Pinkie Ntola | Materials Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Pinkie Ntola, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

Dr. Pinkie Ntola 🎓 is a seasoned chemist and academic professional at Durban University of Technology 🏫, currently serving as Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation. With a PhD in Chemistry from UKZN 🧪, her research specializes in heterogeneous catalysis and environmental analytical chemistry 🌍. She has held multiple academic roles, from tutor to senior lecturer, demonstrating unwavering commitment to education and innovation 📚✨. Dr. Ntola is also a dedicated member of several university committees and has received numerous awards recognizing her excellence in teaching, research, and industry engagement 🏅👩‍🔬.

Publication Profiles

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Education & Experience

🎓 Education

🎓 PhD in Chemistry (2021), University of KwaZulu-Natal – Heterogeneous Catalysis
🧪 Master of Technology in Chemistry (2011–2014), Durban University of Technology
🧫 Bachelor of Technology in Chemistry (2009), Durban University of Technology
⚗️ Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (2006–2008), Durban University of Technology
📜 Certificate in Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods (2017), DUT
🎒 Grade 12 Senior Certificate (2001), Bizana Senior Secondary School

🧑‍🔬 Experience

📍 Interim Director, Technology Transfer and Innovation, DUT (Present)
👩‍🏫 Senior Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2024–Present)
👩‍🏫 Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2015–2023)
🧑‍🏫 Junior Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2010–2014)
🧑‍🏫 Inorganic Chemistry Tutor, DUT (2009)
🔬 Trainee Chemist, Anglo American (2008)
👩‍🔬 Lab Demonstrator & Tutor, DUT (2007)

Summary Suitability For The Award

Dr. Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, is a highly accomplished academic and researcher whose contributions to materials chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and environmental analytical chemistry exemplify cutting-edge research excellence. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, her innovative work and scholarly impact make her an outstanding candidate for the Excellence in Research Award.

Professional Development

Dr. Ntola has actively invested in her professional growth through academic training, research certifications, and leadership roles 🎯📈. She completed a certificate in qualitative and quantitative research methods 📊, equipping her with essential skills for scientific inquiry. Her trajectory from tutor to senior lecturer reflects her dedication to lifelong learning and impactful teaching 📘🧑‍🏫. As a DHET National Expert in Chemical Laboratory Technology 🧪, she contributes to national academic standards. Dr. Ntola’s involvement in university boards and strategic committees highlights her leadership in institutional development and policy formulation ⚖️📋, fostering innovation and collaboration across academic and industrial domains 🌐💼.

Research Focus

Dr. Ntola’s research revolves around Materials Chemistry, Heterogeneous Catalysis, and Environmental Analytical Chemistry 🔍🌿. Her PhD explored oxidative dehydrogenation using metal oxide-supported catalysts, contributing to greener and more efficient chemical processes ⚗️♻️. She is passionate about solving real-world environmental challenges through analytical innovation and sustainable chemistry 🌱🧪. Her work intersects advanced material design and catalytic mechanisms, providing insights into pollution reduction and energy efficiency 🌍⚙️. As an emerging researcher, she continuously expands her scientific footprint by engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations and supervising student research, shaping the future of applied chemical sciences 🧑‍🔬📈.

Awards & Honors

🏅 Emerging Researcher Award, Faculty of Applied Sciences (2019)
🥉 3rd Prize, Best Oral Presentation, PRIS Conference at UKZN (2020)
📜 Certificate of Recognition in Research, Dept. of Chemistry (2022)
👩‍💼 Outstanding Female Industry Liaison, STEAMI (2023)
📜 Certificate of Recognition in Research, Dept. of Chemistry (2023)
🏆 Teaching & Learning Excellence Award, Faculty of Applied Sciences (2023)
🧪 DHET National Expert, Chemical Laboratory Technology Skill (2024)

Publication Top Noted

📘 Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using promoted, unsupported, supported, bimetallic and spray-dried iron catalysts: A review – AS Buthelezi et al., 2024, Cited by: 12 🔬
🔥 Exploring the role of fuel on the microstructure of VOx/MgO powders prepared using solution combustion synthesis – P Ntola et al., 2022, Cited by: 8 🧪
🧑‍🏫 A survey of soft skills expectations: a view from work integrated learning students and the chemical industry – P Ntola et al., 2024, Cited by: 7 💼
⚗️ Effect of the fuel on the surface VOx concentration, speciation and physico-chemical characteristics of solution combustion synthesised VOx/MgO catalysts for n-octane activation – P Ntola et al., 2023, Cited by: 4 🔍
💧 Comparison of UV and ELS detectors in HSPEC analysis of natural organic matter in dam water – KG Moodley et al., 2017, Cited by: 3 💡
📄 Development of methods for the separation and characterization of natural organic matter in dam water – P Sobantu, 2015, Cited by: 3 💧

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , India.

