Keiko Sasaki | Hydrometallurgy Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Keiko Sasaki | Hydrometallurgy Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Keiko Sasaki, Waseda University, Japan

Prof. Keiko Sasaki, h-index 48 with 8617 citations, is a leading researcher in environmental materials and green chemistry. She graduated with a PhD in Engineering from Hokkaido University in 1997. Her career spans roles at Otaru University, the University of Waterloo, and Kyushu University, where she became Professor Emeritus in 2024. Now at Waseda University, she leads innovative projects in hydrogen generation and green materials. With over 400 publications, Prof. Sasaki has received multiple accolades, including being named among Stanford’s World Top 2% Scientists (2020-2023) and winning numerous best paper awards. πŸ“šβœ¨

Publication Profile

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Educational Background

Prof. Keiko Sasaki, a distinguished researcher in environmental materials and green chemistry, has an impressive academic background. She graduated from the Department of Chemistry at Hokkaido University in March 1982. Fifteen years later, in March 1997, she earned her PhD in Engineering from the same esteemed institution. Prof. Sasaki’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career, marked by numerous awards and significant contributions to green chemistry and environmental materials. Her dedication to her field is reflected in her extensive research and impactful publications. πŸŽ“βœ¨

 

Professional Background

Prof. Keiko Sasaki’s esteemed career in academia began in October 1998 as an Associate Professor at Otaru University of Commerce. In March 2003, she expanded her horizons as a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, Canada. By April 2004, she joined the Faculty of Engineering at Kyushu University as an Associate Professor, rising to full Professor in January 2010. After becoming Professor Emeritus at Kyushu University in March 2024, she transitioned to Waseda University in April 2024, where she currently serves as a Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. 🏫🌍

 

Awards

Prof. Keiko Sasaki has received numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career. She was named among Stanford University’s World Top 2% Scientists from 2020 to 2023. Her research excellence has been recognized multiple times by the Mining and Materials Processing Institute of Japan (MMIJ) with Best Paper Awards in 2018, 2016, 2015, 2011, and 2009. Additionally, she received the Young Researcher Award from MMIJ in 1998. At Kyushu University, her outstanding research activities were honored with awards in 2013, 2012, and 2011. These achievements highlight her significant contributions to science and engineering. πŸŒŸπŸ“œ

 

Research Focus

Prof. Keiko Sasaki’s research primarily centers on environmental materials and green chemistry, with a particular emphasis on sustainable and innovative solutions for environmental challenges. Her work includes the selective removal of pollutants from aqueous solutions, development of photocatalysts, hydrothermal treatment of peat and biomass, and flotation of minerals. She has also made significant contributions to understanding the behavior of minerals and metals during chemical and biological processes. Through her extensive publications, Prof. Sasaki explores both fundamental and applied aspects of green chemistry, aiming to develop eco-friendly materials and technologies for a sustainable future. πŸŒπŸ“šβœ¨

 

Publication Top Notes

  1. Selective removal of phosphate using La-porous carbon composites from aqueous solutions: Batch and column studies
    KS Paulmanickam Koilraj, Chemical Engineering Journal 317, 1059-1068, cited by 213 πŸ“ˆ
  2. Arrayed waveguide grating of 70Γ— 60 Β΅m^sup 2^ size based on Si photonic wire waveguides
    K Sasaki, F Ohno, A Motegi, T Baba, Electronics Letters 41 (14), 1, 2005, cited by 175 πŸ“ˆ
  3. Upgrading and dewatering of raw tropical peat by hydrothermal treatment
    AT Mursito, T Hirajima, K Sasaki, Fuel 89 (3), 635-641, 2010, cited by 172 πŸ“ˆ
  4. DISTINCTION OF JAROSITE-GROUP COMPOUNDS BY RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
    K Sasaki, O Tanaike, H Konno, The Canadian Mineralogist 36, 1225-1235, 1998, cited by 145 πŸ“ˆ
  5. Serum CA19-9 is a significant predictor among preoperative parameters for early recurrence after resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
    T Sugiura, K Uesaka, H Kanemoto, T Mizuno, K Sasaki, H Furukawa, et al., Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 16 (5), 977-985, 2012, cited by 141 πŸ“ˆ
  6. Raman characterization of secondary minerals formed during chalcopyrite leaching with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
    K Sasaki, Y Nakamuta, T Hirajima, OH Tuovinen, Hydrometallurgy 95 (1-2), 153-158, 2009, cited by 141 πŸ“ˆ
  7. Comparison of effectiveness of citric acid and other acids in leaching of low-grade Indonesian saprolitic ores
    W Astuti, T Hirajima, K Sasaki, N Okibe, Minerals Engineering 85, 1-16, 2016, cited by 138 πŸ“ˆ
  8. Morphology of jarosite-group compounds precipitated from biologically and chemically oxidized Fe ions
    K Sasaki, H Konno, Canadian Mineralogist 38 (1), 45-56, 2000, cited by 135 πŸ“ˆ
  9. Effect of Mg2+ and Ca2+ as divalent seawater cations on the floatability of molybdenite and chalcopyrite
    T Hirajima, GPW Suyantara, O Ichikawa, AM Elmahdy, H Miki, K Sasaki, Minerals Engineering 96, 83-93, 2016, cited by 134 πŸ“ˆ
  10. COMET Phase-I technical design report
    COMET collaboration, R Abramishvili, G Adamov, RR Akhmetshin, A Allin, et al., Progress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics 2020 (3), 033C01, cited by 130 πŸ“ˆ

