Eric Appel | Wildfire Prevention | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Dr.  Stanford University, United States

Dr. Eric Andrew Appel is an accomplished chemist and materials scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge, where his research focused on supramolecular hydrogels for drug delivery. Currently an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Stanford University, Dr. Appel leads the Appel Lab, an interdisciplinary team focused on developing bioinspired soft materials for healthcare applications. He has co-founded multiple startups to commercialize his lab’s innovations, including injectable hydrogel technology for sustained drug delivery and wildfire prevention technology. Dr. Appel has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to biomaterials science and engineering.

 

Professional Profiles:

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🎓 Education and Training

PhD, Chemistry – University of Cambridge (Jan 2013)
📜 Thesis: Cucurbit[8]uril-based Supramolecular Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Applications in Drug DeliveryBS, Chemistry + MS, Polymers and Coating Science; Minor, Spanish – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (June 2008)
📜 MS Thesis: Discrete Biodegradable Polymer Architectures by Macromolecular Self-Assembly
📜 BS Thesis: Chemical Changes of Hydrocarbons during Natural Attenuation in Large-Scale Mesocosms

🔬 Research Interests

🌱 The Appel Lab is an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers focused on creating bioinspired soft materials to address critical healthcare challenges. By integrating concepts from supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and biology, we develop biomaterials that harness the dynamic and responsive properties of natural systems. Our mission is to utilize these technological advancements to deepen our understanding of fundamental biological processes and to engineer advanced healthcare solutions, aiming to reduce health disparities globally.

👨‍💼 Professional Experience

Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies – Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University (Mar 2016 – present)Co-Founder and Chief Technical Advisor – Appel Sauce Studios (Nov 2022 – present)
🧪 Appel Sauce Studios was established to commercialize an injectable hydrogel depot technology developed in the Appel lab at Stanford University, focusing on sustained biopharmaceutical delivery for vaccines and long-acting therapeutics across various therapeutic areas.Co-Founder and Chief Technical Advisor – Surf Bio (Jan 2021 – present)
🌊 Surf Bio was created to commercialize a copolymer excipient technology developed in the Appel lab at Stanford University, enhancing biopharmaceutical stability for next-generation protein therapeutics.Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Technical Advisor – LaderaTECH (Oct 2018 – May 2020)
🔥 LaderaTECH focused on wildfire prevention technology and was awarded the Department of Energy’s NREL Best Venture Prize in 2020. The company was acquired by Perimeter Solutions in May 2020.Postdoctoral Researcher – David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT (Feb 2013 – Feb 2016)
🧠 Advisor: Prof. Robert S. LangerPhD Researcher – Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, University of Cambridge (Oct 2008 – Jan 2013)
🧑‍🔬 Advisor: Prof. Oren A. SchermanResearcher – Advanced Organic Materials Division, IBM Almaden Research Center (Aug 2007 – Sept 2008)
🧪 Advisors: Dr. Robert D. Miller and Dr. James L. Hedrick

🏆 Selected Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

🏅 Fellow, American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering (2024)🏆 Biomaterials Science Lectureship Award (2023)🏅 Society for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award (2023)🎉 Finalist, Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year – Engineering & Technology (2023)🏅 IUPAC Hanwha-TotalEnergies Young Polymer Scientist Award (2022)🏆 ACS PMSE Young Investigator Symposium (Fall 2019)🎓 Delegate to the 53rd International Achievement Summit, Academy of Achievement (2019)🏆 American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award (2019 – 2022)🏅 American Diabetes Association Junior Faculty Development Award (2018 – 2021)🏆 Hellman Faculty Scholarship (2016 – 2017)🏅 PhRMA Research Starter Award (2016 – 2017)🎓 Frederick E. Terman Faculty Fellowship (2016 – 2018)🏆 Wellcome Trust-MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013 – 2017)🎓 Margaret A. Cunningham Immune Mechanisms in Cancer Research Fellowship Award (2015 – 2016)🏅 NIH National Research Service Award from the NIBIB (awarded and declined) (2013 – 2016)🏆 Jon Weaver PhD Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (Macro Group UK) (2013)🏅 Graduate Student Award, Materials Research Society (USA) (2012)🎓 Schlumberger PhD Studentship (2008 – 2012)🏅 Doctoral Research Grant, Jesus College, Cambridge (2008 – 2012)🏅 Finalist, California State University Research Competition (2008)

