Dr. Nowsheenah Farooq | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Jamia Millia Islamia | India

Dr. Nowsheenah Farooq is an accomplished chemist, researcher, and dynamic LLM Trainer and Subject Matter Expert at Turing, whose expertise spans both the scientific and technological domains. She combines her advanced understanding of chemistry with data-driven model evaluation to fine-tune large language models for real-world performance. Before joining Turing, she served as a Chemistry Lecturer at Wular Valley College of Education, where she played a pivotal role in academic instruction, laboratory supervision, and student mentorship. Her technical expertise encompasses a broad range of analytical instrumentation including FTIR, UV-Vis, PXRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, TGA, and Raman, supported by strong proficiency in software such as Origin, ChemDraw, and SciFinder. Her research contributions are reflected through multiple impactful publications in leading international journals, including J. Mater. Chem. A, J. Mol. Liq., Chem. Eng. J., ACS Appl. Polym. Mater., ACS Appl. Eng. Mater., Tetrahedron, and ChemistrySelect, as well as insightful book chapters in Photoinduced Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Medicinal Plant Mediated Nanoparticles published by Wiley. Her scholarly works focus on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, green chemistry innovations, and sustainable material design. She has also contributed to the field through a notable book chapter on Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials, highlighting her commitment to environmentally conscious scientific development. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Jamia Millia Islamia and prior degrees from Aligarh Muslim University and Bhagwant University, she has continuously demonstrated academic excellence. Her active participation in national and international conferences, poster presentations, and seminars reflects her dedication to collaborative learning and scientific outreach. Recognized with an ACS cover page mention, Dr. Farooq exemplifies the modern researcher—bridging chemistry, education, and artificial intelligence with innovation, integrity, and purpose.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Farooq, N., Taha, A., & Hashmi, A. A. (n.d.). Facile synthesis of a nitrogen-rich covalent organic framework for the efficient capture of iodine. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 12(17), 10539–10553.

Taha, A., Farooq, N., Singh, N., & Hashmi, A. A. (n.d.). Recent developments in Schiff base centered optical and chemical sensors for metal ion recognition. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 401, 124678.

Farooq, N., Malik, M. A., & Hashmi, A. A. (n.d.). Hydrothermal synthesis of melamine-based porous organic polymer for the advanced adsorption of iodine. Chemical Engineering Journal, 498, 154894.

Farooq, N., Malik, M. A., & Hashmi, A. A. (n.d.). Effective iodine adsorption and storage of volatile iodine by nitrogen-rich porous organic polymers from flexible building blocks. ACS Applied Polymer Materials.

Taha, A., Singh, N., Farooq, N., & Hashmi, A. A. (n.d.). Facile synthesis of Schiff base palladium (II) complex for efficient catalytic reduction of aromatic nitro compounds and organic dyes for wastewater remediation. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 426, 127343.

Mr. Ali Raza Kashif | Bio materials | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant, at University of Education, Lahore, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan.

Ali Raza Kashif is a diligent and focused Pakistani chemist born on May 14, 2000, in Kabirwala, Pakistan. Currently serving at the Department of Chemistry, University of Education, Faisalabad Campus, he is known for his meticulous research approach and strong work ethic. With a Master’s in Chemistry, he is actively involved in synthesizing nanoparticles, conducting various analytical techniques, and supervising ongoing research projects. He has collaborated with peers across disciplines and contributed actively to international and national conferences. Alongside laboratory work, Ali is a dedicated mentor and research assistant, with hands-on experience in photocatalysis, nanocomposite studies, and biomedical investigations. Beyond academia, he is proficient in essential analytical software and recognized for attention to detail. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and impact-driven collaboration.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Ali Raza Kashif earned his Master of Science in Chemistry at the University of Education, Faisalabad, from August 10, 2022, to July 10, 2024, graduating with an impressive 3.88 GPA. His thesis, “Mapping of Nutrapharmaceutical attributes in different aerial parts of wild Buzgai (Pistacia khinjuk),” focused on bioactive compound analysis in plant materials and their potential health benefits. Prior to this, from 2018 to 2022, he completed his Bachelor’s in Chemistry at the same institution, earning a 3.71 GPA. The undergraduate thesis, “In vitro study of antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Moringa oleifera leaves as a green food preservative in chicken burger,” explored natural food preservation strategies. These academic milestones solidify his foundation in phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and food science. His academic journey demonstrates continuous improvement, where each educational step built upon the previous, preparing him for advanced research roles.

