Kawthar Babatunde | Energy | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Kawthar Babatunde | Energy | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Penn state university, United States.

Ms. Kawthar Babatunde is a Ph.D. candidate in Energy and Mineral Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University with a multidisciplinary background in petroleum engineering, data science, and molecular simulation. With research spanning multicomponent gas transport, CO₂/H₂ storage, and shale reservoir behavior, she has developed advanced modeling tools to address energy and environmental challenges. She has held leadership roles in academic and professional societies, and her contributions have been recognized with awards including 1st place at the SPE Ph.D. Student Paper Contest (ENA/Mid-Con Region, 2024) and the prestigious WAAIME Scholarship. Ms. Babatunde is an advocate for interdisciplinary research, data-driven energy solutions, and female representation in STEM.

Publication Profile

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Google Scholar

Education

  • Ph.D. in Energy and Mineral Engineering (2022 – 2025, expected)
    The Pennsylvania State University, USA
    GPA: 3.6/4.0
    Thesis: Multicomponent Gas Transport in Organic-Rich Nanoporous Media
    Advisor: Dr. Hamid Emami-Meybodi

  • M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering (2019 – 2021)
    Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia
    GPA: 3.7/4.0
    Thesis: Molecular Modeling of Multicomponent Gas Adsorption on Heterogeneous Shale Surface
    Advisor: Dr. Berihun Mamo Negash

  • B.Sc. in Petroleum and Gas Engineering (2013 – 2017)
    University of Lagos, Nigeria
    GPA: 3.48/4.0
    Thesis: Investigation of the Effect of Rice Husk and Cassava Peel on the Rheological Properties of Drilling Mud
    Advisor: Dr. Adegboyega Ehinmowo

Professional Experience

Ms. Kawthar Babatunde is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at The Pennsylvania State University, where she leads research on species-based gas transport in low-permeability unconventional reservoirs. She has developed mathematical models for CO₂ and H₂ injection processes and proposed diffusion-based models for multicomponent gas transport.

Previously, she served as a Data Scientist at Brainiacs STEM and Robotics in Nigeria, where she applied Python-based data analysis techniques to support business decisions and led a data science team. At Universiti Teknologi Petronas, she worked as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, where she conducted molecular dynamics simulations and supported teaching in data science and fluid mechanics. Her early experience includes a Piping Engineering Internship at Ariosh Ltd. in Lagos, where she contributed to pipeline design for the Nigeria LNG Company.

She also has significant teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant at Penn State and UTP, where she assisted in courses ranging from well-logging and production engineering to Python and data science.

Research Interests

  • Unconventional Reservoir Engineering

  • Multicomponent Gas Transport in Nanoporous Media

  • Molecular Modeling and Simulation

  • CO₂ and H₂ Injection Modeling

  • Shale Gas Adsorption Mechanisms

  • Energy Transition Technologies

  • Machine Learning Applications in Reservoir Engineering

Awards:

  • SPE Student Paper Contest (PhD), 1st Place, 2024

  • WAAIME Scholarship, SME (2023, 2024)

  • Penn State University Graduate Fellow, Anne C. Fellow (2022–2023)

  • Outstanding Executive Award, UTP (2021)

  • Student Leader Grant, University of Lagos (2017)

Top Noted Publication

  1. Molecular simulation study of CO₂/CH₄ adsorption on realistic heterogeneous shale surfaces
    K.A. Babatunde, B.M. Negash, M.R. Mojid, T.Y. Ahmed, S.R. Jufar
    Applied Surface Science, Vol. 543, 148789, 2021
    Citations: 71

  • Performed detailed molecular simulations of gas adsorption on heterogeneous shale surfaces.

  • Pioneered a method to capture real mineral surface heterogeneity in adsorption studies.

  1. Adsorption of gases on heterogeneous shale surfaces: A review
    K.A. Babatunde, B.M. Negash, S.R. Jufar, T.Y. Ahmed, M.R. Mojid
    Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Vol. 208, 109466, 2022
    Citations: 65

  • Comprehensive review of gas adsorption mechanisms in shale.

  • Identified challenges and prospects in modeling gas-solid interactions in shale formations.

  1. Species-based modeling of binary gas mixture transport in nanoporous media with adsorption
    K. Babatunde, H. Emami-Meybodi
    Energy & Fuels, Vol. 38 (21), pp. 20515–20534, 2024
    Citations: 3

  • Developed a novel species-specific diffusion model incorporating adsorption dynamics.

  • Applied to CO₂ and CH₄ binary gas systems in organic-rich nanoporous shale.

  1. A state-of-the-art review on waterless gas shale fracturing technologies
    M.R. Mojid, B.M. Negash, H. Abdulelah, S.R. Jufar, B.K. Adewumi
    Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Vol. 196, 108048, 2021
    Citations: 94

  • Ms. Babatunde contributed conceptually and through molecular analysis to the team.

  • Focused on CO₂-based and surfactant-enhanced alternatives for waterless fracking.

  1. Effects of a viscoelastic surfactant on supercritical carbon dioxide thickening for gas shale fracturing
    M.R. Mojid, B.M. Negash, K.A. Babatunde, T.Y. Ahmed, S.R. Jufar
    Energy & Fuels, Vol. 35 (19), pp. 15842–15855, 2021
    Citations: 6

  • Investigated the use of viscoelastic surfactants to improve CO₂ viscosity for hydraulic fracturing.

  • Ms. Babatunde contributed to simulation and modeling aspects of the study.

Conclusion

Ms. Kawthar Babatunde clearly exemplifies the qualities of a rising research leader in the energy domain. Her strong publication record, innovative modeling work, and active engagement in both research and advocacy make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

She is not only contributing to cutting-edge technical knowledge but is also shaping the future of energy through interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity.

