Joseph Agbogla | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Joseph Agbogla | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hossein Pahlavan, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana

Mr. Joseph Agbogla is a dedicated Mechanical Engineer and academic professional with over two decades of experience spanning engineering, production management, and higher education. With a strong background in industrial operations at Guinness Ghana Breweries and academic instruction at Kumasi Technical University, he blends practical expertise with teaching excellence. Joseph is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at KNUST, Kumasi, where he also previously earned his MSc and BSc degrees. Renowned for his leadership, innovation, and technical training, he continues to contribute significantly to industrial development and academic growth in Ghana and West Africa. 🌍📘

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Joseph Agbogla holds a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from KNUST, Kumasi, where he also completed his MSc in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field at KNUST, further advancing his research and expertise. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Beer Packaging from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, UK, and successfully completed the APICS CPIM-Part 1 certification, focusing on supply chain management. His foundational education includes GCE Advanced and Ordinary Level certificates from top Ghanaian institutions. Joseph’s diverse academic background reflects his commitment to excellence in both engineering and industrial management. 🎓🔧

💼 Experience

Joseph Agbogla began his career as a Management Trainee at Guinness Ghana Breweries, rising through key roles including Shift Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, Packaging Engineer, and Technical Training Manager. His tenure saw major contributions like reducing training gaps, enhancing production efficiency, and cutting spare part imports. As Lecturer at Kumasi Technical University since 2021, he teaches core engineering courses and mentors future professionals. With over 20 years of combined industrial and academic experience, Joseph has led strategic initiatives in packaging, lean manufacturing, and employee capability development across Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. His leadership consistently drives performance and operational excellence. ⚙️📈

🏅 Awards and Honors

Joseph Agbogla’s professional journey is marked by significant achievements. At Guinness Ghana Breweries, he was instrumental in saving over $520,000 through technical upgrades and process improvements. His initiative in installing the first PET bottling line in Ghana and reducing production rework by 15% earned internal accolades. He also led the SAP Superuser training across sites, achieving 100% functional use within 6 months. His academic excellence is reflected in scholarships and distinctions throughout his studies. Joseph’s dedication to continuous improvement, safety leadership, and team performance has been consistently recognized both in industry and academia. 🏆💡

🔬 Research Focus

Joseph Agbogla’s current research as a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at KNUST focuses on industrial automation, preventive maintenance, and process optimization in manufacturing systems. His interests intersect with lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, plant maintenance strategies, and energy efficiency within production lines. He explores advanced engineering methods to improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Drawing from rich industry experience, his research integrates real-world challenges with engineering solutions. Joseph’s goal is to enhance industrial reliability and workforce capability through sustainable and innovative engineering practices applicable across Ghana and beyond. 🧪🔧📊

Publication Top Notes

📘 “Techno-environmental assessment of the fuel properties of a variety of briquettes for biomass boiler applications” – CHARLES SEKYERE, R. Opoku, Benjamin Asaaga, Bismark Baah, P.Y. Andoh, G.Y. Obeng, Joseph Agbogla | Cleaner Energy Systems | 🗓️ 2025 | DOI: 10.1016/j.cles.2025.100185

🔋 “Soiling Estimation Methods in Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Review, Challenges and Future Directions” – J. Agbogla, C.K.K. Sekyere, F.K. Forson, R. Opoku, B. Baah | Results in Engineering | 🗓️ 2025 | DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104810

Kumar Mallem | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kumar Mallem | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kumar Mallem, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

Dr. Kumar Mallem is a researcher in electronic and computer engineering, specializing in quantum rod light-emitting diodes (QRLEDs) and advanced optoelectronic materials. He is pursuing a Ph.D. at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), focusing on next-generation display and lighting applications. His research spans quantum dot and quantum rod LEDs, perovskite solar cells, and silicon-based photovoltaics. Dr. Mallem has extensive experience in device fabrication and characterization, with multiple high-impact publications and patents. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Paper Award at SID Display Week 2025, he continues to advance energy-efficient lighting technologies.

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Kumar Mallem is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST (2020–2025) under Prof. Abhishek Kumar Srivastava, focusing on quantum rod light-emitting diodes for future display applications. He earned an M.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada (2012–2014), conducting research on HfO₂/Ge stacks for MOS devices at IIT Bombay under Prof. Saurabh Lodha. His B.Tech. in the same field was completed at AGCIT, JNTU Kakinada (2007–2011). His educational background integrates semiconductor device engineering, optoelectronics, and materials science, equipping him with expertise in advanced display and photovoltaic technologies.

