Thomas Juska | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Thomas Juska | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thomas Juska, Applied Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, United States

Dr. Thomas Juska is a renowned polymer scientist at ARL Penn State, with over 40 years of experience in polymer and composite materials. 🎓 He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Polymer Science from Penn State and his M.S. from the University of Massachusetts. 📚 His research focuses on thermodynamics in polymer deformation, phase transitions, and resin development. ⚛️ He has pioneered theories like the stress-induced phase transition model and contributed to composite fabrication methods like integrated breathing. 🏆 Dr. Juska has developed numerous prototypes and continues to work in materials development during his semi-retirement. 🌟

 

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Juska’s educational background includes a B.S. from Penn State University, an M.S. from the University of Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from Penn State. His extensive academic training laid the foundation for his long and impactful career in polymer science.

Work Experience

Dr. Juska has held significant positions. He began his career at NSWC – Carderock Division as a Materials Scientist and later worked at Northrop Grumman as a Research Scientist. Since 2003, he has been a Research Associate and department head at ARL Penn State, where he continues to lead functional materials development and prototype fabrication efforts.

Achievements in Polymer Science

Dr. Juska’s contributions to polymer science are impressive. He derived a generalized Hooke’s Law from thermodynamics, offering a new theoretical framework for understanding Poisson’s ratio and polymer behavior. His innovative stress-induced phase transition model of plasticity in polymers has had significant impact. Additionally, his work describing amorphous polymers as heterogeneous networks of nanoscale domains has led to groundbreaking advancements in time-temperature superposition and energy loss mechanisms in polymers.

Achievements in Polymer Engineering

In polymer engineering, Dr. Juska developed the integrated breathing method for composite fabrication, which revolutionized air removal techniques in composite materials. His expertise in polyurethane elastomers and his leadership in the development of multi-functional prototypes have been crucial to various engineering projects. His innovative methods have improved composite fabrication, making it more efficient and practical.

 

Research Interests

Dr. Thomas Juska has a deep interest in the thermodynamics of polymer deformation, focusing on how phase transitions play a crucial role in polymer behavior. His main engineering contributions are in the development of resins, processes, and prototypes tailored for specific applications. These interests highlight his focus on advancing polymer science, particularly in understanding polymer deformation and developing practical materials.

Conclusion

Dr. Thomas Juska is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His extensive contributions to polymer science, including theoretical advancements and practical engineering innovations, demonstrate his lasting impact on the field. His blend of scientific curiosity, engineering achievements, and leadership in material development make him a strong candidate for recognition.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Composite Rotating Coupling Covers – 2015, CAMX 2015 – Composites and Advanced Materials Expo  📅📘
  • Male Molding with Oven Vacuum Bag Prepreg – 2012, International SAMPE Technical Conference 📅📘
  • The New Infusion: Oven Vacuum Bag Prepreg Fabrication – 2009, International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition – 8 citations 📅📘
  • Progress in Materials for Marine Composite Structures – 2004, International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition  📅📘
  • Progress in Materials for Marine Composite Structures – 2004, International SAMPE Technical Conference  📅📘
  • Durability Gap Analysis for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in Civil Infrastructure – 2003, Journal of Composites for Construction – 440 citations 📅📘
  • Pushing the Limits of VARTM – 1998, International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition – 17 citations 📅📘

Wenyao Zhang | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

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Dr Wenyao Zhang |  Materials Science |  Young Scientist Award

professor at  Nanjing university of science and technology, China

Dr. Wenyao Zhang is a distinguished professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science & Technology in Nanjing, China. He currently leads research in the field of aqueous Zn-ion batteries, focusing on the surface chemistry of Zn metal and the stabilization of metal clusters.

Publication profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering (2012 – 2017): Nanjing University of Science and Technology, China.
  • Joint Ph.D. in Colloid Chemistry (2015 – 2017): Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Germany.
  • B.Eng. in Materials Chemistry (2008 – 2012): Nanjing University of Science and Technology, China.

Dr. Zhang’s research contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and application of nanomaterials in energy storage and conversion technologies.

Professional Experience:

  • 2022 – Present: Professor, Overseas High-Level Talent Recruitment Programs, Nanjing University of Science & Technology.
    • Research: Zn metal surface chemistry, aqueous Zn-ion batteries, stabilization of atomic/subnanometric metal clusters.
  • 2020 – 2022: Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemical & Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada.
    • Co-Advisors: Prof. Ken Cadien, Prof. Zhi Li.
  • 2017 – 2020: Postdoctoral Researcher, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Canada.
    • Co-Advisors: Prof. Zhongwei Chen, Prof. Aiping Yu.

