Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa at University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Summary:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa is a Rhodes Scholar currently pursuing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where his research focuses on geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds an MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction) from Oxford and a BEng (First Class Honours) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Co-founder of BuniTek, he is dedicated to introducing technology to African youth. Daniel also works as a Research Assistant in the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, contributing to energy planning in Kenya and global green hydrogen initiatives.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

University of Oxford, UK (2023 – Present)
DPhil in Engineering Science (Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis Topic: Geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the water, energy, and food nexus.

University of Oxford, UK (2021 – 2022)
MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction, Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed a geospatial methodology for sizing and costing solar-powered irrigation systems for different crops.

University of Edinburgh, UK (2017 – 2021)
BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (First Class Honours, MasterCard Foundation Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed an optimized hybrid energy storage system (HESS) combining battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and supercapacitors using MATLAB Simulink.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Rhodes Trust, Oxford, UK (Mar 2024 – Present)
Rhodes Scholarship Ambassador for East Africa

  • Engages with universities across East Africa to introduce students to the Rhodes Scholarship and supports their application process.

University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Mar 2022 – Present)
Research Assistant, Climate Compatible Growth Programme

  • Developed least-cost electrification pathways for Kenyan counties using the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET). Conducted capacity-building workshops on energy planning models like OSeMOSYS and IRENA’s Flextool. Also involved in geospatial modeling of green hydrogen production potential globally.

Loughborough University, Nairobi, Kenya (Nov 2022 – Present)
Research Consultant

  • Designed off-grid electrification solutions for poultry farming and health facilities. Authored academic papers on energy planning and developed funding proposals.

BuniTek, Nairobi, Kenya (Jun 2020 – Present)
Co-Founder

  • Co-founded BuniTek, an initiative that introduces technology concepts to African high school students in an engaging and hands-on manner. Led a team of 15 volunteers to develop 14 new courses.

Research Interests:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa’s research interests lie in renewable energy systems, particularly in optimizing solar-powered irrigation and hybrid energy storage solutions. He is passionate about integrating geospatial modeling and energy planning to address sustainability challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His work also focuses on green hydrogen production, off-grid electrification, and the energy-water-food nexus.

Author Metrics:

Mwendwa has co-authored several research papers and reports, including:

  1. “Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya” – Published in Data in Brief (2022).
  2. “Mapping the Energy Planning Ecosystem in Kenya” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).
  3. “County Energy Planning Data Flows in Kenya: Practitioner Perspectives” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).

Top Noted Publication:

GIS-Based Method for Assessing the Viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation

  • Journal: Applied Energy
  • Publication Date: January 2025
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124461
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer
  • Summary: This paper presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology for evaluating the feasibility of solar-powered irrigation systems. The method integrates spatial data with factors such as water availability, crop water demand, and solar energy potential to determine where solar-powered irrigation systems can be most effectively deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya

  • Journal: Data in Brief
  • Publication Date: December 2022
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108691
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Jeffrey Tchouambe, Emily Hu, Micaela Flores Lanza, Andrea Babic Brener, Gyubin Hwang, Layla Khanfar, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer, Malcolm McCulloch
  • Summary: This article provides a comprehensive spatial data kit designed for energy planning in Kitui County, Kenya. It is part of the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET) framework, which assists planners in developing least-cost electrification pathways. The dataset includes geographic and energy-related data to facilitate more efficient and accurate energy planning.

