Morongwa Ramoroka | Material Synthesis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Morongwa Ramoroka | Material Synthesis | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at University of Cape Town, South Africa

Profiles:

🎓 Current Position

Dr. Morongwa Emmanuel Ramoroka is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Cape Town (2023–present). His groundbreaking research focuses on developing polymeric hyper-branched Schiff base complexes as donor materials for solar cells. Supported by the University Research Committee (URC) Fellowship and the NRF Scarce Skills Development Fund, Dr. Ramoroka contributes to pioneering renewable energy solutions. His role includes conducting innovative experiments, supervising postgraduate students, and publishing high-impact research.

📚 Publication Achievements

Dr. Ramoroka has made significant contributions to the energy research domain, publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.  The synthesis of organic and inorganic materials for solar cells. Exploration of photovoltaic applications using novel materials. His publications highlight his commitment to advancing the field of renewable energy. He is also known for collaborating with leading researchers, ensuring his research has a global impact.

🔬 Ongoing Research

Developing innovative donor materials for organic solar cells. Synthesizing and characterizing metallic nanomaterials for solar applications. Exploring perovskite solar cells for efficient energy conversion. Investigating materials for hydrogen production. Through international collaborations and advanced material design, he is working towards creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions for the renewable energy sector.

🌍 Research Interests

Organic materials and their role in solar cell technologies. Metallic nanomaterials, particularly their synthesis and photophysical properties. Perovskites and kesterites for advanced photovoltaic applications. Energy systems focusing on solar cell efficiency and hydrogen production. His interests align with global efforts to transition toward a sustainable energy future.

📜 Academic Background

PhD in Chemistry (2018–2021) from the University of the Western Cape. Thesis: Novel Aromatic Dendritic-co-Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Composites for Photovoltaic Cell Application. MSc in Nanoscience (Cum Laude, 2016–2017), University of the Western Cape. Thesis: Photophysics of Thiophenosalicylaldimine Functionalized Nanomaterials. BSc (Hons) Chemistry (2015), University of Limpopo. Thesis: Novel Synthesis of Schiff Base Complexes Cross Coupled with Quinazoline. BSc in Physical Sciences (2012–2014), University of the Western Cape. This solid foundation in chemistry and nanoscience prepared him for his stellar career in research and academia.

🏆 Scholarships and Awards

Dr. Ramoroka’s journey is adorned with prestigious scholarships and accolades, NRF and Sasol Inzalo Foundation Fellowship (2015). Masters and Doctoral Scholarships (NRF Scarce Skills Development Fund, 2016–2021). Horizon 2020 MSCA-RISE Scholarships for international research in Germany (2019) and France (2022). University Research Committee Fellowship (2023–2024) at the University of Cape Town. These awards underline his exceptional academic achievements and contributions to science.

🧪 Bioinformatics & Professional Associations

Dr. Ramoroka integrates bioinformatics tools for data analysis in materials research. He is a member of esteemed organizations,  SensorLab Social Committee (2018). Rugby and Varsity Cup Committees during his undergraduate years.

🛠 Training & Workshops

Dr. Ramoroka has participated in numerous technical workshops, Simulation and fabrication of perovskite solar cells in France. Advanced training at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for synthesizing metallic compounds.

🗣 Oral Presentations

Dr. Ramoroka has delivered impactful presentations at The National Center for Scientific Research (France) on perovskite solar cells. University of the Western Cape, where he lectured on organic materials for solar cells.

📊 Tasks Completed as a Researcher

Supervising and mentoring students (2 PhDs, 2 MScs, and 2 Honors students). Synthesizing quaternary metallic compounds. Managing laboratory operations and ensuring safety protocols.

🌟 Success Factors

Multidisciplinary expertise in chemistry, nanoscience, and material sciences. Dedication to mentoring and capacity-building for future scientists. Ability to collaborate internationally with leading researchers.

📑Laboratory Experience

Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) operations. Fabrication and characterization of solar cell prototypes. Publishing impactful research in energy materials.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Unravelling the monomer molar ratio modulation of the optoelectronics of Poly(propylene imine) tetra(thiophen-2-ylmethylene-amine)-co-poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) copolymer

  • Authors: Ramoroka, M.E., Nwambaekwe, K.C., Tesfay, H.H., Douman, S.F., Iwuoha, E.I.
  • Journal: Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Terbium- and samarium-doped Li2ZrO3 perovskite materials as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions

  • Authors: Monama, G.R., Ramoroka, M.E., Ramohlola, K.E., Iwuoha, E.I., Modibane, K.D.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Advances in Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Fine-Tuning of the Photovoltaic Processes