Assessment for Best Researcher Award

Strengths:

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise:
    Dr. Eric Andrew Appel’s research spans across multiple disciplines, including supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and bioengineering. His work in developing bioinspired soft materials for healthcare applications demonstrates a deep understanding of the intersection between these fields, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
  2. Innovative Contributions:
    Dr. Appel has co-founded several companies, such as Appel Sauce Studios, Surf Bio, and LaderaTECH, which aim to commercialize innovative technologies developed in his lab. His work on injectable hydrogel depot technology and wildfire prevention solutions showcases his ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical, impactful applications.
  3. Recognition and Awards:
    Dr. Appel has received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including the American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering Fellowship, Biomaterials Science Lectureship Award, and the IUPAC Hanwha-TotalEnergies Young Polymer Scientist Award. These accolades highlight his outstanding contributions to the scientific community.
  4. Leadership and Mentorship:
    As an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Stanford University, Dr. Appel has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. His role in guiding and inspiring young researchers adds significant value to his candidacy.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Collaborative Impact:
    While Dr. Appel has a remarkable track record in founding companies and advancing specific technologies, there could be more emphasis on broader collaborative efforts across different scientific domains. Expanding his collaborative network might enhance his influence on a wider range of research areas.
  2. Public Engagement:
    Although Dr. Appel’s work is highly respected within the academic and scientific communities, increasing his involvement in public science communication could amplify the societal impact of his research. Engaging with a broader audience through public lectures, social media, or popular science publications could further elevate his profile.
  3. Global Research Initiatives:
    Dr. Appel’s research has significant implications for global health and environmental challenges. However, there is an opportunity to engage more directly with international research initiatives and collaborations that address these issues on a global scale, potentially increasing the reach and impact of his work.

 

✍️Publications Top Note :

1. Saponin Nanoparticle Adjuvants Incorporating Toll-Like Receptor Agonists Drive Distinct Immune Signatures and Potent Vaccine Responses

Authors: Ou, B.S., Baillet, J., Filsinger Interrante, M.V., King, N.P., Appel, E.A.

Journal: Science Advances, 2024, 10(32), eadn7187

Abstract: This article explores the use of saponin nanoparticle adjuvants in vaccines, which incorporate Toll-like receptor agonists to drive unique immune responses, enhancing vaccine efficacy.

2. Biomimetic Non-ergodic Aging by Dynamic-to-covalent Transitions in Physical Hydrogels

Authors: Sen, S., Dong, C., D’Aquino, A.I., Yu, A.C., Appel, E.A.

Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2024, 16(25), 32599–32610

Abstract: The research discusses the development of biomimetic hydrogels that exhibit non-ergodic aging through transitions from dynamic to covalent bonding, which can be used for various biomedical applications.

3. Label-Free Composition Analysis of Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography Coupled with a Charged Aerosol Detector

Authors: Tang, S., Pederson, Z., Meany, E.L., Pellett, J.D., Appel, E.A.

Journal: Analytical Chemistry, 2024, 96(15), 5860–5868

Abstract: This study introduces a label-free method for analyzing the composition of supramolecular polymer-nanoparticle hydrogels, using advanced chromatography techniques.

4. Nanoparticle-Conjugated Toll-Like Receptor 9 Agonists Improve the Potency, Durability, and Breadth of COVID-19 Vaccines

Authors: Ou, B.S., Baillet, J., Picece, V.C.T.M., Lopez Hernandez, H., Appel, E.A.

