David Olawumi | Catalytic Graphitization | Best Researcher Award

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

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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.

Bashirul Haq | Hydrogen Storage | Sustainable Energy Practices in Petroleum Award

Dr. Bashirul Haq | Hydrogen Storage | Sustainable Energy Practices in Petroleum Award

Associate Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Bashirul Haq is a distinguished Associate Professor and seasoned researcher with over a decade of significant contributions in the field of petroleum engineering, with a specialized focus on underground hydrogen storage, hydrogen blending in gas networks, and green enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies. Renowned for his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Haq has established a strong academic and research presence through his impactful collaborations, innovative methodologies, and leadership in both education and applied research. His work bridges the critical interface between sustainability and energy production, offering practical solutions to complex engineering challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Haq’s academic foundation is rooted in a commitment to scientific excellence. He holds a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Western Australia (2013), where his doctoral research addressed the role of green surfactants in microbial enhanced oil recovery—pioneering a sustainable approach to conventional energy production. He earned both his Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, where he specialized in reservoir studies and hydrogen production via steam reforming. These qualifications laid a strong foundation for his continued academic innovation and research leadership.

Experience

With an academic career spanning over 15 years, Dr. Haq currently serves as Assistant Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he leads several major research initiatives funded by Saudi Aramco and the Centre for Advanced Materials. Prior to this, he held teaching and research positions at Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, and Curtin University. He has demonstrated excellence in course development, thesis supervision, and inter-institutional collaboration. His research portfolio includes cutting-edge projects on underground hydrogen storage, corrosion mitigation in H₂-blended gas pipelines, CO₂ utilization, and predictive well health monitoring systems. His earlier consultancy roles with Chevron and APA Group further reflect his applied expertise in production diagnostics and reservoir engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Haq’s research interests are defined by the convergence of sustainability and energy innovation. His investigations into underground hydrogen storage consider the petrophysical, mechanical, and microbial interactions within subsurface reservoirs, while his work in hydrogen blending focuses on optimizing pipeline safety and material integrity in mixed-gas environments. Equally noteworthy is his contribution to green EOR through nanotechnology-enabled biosurfactants and carbon materials derived from organic waste, which advance both environmental goals and production efficiency. His research has had a lasting impact on the development of safer, cleaner, and more efficient hydrocarbon and hydrogen energy systems.

Award

Dr. Haq has been the recipient of several prestigious research grants and accolades. He was awarded over SAR 3.8 million in research funding by Saudi Aramco and associated institutions between 2020 and 2023, supporting high-impact projects on hydrogen storage and green EOR. He is the co-inventor of a U.S. patent titled “Oil Recovery Methods Using Carboxylated Pyrolyzed Date Leaves” (US10836952), which proposes a novel, environmentally friendly approach to oil recovery. He also received the CSIRO–University Postgraduate Scholarship in Australia and was nominated for the UWA Faculty Teaching Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2011. These accolades underscore his scientific innovation and commitment to academic excellence.

Publication

Dr. Haq is a prolific author with a strong publication record in high-impact journals. Selected peer-reviewed articles include:

  1. “A Review On Worldwide Underground Hydrogen Storage Operating And Potential Fields”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2022 – cited in studies of emerging hydrogen infrastructure.

  2. “Naturally Derived Carbon Material for Hydrogen Storage”, APPEA Journal, 2022 – contributed to sustainable hydrogen materials research.

  3. “Date-Leaf Carbon Particles for Green Enhanced Oil Recovery”, Nanomaterials, 2022 – referenced in green EOR studies.

  4. “Surfactant Formulation for Green Enhanced Oil Recovery”, Energy Reports, 2022 – utilized in comparative surfactant evaluations.

  5. “Green Enhanced Oil Recovery for Carbonates”, Polymers, 2021 – cited for carbonate reservoir applications.

  6. “Comparative Study of Green and Synthetic Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery”, Polymers, 2020 – frequently referenced in polymer EOR research.

  7. “Modification of Eclipse Simulator for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR)”, Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 2019 – instrumental in MEOR simulation enhancements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bashirul Haq represents a model of excellence in academic leadership, scientific research, and innovation in sustainable energy technologies. His career achievements reflect a dedication to bridging research with industry needs and environmental responsibility. Through pioneering efforts in hydrogen storage, EOR, and curriculum development, he continues to influence the global energy discourse and mentor the next generation of engineers. Dr. Haq’s nomination for this award is a recognition of both his past achievements and his ongoing contributions to a sustainable energy future.