Academic Background:

Dr. Zhang earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in 2017, under the supervision of Prof. Xin Wang. He conducted joint Ph.D. research in Colloid Chemistry at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany, under Prof. Markus Antonietti. His research during this period focused on carbon-nitrogen materials for electrocatalysis and lithium-ion batteries, and carbon nitride-based materials for photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Materials Science Research Focus:

Dr. Wenyao Zhang’s research in materials science primarily revolves around energy storage and conversion technologies, with a significant emphasis on the following areas:

  1. Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries:
    • Zn Metal Surface Chemistry: Investigating the chemical interactions and surface modifications of zinc metal to enhance the performance and stability of aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
    • Stabilization of Metal Clusters: Developing molecular trapping strategies to stabilize atomic and subnanometric metal clusters, which are crucial for improving the efficiency and longevity of battery systems.
  2. Electrocatalysis:
    • Carbon-Nitrogen Materials: Designing novel carbon-nitrogen materials to serve as supports for electrocatalysts, enhancing their activity and durability for various electrochemical reactions.
  3. Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting:
    • Carbon Nitride-Based Materials: Creating high-performance carbon nitride-based materials to act as catalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting, aiming to generate hydrogen efficiently using solar energy.
  4. Nanostructured Materials:
    • Growth of MnO2 on Carbon Nanotubes: Controlled synthesis of nanostructured manganese dioxide on carbon nanotubes to develop high-performance electrochemical capacitors.

Dr. Zhang’s innovative research integrates advanced material design and synthesis techniques to address critical challenges in energy storage and conversion, contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 1,645
  • Citations Since 2019: 1,437
  • h-index: 21
  • i10-index: 28

Publication Top Notes

  • Ternary manganese ferrite/graphene/polyaniline nanostructure with enhanced electrochemical capacitance performance
    • P. Xiong, C. Hu, Y. Fan, W. Zhang, J. Zhu, X. Wang, Journal of Power Sources, 266, 384-392, 2014
    • Citations: 183
  • Palladium nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride-modified reduced graphene oxide as highly efficient catalysts for formic acid and methanol electrooxidation
    • W. Zhang, H. Huang, F. Li, K. Deng, X. Wang, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2 (44), 19084-19094, 2014
    • Citations: 169
  • Defect‐Enriched Nitrogen Doped–Graphene Quantum Dots Engineered NiCo2S4 Nanoarray as High‐Efficiency Bifunctional Catalyst for Flexible Zn‐Air Battery
    • W. Liu, B. Ren, W. Zhang, M. Zhang, G. Li, M. Xiao, J. Zhu, A. Yu, Small, 15 (44), 1903610, 2019
    • Citations: 99
  • Merging single‐atom‐dispersed iron and graphitic carbon nitride to a joint electronic system for high‐efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
    • W. Zhang, Q. Peng, L. Shi, Q. Yao, X. Wang, A. Yu, Z. Chen, Y. Fu, Small, 15 (50), 1905166, 2019
    • Citations: 90
  • Zn-free MOFs like MIL-53 (Al) and MIL-125 (Ti) for the preparation of defect-rich, ultrafine ZnO nanosheets with high photocatalytic performance
    • H. Xiao, W. Zhang, Q. Yao, L. Huang, L. Chen, B. Boury, Z. Chen, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 244, 719-731, 2019
    • Citations: 90
  • Controlled growth of nanostructured MnO2 on carbon nanotubes for high-performance electrochemical capacitors
    • H. Huang, W. Zhang, Y. Fu, X. Wang, Electrochimica Acta, 152, 480-488, 2015
    • Citations: 87
  • Self-repairing interphase reconstructed in each cycle for highly reversible aqueous zinc batteries
    • W. Zhang, M. Dong, K. Jiang, D. Yang, X. Tan, S. Zhai, R. Feng, N. Chen, Nature Communications, 13 (1), 5348, 2022
    • Citations: 84
  • A general approach for fabricating 3D MFe2O4 (M= Mn, Ni, Cu, Co)/graphitic carbon nitride covalently functionalized nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposites as advanced anodes
    • W. Zhang, Y. Fu, W. Liu, L. Lim, X. Wang, A. Yu, Nano Energy, 57, 48-56, 2019
    • Citations: 82
  • A “trimurti” heterostructured hybrid with an intimate CoO/Co x P interface as a robust bifunctional air electrode for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
    • Y. Niu, M. Xiao, J. Zhu, T. Zeng, J. Li, W. Zhang, D. Su, A. Yu, Z. Chen, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 8 (18), 9177-9184, 2020
    • Citations: 81
  • One-pot synthesis of nickel-modified carbon nitride layers toward efficient photoelectrochemical cells
    • W. Zhang, J. Albero, L. Xi, K. M. Lange, H. Garcia, X. Wang, M. Shalom, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9 (38), 32667-32677, 2017
    • Citations: 67