Dr. Xiaojuan Pang | Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaojuan Pang | Technologies | Best Researcher Award

lecturer, China University of Mining and Technology, China

Dr. Xiaojuan Pang is a dynamic Chinese computational chemist and academic serving as a Lecturer at the China University of Mining & Technology (CUMT) since 2019. With deep expertise in photochemistry, nonadiabatic dynamics, and photocatalytic hydrogen production, she bridges theoretical innovation and practical application. Her international research exposure includes a pivotal joint doctoral training at the Technical University of Munich under Prof. Wolfgang Domcke, positioning her as a global voice in computational reaction mechanism studies. 🌍

Publication Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Pang earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Xinzhou Teachers University in 2013 🎓. She continued her academic journey with a Doctorate in Physics from Xi’an Jiaotong University (2013–2019), where she explored ultrafast photochemical mechanisms. Her international academic footprint includes a prestigious year (2017–2018) at the Technical University of Munich. She is currently undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship (since 2025) in a two-station program, co-hosted by CUMT and Zhejiang Changshan Textile Co., Ltd., further sharpening her cross-disciplinary skills in mining and material science. 📘🧪

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience

Dr. Pang began her academic career as a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at CUMT in 2019. She plays a vital role in teaching, curriculum reform, and scientific mentorship. Her involvement spans several cutting-edge research projects, including multiple national and provincial grants where she serves as Principal Investigator. She also collaborates with industrial partners to apply her research in real-world contexts, especially in energy materials and ultrafast dynamics. 🏫🧑‍🔬

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Pang has garnered numerous accolades for her academic and teaching excellence. Highlights include the Outstanding Young Core Faculty Award (2024), Jiangsu “Double-Innovation Doctor” Talent Award (2020), and multiple teaching competition prizes. She has also been recognized as an Outstanding Communist Party Member, Outstanding Head Teacher, and earned three consecutive years of top annual performance ratings from 2020 to 2023. 🏆🎖️

🔍 Research Focus

Her core research explores the reaction mechanisms in photocatalytic water splitting, photoisomerization of molecular motors, and ultrafast nonadiabatic photochemical processes. Dr. Pang utilizes a powerful combination of computational tools—like Gaussian, Turbomole, and MNDO—to simulate and analyze excited-state dynamics. Her work significantly contributes to the development of efficient solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion technologies and light-driven molecular machines. 💡⚛️

🧩 Conclusion

With an impressive blend of academic rigor, international exposure, innovative research, and award-winning teaching, Dr. Xiaojuan Pang stands as a rising star in computational chemistry and photophysics. Her ongoing work at the intersection of theory and application is paving the way for advances in sustainable energy and smart molecular systems. 🚀

📚 Top Publications

Nonadiabatic Surface Hopping Dynamics of Photo-catalytic Water Splitting Process with Heptazine–(H2O)4 Chromophore
🔹Cited by: [Articles on MDPI and Google Scholar]

Study on the Photoinduced Isomerization Mechanism of Hydrazone Derivatives Molecular Switch
🔹Cited by: [Relevant studies in ACS database]

Effect of Load-Resisting Force on Photoisomerization Mechanism of a Single Second Generation Light-Driven Molecular Rotary Motor
🔹Cited by: [AIP citations and Scholar references]

Ultrafast Nonadiabatic Photoisomerization Dynamics Study of Molecular Motor Based on Indanylidene Frameworks
🔹Cited by: [CrossRef, ScienceDirect]

Photoinduced Electron-Driven Proton Transfer from Water to N-Heterocyclic Chromophore
🔹Cited by: 40+ citations (Google Scholar, Scopus)

Watching the Dark State in Ultrafast Nonadiabatic Photoisomerization of Light-Driven Motor
🔹Cited by: 70+ citations (ResearchGate, Google Scholar)

Zhizhen Chen | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhizhen Chen | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom

🎓 Dr. Zhizhen Chen is a dedicated academic professional serving as a Senior Lecturer in Finance at the University of Greenwich since 2017. With a rich background in finance and economics, Dr. Chen brings extensive experience from both academia and industry. His research interests encompass financial markets, risk management, and financial engineering, contributing significantly to several top-tier finance journals. Dr. Chen is also an active peer reviewer and passionate educator, sharing his expertise through innovative courses like Fintech Banking and Financial Engineering and Machine Learning. 🌍📊

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Research Excellence: Dr. Chen has a strong publication record, with multiple articles published in high-impact journals such as “Journal of International Money and Finance” and “Research in International Business and Finance,” both rated 4* in SJR. This demonstrates his capability in producing high-quality research in the field of finance.
  2. Peer Review Activities: He has been a peer reviewer for several prestigious journals since 2016, which showcases his recognition in the academic community and his commitment to advancing knowledge in finance.
  3. Academic and Professional Credentials: Dr. Chen holds a PhD in Finance, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and has passed CFA Level 1. This combination of academic qualifications and professional certification adds to his credibility and expertise in the field.
  4. Diverse Teaching Portfolio: His teaching experience spans various finance and economics-related courses, demonstrating versatility and a solid understanding of different areas within the field.
  5. Industry Experience: Dr. Chen’s experience as an Investment Analyst and his work with financial institutions provide him with practical insights, enhancing his academic work’s relevance and applicability.
  6. Continuous Professional Development: His commitment to continuous learning and development is evident through his successful completion of the CFA Level 1 exam and his role in ongoing staff development activities.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Impact: While Dr. Chen has a strong record in finance-specific publications, expanding his research impact across other interdisciplinary areas, such as sustainable finance or fintech, could further enhance his profile.
  2. Leadership Roles in Research: Taking on more leadership roles in research projects or academic committees could strengthen his candidacy by demonstrating his influence beyond his individual contributions.
  3. Grants and Funding: Securing research grants or funding is a notable achievement in academia that is not highlighted in the current profile. Pursuing funding opportunities could bolster his research credentials further.

Education

🎓 Dr. Zhizhen Chen holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Glasgow (2018), demonstrating his strong foundation in financial research and education. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2017), a testament to his commitment to teaching excellence, and he earned an MSc in Economics from the University of Wuhan (2012). 📚✨

Experience

🌟 Dr. Chen’s career spans roles as a Senior Lecturer in Finance at the University of Greenwich since 2017, where he excels in teaching and research. His prior experience includes serving as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at the University of Glasgow, and an Investment Analyst at ICBC Wuhan. This blend of academic and industry roles has equipped him with a unique perspective on finance education. 💼💹

Research Focus

🔍 Dr. Chen’s research is focused on financial markets, risk management, securitization, and financial engineering. He actively contributes as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals, including the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions & Money, and Finance Research Letters, ensuring rigorous academic standards in the field. 📑🔬

Awards and Honours

🏅 Dr. Chen was recognized as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2017, highlighting his dedication to teaching excellence. In addition, he passed the CFA Level 1 exam in 2020, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development in finance. 🎖️📈

Publication Top Notes

Lin, W., Yan, W., Chen, Z., Xiao, R. (2023). Research on product appearance patent spatial shape recognition for multi-image feature fusion. Multimedia Tools and Applications (SJR 3*).

Xiao, R., Li, G., Chen, Z. (2023). Research progress and prospect of evolutionary many-objective optimization. Control and Decision.

Chen, Z., Liu, H., Peng, J., Zhang, H., Zhou, M. (2022). Securitization and bank efficiency. In: Ferris, S.P., Kose, J., Makhija, A.K., (eds.) Empirical Research in Banking and Corporate Finance. Emerald Publishing Limited.

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhizhen Chen is a suitable candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to his significant contributions to the field of finance through high-quality publications, peer-review activities, and professional development. While there is room for growth in interdisciplinary research and leadership roles, his current achievements and ongoing commitment to both academic and professional excellence make him a compelling contender for the award.