Hala El-Khozondar | Solar Cells | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hala El-Khozondar | Solar Cells | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine, State of

Professor Hala J. El-Khozondar is a distinguished physicist and electrical engineer, currently a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and a Professor at the Islamic University of Gaza. With expertise in nanomaterials, photonics, and renewable energy, she has made significant contributions to science and education. She has held leadership roles, including department head and research committee chair. Her research spans optical sensors, solar cells, and nonlinear transmission lines. A mentor and advisor, she has supervised numerous students and research projects. Recognized globally, she has received multiple awards for her outstanding contributions to academia and scientific research.

Publication Profile

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Education Background📚🎓

Prof. El-Khozondar earned her Ph.D. in Physics with a minor in Electrical Engineering (1999) and a Master’s in Physics (1995) from New Mexico State University, USA. She previously obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (1987) and a Teaching Certificate Diploma (1989) from Birzeit University, West Bank. Her postdoctoral research was conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Germany. Throughout her academic journey, she has pursued advanced studies in nanotechnology, photonics, and engineering, collaborating with international institutions and contributing to groundbreaking research in material science and electrical engineering.

Professional Experience 🏫🔬

Prof. El-Khozondar is a Distinguished Professor at the Islamic University of Gaza and a Research Fellow at Imperial College London. She has served as the Head of the Electrical Engineering and Smart Systems Department and held leadership roles in quality assurance and research committees. Previously, she worked at the Technical University of Munich and was a Vice Dean for External Relations. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, covering physics, electrical engineering, and renewable energy. She has supervised numerous students, contributed to academic policy, and played key roles in scientific collaborations.

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖

Prof. El-Khozondar has received numerous accolades, including the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education’s Best Researcher Award (2023), IUG’s Best Research Prize (2021), and the TWAS-Aro Prize for Science Diplomacy (2018). She has been honored by ISESCO, DAAD, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for her contributions to science. She is a Fellow of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences and TWAS. Recognized internationally, she has been awarded multiple research fellowships in Germany, Belgium, and Turkey. Additionally, she has been named a TUM Research Alumni Ambassador and recognized for excellence in academic publishing and science diplomacy.

Research Focus 🔬🌍

Prof. El-Khozondar specializes in nanomaterials modeling, photonic crystal-based optical sensors, and solar cell efficiency enhancement. Her work includes Monte Carlo simulations for material evolution, nonlinear transmission lines for microwave applications, and polarization rotation in optical fibers. She explores fiber Bragg grating sensors, electromagnetic radiation effects on tissues, and optical waveguides for nonreciprocal devices. Using MATLAB and OrCad, she develops models for photovoltaic performance. Her interdisciplinary research integrates physics, engineering, and materials science, driving innovation in renewable energy, sensor technologies, and photonics, with a focus on advancing smart systems and sustainable solutions for global scientific challenges.

Publication Top Notes

Design of an isolated renewable hybrid energy system: a case study ⚡🌍
Year: 2022 | Cited by: 113
A review study of photovoltaic array maximum power tracking algorithms ☀️🔋
Year: 2016 | Cited by: 112
Standalone hybrid PV/wind/diesel‐electric generator system for a COVID‐19 quarantine center 🏥🌬️🔋
Year: 2023 | Cited by: 92
Design of one-dimensional refractive index sensor using ternary photonic crystal waveguide for plasma blood samples applications 🩸🔬
Year: 2019 | Cited by: 92
Carbon footprint and energy life cycle assessment of wind energy industry in Libya 🌿💨⚙️
Year: 2024 | Cited by: 84

Conclusion

Professor Hala J. El-Khozondar is a distinguished researcher with a Ph.D. in Physics and a minor in Electrical Engineering, renowned for her contributions to nanomaterials, photonic structures, optical sensing, and renewable energy. With extensive research experience at prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London, Max Planck Institute, and the Technical University of Munich, her work has significantly advanced photonics, fiber optics, and solar energy applications. Her leadership roles as a department head, research committee chair, and quality assurance leader highlight her influence in academia, while her dedication to teaching and mentoring has shaped future generations of engineers and scientists. Recognized internationally, her impactful research and interdisciplinary contributions make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
  

 

Sam Hsien-Yi Hsu | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sam Hsien-Yi Hsu | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sam Hsien-Yi Hsu, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Prof. Sam Hsien-Yi Hsu is a tenured Associate Professor at the School of Energy and Environment, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Affiliate), City University of Hong Kong. He earned his Ph.D. in Macromolecular Engineering from the University of Florida and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Texas at Austin under Prof. Allen J. Bard. With expertise in materials chemistry, photovoltaics, and energy solutions, Prof. Hsu has held key roles in academia and industry. His professional services include committee memberships at CityU and international collaborations. He has also served as a Visiting Professor in France. 🌍⚡🔬

 

Publication profile

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Academic Appointment

Prof. Sam Hsien-Yi Hsu currently holds two tenured associate professor positions at City University of Hong Kong in the School of Energy and Environment and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His previous academic roles include assistant professor positions and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin. This extensive academic background highlights his expertise in energy, environment, and materials science, making him highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award.

Academic Qualification

Prof. Hsu earned his Ph.D. in Macromolecular Engineering and Physical Chemistry from the University of Florida, working with prominent scholars like Prof. Kirk S. Schanze. He also holds a Master’s degree in Materials Chemistry from National Taiwan University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from National Chung-Hsing University. His academic credentials are solid, contributing to his advanced research in materials science and engineering.

Professional Experience

His experience spans various institutions and research centers globally, including a visiting professorship at the Université de Rennes 1, France, and significant research contributions at the University of Texas at Austin. He also has industry experience as an Associate Researcher at the Photovoltaics Technology Center and roles in marketing and process engineering, demonstrating his versatile expertise in both academia and industry.

Professional Services

Prof. Hsu has served on multiple committees at City University, including the Quality Assurance Committee and Research Degree Programme Committee. He also holds memberships in professional societies such as the Overseas Chinese Environmental Engineers and Scientists Association. His engagement in professional services reflects his commitment to advancing his field, further enhancing his candidacy for the award.

Publication Top Notes  

  • High-performance large-area quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes – 214 citations, 2021 📑✨
  • A Review on Morphology Engineering for Highly Efficient and Stable Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells – 205 citations, 2018 🔬🔋
  • Atomically dispersed iron metal site in a porphyrin-based metal–organic framework for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation – 149 citations, 2021 ⚛️🌿
  • Sustainability metrics of pretreatment processes in a waste derived lignocellulosic biomass biorefinery – 128 citations, 2020 ♻️🌾
  • High-performance photodetectors based on solution-processed epitaxial grown hybrid halide perovskites – 121 citations, 2018 📸⚡
  • In situ formation of bismuth‐based perovskite heterostructures for high‐performance cocatalyst‐free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution – 86 citations, 2020 💧💡
  • Halogen-halogen bonds enable improved long-term operational stability of mixed-halide perovskite photovoltaics – 72 citations, 2021 ⚡🔗
  • Synthesis and electrogenerated chemiluminescence of donor-substituted phenylethynylcoumarins – 71 citations, 2004 🔬💡
  • Heterogenization of homogeneous photocatalysts utilizing synthetic and natural support materials – 70 citations, 2021 ⚛️🌍
  • Localized dielectric breakdown and antireflection coating in metal–oxide–semiconductor photoelectrodes – 69 citations, 2017 ⚡🔬


Conclusion

Prof. Sam Hsien-Yi Hsu’s extensive academic, research, and professional experience in the fields of energy, environment, and materials science, combined with his leadership roles and professional memberships, make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to both academia and industry showcase his excellence and innovation in research.