Madeha Awad | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Published on by High Energy Physics

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Madeha Awad | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Sohag university  | Egypt

Dr. Madeha Ahmed Aboelfadl Awad is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at the Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Egypt. With a career spanning nearly two decades in materials science and nanotechnology, she has become a prominent figure in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanostructured materials for industrial and environmental applications. Dr. Awad is recognized for her dedication to both scientific research and academic development, contributing significantly to the Egyptian scientific community.

👨‍🎓Profile

Google scholar

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Awad began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics from Sohag University in 2003, graduating with a very good grade. She went on to earn an M.Sc. in Solid State Physics in 2008, where she investigated chalcogenide systems a foundation that set the stage for her specialization in material sciences. Her academic excellence continued with a Ph.D. in Nanomaterials Physics in 2015, focusing on the growth and characterization of ZnO-based nanomaterials, a vital material in modern optoelectronic and energy applications.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Since joining the Sohag University faculty in 2004 as a demonstrator, Dr. Awad has steadily progressed through academic ranks, becoming an Assistant Lecturer (2013), Lecturer (2015), and finally Associate Professor (2020). Her career reflects a sustained commitment to both academic excellence and institutional service. In addition to her teaching and research, she has held leadership roles, including Director of the Credibility and Intellectual Property Unit, playing a vital part in raising awareness about intellectual property rights and research ethics.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Awad’s primary research is rooted in the synthesis of nanomaterials across various dimensions 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D using advanced techniques like sputtering, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and electron beam evaporation. Her work emphasizes characterization using state-of-the-art tools such as XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, AFM, DSC, and TGA, making her a versatile experimental physicist. Her research outcomes are directly applied to real-world challenges in solar energy, water purification, and biomedicine.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Awad’s contributions are particularly relevant to sustainable development and clean energy. Her research on photocatalytic materials, metal oxides, and optoelectronic devices supports the transition to greener technologies. As a result, her work has an evident impact on addressing climate change, environmental pollution, and public health challenges.

📚 Academic Publications

She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals, including Physica Scripta and the Journal of Sustainable Food, Water, Energy and Environment. Her recent works in 2025 reflect continued scholarly productivity and a commitment to interdisciplinary research. These publications highlight the practical application of her materials in pollution degradation, photodetectors, and biological growth studies.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Awad demonstrates exceptional skills in materials characterization, experimental design, and project management. She is adept at conducting analytical tests using complex laboratory equipment and integrates findings across multiple techniques to evaluate material performance. Her ability to write and manage research projects related to energy and water positions her as a key contributor in applied research arenas.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Beyond the lab, Dr. Awad is a dedicated educator, delivering theoretical physics courses to undergraduate students and supervising graduate theses and senior projects. She also plays an instrumental role in developing laboratory infrastructure, guiding demonstrators, and innovating undergraduate experiments, reflecting her strong commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Awad has earned respect not only through research but also through her administrative and academic service. She was appointed to the Scientific Committee of the Faculty of Science, where she helped establish a scientific journal for the Physics Department an initiative considered pioneering within her institution. While specific awards are not listed, her appointments and leadership roles signify a high level of institutional trust and recognition.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leader in nanomaterials research in Upper Egypt, Dr. Awad is shaping the future of industrially relevant and sustainable materials. Her contributions to intellectual property awareness, research capacity-building, and student mentorship lay a strong foundation for future generations of scientists. With continued focus on international collaboration, patentable innovations, and expanded research funding, her work is poised to achieve greater global impact in the years ahead.

Top Noted Publications

Photocatalytic characteristics of indium oxide, copper oxide and indium oxide/copper oxide thin films on plastic waste substrates for organic pollutants degradation

  • Authors: M. Mohery, S. H. Mohamed, K. A. Hamam, A. Mindil, S. Landsberger, M. A. Awad
    Journal: Physica Scripta
    Year: 2025

Influence of oxygen flow rates on the optoelectronic properties SnO₂ thin films

  • Authors: M. A. Awad, Eman R. Abaza, Essam R. Shaaban
    Journal: Sohag Journal of Science
    Year: 2025

A comparison between the effect of zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the growth and some metabolic processes of Cosmarium sp

  • Authors: Asmaa Bakr, M. A. Awad
    Journal: Journal of Sustainable Food, Water, Energy and Environment
    Year: 2025

