Nelson Etafo | Nanotechnology and Materials Science | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Nelson Etafo | Nanotechnology and Materials Science | Best Scholar Award

Researcher | Universidad Carolina | Mexico

Dr. Nelson Etafo is an active materials science and environmental technology researcher whose work spans photoluminescence, nanotechnology, catalysis, wastewater remediation, and sustainable materials engineering. With 238 Scopus citations, 24 indexed publications, and an h-index of 7, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of functional materials, luminescent phosphors, and electrocoagulation-based technologies. His research focuses strongly on lanthanide-doped phosphors, solid-state lighting, upconversion materials, and their applications in bioimaging, sensing, anti-counterfeiting, and light-emitting devices. He has developed and analyzed BaLaAlO₄, SrLaAlO₄, and Sr₂CeO₄-based phosphors, contributing new insights into blue, red, and NIR emissions, refractive-index-influenced catalysis, and photoluminescent mechanisms. His work includes advancements in combustion synthesis, upconversion efficiency improvement, and material optimization for LEDs and biomedical uses. Dr. Nelson Etafo is also recognized for extensive contributions to environmental remediation, particularly electrocoagulation technology for wastewater treatment, pollutant removal, and precious metal recovery. His collaborative studies address cyanide destruction, gold/silver recovery, contaminant sequestration, and emerging wastewater challenges. He has authored influential reviews on photocatalysis, touchscreen antimicrobial coatings, nanohybrids for biomedical use, and CO₂ utilization technologies-strengthening global discussions on sustainable and green engineering. Beyond journal publications, Dr. Nelson Etafo has contributed to book authorship and edited volumes, including Tailored Light Emitters for Biomedical Applications (Springer), along with chapters on drug delivery, biocatalytic waste conversion, and advanced materials for water treatment. His scientific contributions extend to participation in national and international conferences, collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams, and membership in leading professional bodies such as ACS, RSC, and CSN. His research impact reflects a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and scientific advancement across material science and environmental engineering.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Loop

Featured Publications

1. Etafo, N. O., Bamidele, M. O., Bamisaye, A., & Alli, Y. A. (2024). Revolutionizing photocatalysis: Unveiling efficient alternatives to titanium (IV) oxide and zinc oxide for comprehensive environmental remediation. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 62, 105369.

2. Nkoh, J. N., Oderinde, O., Etafo, N. O., Kifle, G. A., Okeke, E. S., Ejeromedoghene, O., … Ogunlaja, O. O. (2023). Recent perspective of antibiotics remediation: A review of the principles, mechanisms, and chemistry controlling remediation from aqueous media. Science of the Total Environment, 881, 163469.

3. Nkoh, J. N., Shang, C., Okeke, E. S., Ejeromedoghene, O., Oderinde, O., Etafo, N. O., … Foka Meugang, E. (2024). Antibiotics soil-solution chemistry: A review of environmental behavior and uptake and transformation by plants. Journal of Environmental Management, 354, 120312.

4. Alli, Y. A., Bamisaye, A., Bamidele, M. O., Etafo, N. O., Chkirida, S., Lawal, A., … Nageim, H. A. (2024). Transforming waste to wealth: Harnessing carbon dioxide for sustainable solutions. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 17, 100321.

5. Etafo, N. O., Oliva, J., Garcia, C. R., Mtz-Enríquez, A. I., Ruiz, J. I., Avalos Belmonte, F., … Gómez-Solís, C. (2022). Enhancing the blue/NIR emission of novel BaLaAlO4:Yb3+ (x mol%), Tm3+ (0.5 mol%) upconversion phosphors with the Yb3+ concentration (x = 0.5 to 6). Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 137, 109192.

Carol López De Dicastillo | Materials Science | Best Industrial Research Award

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Dr. Carol López De Dicastillo | Materials Science | Best Industrial Research Award

Senior Scientist, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Spain

Dr. Carol López de Dicastillo is a distinguished researcher in food science and materials engineering, currently serving as Tenured Researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC) in Spain. She earned her PhD in Food Science and Technology from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in 2011, after completing her MSc in 2007 and BSc in Chemistry in 2005, both from Spanish institutions. Her professional experience includes roles as a “Ramón y Cajal” Researcher in Spain (2022–2024), Marie Curie Researcher at ONYRIQ, Spain (2021–2022), and Academic-Researcher at the University of Santiago de Chile (2013–2021), with additional predoctoral and postdoctoral stays at Rutgers University (USA), CSIRO (Australia) and research collaborations in France, the Netherlands and Brazil. Her research interests focus on sustainable and active food packaging, including biodegradable and recycled polymers, hydrophilic polymers, chemical functionalization, controlled release and polymer-based delivery systems. She possesses strong research skills in polymer synthesis, emulsification, chemical grafting, material characterization and industrial technology transfer. Dr. Carol López de Dicastillo has authored 85 publications with 3,540 citations and an h-index of 33, including high-impact Q1 journal articles, 8 book chapters, and holds 7 patents (6 as responsible inventor). She has supervised 3 PhD students (2 ongoing), 4 MSc and 17 BSc theses, and taught courses in Food Engineering, Food Technology and Chemical Engineering. Her awards and honors include the Marie Curie Fellowship and Ramón y Cajal Research Contract, reflecting her excellence in research and international collaboration. Dr. Carol López de Dicastillo has also contributed to community outreach and science dissemination through initiatives such as PRONANO, CONICYT and #mejorIata. In conclusion, her outstanding contributions to sustainable food packaging, mentorship, innovation and international research collaborations make her highly deserving of recognition, highlighting her potential to continue advancing materials science and industrial applications globally.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Loop | Sci Profiles | Web of Science | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. López de Dicastillo, C., Gómez-Estaca, J., López-Carballo, G., Gavara, R., & Hernández-Muñoz, P. (2023). Agro-industrial protein waste and co-products valorization for the development of bioplastics: Thermoprocessing and characterization of feather keratin/gliadin blends. Molecules, 28(7350).

2. Velásquez, E., Garrido, L., Valenzuela, X., Galotto, M. J., Guarda, A., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2023). Valorization of post-consumer recycled polypropylene through their reinforcement with amine and amine/silane organically modified clays for potential use in food packaging. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 38, 101121.

3. Patiño Vidal, C., Luzi, F., Puglia, D., López-Carballo, G., Rojas, A., Galotto, M. J., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2023). Development of a sustainable and antibacterial food packaging material based on a biopolymeric multilayer system composed by polylactic acid, chitosan, cellulose nanocrystals, and ethyl lauroyl arginate. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 36, 101050.

4. Rojas, A., Velásquez, E., Piña, C., Galotto, M. J., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2021). Designing active mats based on cellulose acetate/polycaprolactone core/shell structures with different release kinetics. Carbohydrate Polymers, 261, 117849.

5. Velásquez, E. J., Patiño-Vidal, C., Rojas, A., Guarda, A., Galotto, M. J., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2021). Natural antimicrobials and antioxidants added to polylactic acid packaging films. Part I: Polymers processing techniques. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 20(5), 4378–4393.