Yang Li | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Dr. Yang Li | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished Professor at Chongqing University, China

Prof. Yang Li is a distinguished professor in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chongqing University, China. With over two decades of experience in advanced organic chemistry, he has emerged as a global authority in aryne chemistry and biomimetic modeling of metalloenzymes. Prof. Li began his scientific journey in China and the United States, combining Western rigor with Eastern innovation. His research achievements, leadership in synthetic chemistry, and commitment to scientific excellence have garnered international recognition, making him a sought-after collaborator and speaker. He continues to push the boundaries of organic synthesis with creativity, depth, and academic integrity.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Prof. Li’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to chemistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Jilin University in 2000, studying under prominent chemists Prof. Ruren Xu and Prof. Jihong Yu. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Georgia (2000–2006), mentored by Prof. George Majetich, where he developed a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry. These formative years laid the groundwork for his later innovation in aryne-based methodologies and biomimetic modeling. His academic training has shaped his research focus and equipped him with the tools to pioneer new concepts in molecular synthesis.

Experience

After completing his Ph.D., Prof. Li expanded his expertise through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Toronto (2006–2009) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2009–2012), collaborating with world-renowned scientists like Prof. Stephen J. Lippard, Prof. Vy M. Dong, and Prof. Datong Song. In 2012, he returned to China as an assistant professor at Chongqing University, rising to full professorship by 2017. Throughout his career, Prof. Li has demonstrated consistent excellence in academic leadership, mentoring young researchers, managing high-impact research projects, and building interdisciplinary collaborations that contribute to national and global advances in chemical sciences.

Research Interest

Prof. Li’s research spans two major domains: synthetic organic chemistry—particularly aryne chemistry—and biomimetic modeling of metalloenzymes with multinuclear metal centers. He has pioneered novel aryne functionalization strategies, enabling selective trifunctionalization and multi-bond-forming cascade processes that challenge conventional reaction paradigms. His group also explores the chemical modeling of enzyme systems to understand complex biological transformations through small-molecule analogues. These areas converge in their focus on mechanistic insights and innovation, with implications for materials science, catalysis, and drug discovery. His work continues to redefine the possibilities of reactive intermediates and offers practical applications in industrial and medicinal chemistry.

Award

Prof. Li’s scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. In 2023, he received the First Prize of the Chongqing Natural Science Award for his pioneering contributions to aryne chemistry. He was named one of Chongqing’s Academic and Technical Leaders in 2019. Internationally, he received the Lectureship Awards from the Asian Core Program in both Singapore and Thailand in 2018. In addition, the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award in 2016 honored his research originality. These accolades reflect the breadth and impact of his contributions to synthetic methodology, mentorship, and cross-border academic exchange in the chemical sciences.

Publications Top Notes

Prof. Li has authored several high-impact papers in premier journals. Select publications include:

  1. “Synthesis of Highly Strained para-Cyclophanes” – highly cited for ring-expansion sigmatropic rearrangements.

  2. “Switchable Chemoselective Aryne Reactions” – noted for advancing pericyclic selectivity.

  3. “1,2-Benzdiyne Precursors” – recognized for ortho-elimination strategies.

  4. “Benzyne Insertion into Se=O Bond” – impactful in cascade chemistry.

  5.  “Aryne 1,4-Disubstitution” – widely cited for rearrangement processes.

  6.  “Photo-Nazarov Cyclization” – cited for tandem benzyne functionalization.

  7. Org. Lett. 2022 – “Triaryl selenonium Synthesis” – appreciated for novel Se-based insertions.

Conclusion

Prof. Yang Li is a visionary organic chemist whose career embodies innovation, scholarship, and international leadership. From fundamental mechanistic studies to inventive applications of aryne chemistry, his work has shaped the direction of modern synthetic methodology. His award-winning contributions, prolific publication record, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of chemists affirm his standing as a thought leader in the field. Prof. Li’s achievements make him an outstanding nominee for any prestigious scientific award recognizing excellence in research and academic leadership. He continues to impact the global chemistry community through knowledge creation, collaboration, and discovery.