 

Ali Palizdar | Natural gas liquefaction | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ali Palizdar | Natural gas liquefaction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ali Palizdar, Institute of Liquefied Natural Gas (ILNG), University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Dr. Ali Palizdar is a researcher at the Institute of Liquefied Natural Gas (ILNG), University of Tehran, Iran. He holds a Master’s (2012) and Ph.D. (2019) in Chemical Engineering and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Tehran. With over 10 years of experience in natural gas liquefaction, his research focuses on LNG processing, helium separation, and gas conversion. Dr. Palizdar has authored 17 publications and supervised 15 graduate theses. He has contributed significantly to Iran’s LNG industry through various research and consultancy projects. 🌍💡📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Ali Palizdar holds a Master’s (2012) and Ph.D. (2019) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tehran and Tarbiat Modares University, respectively. Following his postdoctoral research at the University of Tehran, his work has focused on natural gas liquefaction, helium separation, and conversion. With over 10 years of experience at the Institute of Natural Gas Liquefaction, Dr. Palizdar has developed a deep expertise in LNG technologies, both in Iran and globally. He has supervised 15 graduate theses and authored 17 research publications in prestigious journals and conferences. 📚💡

Research and Innovations

Dr. Ali Palizdar has led numerous groundbreaking research projects in the field of natural gas liquefaction (LNG) and energy optimization. His work includes categorizing LNG standards in Iran, developing small-scale LNG units, and conducting environmental studies on LNG as fuel for maritime and road transportation. He has overseen the design of a 15-tonne/day LNG liquefaction plant and developed a master plan for an LNG research institute. Dr. Palizdar has also contributed to optimizing sport venues, exergy analysis for fuel cells, and investigating mixed refrigerant processes for LNG liquefaction. 🌍💡🔋

Areas of Research 🌍🔬

Dr. Ali Palizdar’s research primarily focuses on natural gas liquefaction and cryogenics, crucial for advancing energy solutions. His work in alternative fuels explores sustainable energy sources, particularly in the transportation sector, by examining the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an eco-friendly fuel for both maritime and road transport. With deep expertise in cryogenic processes, he aims to improve LNG production, storage, and transportation efficiency. Through these innovative areas, Dr. Palizdar contributes significantly to energy sustainability and environmental impact reduction. 🌱💡🚗

Publication Top Notes

  • Advanced exergetic analysis of five natural gas liquefaction processes – A Vatani, M Mehrpooya, A Palizdar, Energy Conversion and Management 78, 720-737 (Cited by: 225) 📊 (2014)
  • Energy and exergy analyses of five conventional liquefied natural gas processes – A Vatani, M Mehrpooya, A Palizdar, International Journal of Energy Research 38 (14), 1843-1863 (Cited by: 145) 🔋 (2014)
  • Energy and exergy analysis and optimal design of the hybrid molten carbonate fuel cell power plant and carbon dioxide capturing process – J Yazdanfar, M Mehrpooya, H Yousefi, A Palizdar, Energy Conversion and Management 98, 15-27 (Cited by: 87) ⚡ (2015)
  • Catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis oil over tailored hierarchical MFI zeolite: effect of porosity enhancement and porosity-acidity interaction on deoxygenation reactions – A Palizdar, SM Sadrameli, Renewable Energy 148, 674-688 (Cited by: 62) 🌱 (2020)
  • Catalytic upgrading of beech wood pyrolysis oil over iron-and zinc-promoted hierarchical MFI zeolites – A Palizdar, SM Sadrameli, Fuel 264, 116813 (Cited by: 61) 🌳 (2020)
  • Thermodynamic evaluation of three mini-scale nitrogen single expansion processes for liquefaction of natural gas using advanced exergy analysis – A Palizdar, T Ramezani, Z Nargessi, S AmirAfshar, M Abbasi, A Vatani, Energy Conversion and Management 150, 637-650 (Cited by: 42) 🔥 (2017)
  • Advanced exergoeconomic evaluation of a mini-scale nitrogen dual expander process for liquefaction of natural gas – A Palizdar, T Ramezani, Z Nargessi, S AmirAfshar, M Abbasi, A Vatani, Energy 168, 542-557 (Cited by: 34) 💡 (2019)
  • Conventional and advanced exergoeconomic analyses applied to ethylene refrigeration system of an existing olefin plant – A Palizdar, SM Sadrameli, Energy Conversion and Management 138, 474-485 (Cited by: 25) 🔧 (2017)
  • Simulation and optimization of sweetening and dehydration processes in the pretreatment unit of a mini-scale natural gas liquefaction plant – F Zarezadeh, A Vatani, A Palizdar, Z Nargessi, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control 118, 103669 (Cited by: 12) 🌍 (2022)
  • Design and analysis of a novel self-refrigerated natural gas liquefaction system integrated with helium recovery and CO2 liquefaction processes

 

Energy

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Introduction of Energy :

Energy research is at the forefront of addressing one of the most pressing global challenges: the sustainable generation, distribution, and utilization of energy resources.

Renewable Energy Sources:

Investigating the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Storage:

Exploring advanced energy storage solutions such as batteries, supercapacitors, and thermal storage systems to store and manage intermittent renewable energy sources and enhance grid stability.

Nuclear Energy:

Studying the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source, including advanced reactor designs and nuclear waste management.

Energy Efficiency:

Researching strategies and technologies to improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Smart Grid and Grid Integration:

Investigating smart grid technologies, demand-side management, and grid integration of renewable energy sources to create more resilient and reliable energy systems.