Zhengqing Cai – Environmental Application – Best Extension Activity Contribution Award 

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengqing Cai - Environmental Application - Best Extension Activity Contribution Award 

East China University of Science and Technology - China

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengqing Cai began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Environmental Engineering, pursuing his doctoral studies at Auburn University, USA, in the Department of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) from 2011 to 2016. His research during this period was focused on environmental sustainability, pollution control, and advanced wastewater treatment technologies. He continued to refine his expertise through postdoctoral research at Fudan University from 2016 to 2018, specializing in environmental science and engineering. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future contributions to Environmental Application and technological innovations in pollution control.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Cai’s professional career has been defined by his contributions to both academia and applied environmental engineering. He served as a Distinguished Associate Researcher at the East China University of Science and Technology from 2018 to 2021, before being promoted to Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering Teaching in 2021. His responsibilities include curriculum development, lecturing on key environmental subjects, and spearheading major teaching reform projects. Notably, he has introduced innovative courses such as Environmental Engineering Drawing, Clean Production, and Modern Environmental Biotechnology. His teaching methods incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D modeling, demonstrating his commitment to advancing Environmental Application in education.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Cai’s research focus spans multiple critical areas within environmental engineering, including wastewater treatment, advanced oxidation technologies, and sustainable environmental remediation. His extensive list of research and engineering projects highlights his expertise in tackling complex environmental challenges. As the Principal Investigator on numerous projects, he has led studies on photodegradation mechanisms, ozone catalytic oxidation, and Fenton treatment process optimization. His work in Environmental Application has led to breakthroughs in refining wastewater treatment and high-concentration brine defluorination technologies. His innovative approach to integrating VR in environmental protection projects, such as the development of desulfurization tower simulation software, showcases his forward-thinking vision.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhengqing Cai has made a significant impact in the field of environmental engineering, earning recognition for both his research and teaching excellence. His commitment to academic excellence is evident through his multiple awards, including the 2022 Outstanding Young Teacher of the School of Resources and Environmental Science and the 2024 Outstanding Graduate Supervisor Award. His influence extends beyond academia, as he collaborates with industries to develop practical solutions for wastewater management and environmental sustainability. His leadership in guiding students to success in national competitions further underscores his dedication to fostering the next generation of environmental engineers.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Cai’s research has been widely cited in environmental science literature, underscoring the significance of his contributions to Environmental Application. His work on wastewater treatment, oxidation technologies, and photochemical processes has provided valuable insights to researchers and industry professionals alike. His involvement in national and international projects has enhanced the academic discourse surrounding environmental sustainability, positioning him as a leading figure in the field.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhengqing Cai’s legacy is built on his commitment to research innovation, teaching excellence, and practical environmental solutions. Moving forward, he aims to expand his research into interdisciplinary approaches, integrating environmental engineering with data science and emerging technologies. His focus on sustainable environmental solutions and talent cultivation ensures that his impact will continue to shape the future of Environmental Application. By fostering collaborations with academic institutions, industries, and government agencies, he is set to further influence policy and technological advancements in environmental engineering.

📝Environmental Application

Dr. Zhengqing Cai’s extensive research and practical projects have significantly contributed to Environmental Application, particularly in wastewater treatment and pollution control. His groundbreaking work in Environmental Application has introduced new methodologies for industrial wastewater purification and sustainable environmental practices. With continued advancements in Environmental Application, his research promises to drive future innovations in environmental sustainability and engineering solutions.

Notable Publication

📝Defective NH2-MIL-53(Fe) with highly exposed metal active centers for enhanced synergistic adsorption and photocatalysis of ibuprofen

Authors: Y. Song, Yanyu; X. Sun, Xianbo; L.D. Nghiem, Long D.; Y. Liu, Yongdi; Z. Cai, Zhengqing

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Year: 2025

Citations: 1

📝Solar driven levofloxacin degradation by C-doped oxygen-rich bismuth oxyhalide with SPR intensified built-in electric field: DFT study and toxicity evaluation

Authors: Z. Cai, Zhengqing; Y. Cai, Yu; Y. Pan, Ying; L.D. Nghiem, Long D.; X. Sun, Xianbo

Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Year: 2025

Citations: 0

📝Solar-driven water decontamination via a novel N-MIL-53(Fe)/Bi₄O₅I₂ Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst: The role of abundant reactive oxygen species and rapid interfacial charge transfer

Authors: Y. Song, Yanyu; X. Sun, Xianbo; L.D. Nghiem, Long D.; Y. Liu, Yongdi; Z. Cai, Zhengqing

Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering

Year: 2025

Citations: 0

📝The promoted Fenton degradation of norfloxacin by a S-ZnO modified MnFe₂O₄ with micro-acidic environment

Authors: T. Pan, Ting; D. Wang, Danni; Y. Song, Yanyu; X. Sun, Xianbo; Z. Cai, Zhengqing

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

Year: 2025

Citations: 1

📝Heterocyclic polymerization modified g-C₃N₄ nanotube with advanced charge separation for solar light-driven degradation of ciprofloxacin

Authors: J. Dai, Jinxiang; Z. Liu, Zhixin; Y. Song, Yanyu; X. Sun, Xianbo; Z. Cai, Zhengqing

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Year: 2024

Citations: 6

📝Optimising microplastics analysis for quantifying and identifying microplastic fibres in laundry wastewater

Authors: J.V. Tarte, James V.; A.H. Johir, Abu Hasan; V.T. Tra, Van Tung; Q.L. Wang, Qilin Lin; L.D. Nghiem, Long D.

