Dr. Muhammad Rashid | Computational Material | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Rashid, Ghazi University, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Rashid is a Pakistani physicist and Associate Professor at the Department of Physics, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics (Condensed Matter/Computational Materials) from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), conducted in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS). His research focuses on the structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of semiconductors, perovskites, and energy storage materials. He has extensive experience in computational material science, specializing in simulation techniques such as WIEN2k, VASP, and CASTEP. Throughout his career, Dr. Rashid has worked with esteemed institutions, including COMSATS University Islamabad and NUS, and has contributed significantly to the study of nanomaterials, energy harvesting applications, and Li-ion battery technologies. As a dedicated educator, he has taught a wide range of physics courses, including Modern Physics, Computational Physics, and Solid State Physics, fostering the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Rashid is a highly qualified researcher in the field of Condensed Matter and Computational Materials Physics. His extensive academic background, including a Ph.D. from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, highlights his expertise in materials science, nanomaterials, and energy storage applications.

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Physics (Condensed Matter/Computational Materials) – The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan (2014) 🏅
- Thesis Title: “Structural, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic properties of II – VI semiconductors.”
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sheikh Aftab Ahmad
- Collaboration: National University of Singapore (NUS)
M.Phil. in Physics – The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan (2010) 📡
- Thesis: “Designing, Fabrication and Applications of Controlled Atmospheric Tube Furnace.”
M.Sc. in Physics – Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Pakistan (2006) 🧲
- Specialization: Digital Electronics
B.Sc. in Science (Physics, Math A & B) – Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Pakistan (2004) 📖
Higher Secondary School Certificate (ICS) – FBISE, Bahawalpur, Pakistan (2002) 🖥️
Secondary School Certificate (Science Group) – FBISE, Islamabad, Pakistan (2000) ⚛️

💼 Work & Research Experience

Associate Professor – Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan (March 2021 – Present) 🏛️
- Teaching courses such as Modern Physics, Computational Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Solid-State Physics.
- Supervising research in condensed matter physics and nanomaterials.
Assistant Professor – COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan (April 2014 – March 2021) 🏫
- Conducted research and taught various physics courses.
Research Associate – National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore (March 2013 – October 2013) 🇸🇬
- Worked under Prof. Y.P. Feng on Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations using WIEN2k, VASP, and CASTEP.
Researcher (Material Simulation Group – MSG) – The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan (Feb 2010 – Feb 2013) 🏗️
- Specialized in computational material science and condensed matter physics.

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

🏅 Recipient of the Ph.D. Fellowship – National University of Singapore (NUS) 🇸🇬
🏅 Published Numerous Research Papers in Web of Science and Scopus-indexed journals 📑
🏅 Supervised Several Ph.D. and M.Phil. Students in Computational and Condensed Matter Physics 🎓
🏅 Expert in Computational Physics Tools such as WIEN2K, VASP, SCAPS-1D, and MATLAB 🖥️
🏅 Active Researcher in Renewable Energy Applications (2D heterostructures, perovskites, and energy storage materials) ⚡

Publication Top Notes:

Pressure-induced modifications in the electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermodynamic properties of CsPbI₃ for advanced optoelectronic applications: A DFT study

Bandgap engineering in graphene oxide (GO) via integrating DFT calculations with atmospheric-pressure microplasma (AMP) treatment for optoelectronic applications

Chemistry of zeolites and zeolite based composite membranes as a cutting-edge candidate for removal of organic dyes & heavy metal ions: Progress and future directions

Retraction notice to “Design and numerical simulation of lead-free inorganic perovskites (Cs₂BiAgI₆) solar cell through computation method” [Heliyon 10 (2024) e33922] (Heliyon (2024) 10(14), (S2405844024099535), (10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33922))

Structural, spectral, dielectric, and magnetic properties of Gd³⁺ substituted Y-type Barium hexaferrites

Systematic analysis of lead-free halide K₂SnX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) double perovskites for solar cell applications

Design and numerical simulation of lead-free inorganic perovskites (Cs₂BiAgI₆) solar cell through computation method

Dr. Antony Williams | Cheminformatics Awards | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Antony Williams, US Environmental Protection Agency, United States

Dr. Antony John Williams is a distinguished scientist, cheminformatics expert, and advocate for open-access chemistry. Currently serving as a Cheminformatician at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, he has played a pivotal role in developing informatics solutions for chemical safety evaluation, including leading the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard project. Previously, he held leadership positions at the Royal Society of Chemistry and ChemSpider, where he contributed significantly to advancing cheminformatics and community engagement in open data initiatives. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of London and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Liverpool University, Dr. Williams has an extensive background in analytical chemistry, NMR spectroscopy, and software development. He has authored over 300 publications, delivered more than 850 conference presentations, and written multiple books on cheminformatics and NMR spectroscopy. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Microsoft eScience Jim Gray Award, Dr. Williams continues to drive innovation in chemical informatics, data accessibility, and scientific collaboration

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability

Based on Antony J. Williams’ extensive contributions to cheminformatics, computational chemistry, and environmental toxicology, he is highly suitable for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award. His career spans academia, industry, and government agencies, showcasing innovation in cheminformatics, data management, and spectroscopy.

Education 🎓

Ph.D. in Chemistry – University of London, UK (1988)
- Thesis: Applications of High Pressure NMR to the Studies of Alkyl Chains
B.Sc. Hons I in Chemistry – Liverpool University, UK (1985)
- Thesis: NMR Studies of Electron Exchange in Vitamin E Related Systems

Work Experience 💼

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – USA (2015-Present)

Cheminformatician, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure
Principal Investigator focused on cheminformatics and data access
Initiated and managed the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard for 6 years
Leads the development of 10 informatics prototypes for computational toxicology

Royal Society of Chemistry (2009-2015)

Vice-President of Strategic Development & Cheminformatics Manager
Managed cheminformatics projects, including Open PHACTS, PharmaSea, and the UK National Chemical Database Service

ChemZoo (2007-2009) 🧪

President of ChemZoo – Developed and managed ChemSpider, an Open Access chemistry data platform
Expanded ChemSpider to 81 million chemical structures and 90,000+ daily users

Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) (1997-2007)

VP of Scientific Development and Chief Science Officer (2004-2007)
Led company growth, increasing revenue 10x
Managed sales, marketing, product management, and customer support

Eastman Kodak Company (1992-1997)

Managed a $3.2M laboratory budget and a team of 9 NMR spectroscopists
Co-designed a web-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

University of Ottawa, Canada (1990-1992) 🎓

NMR Facility Director

National Research Council, Canada (1988-1990) 🏛️

Postdoctoral Fellow – Research on Single Crystal Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Awards & Honors 🏆

Scientific & Technological Achievement Award (STAA) Level III – EPA (2024)
OLEM Bronze Medal Award – CWA Hazardous Substance Planning Team (2023)
Office of Water Award for Science & Technology Achievement (2023)
National Honor Award for Collaborative Problem-Solving (2022)
EPA Gold Medal – National PFAS Testing Strategy Team (2021)
Microsoft eScience Jim Gray Award (2012) 🖥️
Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) (2009) 🔬
North Carolina ACS Distinguished Speaker Award (2016) 🎤
University of London Bourne Medal – Best Chemistry Thesis (1988) 🏅
Morris Ranger Undergraduate Scholarship (1983) 📖