  • Authors: Ramoroka, M.E., Yussuf, S.T., Nwambaekwe, K.C., Douman, S.F., Iwuoha, E.I.
  • Journal: Solar RRL
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Tb- and Eu-doped yttrium oxyselenides as novel absorber layers for superstrate thin-film photovoltaics: improved spectral optical absorption and green-red phosphor activation

  • Authors: Nwambaekwe, K.C., Ramoroka, M.E., Yussuf, S.T., Ndipingwi, M.M., Iwuoha, E.I.
  • Journal: Nanoscale
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Highly Electro-Conductive Thiophene and N-methylpyrrole functionalized hyperbranched polypropylenimine tetramine-co-poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) donor materials for organic solar cells

  • Authors: Ramoroka, M.E., Yussuf, S.T., Nwambaekwe, K.C., Iwuoha, E.I., Douman, S.F.
  • Journal: Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices
  • Year: 2023

 

 

Kalpana Pandey | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kalpana Pandey | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Materials Science and Engineering, KoreaTech, South Korea

Profile:

🏢Current Position

Dr. Kalpana Pandey is presently a Postdoctoral Researcher at KOREATECH, South Korea. Her research delves into the cutting-edge realms of materials science and engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable and innovative materials. Dr. Pandey’s role involves leveraging advanced methodologies to address global challenges in environmental remediation and energy storage solutions.

🔬 Ongoing Research

Collaboration with IIT (BHU), Varanasi, focusing on the transportability of polymer particles in groundwater using mathematical modeling and laboratory-scale experiments.

Manuscript preparation for cellulose-based phase change materials, in partnership with researchers at IIT Delhi.

Industrial collaboration with Indofill Pvt Ltd., emphasizing the development of high molecular weight processing aids for enhanced material performance.

Her work integrates principles of polymer science, nanotechnology, and sustainable engineering, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

🔍 Research Interests

Environmental remediation: Developing biodegradable polymers for mitigating contamination in water and soil.

Energy storage: Exploring novel techniques for encapsulating phase change materials in sustainable matrices.

Advanced composites: Creating materials with superior mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability properties.

Sustainable packaging: Innovating eco-friendly films for industrial applications.

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. Pandey earned her PhD in Material Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi, where she excelled in her doctoral research, receiving a Distinction in Doctoral Research award. Her thesis explored the encapsulation of zero-valent iron nanoparticles for environmental applications. Her earlier academic journey includes a post-graduate project on cellulose-based packaging films, furthering her foundation in sustainable materials.

🏆 Scholarships and Awards

RETA 2022 – Research Excellence Travel Award, IIT Delhi: Recognizing her outstanding research contributions.

Distinction in Doctoral Research, IIT Delhi: Celebrating her innovative approach to problem-solving in materials science.

🧬 Bioinformatics and Professional Associations

Dr. Pandey’s work frequently integrates bioinformatics tools to optimize material properties and environmental applications. She is an active member of leading scientific communities, contributing to discussions on material innovation and sustainable practices.

🛠 Training & Workshops

Advanced characterization techniques for materials.

Computational modeling in material science.

Sustainable engineering practices.

🗣 Oral Presentations

Dr. Pandey has presented her research at international forums, showcasing her work on groundwater remediation and energy storage materials, inspiring collaboration and innovation among peers.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher

Successfully synthesized and encapsulated zero-valent iron nanoparticles for environmental remediation.

Developed biodegradable packaging materials with enhanced properties.

Published high-impact research, bridging theoretical advancements with practical applications.

🌟Success Factors

A multidisciplinary approach combining chemistry, engineering, and bioinformatics.

Strong collaborative networks with academia and industry.

An unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation.

🧪 Laboratory Experience

Advanced polymer synthesis and characterization.

Development of biodegradable amphiphilic particles.

Techniques in thermal energy storage and nanoparticle encapsulation.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Development of electrosprayed assisted shellac-MOF particle coated paper for food packaging and its environmental impacts

  • Authors: D Poddar, K Pandey, SJ Kim, HM Yoo
  • Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: In‐situ fabrication of poly‐l‐lactide & its application as a glass fiber polymer composites using resin transfer molding

  • Authors: SJ Kim, K Pandey, D Poddar, HM Yoo
  • Journal: Polymer Composites
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Developing innovative injectable polymeric scaffolds using polylactic acid and bioactive glass composite particles

  • Authors: K Pandey, HM Yoo
  • Journal: The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers Spring Conference
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Architecture dependent transport behavior of iron (0) entrapped biodegradable polymeric particles for groundwater remediation

  • Authors: K Pandey, DK Verma, A Singh, S Saha
  • Journal: Chemosphere
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Designing Novel Injectable Polymeric Scaffolds of Polylactic Acid-bioactive Glass Composite Particles

  • Authors: K Pandey, HM Yoo
  • Journal: Proceedings of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering Conference
  • Year: 2024