Xiaoyun Chen | Environmental Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaoyun Chen, Environmental Catalysis, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China

Summary:

Prof. Xiaoyun Chen is a researcher specializing in materials science and engineering. She obtained her doctoral degree in Materials Science and Engineering from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in 2017, following which she pursued postdoctoral research at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Prof. Chen’s research interests primarily focus on functional materials manufacturing, including the synthesis of catalysts for various applications such as hydrogen synthesis from water, methane conversion, and environmental purification using photo/photoelectron-catalytic methods. She has authored and co-authored over 100 original research papers published in SCI journals, with 10 papers recognized as High-cited papers by Essential Science Indicators. Additionally, Prof. Chen holds 29 Chinese/American patents related to her research endeavors.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

Professional experience:  

Prof. Xiaoyun Chen has extensive professional experience in the field of functional materials manufacturing and photo/photoelectron-catalytic processes. His expertise includes:

  • Research in functional materials manufacturing.
  • Investigation of photo/photoelectron-catalytic H2 synthesis from water.
  • Exploration of photo/photoelectron-catalytic methane conversion.
  • Study of photo/photoelectron-catalytic ammonia synthesis.
  • Research in photocatalytic environmental purification.

He has authored and co-authored over 100 original research papers published in SCI journals and has been recognized for the impact of his work with 10 papers selected as High-cited papers by Essential Science Indicators. Additionally, Prof. Xiaoyun Chen holds 29 Chinese/American patents that have been authorized in his areas of expertise.

Research Interest:

Prof. Xiaoyun Chen’s research interests encompass a wide range of areas in materials science and engineering, with a particular focus on functional materials and catalytic processes. His research endeavors include investigating novel methods for manufacturing functional materials, such as nanostructured materials and composite systems. Additionally, he is deeply involved in the study of photo/photoelectron-catalytic processes for various applications, including hydrogen synthesis from water, methane conversion, ammonia synthesis, and environmental purification. Through his work, Prof. Xiaoyun Chen aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient technologies for energy production, environmental remediation, and chemical synthesis.

Publication Top Noted:

Ti-doped Bi2(O,S)3 bimetal oxysulfide for highly efficient catalytic reduction of organic dyes and heavy metal pollutants in the dark

  • Authors: Su, Z.; Wu, B.; Chen, L.; Lin, J.; Chen, X.
  • Published in: Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices, 2023, 8(4), 100645
  • This article discusses a catalyst based on Ti-doped Bi2(O,S)3 bimetal oxysulfide and its efficiency in reducing organic dyes and heavy metal pollutants in the absence of light.

Oxygen-doped Sn17Sb6S29 bimetal oxysulfide catalysts for efficient reduction of organic pollutants and hexavalent chromium in the dark

  • Authors: Huang, T.; Li, P.; Wu, Q.; Chen, X.; Liu, X.
  • Published in: Reaction Chemistry and Engineering, 2023, 9(2), pp. 410–425
  • This article focuses on oxygen-doped Sn17Sb6S29 bimetal oxysulfide catalysts and their effectiveness in reducing organic pollutants and hexavalent chromium under dark conditions.

Highly efficient production of monocyclic aromatics from catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic with nitrogen-doped activated carbon catalyst

  • Authors: Lin, X.; Chen, X.; Fu, P.; Tang, B.; Bi, D.
  • Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023, 474, 145783
  • This article discusses the use of a nitrogen-doped activated carbon catalyst for the production of monocyclic aromatics via catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic.

Mn/O co-doped Bi2S3 bimetal oxysulfide catalyst for highly efficient reduction of organic and hexavalent chromium pollutants in the dark

  • Authors: Wu, B.; Su, Z.; Wu, Q.; Chen, X.; Liu, X.
  • Published in: Materials Today Chemistry, 2023, 33, 101697
  • This article presents a catalyst based on Mn/O co-doped Bi2S3 bimetal oxysulfide and its efficacy in reducing both organic and hexavalent chromium pollutants in the absence of light.

Co/S co-doped Mn3O4-based sulfur-oxide nano-flakes catalyst for highly efficient catalytic reduction of organics and hexavalent chromium pollutants

  • Authors: Chen, L.; Su, Z.; Wu, Q.; Chen, X.; Liu, X.
  • Published in: Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2023, 55, 104168
  • This article discusses a catalyst composed of Co/S co-doped Mn3O4-based sulfur-oxide nano-flakes and its effectiveness in catalytic reduction of organics and hexavalent chromium pollutants.

