Verónica Córdoba | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Verónica Córdoba | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires | Argentina

Prof. Dr. Verónica Córdoba is a researcher whose work focuses on bioenergy, anaerobic digestion, biomethane modelling, and environmental sustainability, with a research portfolio that has earned 381 citations, an h-index of 8, and 8 i10-index publications, reflecting a steadily growing scholarly impact. She has contributed extensively to understanding methane production dynamics from diverse biomass sources, including swine wastewater, cheese whey, macroalgae, third-generation biomass, and agricultural residues. Her publications span high-impact journals with studies on mixture design for anaerobic co-digestion, neural-network-based prediction of biomethane production, thermal behavior of biofuel feedstocks, activated carbon production from biomass waste, and long-term methane emission modelling from waste treatment processes. Her involvement in R&D Project 03/E208 (2023–2025) focuses on the valorization of lignocellulosic residues for low-emission energy scenarios, underscoring her commitment to circular bioeconomy strategies. She also contributes to academic development through the supervision of doctoral fellows working on methane modeling and biomass conversion systems. Additional works include analyses of greenhouse gas emissions in waste management, kinetics of methane generation, renewable fuel drying behavior, and theoretical–practical assessments of electricity generation from biogas. Across more than a decade of scientific output, she has advanced sustainable energy research through rigorous modelling, experimental analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Córdoba, V., & Ottolina, G. (2025). Anaerobic co-digestion of swine wastewater, cheese whey and organic waste: Performance optimization through mixture design. Biomass.

Córdoba, V., Bavio, M., & Acosta, G. (2024). Biomethane production modelling from third-generation biomass. Renewable Energy.

Córdoba, V. E., Mussi, J., De Paula, M., & Acosta, G. G. (2023). Prediction of biomethane production of cheese whey by using artificial neural networks. IEEE Latin America Transactions.

Córdoba, V., Manzur, A., & Santalla, E. (2023). Thermal behaviour and emission characteristics of Arundo donax L. as potential biofuel. BioEnergy Research.

Jerez, F., Ramos, P. B., Córdoba, V. E., Ponce, M. F., Acosta, G. G., & Bavio, M. A. (2023). Yerba mate: From waste to activated carbon for supercapacitors. Journal of Environmental Management.

Córdoba, V. E., & Santalla, E. M. (2022). Estimation of long-term methane emissions from mechanical-biological treatment waste through biomethane potential test. Environmental Technology.

Córdoba, V., Manzur, A., & Santalla, E. (2022). Drying kinetics and mathematical modelling of Arundo donax L. canes, a potential renewable fuel. Research in Agricultural Engineering.

Ibarlucía, D. G., Santalla, E. M., & Córdoba, V. E. (2021). Evaluation of biomethane potential and kinetics modelling of green macroalgae from the South Atlantic Sea: Codium sp. and Ulva sp. Environmental Chemistry.

Córdoba, V., Fernández, M., & Santalla, E. (2018). The effect of substrate/inoculum ratio on the kinetics of methane production in swine wastewater anaerobic digestion. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

Blanco, G., Santalla, E., Córdoba, V., & Levy, A. (2017). Generación de electricidad a partir de biogás capturado de residuos sólidos urbanos: Un análisis teórico-práctico. Report.

Blanco, G., Córdoba, V., Baldi, R., Fernández, M., & Santalla, E. (2016). Outcomes of the Clean Development Mechanism in Argentina. American Journal of Climate Change.

Córdoba, V., Colavolpe, M. B., Fernández, M., Santalla, E., & Albertó, E. (2016). Potential methane production of spent sawdust used in the cultivation of Gymnopilus pampeanus. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

Córdoba, V., Fernández, M., & Santalla, E. (2016). The effect of different inoculums on anaerobic digestion of swine wastewater. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

Santalla, E., Córdoba, V., & Blanco, G. (2013). Greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector in Argentina in business-as-usual and mitigation scenarios. Journal Article.