Experience 🏆

Dr. Kumar Mallem has significant research experience in optoelectronics and semiconductor devices. Since 2020, he has been a Ph.D. researcher at HKUST, developing quantum rod LEDs and optimizing their efficiency. From 2015 to 2019, he worked as a research assistant at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea, under Prof. Junsin Yi, specializing in silicon solar cells, thin-film transistors (TFTs), and MOS devices. His hands-on expertise includes device fabrication, nanomaterials assembly, and advanced characterization techniques. His work contributes to energy-efficient display technologies and next-generation solid-state lighting.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Dr. Kumar Mallem has received several prestigious recognitions, including the Distinguished Paper Award at SID Display Week 2025 for his work on highly efficient QRLEDs. He was awarded the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (2020–2025) for academic excellence. He also won the Excellent Paper Award at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Renewable Energy in 2018. His contributions to optoelectronic devices and energy-efficient lighting technologies have earned him international recognition, reflecting his impact in advancing quantum dot and nanomaterial-based displays.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Kumar Mallem specializes in quantum rod and quantum dot light-emitting diodes, perovskite LEDs, silicon solar cells, and advanced optoelectronic materials. His research aims to enhance device efficiency, suppress charge leakage, and improve external quantum efficiency for high-performance display and lighting technologies. He works extensively with solution-processed nanomaterials, carrier injection engineering, and interface optimization to develop next-generation optoelectronic devices. His contributions to solid-state lighting and energy-efficient display technologies push the boundaries of modern photonic applications.

Publication Top Notes

  • Quantum‐Rod On‐Chip LEDs for Display Backlights with Efficacy of 149 lm W−1 |  Advanced Materials | 55 | 2021
  • Molybdenum oxide: A superior hole extraction layer for Si solar cells | Materials Research Bulletin | 53 | 2019
  • Influence of small size pyramid texturing on Ag-screen printed Si solar cells | Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing | 45 | 2018
  • Control of size and distribution of silicon quantum dots for solar cells | Renewable Energy | 33 | 2019
  • Ultralow roll‐off quantum dot LEDs using engineered carrier injection layer | Advanced Materials | 30 | 2023
  • Ambient annealing influence on MoOx layer for carrier-selective contact solar cells | Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing | 29 | 2019
  • MoOx work function & interface analysis for hole-selective Si heterojunction solar cells | Applied Surface Science | 24 | 2021
  • Solution-processed red, green, and blue quantum rod LEDs | ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces | 22 | 2022
  • High-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells: A review  | 19 | 2019
  • Light scattering properties of multi-textured AZO films for Si thin film solar cells |  Applied Surface Science | 19 | 2018

Weixue Cao | Building Environment | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weixue Cao | Building Environment | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weixue Cao, Tianjin Chengjian University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weixue Cao is an expert in thermal energy engineering and building environment systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Thermal Energy Engineering from Tianjin University, along with a master’s degree from Tianjin Chengjian University. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University. Dr. Cao has published 39 research papers (19 SCI-indexed) and holds 13 patents. He has led multiple national and provincial research projects and is a reviewer for top journals. His contributions span renewable energy, fluid mechanics, and building energy efficiency. 🏢⚡

Publication Profile

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Educational Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weixue Cao has a strong academic foundation in building environment and thermal energy engineering. He earned his Bachelor’s degree (2007-2011) in Building Environment and Equipment Engineering from Henan University of Urban Construction. He then pursued a Master’s degree (2011-2014) in Heating, Gas Supply, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineering at Tianjin Chengjian University. Further advancing his expertise, he completed his Ph.D. in Thermal Energy Engineering (2014-2019) at Tianjin University. His educational background has equipped him with in-depth knowledge of energy systems, fluid mechanics, and sustainable building technologies. 🔥🏢

Academic and Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weixue Cao has extensive experience in energy engineering and public service. He began his career as an Engineer (2014) in the Green Building Evaluation Department at Tianjin Jianke Building Energy Conservation and Environmental Testing Co., Ltd. He then transitioned to academia, serving as a Lecturer (2019-2024) at the School of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University. In 2024, he took on a leadership role as Deputy District Chief in Naidong District, Xizang Autonomous Region. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Tianjin Chengjian University. 🔥🏢

Academic Achievements, Awards, and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weixue Cao has made significant contributions to scientific research and education. He has hosted multiple national and provincial projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation Youth Project and several Ministry of Education collaboration projects. He has published 39 research papers, with 19 indexed in SCI, and holds 13 patents. Actively involved in student mentorship, he has guided winning teams in national and provincial competitions. Recognized for his dedication, he has received Outstanding Teacher and Class Teacher awards. In 2024, he contributed to public service training in Xizang Autonomous Region. 🎓🔬

Publication Top Notes

  • Experimental study on the cooling performance of medical protective clothing coupled with phase-change cold storage materials

  • Study on the transmission route of virus aerosol particles and control technology of air conditioning in the enclosed space

  • Research on the correlation between solar radiation and sky luminance based on the principle of photothermal integration

  • Distribution Characteristics of Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation on the Indoor Surface

  • Research on the influence of indoor thermal environment and activity levels on thermal comfort in protective clothing

  • Modification with FeOOH magnificent enhanced the photoelectrochemical degradation activity of oxygen vacancy-containing BiVO4

  • Comparative study on ventilation and air conditioning system schemes based on virus pollution control in hospital infusion room

  • Thermohydraulic performance analysis and parameters optimization of the combined heat sinks with microchannels and micro pin-fins

  • Numerical simulation of the dual-loop different velocity air curtain system in the operating room

  • Optimization of solar-air source heat pump heating system with phase change heat storage