Kawthar Babatunde | Energy | Young Scientist Award

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

Scopus

Orcid 

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.

 

Ridha Benadli | electrical energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ridha Benadli | electrical energy | Best Researcher Award

Teaching-Researcher at L2EP, France
Summary:

Dr. Ridha Benadli is a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of electrical engineering with a specialization in advanced control systems, renewable energy systems, and power electronics. He has extensive academic and research experience across institutions in France and Tunisia, contributing actively to the development of energy conversion and management techniques, specifically for hybrid renewable energy systems. His research encompasses modeling, control, and optimization of micro-grids, particularly in photovoltaic and hybrid energy systems, and he has several publications in esteemed journals and conferences in the field.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dr. Benadli holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Tunis (ENSIT), where he specialized in predictive and sliding mode control for optimizing hybrid energy systems. He completed his master’s degree at ENSIT with a focus on hybrid photovoltaic-wind energy control, and his undergraduate studies in electronics, electrotechnics, and automation. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Benadli focused on areas essential to renewable energy optimization, particularly in modeling, simulation, and the development of advanced control algorithms. His solid educational background has equipped him with the technical skills and analytical foundation essential for his innovative work in renewable energy and power electronics, and he continues to leverage this foundation in his teaching and research roles.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dr. Benadli has served in multiple academic and research roles across France and Tunisia, including his current position as Attaché Temporaire d’Enseignement et de Recherche (ATER) at Ecole Centrale de Lille, where he teaches and conducts research on energy conversion. He has also been an ATER at the IUT of Saint-Nazaire, where he focused on renewable energy projects, and a researcher at Grenoble’s G2Elab, working on energy management systems for mobility and renewable energy. Additionally, Dr. Benadli was an instructor at several Tunisian institutions, such as the Institut Supérieur des Études Technologiques and Université Libre de Tunis, where he taught courses on power electronics, energy management, and control systems. His experience spans research, teaching, and hands-on projects, making him a well-rounded academic.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Benadli has been recognized for his research contributions in electrical engineering and renewable energy. Notably, he has received acclaim for his work in control systems and energy management through awards from academic conferences, including the International Conference on Electrical and Renewable Energy Sciences. Additionally, he was invited to speak at international conferences such as the Conference Internationale des Sciences et Technologies Électriques au Maghreb, where he shared his insights on hybrid renewable energy systems. His expertise has also earned him roles in research committees and as a jury member for student thesis evaluations, demonstrating his respected status in the academic community. His ongoing commitment to the field and various contributions have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in sustainable energy research.

Research Interests:

Dr. Benadli’s research centers on renewable energy systems, focusing on the integration of solar, wind, and fuel cells within hybrid systems for improved efficiency and stability. His work in advanced control methodologies, such as sliding mode and predictive control, aims to optimize energy management in micro-grids, enhancing stability and efficiency for sustainable energy applications. His projects often involve real-time control systems for renewable energy, examining ways to stabilize and manage these resources in hybrid systems. A notable part of his research is his work on the control of energy converters, with publications that address challenges in implementing efficient storage and transfer in hybrid systems. His research contributes to advancing reliable renewable energy solutions, which are vital for the transition to sustainable energy grids.

Skills:

Dr. Benadli possesses a robust skill set, including advanced technical expertise in MATLAB and LabVIEW for modeling, simulation, and control design. His proficiency extends to real-time systems using Control Desk Dspace and embedded programming in C. He is skilled in power electronics, renewable energy management, and developing micro-grid systems, with an emphasis on applying advanced control techniques for stability and efficiency. His educational and instructional skills are complemented by his organizational capabilities, project management experience, and a strong analytical background. Dr. Benadli is proficient in French, English, and Arabic, enabling him to collaborate internationally and contribute to academic projects in diverse settings. His teamwork, analytical acumen, and research skills make him a valuable contributor to the fields of electrical engineering and renewable energy.

Top Noted Publication:

📘 Title: “Three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic system with maximum power point tracking technique based on voltage-oriented control and using sliding mode controller”
Authors: R. Benadli, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: IREC2015 – The Sixth International Renewable Energy Congress
Citations: 46
Year: 2015

📗 Title: “Practical implementation of the backstepping sliding mode controller MPPT for a PV-storage application”
Authors: M. Bjaoui, B. Khiari, R. Benadli, M. Memni, A. Sellami
Published in: Energies, 12(18), 3539
Citations: 31
Year: 2019

📙 Title: “Sliding mode control of a photovoltaic-wind hybrid system”
Authors: R. Benadli, A. Sellami
Published in: 2014 International Conference on Electrical Sciences and Technologies
Citations: 25
Year: 2014

📘 Title: “Sliding mode control of hybrid renewable energy system operating in grid connected and stand-alone mode”
Authors: R. Benadli, M. Bjaoui, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: Power Electronics and Drives, 6(1), 144-166
Citations: 16
Year: 2021

📗 Title: “Predictive current control strategy for a three-phase grid connected photovoltaic-wind hybrid system”
Authors: R. Benadli, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: 2016 7th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC)
Citations: 9
Year: 2016

📙 Title: “A direct backstepping super-twisting algorithm controller MPPT for a standalone photovoltaic storage system: design and real-time implementation”
Authors: R. Benadli, D. Frey, Y. Lembeye, M. Bjaoui, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 145(6), 061002
Citations: 7
Year: 2023

📘 Title: “An Improved Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control for Standalone Hybrid Wind/Photovoltaic/Fuel Cell System Based on Energy Management of Battery/Hydrogen”
Authors: R. Benadli, B. Khiari, M. Bjaoui, M. Mamni, A. Sellami
Published in: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 144(3:031003)
Citations: 7
Year: 2022

📗 Title: “Improving grid connected hybrid generation system using an adaptive super-twisting sliding mode and predictive current control strategy”
Authors: R. Benadli
Published in: Journal of Control Engineering and Applied Informatics, 21(2), 64-75
Citations: 7
Year: 2019

📙 Title: “Control and simulation of a standalone photovoltaic-wind with a fuel cell and battery storage”
Authors: R. Benadli
Published in: Journal of Electrical Engineering, 20(5), 6-6
Citations: 2
Year: 2020

📘 Title: “Robust integral super-twisting controller for enhanced photovoltaic integration with hybrid battery and supercapacitor storage in DC microgrid”
Authors: R. Benadli, A. Houari, N. Ait-Ahmed, S. Motahhir, A.A. Pop, S. El Hani
Published in: Results in Engineering, 24, 103009
Citations: 1
Year: 2024

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Ridha Benadli is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his contributions to electrical engineering, particularly in renewable energy and control systems. His research not only advances the field but also addresses critical issues in energy management, making a tangible impact on sustainability. With his solid academic track record, technical expertise, and commitment to teaching, Dr. Benadli demonstrates the qualities of a dedicated and impactful researcher. Addressing areas for growth, such as expanding research horizons and securing prominent research funding, will further strengthen his candidacy for future accolades in his field.