Journal: ACS Nano, 2024, 18(4), 3214–3233

Abstract: This article highlights the development of nanoparticle-conjugated TLR9 agonists to enhance the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, focusing on improved immune responses.

5. Sticky Gels Designed for Tissue-Healing Therapies and Diagnostics

Authors: Bailey, S.J., Appel, E.A.

Journal: Nature, 2024, 625(7995), 455–457

Abstract: This research presents sticky hydrogels engineered for use in tissue-healing therapies and diagnostics, offering a new approach to medical treatments and assessments.

Conclusion:

Dr. Eric Andrew Appel is an exemplary researcher whose interdisciplinary expertise, innovative contributions, and leadership make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to translate fundamental research into practical applications that address critical societal challenges is particularly noteworthy. While there are opportunities to enhance his global impact and public engagement, his current achievements and potential for future contributions position him as a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Confidence Kalu | Climate Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Confidence Kalu | Climate Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike Abia State, Nigeria

Dr. Confidence Amaechi Kalu is a Chief Research Fellow at the National Root Crops Research Institute in Umudike, Nigeria, with a PhD in Agribusiness and Financial Management. Her research focuses on agricultural economics, with experience ranging from graduate internships to postdoctoral research. She has participated in numerous professional training programs and leadership courses, including Women in Leadership Training funded by Australian Awards Africa and project management by HiiT Plc Lagos. Dr. Kalu has received significant research grants, such as the Australian awards grant on Agribusiness value chain and the World Bank Step B Project Grant for her PhD dissertation. She is dedicated to advancing agricultural research and education.

Professional Profiles:

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EDUCATION 🎓

Doctoral Degree
PhD in Agribusiness and Financial Management 16/10/2015 Department of Agribusiness and Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Master’s Degree
MSc in Farm Management and Production Economics 12/8/2008 Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Bachelor’s Degree
BSc (Honors) in Agricultural Economics and Extension 28/11/2002 Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Secondary School
Senior School Certificate 2/9/1996 Community Secondary School Ohanze, Abia State, Nigeria

Primary School
First School Leaving Certificate 20/6/1989 Mosque Street Girls Primary School, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

HISTORY OF RESEARCH SERVICE 📚

Aug – Dec 2001: Graduate Internship, University Farm, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Sept 2003-Aug 2004: National Youth Service Corps, Agricultural Science Teacher, Unity Secondary School Gwaram, Jigawa State Feb 2005-Mar 2006: Agricultural Officer, CAE Farms Nigeria Limited 2007-2010: Assistant Lecturer, Proof Management College, Eket, Akwa Ibom State. 2010-2015: PhD Research Fellow, Department of Agribusiness, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 2016-date: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT TOWARDS KNOWLEDGE GENERATION 🌱

LEADERSHIP TRAININGWomen in Leadership Training funded by Australian Awards Africa (September 24-27, 2019)Project Management and Leadership Training Course organized by HiiT Plc Lagos (August 26 – October 2022) PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES

Grant Writing Proposal Training organized by Agricultural Policy Research Network in Delta State University Asaba, Nigeria (July 2-4, 2017) Rapid Value Chain Analysis Training sponsored by Australia Awards Africa held in Ghana (October 2017) Training on Econometric Analysis with RATS and EVIEWS held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria (June and July 2018) Workshop on the Use of LSMS Data held in Nairobi, Kenya (August 2019) Training on Survey Data Analysis using STATA held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, sponsored by Feed the Future Nigeria Agriculture Policy Activity (July 3-7, 2023) Online Programming Course on Python (July – August 2020) Impact Evaluation Retooling Workshop for Researchers and Teaching Faculty from Sub-Saharan Africa organized by African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) in Nairobi (July 5-11, 2023)

🏆RESEARCH GRANTS AND AWARDS

Australian Awards Grant on Agribusiness Value Chain held in Queensland University Brisbane (16th August – 2nd October 2017) World Bank Step B Project Grant for PhD Dissertation (October 2014 – August 2015)

✍️Publications Top Note :

