Maryam Mohammadi | Environmental Studies | Zoology Honour Awards

Dr. Maryam Mohammadi | Environmental Studies | Zoology Honour Awards

Researcher at Kashan university, Iran

Maryam Mohammadi is a dedicated researcher in the field of Physical Chemistry, specializing in computational chemistry and nanomaterials. With a decade-long academic journey, she has developed a passion for exploring the molecular-level interactions of materials through Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations. Her research delves into the quantum behavior of advanced materials like black phosphorene and boron nitride nanotubes, with applications in environmental sensing and nanotechnology. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has teaching experience at both the university and high school levels, empowering the next generation of scientists. Maryam is multilingual, fluent in Persian, Kurdish, and proficient in English, and she continuously updates her skills through scientific workshops and self-learning. With published research in leading ISI journals and recognition as a Young Scientist Awards Candidate, she embodies the profile of a promising and impactful early-career researcher.

Professional Profiles📖

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Maryam Mohammadi’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to the sciences, particularly chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Kashan in 2023, focusing on computational chemistry and nanomaterials. Her doctoral studies emphasized advanced simulation techniques and theoretical analysis, laying a strong foundation for independent research. She previously obtained her M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry from the same university in 2013, where she began developing her skills in molecular modeling and physical theory. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Isfahan in 2011, where she acquired a robust understanding of analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Throughout her studies, Maryam maintained a strong academic record and participated in scientific activities and workshops, further enriching her practical and theoretical expertise. Her educational background uniquely positions her at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and computational science.

🏗 Experience 

Maryam has over a decade of experience in academia and research. Her expertise spans computational chemistry, materials science, and physical chemistry, with a strong focus on DFT-based simulations. She presented her first major scientific work in 2013 at the 16th Iranian Conference on Physical Chemistry, showcasing molecular dynamics simulations of amino acid interactions with boron nitride nanotubes. Since then, her work has evolved into high-impact research on black phosphorene, with recent ISI publications exploring its adsorption properties and sensing capabilities. As a university lecturer, Maryam has taught Physical Chemistry and General Chemistry I & II, imparting knowledge to undergraduate students. She also served as a high school chemistry instructor, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to science education. Her research experience is complemented by proficiency in several computational tools and an ability to work across interdisciplinary areas, combining chemistry, physics, and material science in meaningful ways.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Maryam Mohammadi has been recognized for her academic potential and contributions to scientific research. Notably, she was selected as a Young Scientist Awards Candidate by the Applied Surface Science Journal, an honor that reflects her growing impact in the field of surface chemistry and nanomaterials. She was also acknowledged as a Zoology Honour Awards Candidate by the same journal, which suggests interdisciplinary relevance and scientific excellence. In addition to these accolades, she holds a Teaching Certificate from the Isfahan Teacher Training Center, showcasing her commitment to education and professional development. Maryam has participated in multiple scientific workshops, where she received certifications that enhanced her technical and research skills. These achievements affirm her status as a rising researcher and educator, with recognition both from academic institutions and respected scientific communities.

🔬 Research Focus

Maryam’s research is centered on computational modeling of nanomaterials, with a specific emphasis on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations. Her recent studies investigate the adsorption of pollutants and aromatic molecules on black phosphorene surfaces—a novel material with potential applications in chemical sensing and environmental monitoring. She also explores how strain and charge manipulation can enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of nanomaterials, contributing to the development of next-generation sensors. Her work with boron nitride nanotubes and amino acids further demonstrates her versatility in both biological and inorganic systems. By integrating computational tools such as Gaussian, Quantum Espresso, and Materials Studio, she models atomic-level interactions to predict real-world chemical behavior. Her research bridges theory and application, aiming to contribute to sustainable technologies and novel material innovations.

🛠 Skills 

Maryam possesses a strong suite of technical and analytical skills, particularly in computational and theoretical chemistry. She is proficient in industry-standard software such as Gaussian, Quantum Espresso, Materials Studio, DL-Poly, and Origin, as well as operating within Linux environments. She applies Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations to explore molecular behavior and material properties. Additionally, she is well-versed in Bader and Mulliken Charge Analysis, the DFT-D2 dispersion correction method, and data visualization techniques. Her command of Microsoft Office and general data management software supports her research documentation and reporting tasks. Beyond research, her teaching experience shows effective communication and curriculum development skills. Maryam’s ability to merge computational expertise with strong theoretical foundations enables her to tackle complex scientific challenges with precision and creativity.

Publications Top Notes📚

🔬 Adsorption of aromatic molecules on a black phosphorene surface: a first-principles study
Authors: M. Mohammadi, Z. Tavangar
Journal: New Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 47, Issue 4, pp. 1842–1851
Year: 2023
Citations: 3

🌍 Effect of strain and charge injection on pollutant molecule sensing using black phosphorene: A DFT study
Authors: M. Mohammadi, Z. Tavangar
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Status: In Press
Year: Expected 2025
Citations: Not yet available

🧬 Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Amino Acids Interaction with Zigzag Boron Nitride Nanotube
Authors: Z. Tavangar, M. Mohammadi
Conference: 16th Iranian Conference on Physical Chemistry (Poster Presentation)
Year: 2013
Citations: Not indexed (conference abstract)

Charles Sprouse III | Integral Ecology | Best Faculty Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charles Sprouse III | Integral Ecology | Best Faculty Award

Doctor at Benedictine College, United States

Dr. Charles Edward Sprouse III is an accomplished academician and researcher specializing in mechanical engineering and physics. With expertise in sustainability, life cycle assessment, and integral ecology, he has significantly contributed to environmental stewardship and emissions reduction technologies. His research in low-temperature power cycles and organic Rankine cycles has gained widespread recognition, influencing academia and industry. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Sprouse has mentored 21 student research projects, some of which have won prestigious awards. His professional affiliations include ASME, ASEE, and SAE, reflecting his deep engagement with the engineering community. With 21 peer-reviewed journal publications and 46 completed research projects, he continues to advance engineering solutions for energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction. Dr. Sprouse’s commitment to integrating technology with sustainability principles makes him a leading figure in mechanical and environmental engineering research.