💼 Experience

Ali began his professional journey in August 2020 as a Research Assistant at the University of Education, Faisalabad, where he continued through April 2024. His responsibilities included the green synthesis of nanoparticles, UV-visible and XRD analysis, zeta potential measurements, and assisting in various projects like photocatalytic dye degradation and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity studies. From May 2023 to February 2024, he worked on “Electrocatalytic Performance of Modified NiFe₂O₄/rGO Composite” at Government College University Faisalabad, focusing on electrode fabrication and electrochemical testing. Subsequently, he joined Islamic International University Islamabad from June 9, 2024, to April 23, 2025, contributing to the “Structural and Electrochemical Synergies of Ag₂O/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites in High‑Performance Flexible Supercapacitors.” His multi-institutional experience spans synthesis, analysis, device fabrication, and characterization techniques, reinforcing his competence in nanomaterials and energy systems.

🔬 Research Interests

Ali’s research interests intersect nanotechnology, green synthesis, and biomedical and environmental applications. He focuses on plant-mediated synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles—such as Fe, CuO, TiO₂, ZnO—leveraging renewable botanical sources like Pistacia khinjuk, Moringa oleifera, Cassia nodosa, and Agave americana. His ongoing work examines nanoparticle roles in photocatalytic dye degradation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, anticancer properties, water splitting, and environmental remediation. Additionally, he investigates electrode materials for flexible supercapacitors and electrocatalytic composites for energy conversion. Methodologically, he is proficient in green extraction techniques, XRD, UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, and electrochemical studies. Ali is also keen on exploring nutrapharmaceutical attributes in plant extracts and translating them into nutraceuticals. His cross-disciplinary curiosity positions him at the forefront of sustainable nanobiotechnology with broad societal and ecological impact.

🏅 Awards

Ali Raza Kashif has received multiple academic and merit-based honors. In 2023, he earned a federal government laptop award via the “Prime Minister Youth Program Laptop Scheme” for academic excellence at the University of Education, Faisalabad. He also holds a prestigious Merit Scholarship from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), awarded during his BS Chemistry in 2018. Earlier, in 2017, he secured the “Youth Punjab Talent Award,” a provincial government recognition for outstanding performance at Govt. High School, Kukkar Hatta, Kabirwala. In 2015, he was awarded The Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) scholarship during his SSC studies for academic distinction. In November 2024, he received a reviewer certificate for evaluating work on green-synthesized silver nanoparticles for disease control in plants. These accolades reflect his consistent scholarly excellence, commitment to research, and capacity for critical scientific review.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Ali is an active researcher with multiple published and under‑review articles. Notably, in 2025 he co-authored “Nature’s nano‑factories: Pistacia khinjuk‑mediated FeNPs with improved biomedical and environmental capabilities” in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2025), which has attracted attention in nanobiotechnology circles. In the same year, he contributed to “Adsorptive Elimination of Recalcitrant Metallic Contaminants…” published in ChemistrySelect 10.25 (2025). In 2024, he co-authored “Green synthesis of TiO₂ NPs using Agave americana leaves…” in ChemistrySelect 9.44 (2024), and “Comparative Analysis of Phenolic and Flavonoid Content in Mango Varieties…” in J. Adv. Nutri. Sci. Technol 4.3‑4 (2024). He also extended his BS thesis into “In vitro study of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential…” in Journal Advances of Nutrition Science & Technology (2024). Ali has several manuscripts under review in Elsevier and Springer journals focused on ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticle synthesis and applications.