Tawanda Makopa | Yeast Ecology Award | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Tawanda Makopa | Yeast Ecology Award | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Tawanda Makopa, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana

🌱 Tawanda Makopa is a passionate researcher specializing in Fermentation Technology. Currently pursuing a Masters in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at BIUST, Botswana, Tawanda explores the intricate world of insect-microbe interactions for industrial yeast applications. With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology and Biochemistry from NUST, Zimbabwe, they’ve delved into microbiology and quality control analysis at Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals. Their expertise spans yeast biotechnology, microbial analysis, and laboratory practices. Notably, Tawanda’s research has been acknowledged with publications and a prestigious FEMS Early Career Investigator Fellowship. Committed to academia, they’ve also served as a Teaching Assistant and contributed to postgraduate student representation at BIUST. πŸ§ͺπŸ“š

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

 

πŸŽ“ Tawanda Makopa’s academic journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to the exploration of biological sciences. Graduating with honors from the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe, Tawanda’s Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology and Biochemistry provided a solid foundation in microbiology. Presently, at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, they are immersed in pursuing a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology with a focus on Fermentation Technology. Their thesis delves into the intriguing realm of insect-microbe interactions, aiming to unearth valuable yeasts for industrial applications. This academic trajectory underscores Tawanda’s dedication to unlocking nature’s secrets for technological advancements. πŸ§ͺπŸ”¬

 

Research ExperienceΒ 

 

πŸ”¬ During their tenure as a Graduate Research Assistant at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Tawanda Makopa delved into the realm of natural product discovery, particularly focusing on extremophilic microorganisms native to the Kalahari Desert. Their investigations centered on unraveling the carbon metabolism of yeast collections while also managing yeast collection databases. Additionally, they actively contributed to various projects within the Yeast Biotechnology Research Group, aiming to develop indigenous industrial yeast strains for applications in brewing, baking, and biofuel production. Tawanda’s dedication to yeast research was further recognized with the prestigious FEMS Early Career Investigator Fellowship, leading to their participation in the 31st International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology in Florence, Italy. 🌡🧬

 

Work Experience

 

πŸ”¬ Tawanda Makopa’s professional journey embodies a fusion of academia and industry expertise. As a Teaching Assistant at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, they imparted knowledge to students in Bioprocessing and Microbial Fermentation Technology, as well as Introduction to Biology. Through laboratory demonstrations and tutorial sessions, they facilitated practical learning experiences and ensured academic rigor during examinations. Transitioning to industry, Tawanda served as a Quality Control Analyst at Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals, where they meticulously conducted microbial analysis, ensured compliance with SOPs, and supervised personnel, emphasizing Good Manufacturing Practices. Their multifaceted experience underscores a commitment to both education and quality assurance in pharmaceuticals. πŸ’ΌπŸ”

 

Research Focus

πŸ”¬ Tawanda P. Makopa’s research focuses on the intricate dynamics of yeast interactions within ecological niches, particularly exploring the relationship between yeasts and insects in southern Africa. Through their investigations, they aim to tap into the diverse array of yeast species for modern bioprocessing applications, uncovering potential innovations in industrial fermentation technologies. Additionally, Makopa has delved into the biodiversity of fermenting yeasts associated with marula fruits, debunking the myth of elephant intoxication while assessing the microbial richness of this ecological niche. Their work underscores a commitment to understanding and harnessing yeast diversity for biotechnological advancements. 🌿

 

Publication Top NotesΒ