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:

Scopus

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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.

Dr. Jie Jian | Fuctional materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jie Jian | Fuctional materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jie Jian , Northwestern Polytechnical University, China

Dr. Jie Jian is a distinguished PostDoc in Materials Science at Northwestern Polytechnical University, specializing in photoelectrodes and photocatalysts. With expertise in nanomaterial synthesis and advanced film processing technologies, Dr. Jian has significantly contributed to the field through innovative research and optimization strategies. His academic journey includes a PhD and M.S. from NPU, focusing on BiVO4-nanocrystals and SiC ceramic composites, respectively, and a B.S. from Chongqing University. Dr. Jian has also gained industry experience as an engineer at Samsung Semiconductor. His work is characterized by a profound understanding of material characterization and software proficiency.

 

Professional Profiles:

Google Scholar

 

🌟 Technical-Scientific Skills 🌟

Mastering Preparation, Testing, and Characterization of photoelectrodes (photoanodes and photocathodes) and photocatalysts, proposing optimization strategies based on photoelectrochemical principles.Expert in Synthesis of Nanomaterials using pulsed laser irradiation in liquid and wet-chemical methods, and proficient in the design, synthesis, and functional exploration of porous materials.Film Processing Technologies: Skilled in spin coating, dip coating, chemical baths, electrodeposition, magnetron sputtering, and ALD.Material Characterization: Proficient in TEM, SEM, AFM, Raman, BET, UV-vis, XPS, XRD, FTIR.Software Proficiency: Photoshop, 3D-Max, Origin, Endnote, VESTA, Gatan, CAD, ChemDraw, Athena.

📚 Academic Education and Career 📚

03/2022-present
PostDoc in Materials Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU)
Supervisor: Prof. Hongqiang Wang
Project: In-situ Embedding Nanocrystals/Clusters in Porous Materials for Efficient Photo(electro)catalysis09/2016-03/2023
PhD in Materials Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU)
Supervisor: Prof. Hongqiang Wang
Thesis Title: Laser Derived Films of BiVO4-Nanocrystals for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting04/2015-08/2016
Engineer, Samsung (China) Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Xi’an, China (SCS)
Task: Process controlling and equipment monitoring during chemical vapor deposition.09/2012-03/2015
M.S. in Materials Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU)
Supervisor: Prof. Laifei Cheng
Thesis Title: Strengthening and Toughening of Laminated (SiCp+SiCw)/SiC Ceramic Composites09/2008-07/2012
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University (CQU)
Supervisor: Prof. Baifeng Luan
Thesis Title: Study on deformation structure and texture of pure zirconium with large grain size rolled at liquid nitrogen temperature
GPA: 3.55/4
Ranking: 3/72

📖 Publications Top Note :

Embedding Laser-Generated Nanocrystals in BiVO4 Photoanode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
J Jian, Y Xu, X Yang, W Liu, M Fu, H Yu, F Xu, F Feng, L Jia, D Friedrich, …
Nature Communications 10 (1), 2609 (2019)
Citations: 160

Recent Advances in Rational Engineering of Multinary Semiconductors for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation
J Jian, G Jiang, R van de Krol, B Wei, H Wang
Nano Energy 51, 457-480 (2018)
Citations: 160

Black BiVO4: Size Tailored Synthesis, Rich Oxygen Vacancies, and Sodium Storage Performance
X Xu, Y Xu, F Xu, G Jiang, J Jian, H Yu, E Zhang, D Shchukin, S Kaskel, …
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 8 (4), 1636-1645 (2020)
Citations: 67

Porous CuBi2O4 Photocathodes with Rationally Engineered Morphology and Composition Towards High-Efficiency Photoelectrochemical Performance
Y Xu, J Jian, F Li, W Liu, L Jia, H Wang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 7 (38), 21997-22004 (2019)
Citations: 61

Ordered Porous BiVO4 Based Gas Sensors with High Selectivity and Fast-Response Towards H2S
C Li, X Qiao, J Jian, F Feng, H Wang, L Jia
Chemical Engineering Journal 375, 121924 (2019)
Citations: 59