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

Prosper Mensah – Theobroma Cacao – Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Prosper Mensah - Theobroma Cacao - Best Researcher Award 

CSIR-Forestry research Institute of Ghana - Ghana

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Engr. Dr. Prosper Mensah's academic journey began with a focus on technology and education at the University of Education, Kumasi Campus, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Technology Education, achieving first-class honors. His commitment to education was further solidified by a Professional Teacher Certificate from Komenda College of Education. This strong foundation in both technical skills and teaching paved the way for his future contributions to wood science, technology, and vocational training in Ghana.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mensah is currently a research scientist at the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG), specializing in wood science, non-timber forest products (NTFP), and sustainable materials development. Since 2021, he has been a certified engineer through the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, reflecting his dedication to professional standards in engineering and technology. His career has also included part-time lecturing roles at several Ghanaian institutions, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Akenten Appiah-Menkah University, where he teaches construction and wood technology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mensah’s research emphasizes the sustainable utilization and characterization of wood and non-timber forest resources. A key focus has been the study of Theobroma cacao, particularly exploring the cacao stem and pod as alternatives to traditional wood. This research aims to reduce timber overexploitation in Ghana while promoting the efficient use of biomass. Dr. Mensah also investigates particleboard production from agroforest residues like Theobroma cacao, helping create affordable, eco-friendly housing and furniture solutions. His expertise extends to developing green adhesives, establishing trade standards, and contributing to curriculum development through the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment (NaCCA) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Mensah's impact on Ghana's technical and vocational education landscape is considerable. His work on the National Technical Committee on Precision Quality and his role as a project leader for the Bamboo Artefact Production, Research, and Training Centre (BAP-RTC) at CSIR-FORIG underscore his dedication to improving trade standards and educational practices. Internationally, he serves on the advisory board for the Help Start Education Foundation in the USA and is involved with the Geneva Office of Human Rights Education in Ghana, broadening his influence beyond the field of wood science.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Mensah’s extensive research and publications on topics such as wood durability, particleboard development, and the utilization of Theobroma cacao in industrial applications have earned him significant academic recognition. In 2021, he received the Director’s Special Award for the Highest Number of Publications at CSIR-FORIG, underscoring his scholarly impact. His work serves as a key resource for researchers and practitioners interested in sustainable wood and non-timber materials.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Mensah’s commitment to sustainable resource use and vocational training sets a lasting example. He is passionate about advancing the study of materials like Theobroma cacao to foster ecological solutions for construction and furniture production in Ghana. In the future, he aims to expand research on alternative wood products, thus reducing environmental degradation. Through his mentorship and curriculum development, Dr. Mensah is shaping the next generation of technical and vocational professionals in Ghana.

📝Notable Publication

📝Variation of the Anatomic Characteristics of Anthocleista grandiflora Wood as a Function of Tree Age and Trunk Position

Authors: Dorwu, F.K., Antwi, K., Mensah, P., Pimenta, A.S., de Melo, R.R.

Journal: Nativa

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

📝Influence of Age and Trunk Positions on Physicomechanical Properties of Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg Wood

Authors: Dorwu, F.K., Mensah, P., Antwi, K., Paula, E.A.O., Rusch, F.

Journal: Revista Materia

Year: 2024

Citations: 2

📝Assessment of the Drying Behaviour of Young and Mature Bambusa vulgaris from Ghana

Authors: Awotwe-Mensah, M., Mitchual, S.J., Appiah-Kubi, E., Mensah, P., Donkor, M.B.

Journal: Advances in Bamboo Science

Year: 2023

Citations: 2

📝Eco-friendly Particleboard Production from Coconut Waste Valorization

Authors: de Souza, M.J.C., de Melo, R.R., Guimarães Junior, J.B., Mensah, P., Rodolfo Junior, F.

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Year: 2023

Citations: 9

📝Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity Variations on Bending Strength Properties of Hybrid Eucalyptus Wood in Ghana

Authors: Seidu, H., Németh, R., Wilson Owusu, F., Awotwe-Mensah, M., Felix, B.

Journal: Wood Research

Year: 2023

Citations: 0

📝Technological Properties of Memecylon lateriflorum Wood: A Timber Species from Ghana

Authors: Ohemeng, E., Mensah, P., de Melo, R.R., Seidu, H., Mitchual, S.J.

Journal: Nativa

Year: 2023

Citations: 3

📝Durability and Resistance of Eco-friendly Particleboards Produced from Agroforestry Residues

Authors: Mensah, P., Govina, J., Owusu-Asante, J.O., Pedrosa, T.D., de Melo, R.R.

Journal: Revista Materia

Year: 2023

Citations: 2