Di Pang | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Award and Honors

Dr. Di Pang | Energy | Best Researcher Award 

Doctorate, at Chongqing Normal University, China.

Dr. Di Pang is a Doctor of Science and currently serves as a Lecturer and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, a position she has held since December 2022. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing materials science, particularly in the realm of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Dr. Pang’s research primarily focuses on optimizing synthesis strategies for MXene materials, a class of 2D layered compounds known for their exceptional properties. Her work explores their applications in energy storage and intelligent actuation systems, aiming to contribute to the development of advanced technologies. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she leads significant research initiatives, including a General Project funded by the Chongqing Natural Science Foundation and a Science and Technology Research Project supported by the Chongqing Education Commission. Through her research and mentorship, Dr. Pang continues to make meaningful contributions to the field of materials science.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Dr. Di Pang’s educational background is rooted in a strong foundation in materials science, culminating in a Doctor of Science degree. While specific details about her undergraduate and doctoral institutions are not publicly disclosed, her academic trajectory indicates a focus on advanced materials research. Her expertise in two-dimensional materials, particularly MXenes, suggests a comprehensive understanding of nanomaterials, surface science, and applied physics. This knowledge base has been instrumental in her current role at Chongqing Normal University, where she imparts her expertise to graduate students and leads research projects. Dr. Pang’s educational journey reflects a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for advancing the field of materials science through both teaching and research endeavors.

💼 Experience 

Since joining Chongqing Normal University in December 2022, Dr. Di Pang has been actively involved in both teaching and research within the School of Physics and Electronic Engineering. In her capacity as a Lecturer and Master’s Supervisor, she has mentored graduate students, guiding them through complex topics in materials science and fostering their development as researchers. Her research endeavors focus on optimizing synthesis strategies for MXene materials, exploring their applications in energy storage and intelligent actuation systems. Dr. Pang currently leads a General Project funded by the Chongqing Natural Science Foundation and a Science and Technology Research Project supported by the Chongqing Education Commission. These roles involve overseeing research teams, securing funding, and disseminating findings through publications in reputable scientific journals. Dr. Pang’s experience reflects a balanced integration of teaching, mentorship, and research, contributing to the advancement of materials science and the development of future scientists.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Di Pang’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science and applied physics, with a particular emphasis on two-dimensional (2D) materials. Her primary focus is on optimizing synthesis strategies for MXene materials, a class of 2D layered compounds known for their exceptional properties. These materials have garnered significant attention due to their unique characteristics, including high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and hydrophilicity. Dr. Pang’s work explores the potential applications of MXenes in energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors and batteries, as well as in intelligent actuation systems, which are crucial for the development of responsive materials in various technological applications. By advancing the synthesis and understanding of MXene materials, Dr. Pang aims to contribute to the development of next-generation technologies that are more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable. Her research endeavors reflect a commitment to pushing the boundaries of materials science and engineering.

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Di Pang’s contributions to the field of materials science have been recognized through various awards and honors. Notably, she currently presides over a General Project funded by the Chongqing Natural Science Foundation and a Science and Technology Research Project supported by the Chongqing Education Commission. These prestigious grants are a testament to her innovative research and the potential impact of her work in optimizing synthesis strategies for MXene materials. While specific details about additional individual awards are not publicly disclosed, the recognition through these significant research projects underscores Dr. Pang’s standing in the scientific community. Her ability to secure competitive funding reflects the value and relevance of her research interests, particularly in the areas of energy storage and intelligent actuation systems. Dr. Pang’s achievements highlight her dedication to advancing materials science and her role as a leader in her field.

📚Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Di Pang has made significant contributions to the scientific community through her publications in reputable journals. As the first or corresponding author, she has authored multiple SCI-indexed papers in esteemed journals such as Nano Letters, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Applied Surface Science. These publications focus on the synthesis and application of MXene materials, particularly in the areas of energy storage and intelligent actuation systems. For instance, her work in Nano Letters explores novel synthesis methods for MXenes, enhancing their performance in supercapacitors. In the Chemical Engineering Journal, she investigates the integration of MXenes into composite materials for improved energy storage capabilities. Additionally, her research published in Applied Surface Science delves into the surface modifications of MXenes to tailor their properties for specific applications. Through these publications, Dr. Pang has contributed to advancing the understanding and application of MXene materials in various technological domains.

Conclusion:

Dr. Di Pang is a strong and promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her focused research in advanced materials, high-impact publications, and successful project leadership highlight her as a rising star in her field. With continued emphasis on international engagement and broader recognition, she is well-positioned to make significant contributions to science and technology. Her current achievements make her a worthy nominee for this award.

Niima Es-sakali | Energy | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Award and Honors

Dr. Niima Es-sakali | Energy | Women Researcher Award 

Doctorate, at Green Energy Park (UM6P-IRESEN), Morocco.