Article: A Comparison of the Drying Kinetics, Energy Consumption and Colour Quality of Drying Medicinal Leaves in Direct-Solar Dryer with Different Colours of Collector Cover

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Akpan, G., Okeahialam, A.N., … Mbanasor, J., Wu, H.
Journal: Renewable Energy, 2023, Vol. 216, Article 119076
Citations: 3

Article: Heat Transfer Correlations and Pressure Drop Dynamics of Palm Fibre Wetting Media for Evaporative Cooling at Different Air Flow Rates

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Matthew, I., Godwin, A., … Mbanasor, J., Wu, H.
Journal: International Journal of Refrigeration, 2023, Vol. 154, pp. 268–280
Citations: 0

Review: Progressive Review of Solar Drying Studies of Agricultural Products with Exergoeconomics and Econo-Market Participation Aspect

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Ibeh, M., Okon, B.B., … Mbanasor, J., Bennamoun, L.
Journal: Cleaner Environmental Systems, 2023, Vol. 9, Article 100120
Citations: 5

Article: Analysis of the Influence of Outdoor Surface Heat Flux on the Inlet Water and the Exhaust Air Temperature of the Wetting Pad of a Direct Evaporative Cooling System

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Ibeh, M.I., Akpan, G.E., … Ben, A.E., Mbanasor, J.
Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, 2023, Vol. 226, Article 120292
Citations: 5

Article: Farmers’ Perspective toward a Demand-Led Yam Breeding in Nigeria

Authors: Kalu, C., Nnabue, I., Edemodu, A., … Asfaw, A., Obidiegwu, J.E.
Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023, Vol. 7, Article 1227920
Citations: 1

Article: Quality Attributes of Fufu in South-East Nigeria: Guide for Cassava Breeders

Authors: Chijioke, U., Madu, T., Okoye, B., … Fliedel, G., Egesi, C.
Journal: International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2021, Vol. 56(3), pp. 1247–1257
Citations: More details

Dr. Funsho Kolawole | temperatures | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Funsho Kolawole | temperatures | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Funsho Kolawole , National Institute for Space Research, Brazil

Dr. Funsho Kolawole is academic and researcher in the field of renewable energy, holds a PhD in Bio systems Engineering from Kangwon National University, South Korea. His academic journey has been marked by a profound dedication to advancing solar energy technologies, specifically in solar thermal harvesting and its integration into agricultural and architectural applications.

 

Professional Profiles:

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Google scholar

📖 Publications  Top Note :

Extraction of silica from sugarcane bagasse, cassava periderm and maize stalk: proximate analysis and physico-chemical properties of wastes

Mitigation of corrosion problems in API 5L steel pipeline-a review

Physical properties of coconut shell nanoparticles

Deposition and characterization of tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles incorporated diamond-like carbon coatings using pulsed-DC PECVD

Multiphase-flow-induced corrosion and cavitation-erosion damages of API 5L X80 and API 5DP grade S steels

Deposition and characterization of molybdenum oxide (MoO3) nanoparticles incorporated diamond-like carbon coatings using pulsed-DC PECVD

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings for automobile applications

Fracture toughness and strength of bamboo-fiber reinforced laterite as building block material

The improvement of diamond-like carbon coatings for tribological and tribo-corrosion applications in automobile engines: An updated review study

Pitting corrosion of a low carbon steel in corrosive environments: experiments and models

Corrugated laterite based ceramic roof tile stabilized with cement

Prof. Yang Zhao | Meteorology Artificial Intelligence | Young Scientist Award

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Prof. Yang Zhao | Meteorology Artificial Intelligenc | Young Scientist Award

Prof. Yang Zhao, Ocean University of China, China

Prof. Yang Zhao is academic and researcher in the field of renewable energy, holds a PhD in Bio systems Engineering from Kangwon National University, South Korea. His academic journey has been marked by a profound dedication to advancing solar energy technologies, specifically in solar thermal harvesting and its integration into agricultural and architectural applications.