 

Ruliang Pan | Enviromental Protection

Posted on by Best Paper Award
Prof. Ruliang Pan: Leading Researcher in Environmental Protection

🎉 Congratulations Prof. Ruliang Pan on Winning the Best Researcher Award! 🏆 Your dedication to research, mentorship, and collaboration with international teams is truly commendable. This award is a testament to your outstanding work and the impact it has on the broader community.

Professional Profile:

📚 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Human Biology and Primatology, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, UWA, Australia (1998).
  • Certificate in Applied Statistics, the Chinese Academy of Science, China (1984).
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology and Zoology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China (1982).

🏢 Current Positions:

  • Professor, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, China (2015-present).
  • Visiting Professor, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, China (2015-present).

🔍 Previous Positions:

  • Lecturer, School of Anatomical Sciences, The University of Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa (2004-2008).
  • Australian Postdoctoral Research Fellow and casual teaching, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia (1999-2003).
  • Assistant and Associate Professor, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Science, China (1982-1993).

📜 Accredited Certificate:

  • Statistician, Statistical Society of Australian Inc.

🤝 Adjunct Appointments Received:

  • Senior Research Fellow, the School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, UWA (2011-present).
  • Coordinator, Bilateral Program in Palaeosciences between South African and Chinese Scientists (2007-2010).
  • Coordinator, Laboratory of Human Origin in Asia, Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, China, and the University of New South Wales, Australia (2007-2010).
  • Visiting Research Fellow at University of New South Wales, Australia, and University College London, the UK.
  • Visiting Professor at Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Science, and Northwest University, Xi-an, China.
  • IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, Conservation International.

📚 Membership Received:

  • Statistical Society of Australian Inc.
  • International Primatological Society.
  • New York Academy of Science.
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science.
  • Mammalogical Society of China.
  • Chinese Zoological Society.
  • Human Biology, Australia.
  • Organising Committee Member of the 19th Conference, International Primatological Society.
  • Scientific Committee Member of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

🏆 Academic Awards Received:

  • Scientific Visiting Fellow to Europe, Australian Academy of Science, Australia (2000).
  • Australian Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australian Research Council, Australia (1999-2001).
  • Ad Hoc Scholarship, UWA (1996).
  • Award for work on Anatomy of Chinese Primate, the Chinese Academy of Science, China (1994).
  • Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship, Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Australia (1993).
  • Award for Achievement in Ecological Studies of Primates, the Chinese Academy of Science, China (1992).
  • Award for Achievement in Bio-geological Studies in China, the Chinese Academy of Science, China (1990).
  • Award for Outstanding Chinese Young Scientist, the National Natural Science, China (1989).

🌍 Organizing International Symposia:

  • Colin Groves and Ruliang Pan: Evolution, Systematics, Functional Anatomy and Environmental Adaptation of Asian colobines, Beijing, China (2002).
  • Ruliang Pan, Colin Groves, and Jinghua Li: Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of Chinese Primates, Beijing, China.

📖 Publications Top Noted:

  • Pan RL, Oxnard C, Grueter CC, Li BG, Qi XG, He G, Guo GT, and Garber PA. New Conservation Strategy for China—A Model Starting With Primates. American Journal of Primatology 78 (11): 1137-1148.
  • Pan RL. Dental Variation among Asian Colobines, with Specific Reference to the Macaques on the same Continent. Zool. Res. 28: 569-579.
  • Pan, RL, Jiang XL and Milne N. Mandibular morphometric variation among Chinese cercopithecoids and the unique structure of the snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus) mandible. Primates. 48: 12-23.
  • Pan RL: Dental morphometric variation between African and Asian colobines, with special reference to the other Old World Monkeys. J. of Morphology, 267: 1087-1098.
  • Pan RL and Oxnard CE: Craniodental variation of African macaque, with reference to Asian specie. Folia Primatologica, 75