Ikram Moulay | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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Ms. Ikram Moulay | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology | South Korea

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Ikram Moulay began her academic journey with a deep commitment to chemical and environmental engineering. From her undergraduate studies in process engineering to her master’s research in chemical engineering, she consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, graduating with distinction. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for an intensive exploration of environmental remediation, adsorption techniques, and the development of sustainable engineering solutions. This early phase not only shaped her technical expertise but also instilled a strong research-driven mindset oriented toward solving pressing global challenges.

Professional Endeavors

Her professional journey reflects a progressive engagement with leading institutions and industries across different countries. As a research assistant at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University, she gained expertise in environmental remediation and material valorization. Later, she joined Yonsei University, where she advanced her work in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. At KAIST, she expanded her research into simultaneous NOx and CO2 capture, modeling pilot-scale systems, and exploring industrial applications. Alongside academic roles, her internship at SONATRACH enhanced her industrial exposure, providing practical knowledge of large-scale process engineering operations and technologies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Moulay’s research is centered on energy, environment, and sustainability, with a special emphasis on carbon capture and utilization strategies. She has worked extensively on designing novel sorbents from industrial waste, creating pathways for efficient CO2 absorption, and transforming emissions into high-value products such as fertilizers and carbonates. Her contributions extend to crystallization kinetics, process modeling, and techno-economic assessments of pilot plants. She has also published impactful papers on sustainable material synthesis and CCUS technologies in leading journals, bridging theoretical research with real-world applications.

Accolades and Recognition

Her outstanding academic and research contributions have been recognized with numerous scholarships and awards. She has received multiple global scholarships for her excellent academic performance and special recognition for her presentations at international conferences on greenhouse gas innovation projects. Prestigious scholarships from environmental foundations further highlight her dedication to advancing sustainable technologies. These recognitions reflect both her academic excellence and her growing influence as a young researcher in energy and environmental engineering.

Impact and Influence

Ms. Moulay’s work has had significant influence on both academic and industrial domains. By developing sustainable CO2 capture technologies and valorizing industrial residues, she contributes directly to global efforts in climate change mitigation. Her innovative methods for producing high-purity calcium carbonate and other value-added products offer practical solutions for reducing emissions while supporting circular economy principles. As a mentor and teaching assistant, she has also influenced students and young researchers, sharing her expertise in laboratory practices and fostering a culture of sustainability-focused engineering research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy lies in her ability to bridge science, technology, and sustainability in ways that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. With ongoing doctoral research and international collaborations, she is set to contribute further to the advancement of carbon capture, sustainable material design, and industrial-scale environmental technologies. Her future endeavors are expected to focus on expanding CCUS systems, developing eco-friendly industrial processes, and mentoring the next generation of engineers committed to building a sustainable future.

Publications

Article: Sustainable Approaches to NOx Emissions: Capture and Utilization Technologies
Authors: Ikram Moulay; Kyumin Jang
Journal: Next Energy
Year: 2025

Article: Experimental and Integrated Computational Study on CCUS Technology Utilizing Desalinated Brine
Authors: Jinwon Park; Won Yong Choi; Kyumin Jang; Sungsoo Lee; Eunsil Kim; Ikram Moulay; Jiwon Myung; Seojin Oh; Yunsung Yoo; Dongwoo Kang et al.
Journal: Preprint
Year: 2024

Article: Strong Acid-Mediated Ca2+ Extraction–CO2 Mineralization Process for CO2 Absorption and Nano-Sized CaCO3 Production from Cement Kiln Dust: Simultaneous Treatment of CO2 and Alkaline Wastewater
Authors: Kyumin Jang; Won Yong Choi; Ikram Moulay; Dongwook Lee; Jinwon Park
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2023

Article: Synthesis of Nano-Sized Calcium Carbonates Employing Molecular Effect on CO2 Conversion via Biodegradable Chelating-System
Authors: Moulay, Ikram; Park, Jinwon; Yoo, Yunsung
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Ms. Ikram Moulay stands as a promising researcher whose academic brilliance, professional achievements, and impactful contributions in energy and environmental engineering position her as a leader in sustainable technologies. Through her pioneering research, recognized excellence, and dedication to both innovation and teaching, she embodies the qualities of a researcher whose work transcends academia to make a meaningful impact on society and the environment.