Dr. ES-SAKALI Niima is a distinguished researcher specializing in energy efficiency, thermal sciences, and AI applications in building technologies. Currently, she serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Green Energy Park (UM6P – IRESEN) and as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, UM6P, starting September 2024. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. focusing on sustainable building technologies, with significant contributions to modeling, simulation, and AI-based optimization. Dr. Niima has held guest lecturer roles internationally and is a Guest Editor for the peer-reviewed journal Environments (MDPI). Her research bridges academic rigor and real-world applications, leading national projects, collaborating globally, and mentoring early-career researchers. She has advanced Morocco’s research capacity in smart energy systems and contributed to open-access knowledge on climate-smart architecture.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Niima completed her Ph.D. in Energy Efficiency, Thermal Sciences, and Building AI Applications, focusing on sustainable building technologies. Her doctoral research emphasized modeling, simulation, and AI-based optimization techniques to enhance energy efficiency in building systems. She has since contributed significantly to the field, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Applied Energy, Sustainable Cities and Society, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her current roles at Green Energy Park and UM6P, where she continues to advance research in energy-efficient building systems and AI applications. Dr. Niima’s educational journey reflects a commitment to addressing global challenges in building energy systems and sustainability.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Niima’s professional experience spans academia, research, and industry. At Green Energy Park (UM6P – IRESEN), she leads research initiatives focusing on energy efficiency and AI applications in building technologies. Her role as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, UM6P, starting September 2024, underscores her commitment to education and mentorship. Dr. Niima has been involved in international collaborations, including a completed project with Offenburg University-Germany, financed by the DAAD, focusing on rural school buildings. She is also engaged in ongoing research projects related to smart control strategies for HVAC systems and energy-efficient urban planning for net-zero energy buildings. Her consultancy experience includes a project centered on building certification (LEED), demonstrating her ability to bridge research and practical applications in the field of sustainable building technologies.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Niima’s research interests encompass building energy systems, HVAC optimization, AI applications in building technologies, passive design strategies, digital twins, thermal comfort, energy modeling, and the development of net-zero energy buildings. She has developed innovative, AI-enhanced methods for optimizing HVAC systems and building energy use, contributing to climate-responsive design in semi-arid regions. Her work bridges academic rigor and real-world applications, leading national projects, collaborating globally, and mentoring early-career researchers. Dr. Niima’s contributions have advanced Morocco’s research capacity in smart energy systems, focusing on achieving net-zero energy buildings using passive and AI-optimized strategies tailored for climate responsiveness. A notable contribution is a multi-objective optimization framework for rural Moroccan schools, improving energy efficiency by up to 35.6% and thermal comfort across six climatic zones, contributing to affordable and sustainable school designs.

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Niima’s exemplary contributions to sustainable building technologies have been recognized through various awards and honors. Her innovative research in energy-efficient building systems and AI applications has garnered attention in both academic and professional circles. Notably, she has been nominated for the Women Research Award, acknowledging her significant impact in the field. Her work has also led to national projects and international collaborations, further cementing her reputation as a leader in sustainable building technologies. Dr. Niima’s commitment to advancing research capacity in Morocco and her contributions to open-access knowledge on climate-smart architecture underscore her dedication to addressing global challenges in building energy systems and sustainability.

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Niima has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Applied Energy (Impact Factor: 10.1), Sustainable Cities and Society (Impact Factor: 10.5), and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Impact Factor: 16.3). Her research covers topics such as HVAC optimization, energy modeling, passive design strategies, and net-zero energy buildings. One of her significant contributions is a multi-objective optimization framework for rural Moroccan schools, which improved energy efficiency by up to 35.6% and thermal comfort across six climatic zones. This work has been cited in various articles, highlighting its impact on the field. Dr. Niima’s publications reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainable building technologies and her dedication to addressing climate-responsive design challenges.

1. Review of Predictive Maintenance Algorithms Applied to HVAC Systems

2. Implementing a Digital Twin-Based Fault Detection and Diagnosis Approach for Optimal Operation and Maintenance of Urban Distributed Solar Photovoltaics

  • Authors: S.I. Kaitouni, I. Ait Abdelmoula, Niima Es-Sakali, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, H. Er-retby, et al.

  • Journal: Renewable Energy Focus, Article 100530

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ref.2024.100530

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This paper presents a digital twin-based approach for fault detection and diagnosis in urban distributed solar photovoltaic systems, aiming to optimize their operation and maintenance.

3. Recent Progress, Limitations, and Future Directions of Macro-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Building Applications

  • Authors: I. Ait Laasri, Niima Es-Sakali, Moha Cherkaoui, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, A. Outzourhit

  • Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Article 114481

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114481

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This review discusses the advancements, challenges, and future prospects of macro-encapsulated phase change materials in building applications, focusing on their thermal performance and integration into building systems.

4. Energy Efficiency and Hygrothermal Performance of Hemp Clay Walls for Moroccan Residential Buildings: An Integrated Lab-Scale, In-Situ, and Simulation-Based Assessment

5. Static and Dynamic Glazing Integration for Enhanced Building Efficiency and Indoor Comfort with Thermochromic and Electrochromic Windows

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Imad Ait Laasri, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui

  • Journal: Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, Volume 52, Article 102681

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102681

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This paper investigates the integration of static and dynamic glazing, including thermochromic and electrochromic windows, to enhance building energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The study demonstrates energy savings and improved thermal and visual comfort. ScienceDirect

6. Evidence-Based Numerical Building Model Enhancement and Building Energy Efficiency Evaluation in the Case of Morocco

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Imad Ait Laasri, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui, M. Bühler

  • Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, Article 103606

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2023.103606

  • Year: 2023

  • Summary: This study enhances numerical building models with empirical data to evaluate building energy efficiency in Morocco, providing insights into energy-saving strategies tailored to local conditions.

7. Advanced Predictive Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis Strategy for Enhanced HVAC Efficiency in Buildings

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Zakaria Zoubir, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui, Jens Pfafferott

  • Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, Article 123910

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123910

  • Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Niima Es-Sakali demonstrates a robust blend of academic rigor, innovative research, leadership, and global collaboration, especially in the field of sustainable and AI-driven energy systems. Her contributions align strongly with the ethos of the Women Researcher Award, particularly in terms of gender representation, climate impact, and emerging technologies. With minor enhancements in professional affiliations and broader outreach, she has the potential to serve as a role model for women in engineering and sustainability fields.