Highly sensitive TiO₂ based photodetector for environmental sensing applications

  • Authors: S. H. Mohamed, Mohamed Rabia, M. A. Awad, Mohamed Asran Hassan
    Journal: Journal of Sustainable Food, Water, Energy and Environment
    Year: 2025

Optoelectronic characteristics of In₂O₃/CuO thin films for enhanced vis‑light photodetector

  • Authors: A. M. Abd El‑Rahman, S. H. Mohamed, A. Ibrahim, Ali A. Alhazime, M. A. Awad
    Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
    Year: 2024

 

Fouad Belhora | Materials for Energy | Member

Published on by High Energy Physics

Prof Dr. Fouad Belhora | Materials for Energy | Member

Professor HDR at Chouaib Doukkali University, Morocco

Fouad Belhora, a Professor HDR at the National School of Applied Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Morocco, specializes in energy conversion of functional dielectrics and electrical aging in renewable energy systems. With a Ph.D. in materials behaviors and vibration control, he has contributed significantly to research, publishing 37 articles and participating in numerous national and international communications. His expertise extends to piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and thermoelectric systems, focusing on energy harvesting and vibration control. Belhora’s research projects, including PHC Toubkal and Project Mira, exemplify his commitment to advancing innovative solutions for sustainable energy utilization.

Professional Profiles:

Education

2018: Ability to conduct researches in university: Materials Science and Energy, National School of Applied Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco. 2013: Ph.D. degree in materials behaviors, vibration control and energy harvesting INSA de Lyon, at Electricity and Ferroelectricity Laboratory (LGEF), INSA Lyon, France and France Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics (LPMC), Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. 2010: Master’s degree in physics at Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. 2008: Bachelor’s degree in physics at Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocc

Professional Experiences

2018- Now: Professor (HDR) at ENSA-El Jadida. 2014-2018: Assistant Professor (PESA) at ENSA-El Jadida. 2014-2015: Temporarily attached to education and research (ATER) at University of Evry-val d’Essonne (Lab LAMBE (UMR 8587) – Teams MPI: Scientific context of the research: Polymeric Materials at Interfaces. 2013-2014: Temporarily attached to education and research (ATER) at Electricity and Ferroelectricity Laboratory (LGEF), INSA Lyon, France. Scientific context of the research: Embedded intelligence.

Area of Research Interests

Energy Conversion of Functional Dielectrics (piezoelectric, Magnetoelectric, Electrostrictive, Electromechanical effect applied in sensors and actuators, Thermoelectric and Pyroelectric) Electrical Aging and Insulation Diagnosis of Electrical Equipment in Renewable Energy System. Current research activities include piezoelectric systems, energy harvesting, vibration control, pyroelectric, and Thermoelectric systems.

Research Focus:

Fouad Belhora’s research primarily focuses on energy harvesting and multifunctional materials for sensor and actuator applications. He has contributed significantly to the optimization and improvement of thermal energy harvesting using pyroelectric materials, as well as the enhancement of the magnetoelectric effect for flexible current sensor applications. His work also includes the hybridization of electrostrictive polymers and electrets for mechanical energy harvesting, and the modeling of polyurethane/lead zirconate titanate composites for vibration energy harvesting. Belhora’s research underscores his commitment to developing innovative solutions for energy conversion and utilization in various fields, from renewable energy systems to advanced sensor technologies.

Publications 

  1. Optimization and improvement of thermal energy harvesting by using pyroelectric materials, cited by: 43, Publication date: 2016.
  2. Friction and wear performance of disc brake pads and pyroelectric energy harvesting, cited by: 27, Publication date: 2021.
  3. Modeling of polyurethane/lead zirconate titanate composites for vibration energy harvesting, cited by: 26, Publication date: 2019.
  4. Optical and electronic properties of the natural alizarin dye: theoretical and experimental investigations for DSSCs application, cited by: 15, Publication date: 2022.
  5. Synthesis by sol-gel method and characterization of nano-TiO2 powders, cited by: 15, Publication date: 2022.
  6. Aging study of a lead-acid storage bank in a multi-source hybrid system, cited by: 14, Publication date: 2020.
  7. Enhancing CZTS solar cell parameters using CZTSe BSF layer and non-toxic SnS2/In2S3 buffer layer, cited by: 11, Publication date: 2022.
  8. Mechanical energy harvesting using polyurethane/lead zirconate titanate composites, cited by: 11, Publication date: 2018.
  9. Recent advances in magnesium hydride for solid-state hydrogen storage by mechanical treatment: A DFT study, cited by: 10, Publication date: 2023.
  10. Efficiency enhancement by simulation method of Copper Antimony Disulfide thin film based solar cells, cited by: 8, Publication date: 2022.

