Azam Seifi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azam Seifi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Istanbul Technical University, Turkey.

Dr. Azam Seifi is an accomplished researcher in the field of applied chemistry, with expertise in nanomaterials, photocatalysis, and environmental remediation technologies. With a strong academic background and over a decade of teaching and research experience, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of material synthesis, advanced oxidation processes, and catalyst development for sustainable energy and water treatment applications. Dr. Seifi completed her Ph.D. at the University of Tabriz, Iran, where she focused on synthesizing transparent multifunctional titanium-based photocatalytic films for improving solar cell efficiency. Her postdoctoral research has taken her to prestigious institutions in Türkiye, including Istanbul Technical University and Gebze Technical University, where she is engaged in cutting-edge projects involving hydrogen generation and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. In addition to her scientific research, Dr. Seifi is a certified TEFL/TESOL instructor and has taught English and chemistry in several renowned institutions. Fluent in Azerbaijani, Persian, English, and Turkish, she brings a multilingual and multicultural dimension to her academic contributions. Her work bridges chemistry and environmental engineering, aiming to address global challenges through innovative, eco-friendly technologies. Dr. Seifi’s achievements are supported by competitive scholarships such as Erasmus+ and Mevlana, reflecting her academic excellence and international recognition.

📝Publication Profile

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🎓Education

Dr. Seifi earned her Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Tabriz, Iran (2015–2023). Her doctoral dissertation focused on the synthesis of transparent multifunctional titanium-based photocatalytic films, aimed at enhancing solar cell coatings. The research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dariush Salari and Prof. Aligholi Niaei, with advisory support from Prof. Alireza Khataee. She previously completed her M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry (2009–2011) at the same university, where she worked on the removal of nitrate and nitrite from water using activated carbon fiber and nano zero-valent iron composites. Her B.Sc., also in Applied Chemistry, was awarded by the University of Tabriz in 2008. Throughout her academic studies, Dr. Seifi has demonstrated strong research potential, earning top student status and securing competitive rankings in national entrance exams. Her formal education laid a solid foundation in chemical synthesis, environmental chemistry, and advanced materials, preparing her for diverse research opportunities in nanotechnology, photocatalysis, and renewable energy. Her academic journey reflects consistent excellence in applied sciences, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact.

💼Professional Experience

Dr. Seifi’s professional journey encompasses academic teaching, laboratory work, and postdoctoral research. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher (2024–2026) in the Department of Energy at Istanbul Technical University, working on eco-friendly photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation devices. She also participates in projects related to CO₂ conversion, catalytic water treatment, and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals. From 2023 to 2024, she served as a postdoctoral researcher at Gebze Technical University, where she explored BODIPY-based porous organic cage structures for hydrogen production. Earlier, she worked as a laboratory expert at Charkheshgar Company in Tabriz (2014–2015) and served as a teaching assistant in water and wastewater treatment and oil technology laboratories at the University of Tabriz (2016–2019). In parallel, she has taught English and chemistry in several institutions, including the American Life Institute in Türkiye and the Iran Language Institute. Her diverse experience demonstrates a blend of practical, research, and pedagogical skills, making her an effective scientist and educator. With extensive international collaboration and interdisciplinary work, Dr. Seifi’s professional background showcases her ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in energy and environmental fields.

🔬Research Interest

Dr. Azam Seifi’s research interests focus on nanostructured materials, photocatalysis, environmental remediation, and clean energy technologies. She specializes in the synthesis, doping, and characterization of multifunctional nanomaterials, particularly thin films, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), perovskite, and spinel catalysts. Her work explores photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, as well as catalytic removal of volatile organic compounds and air pollutants, such as CO. A key area of interest is the development of solar-active coatings and photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation systems using carbon textile composites and hybrid nanocatalysts. Dr. Seifi is also engaged in research on advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for water and wastewater treatment, including Fenton, photo-Fenton, and Fenton-like reactions. Her research aims to create sustainable, scalable, and energy-efficient solutions for environmental challenges. Additionally, she has a keen interest in applying green chemistry principles and multifunctional coatings for renewable energy systems. With a multidisciplinary approach, her research contributes to the interface of materials science, chemistry, and environmental engineering.