Noorfidza Yub Harun | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Noorfidza Yub Harun | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Universiti Teknologi Petronas | Malaysia

Author Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Noorfidza Yub Harun's academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in both chemical and mechanical engineering. She earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, where she also obtained a Diploma in University Teaching. Her earlier academic qualifications include an MSc in Forest Engineering, another MSc in Environmental Energy Engineering from the University of Sheffield, and a BEng in Chemical and Process Engineering from the National University of Malaysia. These diverse academic experiences have provided her with a broad and deep understanding of engineering principles, particularly in the fields of environmental and mechanical engineering.

Professional Endeavors 💼

As a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Dr. Noorfidza has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering through her teaching and research. Her professional endeavors include leading numerous research projects, such as the synthesis of mechanical characteristics and ash fusion temperature of krafts-based pellet fuel and the development of biochar-based adsorbents for heavy metals remediation. These projects not only highlight her expertise but also her commitment to advancing sustainable and environmentally friendly engineering solutions.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Noorfidza's research primarily focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability and engineering. Her work on ash fusion behavior, biochar development, and the incorporation of glycerol as a compatibilizer in biopolymer matrices are particularly noteworthy. These projects demonstrate her ability to address complex environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions. Her research has significant implications for the fields of energy production, waste management, and environmental remediation, making her a key contributor to sustainable engineering practices.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout her career, Dr. Noorfidza has been recognized for her contributions to academia and research. Her role as the principal investigator in several high-impact research projects is a testament to her leadership and expertise. Her work has garnered attention within the academic community, particularly for its focus on sustainable engineering solutions. While specific awards and accolades are not detailed here, her ongoing research projects and the respect she commands in her field suggest a scholar of high repute.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Noorfidza's impact extends beyond her immediate academic environment. Through her research, she has contributed to the development of sustainable engineering practices that have the potential to address global environmental challenges. Her work on biochar-based adsorbents and renewable energy sources like biomass and sludge-derived fuels has influenced both the academic community and industry practices. Additionally, her teaching has shaped the next generation of engineers, instilling in them the importance of environmental sustainability in engineering.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As Dr. Noorfidza continues her work at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, her legacy is likely to be one of innovation and dedication to sustainable engineering. Her ongoing research and teaching efforts ensure that she will continue to contribute significantly to the field. Her work not only addresses current environmental challenges but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in chemical and environmental engineering. Dr. Noorfidza's career thus far suggests that her future contributions will continue to impact the field positively, making her a worthy candidate for recognition as an outstanding scholar.

 

Publications  📚

📄 Title: Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network Modelling of Palm Oil Decanter Cake and Alum Sludge Co-Gasification for Syngas (CO+H2) Production
Authors: Kunmi Joshua Abioye, Noorfidza Yub Harun, Ushtar Arshad, Suriati Sufian, Mohammad Yusuf, Ahmad Hussaini Jagaba, Joshua O. Ighalo, Abdullah A. Al-Kahtani, Hesam Kamyab, Ashok Kumar, Chander Prakash, Jude A. Okolie, Hussameldin Ibrahim
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2024

📄 Title: Optimization of Operational Parameters Using Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine for Bio-oil Extracted from Rice Husk
Authors: Ahmed, A., Yub Harun, N., Waqas, S., Arshad, U., Ghalib, S.A.
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2024

📄 Title: Optimization of Syngas Production from Co-Gasification of Palm Oil Decanter Cake and Alum Sludge: An RSM Approach with Char Characterization
Authors: Abioye, K.J., Harun, N.Y., Sufian, S., Chelliapan, S., Kang, K.
Journal: Environmental Research
Year: 2024

📄 Title: Energy-Efficient Single-Stage Membrane Rotating Biological Contactor for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Waqas, S., Harun, N.Y., Lock, S.S.M., Alsaadi, A.S.
Journal: Bioresource Technology Reports
Year: 2024

📄 Title: Optimization of Operational Parameters Using RSM, ANN, and SVM in Membrane Integrated with Rotating Biological Contactor
Authors: Waqas, S., Harun, N.Y., Arshad, U., Nordin, N.A.H., Alsaadi, A.S.
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2024