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri 🎓 is a seasoned chemist and researcher with expertise in organic and medicinal chemistry. He began his career as a teacher 👨‍🏫 at Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd, then served as a Chemical Engineer ⚙️ at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. He later pursued postdoctoral research in Japan 🇯🇵 at Shiga University of Medical Science, focusing on nanocarbon separation. His research has led to significant contributions in anti-malarial and anti-proliferative compounds 🧪, with over 90 publications. He received funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 💴 and continues to work on groundbreaking molecular recognition technologies. 🌿🔬

Education & Experience

🎓 Education:

🧪 M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India (1986–1988)

🧫 Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan 🇯🇵 (2007–2008)

👨‍💼 Employment:

👨‍🏫 Teachership (Junior College), Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO), Asansol, West Bengal (1988–1991)

⚙️ Chemical Engineer, Reactor Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai (1991–1997)

Summary Suitability

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri is a distinguished scientist and researcher, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions in the field of organic chemistry and nanotechnology. With an extensive career spanning both academic and industrial sectors, he has demonstrated exceptional research capabilities and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. His work has significantly impacted areas like nanocarbon material separation, molecular recognition, and anti-malarial drug discovery, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Development

Dr. Ajoy Bauri’s professional journey is a testament to continuous learning and interdisciplinary exploration. From engineering reactors ⚛️ at BARC to conducting advanced research in nanomaterials 🧬 in Japan, he has always embraced new challenges. His participation in a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) grant 🌐 further enriched his expertise in molecular recognition. Regular contributions to peer-reviewed journals 📖 and international collaborations have kept his scientific knowledge sharp. With nearly 100 publications 📊, Dr. Bauri actively engages in research, mentorship, and knowledge dissemination, ensuring a lasting impact on chemical and biomedical research communities worldwide. 🌍🧠

Research Focus

Dr. Bauri’s research centers on the medicinal chemistry of natural products 🌱, nanomaterials, and molecular recognition mechanisms 🔬. He investigates anti-malarial and anti-cancer agents derived from bioactive compounds, such as allyl phenols and chromone derivatives 🧪. His work also explores the separation of nanocarbon materials using diporphyrin nanotweezers, contributing to innovations in nanotechnology 🧲. This interdisciplinary focus bridges organic synthesis, biochemistry, and nanoscience, targeting applications in drug discovery 💊 and therapeutic development. His passion for unveiling bioactive natural compounds makes his contributions vital in the field of biomedical sciences 🧠⚗️.

Awards & Honors

💴 JSPS Research Grant for “Separation of Nanocarbon Materials through Molecular Recognition with Diporohyrin Nanotweezers” (2008–2010)

📜 Authored/co-authored 90+ scientific papers, including multiple high-impact publications in 2024

🌐 International collaborations with leading researchers across Japan, India, and the U.S.

🧬 Recognized for anti-malarial and anti-proliferative research in Chemistry & Biodiversity and EJBPS

Publication Top Notes

Exhibition of Förster resonance energy transfer from CdSe/ZnS quantum dot to zinc porphyrazine studied in solution – J. Mol. Liq., 276, 770-778 (2019) 🔬💎

Analysis of Chemical constituents of Steam Distillate of Trachyspermum roxburghianum – Am. J. Food Sci. & Nutrition, 5(4), 76-81 (2018) 🌱🍽️

Anti-proliferative Active Flavones from the Methanol Extract of Indian Herb Aretimisia reticulata – Am. J. Pharma & Pharmocol. 5(4), 27-32 (2018) 💊🌿

Anti-proliferative Allyl phenol from the Methanol Extract of Piper betle – Am. J. Pharma & Pharmocol. 5(3), 13-18 (2018) 🌿💉

Molecular assembly of PC70BM with a designed monoporhyrin: Spectroscopic investigation in solution and theoretical calculations – J. Mol. Liq., 272, 137-150 (2018) 🔬💡

Study of Chemical Physics on Energy Transfer Phenomenon between Quantum Dots and Designed Diporphyrin in Solution – J. Mol. Liq., 263, 64-71 (2018) ⚡💎

Synthesis and Evaluation of Polyphenolic Malabaricones for their Anti-cancer Potential – BARC NEWSLETTER Research Article September-October (2018) 🧪🍃