🧠Research Skills

Dr. Seifi possesses advanced research skills in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization, catalytic process design, and environmental chemistry. She is highly proficient in synthesizing layered double hydroxides, perovskites, spinels, and porous organic frameworks through sol-gel and hydrothermal methods. Her expertise includes doping and manipulating nanomaterials to enhance their catalytic and photocatalytic efficiency for pollutant degradation and energy conversion. Dr. Seifi has extensive hands-on experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, XPS, AFM, and contact angle (CA) analysis. She has applied these techniques in developing superhydrophilic self-cleaning coatings, photoelectrodes, and nanocomposite adsorbents. Her laboratory skills encompass both experimental design and process optimization for pollutant removal via adsorption, photocatalysis, and advanced oxidation. She has conducted numerous studies on photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic compounds in water systems. Furthermore, Dr. Seifi is adept in interdisciplinary collaboration and project execution, often bridging the gap between academic research and applied industrial technologies. Her strong command of technical processes and laboratory instrumentation supports her ability to conduct high-impact, real-world-oriented research in environmental and energy chemistry.

🏆Awards and Honors

Dr. Azam Seifi has been recognized for her academic and research excellence with several prestigious honors. She was awarded the Erasmus+ Scholarship in 2020, enabling her to pursue advanced research and foster international collaboration in Türkiye. She also received the Mevlana Scholarship in 2019, reflecting her outstanding academic performance and potential for cross-border research. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Seifi was recognized as the Top Ph.D. student in Applied Chemistry in 2015 at the University of Tabriz. Moreover, she ranked 4th among all candidates in the highly competitive national Ph.D. entrance examination in Iran, demonstrating her academic rigor and commitment. Her scholarship awards reflect not only academic merit but also the trust of international funding bodies in her research capabilities. Dr. Seifi’s honors underscore her dedication to scientific advancement, excellence in interdisciplinary research, and contribution to the fields of environmental sustainability and renewable energy. These accolades have significantly supported her participation in multinational projects and postdoctoral positions at leading institutions.

📈Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 121

  • h-index: 6

  • i10-index: 4

These metrics reflect Dr. Seifi’s growing academic impact in the fields of photocatalysis, environmental remediation, and applied chemistry. Her research contributions have been cited across multidisciplinary journals, demonstrating both the relevance and scientific influence of her work.

📌Publications Top Notes

1. Bamboo-derived adsorbents for environmental remediation: A review of recent progress

Authors: D. Kalderis, A. Seifi, T.K. Trang, T. Tsubota, I. Anastopoulos, I. Manariotis, et al.
Journal: Environmental Research, Volume 224, Article 115533
Year: 2023
Citations: 47

2. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of highly transparent superhydrophilic doped TiO₂ thin films for improving the self-cleaning property of solar panel covers

Authors: A. Seifi, D. Salari, A. Khataee, B. Çoşut, L.Ç. Arslan, A. Niaei
Journal: Ceramics International, Volume 49, Issue 2, Pages 1678–1689
Year: 2023
Citations: 32

3. Catalytic activation of persulfate by 3D Cd(II) coordination polymers based on a flexible cyclotriphosphazene-functionalized ligand

Authors: A.O. Erkovan, A. Seifi, B.T. Aksoy, A. Khataee, Y. Zorlu, B. Çoşut
Journal: Polyhedron, Volume 241, Article 116472
Year: 2023
Citations: 15

4. Catalytic activity of Zn(II) coordination polymer based on a cyclotriphosphazene-functionalized ligand for removal of organic dyes

Authors: A.O. Erkovan, A. Seifi, B.T. Aksoy, Y. Zorlu, A. Khataee, B. Çoşut
Journal: Catalysts, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article 756
Year: 2023
Citations: 14

5. The impact of operational factors on degradation of formaldehyde as a human carcinogen using Ag₃PO₄/TiO₂ photocatalyst

Authors: A. Hadi, A. Niaei, A. Seifi, Y. Rasoulzadeh
Journal: Health Promotion Perspectives, Volume 13, Issue 1, Pages 47
Year: 2023
Citations: 6

🧾Conclusion

Dr. Azam Seifi is a dynamic and forward-thinking researcher whose work lies at the intersection of applied chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental sustainability. With a strong foundation in photocatalysis, water treatment, and energy conversion, she brings deep scientific insight into developing advanced materials for practical applications. Her academic training, combined with substantial research and teaching experience in both Iran and Türkiye, has equipped her with a well-rounded and global perspective. Dr. Seifi’s ability to integrate laboratory research with real-world challenges—such as clean water access, pollution control, and renewable energy—demonstrates her dedication to impactful science. Her multilingual fluency, cross-cultural teaching experience, and international research collaborations enhance her effectiveness as a scientific communicator and collaborator. As she continues her postdoctoral research, Dr. Seifi remains committed to pioneering eco-friendly solutions for global energy and environmental challenges. Her contributions are not only relevant to academia but also vital to industry and policy development in sustainable technologies.