Prof. Vladislav Sadykov | functional nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Vladislav Sadykov | functional nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vladislav Sadykov, Boreskov Institute of catalysis, Russia

Prof. Vladislav Sadykov 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:

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

MS, 1973: Novosibirsk State University, RussiaPhD, 1979: Boreskov Institute of Catalysis (BIC), NovosibirskDoctor of Sciences, 1999: Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, NovosibirskProfessor, 1999: Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk

Career/Employment 🏢

Boreskov Institute of Catalysis:Research Fellow, 1973Junior Research Scientist, 1975Senior Research Scientist, 1985Head of Laboratory, 1990-2021; Chief Research Scientist, up to dateNovosibirsk State University:Professor, 1999-up to date; Chair of Physical Chemistry and Solid State Chemistry

Current Research Interests 🔬

Heterogeneous Catalysis: Red-ox processes for energy production (including solid oxide fuel cells) and environmental protectionCatalytic Processes: Short contact times for syngas and hydrogen production from biofuelsNanophase and Nanocomposite Materials: Advanced technologies in complex oxides, pillared clays, framework silicates, nanocomposites with mixed ionic-electronic conductivity synthesisSolid State Ionics: Oxygen and hydrogen separation membranes

International Collaboration 🌍

BIC Team Leader in FP6 Projects:SOFC 600 SES6-2006-020089 “Demonstration of SOFC stack technology for operation at 600°C”STRP 033410 MatSILC “Novel Materials for Silicate-Based Fuel Cells”FP7 Project OCMOL228953: “Oxidative Coupling of Methane followed by Oligomerization to Liquids”BIOGO for Production, THEBARCODE: NATO Science for Peace Project “Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Energy Security”International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) Projects:2529 “Development of an efficient, inexpensive nanocomposite catalyst and elaboration of a flexible technology to produce syn-gas for fuel cells”3234 “Development of high-performance oxygen-conducting membranes and compact pure syngas generators on their base”Russian-French Network of Laboratories: “Fundamental bases of design of nanocomposite catalysts for transformation of biofuels into syngas and hydrogen” (Partner Lab. of Materials, Univ. Strasbourg, CNRS, Prof. A.–C. Roger), 2011-2014INTAS Projects: Collaborations with Prof. J. Ross (Ireland), Prof. E. Kemnitz (Germany), Prof. S. Neophytides (Greece), et al.

Honours, Awards, Fellowships, Membership of Professional Societies 🏅

Award of the Russian Federation Government in Science and Technology, 1999: Development and Industrial Application of the Two-Stage Technology of Ammonia Oxidation under Pressure in the Diluted Nitric Acid ProductionBalandin Award of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2007: Series of works “The role of defect structure of catalysts of red-ox reactions”Koptyug Award, 2012: NAN Belarus-Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the series of works “Scientific bases of design of composite and nanostructured materials for the hydrogen energy field”Editorial Board Member:Applied Catalysis APhysics of Combustion and Flame (Russia)Open Chemistry (de Gruyter Open)Energies (MDPI)Membranes (MDPI)Professional Society Membership:American Chemical SocietyMaterials Research Society (USA)Mendeleev Chemical Society (Russia)

Title: Approaches to the design of efficient and stable catalysts for biofuel reforming into syngas: doping the mesoporous MgAl2O4 support with transition metal cations

Journal: Dalton Transactions

Year: 2023

Contributors: Vladislav A. Sadykov, Nikita F. Eremeev, Ekaterina Sadovskaya, Julia E. Fedorova, Marina V. Arapova, Ludmilla N. Bobrova, Arkady V. Ishchenko, Tamara A. Krieger, Maksim S. Melgunov, Tatyana S. Glazneva, et al.