Professional Profiles📖

Education  🎓

Dr. Sprouse holds advanced degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering, equipping him with a strong interdisciplinary foundation for addressing complex engineering challenges. His academic journey includes rigorous training in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and sustainable energy systems. Throughout his studies, he developed expertise in waste heat recovery, emissions control, and renewable energy technologies. His research explored environmental impacts in energy applications, leading to groundbreaking innovations in organic Rankine cycles. Dr. Sprouse actively participated in academic societies, earning memberships in Pi Tau Sigma (ΠΤΣ) and Tau Beta Pi (ΤΒΠ), prestigious engineering honor societies. His education has laid the foundation for his impactful career in both academia and industry, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in his continuous contributions to engineering research, education, and sustainability initiatives.

Experience 🏢

With a diverse and impactful career, Dr. Sprouse has made significant contributions as a researcher, educator, and consultant. At Benedictine College, he has taught 21 engineering courses, covering fundamental and advanced topics in mechanical engineering. His mentorship of 21 student research projects has led to award-winning work in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Sprouse’s research has focused on waste heat recovery, emissions abatement, and energy-efficient power cycles, leading to 21 journal publications and over 46 research projects. His consultancy experience spans life cycle assessment, sustainability planning, and thermofluidic system monitoring. Industry collaborations have allowed him to bridge academic research with real-world applications, particularly in solar energy, geothermal energy, and automotive emissions reduction.

His commitment to engineering education and research innovation has earned him recognition in professional societies like ASME, ASEE, and SAE. Through his experience, he continues to drive advancements in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Dr. Sprouse’s excellence in research, teaching, and environmental innovation has been recognized through multiple awards and honors. He has guided two student projects that won the Dr. Wangari Maathai Discovery Awards for outstanding contributions to sustainability, environmental justice, and women’s equality.

His co-authored research on waste heat recovery using organic Rankine cycles was the most downloaded article in mechanical engineering in 2013, among approximately 20,000 eligible works. This recognition highlights the significance of his contributions to energy efficiency and emissions control.

Dr. Sprouse’s professional impact is further acknowledged through memberships in Pi Tau Sigma (ΠΤΣ), Tau Beta Pi (ΤΒΠ), ASME, ASEE, and SAE, reflecting his influence in mechanical engineering and academia. His work continues to shape sustainability-focused engineering practices, bridging research with industry innovation.

Skills💡

Dr. Sprouse possesses a diverse skill set that seamlessly integrates engineering expertise, sustainability analysis, and academic mentorship. His technical proficiency spans thermodynamics and heat transfer, with a specialization in waste heat recovery and low-temperature power cycles. He is well-versed in life cycle assessment (LCA), allowing him to evaluate the environmental impact of energy and industrial systems. His expertise in computational modeling and simulation enables him to conduct in-depth energy efficiency analyses, while his knowledge of renewable energy systems encompasses solar, geothermal, and alternative energy applications. Additionally, he is highly skilled in sustainability planning, providing consultancy on eco-friendly designs and emissions reduction strategies. Beyond his technical acumen, Dr. Sprouse excels in academic and research-oriented skills, including technical writing and publishing, with 21 peer-reviewed journal articles to his credit. He is also a dedicated mentor and educator, guiding students in research projects and engineering concepts. His industry collaborations further highlight his ability to bridge academic research with real-world applications, driving engineering solutions for a more sustainable future.

Research Focus🔬

Dr. Sprouse’s research is centered on sustainability, waste heat recovery, and energy-efficient power cycles. His expertise in low-temperature power cycles, particularly organic Rankine cycles (ORCs), has led to significant advancements in thermal pollution reduction and natural refrigerant applications.

His work in environmental impact assessment integrates life cycle analysis (LCA) to ensure long-term sustainability in renewable energy systems, deep geothermal energy, and MW-scale solar arrays. He also explores integral ecology and emissions abatement, developing technologies to minimize the environmental footprint of energy production.

A key focus of his research is automotive and industrial emissions reduction, where he has introduced an aftertreatment device that filters particulate matter while recovering heat for supplementary power generation. His findings have been widely cited and have influenced an increase in commercial ORC technology applications.

Dr. Sprouse remains committed to bridging engineering innovations with environmental responsibility, driving research that contributes to clean energy solutions.

Conclusion✅

Publications Top Notes📚

“Integral Ecology Approach to Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Arrays”

Journal: Solar Compass

Publication Date: March 2025

DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.

“Review of Organic Rankine Cycles for Internal Combustion Engine Waste Heat Recovery: Latest Decade in Review”

Journal: Sustainability

Publication Date: February 26, 2024

DOI: 10.3390/su16051924

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.

“A Critical Survey of Environmental Content in United States Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Curricula”

Journal: Sustainability

Publication Date: June 21, 2021

DOI: 10.3390/su13126961​​

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.

“Advancing Pervious Pavements through Nomenclature, Standards, and Holistic Green Design”

Journal: Sustainability

Publication Date: September 2020

DOI: 10.3390/su12187422

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.