has contributed extensively to advancing sustainable solutions for hazardous waste management. He is also a researcher at the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, focusing on the remediation of radionuclide-contaminated environments. His academic and research activities span experimental innovation, field-scale applications, and scientific dissemination, making him a respected figure in environmental engineering and sustainable environmental practices.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Falciglia received his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Salerno. He previously completed a five-year Laurea degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on hydraulics at the University of Catania , followed by a second-level MSc in Solid Waste Management and Remediation of Polluted Sites at the Superior School of the University of Catania. His academic training integrates classical engineering fundamentals with emerging environmental technologies, forming the basis for his innovative research and teaching in remediation processes and waste treatment systems.

Experience

Dr. Falciglia has served as an Associate Professor at the University of Catania. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor and Researcher in Sanitary and Environmental Engineering and held various academic roles between 2004 and 2018, including research fellow and contract professor. He also collaborated with international institutions, including the University of Cambridge, where he conducted advanced research on permeable reactive barriers for soil remediation. His consultancy experience as a professional engineer further enhances his ability to bridge academic knowledge with practical environmental challenges.

Research Interest

Dr. Falciglia’s research focuses on advanced remediation technologies for polluted environments. He specializes in the use of microwave and UV treatments for hydrocarbon- and radionuclide-contaminated soils and sediments. He has explored innovative permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), electrokinetic decontamination, and surfactant-enhanced techniques. His work also includes the application of drones for monitoring radioactive contaminants and modeling radiation shielding materials. Dr. Falciglia’s projects frequently address emerging pollutants and sustainability, including PFAS removal and the reuse of volcanic ash for environmental engineering purposes, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and practical solutions to real-world contamination problems.

Award

Throughout his career, Dr. Falciglia has received recognition for his academic and scientific contributions. He was selected as a visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge on a prestigious Soil Mix Remediation Technology (SMiRT) project funded and  His involvement in multiple PRIN (Progetti di Ricerca di Interesse Nazionale) initiatives in Italy highlights his leadership in collaborative environmental research. Furthermore, he has led and contributed to nationally and internationally funded projects addressing microwave remediation, PFAS treatment, and sediment decontamination. His role as editor and reviewer for leading journals underscores the trust placed in him by the scientific community.

Publication Top Notes

Dr. Falciglia has authored over 100 scientific publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters.

  1. Microwave regeneration of granular activated carbon saturated with PFAS, Water Research.

  2. Remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated marine sediments by thermal desorption, Chemosphere.

  3. MW-based regenerating permeable reactive barriers: Proof of concept, Chemosphere.

  4. Field technical applicability and cost analysis of MW-PRBs for Cs-contaminated groundwater, Journal of Environmental Management.

  5. Microwave heating coupled with UV-A for PAH removal in marine sediments, Chemical Engineering Journal.

  6. Environmental life cycle assessment of citric acid-enhanced MW heating, Science of the Total Environment.

  7. Review on microwave heating for remediation applications, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review.

Conclusion

Dr. Pietro Paolo Falciglia exemplifies excellence in environmental engineering through his pioneering research, educational leadership, and commitment to sustainability. His scientific innovations have significantly influenced remediation technology development, particularly in microwave-based and integrated treatment systems. As an academic, mentor, and project leader, he continues to shape the future of sustainable waste and contamination management. Dr. Falciglia’s work directly impacts environmental restoration strategies, offering scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions. His nomination is a testament to his long-standing dedication to advancing environmental science and engineering for the benefit of both human health and the ecosystem.