Mr. Ngutor Simon Akiiga | Bioprobe | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ngutor Simon Akiiga, Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology, Egypt

Ngutor Simon Akiiga is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in microfabrication of electrochemical and optical sensing devices. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Nanoscience at the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), where his research focuses on graphene-based printable sensors for health monitoring and room temperature sensors under the supervision of Professor Ahmed Abdelmoneim. His expertise includes 2D and 3D printable electrochemical sensors, integrated microfluidic devices, and nanomaterials for smart coatings and fuel cell applications. He has received multiple awards, including the E-JUST TICAD7 Scholarship and the African Material Research Society Award. Additionally, he has experience as a Research Assistant at E-JUST and as a Graduate Assistant at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. His teaching background includes roles at African Model College and Makasi School of Health Technology in Nigeria.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Ngutor Simon Akiiga has a strong research background in nanoscience, microfabrication, and electrochemical and optical sensing devices. His expertise in graphene-based printable sensors, microfluidic devices, and nanomaterials for energy and health applications aligns well with cutting-edge research in materials science and sensor technology.

🎓 Education

MSc in Nanoscience (Feb. 2023 – Present)
Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Egypt
- Thesis: Graphene-Based Printable Sensors for Monitoring Sweat Metabolites (Glucose, Lactase) and Room Temperature Sensors
- Advisor: Professor Ahmed Abdelmoneim
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) (Apr. 2016 – 2017)
National Teachers Institute, Bauchi State, Nigeria
- Thesis: Primary Causes of Early Pregnancy among Youths
BSc in Industrial Physics (Aug. 2010 – 2014)
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
- Thesis: The Effect of Organic Additives (Rice Husk and Groundnut Shell) on the Compressive Strength of Clay Bricks
- Advisor: Professor Iorkyaa Ahemen

🏢 Work Experience

Research Assistant (2023 – Present)
Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Egypt
- Graphene-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Health and Energy Applications
- Supervisor: Professor Ahmed Abdelmoneim
- Key contributions:
  - Developed multi-layered graphene via liquid-phase exfoliation
  - Designed and fabricated paper-based microfluidic devices
  - Created a novel microfluidic paper using ES-1B Photoacid generator
  - Worked on 2D nanomaterials for smart coated windows and biofuel cells
  - Carried out training on 2D, 3D, and Gravure Printing
Graduate Assistant (2010 – 2015)
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
- Molecular characterization of the light response in Alternaria alternata
- Supervisor: Professor Ahemen Iorkyaa
- Key contributions:
  - Synthesized rare-earth doped Na₃ₓGd₂₋ₓZr₂O₇: kEr³⁺ thermographic phosphors
  - Investigated temperature-sensing properties of phosphors
  - Used XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman, EDS, XPS, UV-Vis for characterization
  - Supervised undergraduate students and marked exam scripts
Class Teacher (Physics) (Jan. 2021 – Present)
African Model College, Ugba, Nigeria
- Taught PHY 141 (Electricity and Magnetism) to 50 students
Seasonal Course Instructor (Aug. 2018 – 2020)
Makasi School of Health Technology, Ugba, Nigeria
- Taught Environmental Health Science

🏆 Honors & Awards

📜 Certificate of Reviewing (Apr. 2024)
- Results in Engineering, Elsevier
🥇 ARUA CoE-MEN Award (Oct. 2023)
- Winner of Team Project: Nano-Based Chip for Rapid Detection of Sepsis
🏅 Biophysics in Africa Conference (Sept. 2023)
- African Light Source and African Physical Society
🎖️ Certificate of Participation (Nov. 2023)
- African Light Source and African Physical Society
🏆 Certificate of Award (June 2023)
- Key Performance Indicators for Government Effectiveness in Africa, Egypt
🎓 E-JUST TICAD7 Scholarship Award (Feb. 2023 – Present)
- Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology
🥇 African Material Research Society Award (Aug. 2021)
- Winner of Team Project: Theranostics Nanoformulation for TB Therapy & Monitoring
📜 Digital Pedagogy Training (Apr. 2021)
- Certificate of Participation, FUAM

Publication Top Notes:

Enhanced photoelectrochemical transient photoresponse properties of molybdenum oxide film deposited on black silicon

CITED:17

Elemental composition of dust particles and influence of dust addition on photovoltaic module performance

CITED:4

The analysis of dielectric constant, loss factor and Q-factor of selected fruits at microwave frequency range

CITED:2

Effects of Repeated Frying on Physical Properties of Cooking Oil obtained from Local Markets in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

CITED:1

Enzyme-Free glucose detection in sweat using 2D inkjet-printed cobalt sulfide anchored on graphene in a paper-based microfluidic device

CITED:0

Dr. Zheng Hu, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China

Dr. Zheng Hu is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the Translational Medicine Institute of South China University, based at The First People’s Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan, China. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, his research focuses on gene editing technology, cancer biomarkers, and screening of anti-tumor compounds from traditional Chinese herbs. He has made significant contributions to cancer screening and nucleic acid detection, with several publications in high-impact journals. Dr. Hu is also recognized for his work on CRISPR-based detection systems and molecular pathogenesis in various cancers.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Zheng Hu is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his prolific research contributions, particularly in gene editing and cancer biomarker development. His innovative approach to applying cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR in clinical settings, along with his strong publication record and leadership, makes him highly deserving of recognition. His research has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatments, underscoring his impact in the biomedical field.

🎓Education:

Dr. Zheng Hu earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, between 2011 and 2014. Prior to that, he completed his M.S. in Genetics from Xiangya Medical School of Central South University in Changsha, China, from 2001 to 2005. He also holds a B.S. in Biology, which he obtained from the School of Life Science at Central China Normal University in Wuhan, China, during 1994 to 1998.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zheng Hu has held the position of Associate Professor at the Translational Medicine Institute of South China University, located at The First People’s Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan, China, since 2018. Prior to this role, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, in Changsha, from 2015 to 2018. Between 2014 and 2015, Dr. Hu served as an Assistant Investigator at the same institute where he is now a professor. He also worked as an Assistant Investigator at the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, from 2010 to 2011, and as a Research Associate at the same institute from 2005 to 2010. Earlier in his career, between 1998 and 2001, he was a Technician and Teaching Assistant at Xiangya Medical School of Central South University in Changsha.

🏅Awards and Honors:

Dr. Zheng Hu is recognized for his significant contributions to the development of CRISPR-based detection systems and cancer biomarker research. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, earning recognition for his advancements in cancer screening and gene editing technology. His work has greatly influenced the fields of translational medicine and molecular biology, showcasing innovative approaches to cancer detection and treatment.

Publication Top Notes:

Targeted disruption of the BCR-ABL fusion gene by Cas9/dual-sgRNA inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Rapid, portable Epstein‒Barr virus DNA detection using enzymatic recombinase amplification combined with the CRISPR–Cas12a system
CRISPR/Cas13a-based supersensitive circulating tumor DNA assay for detecting EGFR mutations in plasma
SARS-CoV-2 and Its Omicron Variants Detection with RT-RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a-Based Method at Room Temperature
Stabilization of UCA1 by N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation modification promotes colorectal cancer progression