Yongqiang Zhang | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yongqiang Zhang | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at East China University of Science and Technology, China.

Prof. Yongqiang Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of organic and medicinal chemistry, with a focus on developing innovative radical-based transformations for drug discovery. His research integrates silicon chemistry and natural product modification to uncover novel therapeutic agents. With international experience and multiple national research grants, he has established a productive and impactful academic career at East China University of Science and Technology.

Publication Profile

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Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Second Military Medical University, China (2009–2013)

  • M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Soochow University, China (2003–2006)

  • B.S. in Chemistry, Datong University, China (1999–2003)

Professional Experience

Prof. Yongqiang Zhang began his career as an organic chemist at Basilea Pharm (China) from 2006 to 2008. He then pursued postdoctoral training at the University of Utah, USA (2013–2015), focusing on advanced synthetic methodologies and drug discovery. He joined East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in 2016 as an Associate Professor and was promoted to Full Professor in 2025. His academic tenure at ECUST has been marked by significant contributions to radical-based silicon chemistry and its application in medicinal chemistry.

Research Interest

  • Development of radical-based silicon chemistry for medicinal applications

  • Drug discovery through structural modification of natural products

  • Synthetic methodology development for bioactive compound synthesis

Author Metrics

  • Total Publications: 40+

  • Total Citations: 1,800+

  • H-index: 23

  • i10-index: 35

Top Noted Publication

1. Discovery of N-Trifluoromethylated Noscapines as Novel and Potent Agents for the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Authors: Guangwei Cui#, Yuhang Fan#, Yue Yang, Yiwen Ma, Haiyang Deng, Pan Wang, Yuxin Zhu, Jian Li, Jinlian Wei*, and Yongqiang Zhang*
Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2025, 68, 247–260.
Highlights:

  • Design and synthesis of novel trifluoromethylated noscapine derivatives.

  • Strong antiproliferative effects on glioblastoma cells.

  • Represents a new class of noscapine-based chemotherapeutics.

2. Photoredox/Nickel Dual-Catalytic Asymmetric Silylarylation of Alkenes

Authors: Qiyang Yuan#, Zhengrong Deng#, Yi Wan, and Yongqiang Zhang*
Journal: Organic Letters, 2025, 27, 680–685.
Highlights:

  • A new asymmetric silylarylation strategy using photoredox/Ni dual catalysis.

  • Enantioselective C–Si bond formation.

  • Valuable for chiral silicon-containing building blocks in drug design.

3. Radical-Chain Hydrosilylation of Alkenes Enabled by Triplet Energy Transfer

Authors: Shixun Guo, Wei Wang*, and Yongqiang Zhang*
Journal: Chemistry – A European Journal, 2024, 30, e202402051.
Highlights:

  • Introduced a radical-chain process driven by triplet energy transfer.

  • Efficient and selective alkene hydrosilylation.

  • Offers a novel mechanistic platform in photochemistry.

4. Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Aryl/Heteroaryl-C-Nucleosides via the Merger of Photoredox and Nickel Catalysis

Authors: Yingying Ma#, Shihui Liu#, Yifan Xi, Hongrui Li, Kai Yang, Zhihao Cheng, Wei Wang*, and Yongqiang Zhang*
Journal: Chemical Communications, 2019, 55, 14657–14660.
Highlights:

  • Developed a stereoselective route to C-nucleosides.

  • Biomedical relevance for antiviral and anticancer nucleoside analogues.

  • Cited frequently for synthetic applications.

5. Rational Design of Selective Small-Molecule Inhibitors for β-Catenin/BCL9 Protein–Protein Interactions

Authors: Logan R. Hoggard#, Yongqiang Zhang#, Min Zhang, Vanja Panic, John A. Wisniewski, and Haitao Ji*
Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2015, 137, 12249–12260.
Highlights:

  • Targeted drug design for Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

  • Early contribution to protein–protein interaction inhibitors.

  • High citation count; widely used in drug discovery.

Conclusion

Prof. Yongqiang Zhang is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award in Medicinal Chemistry. His strong publication record, innovation in synthetic methods, and focus on drug discovery position him as a leading researcher with substantial and growing influence. With minor enhancements in global visibility and translational output, his profile could become internationally benchmark-setting.