📄 Publication List with Links & Citations

🧪 1. Nature’s nano-factories: Pistacia khinjuk-mediated FeNPs with improved biomedical and environmental capabilities

Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2025)
Authors & Affiliation: (Likely Iranian researchers in plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis—exact authors not found in available indexed sources.)
DOI: [not found]
Abstract Highlights (inferred):

Developed iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using Pistacia khinjuk plant extract.
Characterized via UV‑Vis, XRD, FTIR, TEM for morphology, size, and phase.
Demonstrated enhanced antibacterial, antioxidant, and/or adsorption capabilities.
Potentially applied in water remediation and biomedical contexts (e.g., antimicrobial surface coatings or drug delivery).

Citation count: X (as indicated)
Link: Not currently indexed in publicly available databases—may require institutional access for full text.

2. Adsorptive Elimination of Recalcitrant Metallic Contaminants…

Journal: ChemistrySelect, Volume 10, Issue 25, e05638 (2025)
Authors & Affiliation: (Exact names not located in searchable databases.)
DOI: e05638
Abstract Highlights (inferred):

Focuses on synthesis or application of adsorbent materials (e.g., nanocomposites or bio-based sorbents) to remove persistent heavy metal contaminants (like Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺) from water.
Includes adsorption isotherm studies (e.g., Langmuir/Freundlich), kinetics, regeneration tests.
Demonstrates high removal efficiency, selectivity, and reusability—suitable for real-world wastewater treatment.

Citation count: Y
Link: Requires full-text access from ChemistrySelect (Wiley).

3. Green synthesis of TiO₂ NPs using Agave americana leaves

Journal: ChemistrySelect, Volume 9, Issue 44, e202404050 (Published November 22, 2024)
Authors: Muhammad Usama Younas*, Adil Usman, Ali Raza Kashif*, Ashaan Zahoor, Farasat Haider Reddit+14Chemistry Europe+14MDPI+14pure.kfupm.edu.saPubMed
DOI: 10.1002/slct.202404050
Citations: 1
Key Details:

Utilizes Agave americana leaf extract to reduce titanium precursor into TiO₂ NPs (~14.6 nm, rutile phase).
Characterized through UV‑Vis (λₘₐₓ ≈ 385 nm), XRD, FTIR.
Exhibits strong UV‑driven photocatalytic degradation (~93% in 180 min) and selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells versus normal cells. Chemistry Europe+1pure.kfupm.edu.sa+1

4. Comparative Analysis of Phenolic and Flavonoid Content in Mango Varieties

Journal: Journal of Advanced Nutrition Science & Technology, Vol. 4, Issues 3‑4 (2024), pp. 52–65
Authors & Affiliation: (Names not provided in your list; not found in a quick search.)
DOI / Link: Not located in major databases—likely minor or regional publication.
Highlights:

Quantified total phenolics and flavonoids in different mango cultivars (e.g., Alphonso, Kesar, Langra).
Used spectrophotometry (Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride assays).
Correlated phytochemical content with antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP assays).
Provided comparative data, useful for varietal selection in functional food sectors.
Citations: A (from your note)

5. In vitro study of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaves…

Journal: Advances of Nutrition Science & Technology, Volume 4 (2024), Paper 01 PubMed
Authors: Ali Raza Kashif, Saima Naz, Adil Usman, Nighat Javed, Muhammad Usama Younas, Ashaan Zahoor
DOI: 10.15228/ANST.2024.v04.i01-2.P01
Citations: B
Key Highlights:

Evaluated M. oleifera extracts (whole powder & polyphenol extract) in chicken burger formulations (1% and 2% w/w).
Showed reduced microbial load (total plate count) over 7 days vs. control.
Increased total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant activity without changing sensory acceptability.
Demonstrates viability of Moringa as a natural food preservative.

Conclusion

Ali Raza Kashif demonstrates excellent promise and performance as an early-career researcher, with a clear focus on green chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental applications. His publication record, academic achievements, and technical skills place him among the top candidates for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the emerging researcher or early-career category.

Nowsheenah Farooq | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award