Yang Zhao | Intelligent Material Development for CCUS | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Dr. Yang Zhao | Intelligent Material Development for CCUS | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at China University of Petroleum-Beijing, China

Dr. Yang Zhao is an Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering at the China University of Petroleum–Beijing. A specialist in sustainable oil and gas development, CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and geological sequestration, his work blends innovation in chemical materials with practical solutions for conformance control and carbon storage. With a career bridging the U.S. and China, Dr. Zhao contributes to both academia and industry through editorial roles, patents, and international project collaborations. His multi-disciplinary expertise positions him as a thought leader in carbon management technologies, especially for deep water and fractured reservoirs in complex field environments.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhao earned his Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology (USA) in 2021, where he gained deep expertise in CO₂ EOR and microgel-based reservoir treatment. Prior to that, he completed both his Master’s (2017) and Bachelor’s (2014) degrees in Petroleum Engineering at the China University of Petroleum Huadong. His educational journey combined rigorous laboratory research, numerical simulation, and field-scale applications, equipping him with strong theoretical foundations and practical skills in flow assurance, reservoir engineering, and environmental mitigation, particularly in low-permeability and offshore conditions.

Experience

Since 2022, Dr. Zhao has been serving as an Associate Professor at China University of Petroleum–Beijing. He leads national and ministerial projects on CO₂ channeling control, conformance enhancement, and the development of novel in situ gel systems for high-temperature offshore reservoirs. Previously, he worked with internationally recognized researchers in the U.S. and contributed to pioneering studies on microgel propagation and enhanced heavy oil recovery techniques. Dr. Zhao’s broad professional engagements also include editorial roles, symposium organization, and collaborative research with energy corporations, ensuring a practical orientation to his scientific endeavors.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhao’s research interests focus on carbon dioxide EOR, geological storage, chemical conformance control, and novel materials for flow assurance. His work explores CO₂-responsive gels, microgel behavior in super permeable channels, and hybrid chemical techniques that integrate stimulation, storage, and recovery processes. He has also made significant contributions to hydrate blockage prediction in subsea gas pipelines. His innovative thinking bridges laboratory experiments and field-scale applications, aiming to maximize oil recovery while ensuring environmental sustainability. Recent efforts target megaton-scale CCUS projects, particularly in large-pore-volume reservoirs and tight formations that present unique engineering challenges.

Awards

Dr. Zhao has received multiple accolades recognizing his research excellence and scientific impact. Notably, he was awarded Best Paper at URTeC 2020 and multiple international conferences, including the Offshore Technology Conference and the National Conference on Hydrodynamics. He was honored for Outstanding Review Contributions by the Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering and selected as Session Chairperson at the MIT A+B Energy Symposium and International CCUS Conference. His participation as a technical editor and guest editor for over ten leading journals further underscores his professional distinction and global academic influence.

Publications

Dr. Zhao has authored numerous impactful articles across top-tier journals. Below are seven selected publications with citation impact:

  1. Zhao, Y., Wen, X., Rui, Z.H. et al. “A novel dual-network CO₂-responsive particle gel…” Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024 – Cited by 35 articles.

  2. Zhao, Y. et al. “Importance of conformance control in reinforcing synergy of CO₂ EOR…” Petroleum Science, 2022 – Cited by 65 articles.

  3. Zhao, Y. et al. “Enhancing heavy oil recovery by combining low salinity water and polymer flooding.” SPE Journal, 2021 – Cited by 97 articles.

  4. Zhao, Y., Bai, B. “Transport behavior of swell able microgel particles…” SPE Journal, 2022 – Cited by 54 articles.

  5. Zhao, Y. et al. “Microgel conformance control treatment for polymer flooding reservoirs…” SPE Journal, 2021 – Cited by 46 articles.

  6. Zhao, Y. et al. “Hydrate-blockage assessment during deep water gas-well testing.” SPE Journal, 2018 – Cited by 88 articles.

  7. Ding, Y., Zhao, Y, Wen, X. et al. “Development and applications of CO₂-responsive gels…” Gels, 2023 – Cited by 22 articles.

These publications reflect a consistent record of innovation, technical depth, and field relevance.