Professional Profiles:

Google scholar

Orcid

Educational Background🎓

2016.09 – 2019.06: Ph.D. in Meteorology Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, China & Nanjing University of  Science & Technology, Ch Supervisor: Prof. Xiangde Xu 2013.09 – 2016.06: Master of Science in Meteorology Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, China Supervisor: Prof. Xiangde Xu 2009.09 – 2013.06: Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science Chengdu University of  Technology, China

Honors and Major Awards🏆

Outstanding Graduate Student, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (2019)Outstanding Graduate Student, Nanjing University of  Science & Technology (2019)Presidential Scholarship, Nanjing University of Science & Technology (2018)
National Scholarship, Nanjing University of  Science & Technology (2018) First Class Scholarship for Ph.D. Student, Nanjing Universityof  Science & Technology (2018) The First Prize of Outstanding Graduate Student Award, China Meteorological Administration (2017) Excellent Organization Award of Summer School, Chinese Academy of Meteorology (2015)

🔬 Research Area: 

Synoptic-scale Atmospheric Dynamics (Jet, Front, Storm Tracks, Cyclones, Rossby waves)  Atmospheric Water Cycle (Moisture sources, Moisture channel, Atmospheric Rivers) Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Atmospheric Rivers) Climate Dynamics; Future precipitation prediction (ENSO-Volcano; CMIP6)

📖 Publications  Top Note :

The third atmospheric scientific experiment for understanding the earth–atmosphere coupled system over the Tibetan Plateau and its effects

Authors: P Zhao, X Xu, F Chen, X Guo, X Zheng, L Liu, Y Hong, Y Li, Z La, H Peng, …

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 99(4), 757-776, 2018

Spatiotemporal variation in the impact of meteorological conditions on PM2.5 pollution in China from 2000 to 2017

Authors: Yanlin Xu, Wenbo Xue, Yi Lei, Qing Huang, Yang Zhao, Shuiyuan Cheng, Zhenhai …

Atmospheric Environment, 77, 2020

Impact of Meteorological Conditions on PM2.5 Pollution in China during Winter

Authors: Y Xu, W Xue, Y Lei, Y Zhao, S Cheng, Z Ren, Q Huang

Atmosphere, 9(11), 429, 2018

Effect of the Asian Water Tower over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the characteristics of atmospheric water circulation

Authors: X Xu, L Dong, Y Zhao, Y Wang

Chin. Sci. Bull, 64(27), 2830-2841, 2019

Vertical structures of dust aerosols over East Asia based on CALIPSO retrievals

Authors: D Liu, T Zhao, R Boiyo, S Chen, Z Lu, Y Wu, Y Zhao

Remote Sensing, 11(6), 701, 2019

Trends in observed mean and extreme precipitation within the Yellow River Basin, China

Authors: Y Zhao, X Xu, W Huang, Y Wang, Y Xu, H Chen, Z Kang

Theoretical and applied climatology, 136, 1387-1396, 2019

Enhancement of the summer extreme precipitation over North China by interactions between moisture convergence and topographic settings

Authors: Yang Zhao, Deliang Chen, Jiao Li, Dandan Chen, Yi Chang, Juan Li, Rui Qin

Climate Dynamics, 38, 2020

Extreme precipitation events in East China and associated moisture transport pathways

Authors: Y Zhao, XD Xu, TL Zhao, HX Xu, F Mao, H Sun, YH Wang

Science China Earth Sciences, 59, 1854-1872, 2016

The large‐scale circulation patterns responsible for extreme precipitation over the North China plain in midsummer

Authors: Y Zhao, X Xu, J Li, R Zhang, Y Kang, W Huang, Y Xia, D Liu, X Sun

Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 124(23), 12794-12809, 2019

Are precipitation anomalies associated with aerosol variations over eastern China?

Authors: X Xu, X Guo, T Zhao, X An, Y Zhao, J Quan, F Mao, Y Gao, X Cheng, …

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 17(12), 8011-8019, 2017