 

.

Houda Jebari | Materials Science | Member

Published on by High Energy Physics

Mrs. Houda Jebari | Materials Science | Member

PHD at Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco

Houda Jebari is a Ph.D. student in Physics specializing in Condensed Matter and Modeling of Systems at the Laboratory of Condensed Matter and Interdisciplinary Sciences (LaMCSci) at Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco. Her research focuses on experimental studies and theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulation. She investigates the structural, electronic, transport, mechanical, optical, and magnetic properties of various materials and 2D-materials for applications in spintronics, photovoltaics, optoelectronics, batteries, magnetic fields, photocatalysis, and magnetocalorics, with a long-term interest in environmental applications of multiferroic materials and 2D-materials.

Professional Profiles:

Education and Diploma:

Ph.D. in Physics (Condensed Matter and Modeling of Systems) Master’s degree in Computational Physics Bachelor’s degree in Physics General University Study’s degree in Physics (DEUG) High school degree in Mathematical Sciences A option

Professional Experiences:

Research internship at the LPCMIO Laboratory, Ecole Normal Supérieure Rabat Substitute professor of practical works at the Faculty of Sciences Rabat, Morocco

Scientific Communications:

Presented at various conferences including the LaMCScI Meeting and EURO-MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE ON MATERIALS AND RENEWABLE ENERGIES Oral and poster communications at international conferences Multiple articles submitted for publication in scientific journals

Skills

Computer Skills: Proficient in programming languages (C/C++/C#/FORTRAN), DFT codes (Akai-KKR, WIEN2K, QUANTUM ESPRESSO, CASTEP), operating systems (Windows, Linux), and other software such as 3DS Max and Unity. Soft Skills: Strong teamwork, motivation, flexibility, and time management. Experimental Skills: Experience in synthesis methods and characterization techniques including FT-IR spectroscopy, DSC, and dielectric measurement.

Research Focus:

Houda Jebari’s research focuses on theoretical investigations of various materials, particularly exploring their electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties. She has contributed significantly to the study of halide perovskite compounds, such as AGeI2Br, for photovoltaic applications. Additionally, her work extends to the exploration of magnetocaloric properties in compounds like Bi25FeO40 and EuCrO3. Jebari’s research also encompasses the analysis of novel materials like MoS2 for hydrogen production and CsGeI2Br for optoelectronic applications. Through her studies, she aims to advance understanding and facilitate the practical applications of these materials in renewable energy and environmental technologies.

Publications 

  1. The investigation of the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the Ge‐based halide perovskite AGeI2Br (a = K, Rb, Cs) compound for a photovoltaic …, cited by: 26, Publication date: 2022.
  2. Theoretical investigation of electronic, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Bi25FeO40 compound, cited by: 12, Publication date: 2021.
  3. Structural, optical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of iron-sillenite Bi25FeO, cited by: 8, Publication date: 2022.
  4. First-principles calculations to investigate structural, electronic, optical, thermoelectric, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of the orthochromite EuCrO3, cited by: 4, Publication date: 2023.
  5. Tensile effect on photocatalytic and optoelectronic properties of MoS2 for hydrogen production: DFT study, cited by: 1, Publication date: 2024.
  6. Structural, Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy Reinvestigation, and Theoretical Optoelectronic Properties of Hydrazinium (1+) Hexafluorosilicate (N2H5) 2SiF6, Publication date: 2023.
  7. Insights into optoelectronic behaviors of novel double halide perovskites Cs2KInX6 (X= Br, Cl, I) for energy harvesting: First principal calculation, Publication date: 2024.
  8. First principal calculation of the physical proprieties of the ternary intermetallic compound Gd2Cu2Cd for magnetic refrigeration applications, Publication date: 2024.
  9. Analysis of the structural, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of CsGeI2Br under tensile and compressive strain for optoelectronic applications: A DFT computational …, Publication date: 2024.
  10. Photovoltaic and thermoelectric properties of Ag2MnGeS4_Kesterite: First-principal investigations, Publication date: 2023.

 

.