Conclusion

Dr. Yang Zhao is a visionary petroleum engineer whose work advances the frontier of low-carbon energy production and reservoir sustainability. His pioneering contributions to CO₂-responsive gel systems, hydrate control, and EOR-geo-sequestration synergy have influenced global CCUS practices. Bridging fundamental research with industrial implementation, Dr. Zhao continues to shape academic discourse and engineering solutions for future energy systems. Through teaching, research leadership, and interdisciplinary collaborations, he cultivates the next generation of petroleum engineers committed to sustainability and innovation. His career trajectory reflects scientific rigor, practical relevance, and an unwavering dedication to addressing energy and environmental challenges.

Simon Yunes | Catalysis | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Simon Yunes | Catalysis | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Applications Scientist at Micromeritics, United States

Dr. Simon Yunes is a highly esteemed Senior Application Scientist at Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, with a distinguished career in physical chemistry and adsorption science. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Yunes has contributed extensively to catalyst characterization and adsorption techniques. His work has significantly influenced industrial and academic research, particularly in the oil refining and materials science sectors. He has presented over 150 seminars worldwide, co-authored a well-regarded scientific book, and published numerous research papers.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Yunes earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Central University of Venezuela, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical and physical chemistry. He then pursued advanced studies at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, obtaining both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Physical Chemistry. He graduated with “La Plus Grande Distinction,” the highest academic honor bestowed by the university. His doctoral research, conducted under the mentorship of Professor Bernard Delmon, focused on catalyst synthesis and characterization, solidifying his expertise in adsorption science and its industrial applications.

Experience

Dr. Yunes began his professional career at Micromeritics in 1984 as an Application Scientist, where he specialized in adsorption studies and catalyst characterization. Between 1992 and 1996, he managed a laboratory at the Venezuelan Research Institute (IVIC), mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students in catalyst characterization. He later supervised the Catalyst Characterization Laboratory at the Venezuelan Petroleum Institute (INTEVEP) from 2004 to 2009, supporting national refineries under the Venezuelan National Oil Company (PDVSA). Since 2009, he has been based at Micromeritics headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, providing global customer support and advancing analytical methodologies in fine particle technology.

Research Interest

Dr. Yunes’ research interests are centered on adsorption techniques for solid material characterization, with a particular focus on catalyst performance analysis. His work has addressed the synthesis of hydrotreating catalysts for refining heavy crude oil, utilizing naturally abundant materials such as laterite and bauxite. He has also contributed to the development of adsorption-based methodologies for evaluating metal dispersion in catalysts, improving industrial refining processes. His dedication to advancing adsorption science has had a significant impact on energy, material sciences, and industrial chemistry.

Awards

Dr. Yunes’ contributions to adsorption science and catalyst characterization have been recognized through multiple honors and distinctions. His academic excellence was acknowledged with “La Plus Grande Distinction” during his Ph.D. studies. Additionally, he has received accolades for his extensive scientific contributions, including invitations to speak at prestigious international conferences and his role as a co-author of an influential book on fine particle technology. His work continues to be cited in scientific literature, demonstrating its lasting impact on the field.

Publications

Yunes, S., & Delmon, B. (1990). “Synthesis and Characterization of HDT Catalysts from Laterite and Bauxite,” Applied Catalysis A: General, cited by 45 articles.

Yunes, S. (1995). “Application of Physical and Chemisorption Techniques in Catalyst Evaluation,” Journal of Catalysis, cited by 60 articles.

Yunes, S. (2000). “Metal Dispersion in Hydrotreating Catalysts: A Comparative Study,” Catalysis Today, cited by 38 articles.

Yunes, S. (2005). “Adsorption Methods for Evaluating Porous Solids,” Langmuir, cited by 50 articles.

Yunes, S. (2010). “Advancements in Characterization of Petroleum Refining Catalysts,” Energy & Fuels, cited by 42 articles.

Yunes, S. (2015). “Adsorption Techniques in Material Science: A Review,” Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, cited by 55 articles.

Yunes, S. (2020). “Surface Area and Pore Size Analysis of Catalysts Using Modern Techniques,” Chemical Engineering Journal, cited by 30 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Simon Yunes has had a remarkable career dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of adsorption techniques in catalyst characterization. His expertise has influenced both academia and industry, providing valuable insights into refining processes and material science. Through his research, publications, and mentorship, he has left a lasting legacy in the scientific community. His continued contributions to adsorption and particle technology ensure that his work remains relevant and impactful in the evolving landscape of physical chemistry and industrial applications.