DOI: 10.1039/D3DT00830D

Title: Design of Mixed Ionic-Electronic Materials for Permselective Membranes and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Their Oxygen and Hydrogen Mobility

Journal: Membranes

Year: 2023-07-27

Contributors: Vladislav Sadykov, Elena Pikalova, Ekaterina Sadovskaya, Anna Shlyakhtina, Elena Filonova, Nikita Eremeev

DOI: 10.3390/membranes13080698

Title: Methane Dry Reforming Catalysts Based on Pr-Doped Ceria–Zirconia Synthesized in Supercritical Propanol

Journal: Energies

Year: 2023-06-15

Contributors: Marina Arapova, Ekaterina Smal, Yuliya Bespalko, Konstantin Valeev, Valeria Fedorova, Amir Hassan, Olga Bulavchenko, Vladislav Sadykov, Mikhail Simonov

DOI: 10.3390/en16124729

Title: Synthesis and Oxygen Mobility of Bismuth Cerates and Titanates with Pyrochlore Structure

Journal: Membranes

Year: 2023-06-13

Contributors: Yuliya Bespalko, Nikita Eremeev, Ekaterina Sadovskaya, Tamara Krieger, Olga Bulavchenko, Evgenii Suprun, Mikhail Mikhailenko, Mikhail Korobeynikov, Vladislav Sadykov

DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060598

Title: Dry Reforming of Methane over 5%Ni/Ce1-xTixO2 Catalysts Obtained via Synthesis in Supercritical Isopropanol

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Year: 2023-06-02

Contributors: Ekaterina Smal, Yulia Bespalko, Marina Arapova, Valeria Fedorova, Konstantin Valeev, Nikita Eremeev, Ekaterina Sadovskaya, Tamara Krieger, Tatiana Glazneva, Vladislav Sadykov, et al.

DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119680

Title: Ethanol Dry Reforming over Bimetallic Ni‐Containing Catalysts Based on Ceria‐Zirconia for Hydrogen Production

Journal: ChemCatChem

Year: 2023-05-19

Contributors: Valeria Fedorova, Yulia Bespalko, Marina Arapova, Ekaterina Smal, Konstantin Valeev, Igor Prosvirin, Vladislav Sadykov, Ksenia Parkhomenko, Anne‐Cécile Roger, Mikhail Simonov

DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202201491

Title: Methane Dry Reforming Catalysts Based on Pr-doped Ceria-Zirconia Synthesized in Supercritical Propanol

Journal: Preprint

Year: 2023-05-09

Contributors: Marina Arapova, Ekaterina Smal, Yuliya Bespalko, Konstantin Valeev, Valeria Fedorova, Amir Hassan, Olga Bulavchenko, Vladislav Sadykov, Mikhail Simonov

DOI: 10.20944/preprints202305.0617.v1

Title: Advances in Hydrogen and Syngas Generation

Journal: Energies

Year: 2023-03-29

Contributors: Vladislav Sadykov

DOI: 10.3390/en16073127

Title: Structural and transport properties of Nd tungstates and their composites with Ni0.5Cu0.5O obtained by mechanical activation

Journal: Dalton Transactions

Year: 2022

Contributors: Nikita F. Eremeev, Yuliya N. Bespalko, Ekaterina M. Sadovskaya, Pavel I. Skriabin, Tamara A. Krieger, Arcady V. Ishchenko, Vladislav A. Sadykov

DOI: 10.1039/D2DT00498D

Title: Ni and Ni–Co Catalysts Based on Mixed Ce–Zr Oxides Synthesized in Isopropanol Medium for Dry Reforming of Methane

Journal: Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry B

Year: 2022-12

Contributors: Yu. N. Bespalko, V. E. Fedorova, E. A. Smal, M. V. Arapova, K. R. Valeev, T. A. Krieger, A. V. Ishchenko, V. A. Sadykov, M. N. Simonov

DOI: 10.1134/S1990793122080048

Title: Efficient Catalysts of Ethanol Steam Reforming Based on Perovskite-Fluorite Nanocomposites with Supported Ni: Effect of the Synthesis Methods on the Activity and Stability

Journal: Catalysts

Year: 2022-10

Contributors: Marina Arapova, Symbat Naurzkulova, Tamara Krieger, Vladimir Rogov, Vladislav Sadykov

DOI: 10.3390/catal12101151