Issam Derkaoui | Materials Science | Member

Published on by High Energy Physics

Dr. Issam Derkaoui | Materials Science | Member

PHD at FSDM, Fez, Morocco

Issam Derkaoui, a PhD holder in Materials Science and Industrial Processes, specializes in the experimental development of nanocomposites with graphene derivatives and metal oxides. His research, spanning from synthesis to characterization, aims to advance nanotechnologies. Additionally, he employs first-principles calculations like DFT to model metal oxides and perovskites. With extensive post-doctoral and teaching experience, Issam has honed skills in materials characterization and synthesis methods. He has contributed to numerous publications and presented at international conferences. As a reviewer and organizer, Issam actively engages in the academic community, fostering advancements in materials science and computational physics.

Professional Profiles:

EDUCATION

Temporary Post-Doctoral Researcher Solid State Physics Laboratory, FSDM, Fez, Morocco July 2018 – 2022 Experimental: Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Theoretical: Validation of experimental results using DFT calculations. Permanent Teacher of Physics Preparatory classes for engineering schools, Ibn Ghazi, Meknes, Morocco 2015 – 2019 Training in Materials Characterization Techniques National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP), Bucharest, Romania X-ray diffractometer, Raman Spectroscopy, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Training in Material Synthesis Methods National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP), Bucharest, Romania Magnetron Sputtering Method, Hydrothermal Method, Pyrolysis Spray Technique Vacancy for the Training: Methodology of Writing a Final Project Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Physics, FSDM, Fez, Morocco

RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS

Associate Professor: University of Dschang, Cameroon (2019 – Present) Lecturer and Visiting Lecturer: Various institutions in Cameroon (2012 – 2019) Visiting Lecturer: National Polytechnic Bambui, Cameroon (2008 – 2009) Visiting Lecturer: Intitut Privé Polyvalent la Reforme, Cameroon (2007 – 2008)

SOFTWARE SKILLS

CASTEP Materials Studio Movavi OriginLab PVSyst PVGIS PowerPoint Quantum Espresso Python

RESEARCH AREA EXPERIENCE

Issam Derkaoui’s research interests lie in both experimental and theoretical aspects of materials science, with a focus on: Hydrothermal Synthesis Chemical synthesis methods Metal oxides (VxOy, WOx, ZnO, etc.) Graphene (GO, rGO) Nanostructures Nanocomposites Structural properties Optoelectronic properties

Research Focus:

Based on the provided publications, Issam Derkaoui’s research primarily focuses on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of various materials, including ZnO nanowires, graphene nanohybrids, and metal oxides. His investigations span experimental and theoretical approaches, employing techniques such as first-principles calculations and experimental characterization methods. Derkaoui’s work contributes to advancing our understanding of nanocomposites, thin films, and semiconductor materials, with applications ranging from optoelectronic devices to photodetectors. Overall, his research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, and computational physics, aiming to drive innovations in diverse technological domains.

Publications 

  1. Optimization of the luminescence and structural properties of Er-doped ZnO nanostructures: effect of dopant concentration and excitation wavelength, cited by: 21, Publication date: 2022.
  2. Improved first-principles electronic band structure for cubic (Pm3m) and tetragonal (P4mm, P4/mmm) phases of BaTiO3 using the Hubbard U correction, Publication date: 2023.
  3. Overview of the Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of the Cubic and Tetragonal Phases of PbTiO3 by Applying Hubbard Potential Correction, Publication date: 2023.
  4. Thermionic Emission of Atomic Layer Deposited MoO3/Si UV Photodetectors, Publication date: 2023.
  5. Effect of strontium (Sr) doping on the structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnO, by first-principles calculations, Publication date: 2023.
  6. Reduced graphene oxide-functionalized zinc oxide nanorods as promising nanocomposites for white light emitting diodes and reliable UV photodetection devices, Publication date: 2023.
  7. Impact of thickness on optoelectronic properties of α-MoO3 film photodetectors: Integrating first-principles calculations with experimental analysis, Publication date: 2023.
  8. Self-Powered UV Photodetector Utilizing Plasmonic Hot Carriers in 2D α-MoO3/Ir/Si Schottky Heterojunction Devices, Publication date: 2023.
  9. Investigation of structural and optical properties of Mg doped ZnS thin films prepared by Mist-CVD technique: Experimental and theoretical aspects, Publication date: 2024.
  10. The interface structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnO nanowires/Graphene nanohybrid (ZnO NWs/G): Experimental and theoretical DFT investigations, Publication date: 2024.

 

.