Mukunda Dev Behera | Climate | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Mukunda Dev Behera | Climate | Best Researcher Award 

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | India

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Mukunda Dev Behera's academic journey began with a strong focus on botany and environmental management. He earned his MSc in Botany from Berhampur University, Odisha, in 1993, followed by an MPhil in Environment Management from Vikram University, Madhya Pradesh, in 1996. His doctoral research, supported by a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NET) fellowship, culminated in a PhD in Botany from IIRS-ISRO, GK University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in 2001. Furthering his expertise, he obtained a European Professional Diploma and Master Degree from the University of Paris VI, France, in 2002. These foundational years laid the groundwork for his illustrious career in ecological climatology and sustainable development.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Behera has held significant academic and research positions, including his current role as an Associate Professor at IIT Kharagpur since March 2014. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor at IIT Kharagpur from September 2007 to February 2014 and as a Scientist/Engineer-SD at RRSSC, ISRO, from November 2002 to August 2007. His professional endeavors extend internationally, having been a visiting professor at JAMSTEC, Japan, and the University of Southampton, UK, among other institutions. Dr. Behera's multidisciplinary expertise is reflected in his teaching courses on carbon, environmental technology, climate, and ecology.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Behera's research contributions are vast, particularly in the areas of forest resources management, ecological climatology, and sustainable development. He has developed innovative protocols and methods for estimating vegetation photosynthetic and structural variables using satellite data products and modeling. His work significantly contributes to climate change mitigation through vegetation carbon management using nature-based solutions and environmental technologies. Dr. Behera has been involved in over 30 research and consultancy projects with international and national funding support, demonstrating his impact in the field of climate research.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Behera's impact on the scientific community is profound, evidenced by his numerous awards and recognitions. He received the Australian Award Fellowship in 2023 and the Faculty Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to teaching and research at IIT Kharagpur in 2022. His work has been recognized by the Indian Society of Geomatics with the National Geomatics Applications Award in 2022. Additionally, he is a Fellow of both the International Society of Environmental Botanists and the Indian Water Resources Society. These accolades underscore his influence in ecological climatology and sustainable development.

ACADEMIC CITES

Dr. Behera's academic work is highly cited, reflecting his significant contributions to climate science and environmental technologies. His research on vegetation carbon management and climate change mitigation has been pivotal, providing valuable insights and methodologies for the scientific community. His work on the angiospermic plant diversity database and land and water resources monitoring is widely used, particularly by the Tripura State Forest Department and through the NMHS-MOEF&CC program.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Behera's legacy is marked by his pioneering research and dedication to sustainable development. His innovative methods and protocols for ecological climatology continue to influence the field, and his contributions to climate change mitigation are vital. Looking ahead, Dr. Behera's future contributions are expected to further advance the understanding of climate dynamics and the development of sustainable environmental technologies. His role in mentoring and training the next generation of scientists ensures that his legacy will endure, fostering continued progress in ecological research and climate science.

CLIMATE

Dr. Behera's achievements extend beyond his academic and research contributions. His role in technology transfer and maiden national database generation, such as the angiospermic plant diversity database, demonstrates his commitment to practical applications of his research. His coordination and organizational capabilities, evidenced by his involvement in over 12 conferences and numerous projects, highlight his leadership in the scientific community. Dr. Behera’s work in Climate research, environmental technologies, and sustainable development continues to set benchmarks and inspire future research in these critical areas.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

 

Xiaowen Ruan | Artificial Photosynthesis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaowen Ruan | Artificial Photosynthesis | Best Researcher Award 

City University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Xiaowen Ruan’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Jilin Normal University, completed in 2016. She then pursued a Master’s degree at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, where she graduated in 2020. Her early focus on chemistry laid a solid foundation for her future research in nanomaterials and Artificial Photosynthesis. Dr. Ruan further advanced her expertise by completing her Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry at Jilin University in 2023, under the supervision of Prof. Xiaoqiang Cui. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the College of Energy and Environment Science, City University of Hong Kong, working with Prof. Sai Kishore Ravi.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Ruan has participated in several significant research projects. Notably, she has contributed to the National Key Research Program of China in Nanotechnology, focusing on controlled strain-induced nanostructure-processing methods. Additionally, she has been involved in the National Natural Science Fund project, which centers on the design, preparation, and application of single atom catalytic materials based on two-dimensional materials. Her work on the interface regulation of 2D-2D BP/MPS3 composites and their photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production from water decomposition is particularly noteworthy in advancing the field of Artificial Photosynthesis.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Ruan's research primarily focuses on the development of nanomaterials and photocatalytic systems aimed at sustainable energy solutions. Her key areas of interest include the rational design of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), photocatalytic degradation of various organic pollutants, and photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reactions (CO2RR) under ambient conditions. These research endeavors are crucial for the advancement of Artificial Photosynthesis, which aims to mimic natural photosynthesis processes to produce renewable energy.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Ruan’s research has had a significant impact on the field of nanomaterials and sustainable energy. Her innovative approaches to photocatalytic systems have the potential to revolutionize energy production and environmental remediation. The patents and numerous awards she has received, including the Excellent Doctoral Thesis of Jilin University (2023) and the National Scholarship for Graduate Students (2022), highlight her contributions and the recognition she has garnered within the scientific community.

ACADEMIC CITES

Dr. Ruan’s work is widely cited in the academic community, reflecting its importance and influence. Her research papers and patents on Artificial Photosynthesis and related technologies are frequently referenced by other researchers in the field, indicating the significance of her contributions to scientific advancements in sustainable energy.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Xiaowen Ruan’s legacy in the field of Artificial Photosynthesis and nanomaterials is characterized by her dedication to innovative research and her significant contributions to sustainable energy solutions. As she continues her postdoctoral research at the City University of Hong Kong, she is expected to further her contributions to the development of advanced photocatalytic systems. Her future work promises to enhance our understanding of photocatalysis and its applications in renewable energy and environmental protection, ensuring a lasting impact on the field.

ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Dr. Ruan's personal competence in both professional skills and English communication has enabled him to effectively disseminate his research findings and collaborate internationally. His strong analytical abilities and proficiency with advanced scientific instruments have been instrumental in his research endeavors. As a project participant in several national research initiatives, Dr. Ruan has played a crucial role in the design, preparation, and application of catalytic materials, further contributing to the advancement of Artificial Photosynthesis. His future work is anticipated to continue addressing key challenges in sustainable energy, reinforcing his position as a pivotal figure in this critical field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION