Inés María Santos Dueñas | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Inés María Santos Dueñas | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Professor | University of Cordoba | Spain

Dr. Ines Maria Santos Dueñas is an accomplished scholar in biochemical engineering, microbial biotechnology, and fermentation science, widely recognized for her influential contributions to acetic acid fermentation and industrial bioprocess optimization. With over 15 peer-reviewed publications and a scholarly record exceeding 993 citations, she has established a strong scientific footprint demonstrated by an h-index of 18 and an i10-index of 25. Her research portfolio spans high-impact works on gluconic acid production, microbial viability assessment, amino acid transformation during fermentation, dynamic modeling of acetification, and the development of advanced kinetic and identifiability approaches for biotechnological systems. Several of her most cited contributions such as studies on gluconic acid properties and biovalorization, rapid determination of viable and non-viable acetic acid bacteria, vinegar engineering, and the multi-part series on acetic acid fermentation modeling are regarded as foundational references within the fermentation and food biotechnology sectors. Dr. Santos Dueñas has also advanced the integration of omic technologies into fermentation research, contributing to metaproteomic and quantitative proteomic analyses that have improved understanding of microbial community dynamics in submerged acetification systems. Her collaborative work with experts across biochemical engineering, systems modeling, microbiology, and process control has resulted in impactful insights into fermentation rate estimation, nitrogen composition changes, and optimization strategies for producing high-quality fermented products. Through her extensive contributions, she has supported innovations in sustainable bioprocessing, valorization of agro-industrial by-products, and improved efficiency of microbial-driven production systems. Dr. Santos Dueñas’s research continues to influence industrial practice, guiding advancements in fermentation technology, process modeling, and microbial performance evaluation, while strengthening the scientific basis for modern biochemical and industrial biotechnology applications.

Profiles : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1.  Cañete-Rodríguez, A. M., Santos-Dueñas, I. M., Jimenez-Hornero, J. E., et al. (2016). Gluconic acid: Properties, production methods and applications—An excellent opportunity for agro-industrial by-   products and waste bio-valorization. Process Biochemistry, 51(12), 1891–1903. Cited by: 242

  2.  Baena-Ruano, S., Jiménez-Ot, C., Santos-Dueñas, I. M., Cantero-Moreno, D., et al. (2006). Rapid method for total, viable and non-viable acetic acid bacteria determination during acetification process.   Process Biochemistry, 41(5), 1160–1164. Cited by: 80

  3.  García-García, I., Santos-Dueñas, I. M., Jiménez-Ot, C., Jiménez-Hornero, J. E., et al. (2009). Vinegar engineering. In Vinegars of the World (pp. 97–120). Cited by: 62

  4.  Jiménez-Hornero, J. E., Santos-Dueñas, I. M., García-García, I. (2009). Optimization of biotechnological processes. The acetic acid fermentation. Part I: The proposed model. Biochemical Engineering   Journal, 45(1), 1–6. Cited by: 53

  5.  Maestre, O., Santos-Dueñas, I. M., Peinado, R., Jiménez-Ot, C., García-García, I., et al. (2008). Changes in amino acid composition during wine vinegar production in a fully automatic pilot acetator. Process   Biochemistry, 43(8), 803–807. Cited by: 51

Dr. Ines Maria Santos Dueñas advances microbial biotechnology and fermentation engineering, developing efficient and sustainable bioprocesses that elevate scientific understanding and industrial practice. Her work contributes to global improvements in food production, resource valorization, and environmentally responsible technologies.

Rodrigo Luciano | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Mr.Rodrigo Luciano | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Business/Company , Engineer at Braskem in  Brazil.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Rodrigo Almeida Luciano 👨‍🔬 is a dynamic professional in the field of energy and chemical engineering, with a strong background in project coordination and strategic business management. Born in Brazil 🇧🇷, Rodrigo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering ⚡ and a Master’s in Business Administration 🎓, complemented by postgraduate studies in Strategic Business Management. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Chemical Engineering 🧪 at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). With over 7 years of impactful experience at Braskem S.A., Rodrigo has led innovative projects in recycling, biomass, and decarbonization 🌱. His expertise spans agile project management, procurement analysis, and technological innovation with universities and startups. Earlier in his career, he also managed operations at LowCost, demonstrating strong leadership and operational control 💼. Rodrigo is known for his passion for sustainable technologies, technical tools, and data-driven project execution 🧠.

PROFILE 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Rodrigo Almeida Luciano exemplifies the qualities of a high-impact researcher committed to innovation, sustainability, and scientific excellence. With a multidisciplinary background in chemical and energy engineering, complemented by strategic business training, Rodrigo has demonstrated outstanding leadership in applied research. He is currently leading pioneering industrial projects at Braskem S.A. that integrate circular economy principles, decarbonization technologies, and biomass recycling—all highly relevant to global climate and sustainability goals 🌱. His pursuit of a Master’s in Chemical Engineering alongside his industry work reflects his dedication to bridging theory and practice 🧪.

🔹 Education & Experience 

Rodrigo Almeida Luciano’s academic journey 🎓 began with a Bachelor’s in Sciences and Technology (2017) and Energy Engineering (2020) from the Federal University of ABC. He further enhanced his managerial skills with a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Business Management 🧾 from Mackenzie University (2021), and an MBA in Project Management 📊 from the University of São Paulo (2023). He is now pursuing a Master’s in Chemical Engineering 🧪 at UFRJ, expected in 2025. Rodrigo’s professional journey is marked by over 7 years at Braskem S.A., where he has served as both a Project Engineer 🛠 and Supply Analyst 📈. His role involves leading technological projects focused on recycling and decarbonization. Previously, he spent 4 years at LowCost, where he started as an Operator and advanced to Operations Supervisor 👨‍💼, managing teams and overseeing customer service operations. His technical toolkit includes SAP, Aspen Plus, AutoCAD, VBA, and MATLAB 🧑‍💻.

🔹 Professional Development 

Rodrigo’s professional development 💼 is driven by a strong integration of engineering principles with project management and innovation. He has cultivated expertise through both academic learning and practical industry roles. At Braskem S.A., Rodrigo leads advanced projects focused on recycling, biomass, and decarbonization 🌍, collaborating with universities, startups, and corporate partners. His use of Agile methodologies enables efficient management and innovation in sustainability-driven technologies ⚙️. He has also led the national purchasing category team, automating procurement processes through VBA programming and SAP reporting 🖥️. Rodrigo’s dedication to continuous learning is evident through his pursuit of a Master’s in Chemical Engineering at UFRJ and his completion of an MBA and a postgraduate course in business strategy 📘. Tools like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and AutoCAD add to his technical versatility 🧪📐. With a balance of leadership, analytical rigor, and environmental foresight, Rodrigo continues to develop as a cutting-edge engineer and project leader 🚀.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions

  • 🎖️ Promoted to Project Engineer at Braskem S.A. after notable performance in supply analysis and category leadership

  • 🥇 Led national procurement transformation using SAP & VBA automation tools

  • 🧪 Selected to lead cutting-edge decarbonization and recycling projects at Braskem

  • 🌍 Recognized internally for driving sustainability initiatives with external innovation partners

  • 📚 Completed prestigious MBA in Project Management at the University of São Paulo (USP)

  • 🔧 Certified expertise in Aspen Plus, AutoCAD, SAP, and VBA for engineering applications

🔬 Research Focus

Rodrigo’s research focus falls within the categories of Sustainable Chemical Engineering 🌱, Renewable Energy Systems ⚡, and Decarbonization Technologies 🌍. As a Master’s student in Chemical Engineering at UFRJ, his academic path supports his real-world role at Braskem, where he spearheads projects related to circular economy, biomass utilization, and advanced recycling methods 🔁. He works closely with startups, research institutions, and internal teams to pilot long-term environmental technologies aimed at reducing carbon footprints 🏭❌. His interest bridges theoretical modeling with practical execution, utilizing tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and AutoCAD to simulate processes and optimize resource efficiency 📊🔬. Rodrigo’s professional endeavors reflect a commitment to cleaner industrial processes and innovations in energy conversion and waste recovery 🔋♻️. His integration of business management with engineering acumen positions him at the forefront of eco-engineering solutions designed for real-world impact 🌐.

Publications & Citations 📚

📘 “A Survey on the Chemical Recycling of Polyolefins into Monomers” – L Carvalho, G Mattos, N Sitton, J Barros, D Miranda, R Luciano, JC Pinto – Published in 🔬 Processes, 13(7), 2114, 2025 – 📑 Cited by: 0 (as of now) 🧪♻️

📗 “Probing the Role of Calcium Carbonate on Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Polyethylene in the Presence of Supercritical Water” – K Jan, DL Perez, A Patil, RA Luciano, DMV de Miranda, WT Chen – Published in 🧪 Chemical Engineering Journal, 164266, 2025 – 📑 Cited by: 0 🔥♻️

📙 “Utilization of Waste Cooking Oil as Feedstock for Sustainable Research Applications in Alternate Fuel Production” – A Patil, RA Luciano – Presented at 🧬 46th Symposium on Biomaterials, Fuels, and Chemicals (SBFC), 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 0 🍳🔋

🔍 Conclusion:

Rodrigo Almeida Luciano is a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research Award due to his unique integration of academic research and industrial innovation. His work addresses critical environmental challenges, promotes sustainable development, and offers scalable technological solutions. His scientific output, technical competence, and leadership in advanced research projects make him highly deserving of this prestigious recognition 🏅

Zakariyaou Seybou Yacouba | Chemical Engineering | Best Paper Award

Dr. Zakariyaou Seybou Yacouba | Chemical Engineering | Best Paper Award

PhD scholar at central south university, China.

📌 Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou is a Ph.D. student at Central South University (CSU), China, specializing in Chemical Engineering and Technology. He earned his Master’s degree from CSU and a B.Sc. in Petroleum Refining from André Salifou University of Zinder, Niger. His research focuses on fluid catalytic cracking, catalyst applications, oil refining, and lithium-ion phosphate battery synthesis. Seybou has published multiple research papers in prestigious journals. With hands-on experience in refining operations and catalyst development, he has also completed internships at CNPC-NP, SORAZ, and SONIDEP. He speaks English, French, Chinese, Haussa, and Zarma-Songhai.

Professional Profile:

ORCID Profile

📌 Suitability for Best Paper Award – Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou

Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou is a highly accomplished Ph.D. researcher in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Central South University. His expertise in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), catalyst applications, petroleum refining, and lithium-ion battery synthesis makes him a strong candidate for the Best Paper Award. With multiple publications in prestigious journals, Seybou has demonstrated innovation and a strong impact in his field. His hands-on experience in refineries and catalyst development, coupled with international research collaborations and technical proficiency in Aspen Plus, Ansys, and MATLAB, enhances the credibility of his research contributions.

Education 🎓

  • 📖 General Education (BEPC) – College TERACEG2, TERA (2008-2012)
  • 🏭 Petrochemical & Technology (BAC) – Diffa High School, Diffa (2012-2015)
  • 🛢️ Diploma in Petroleum Engineering (DUT) – André Salifou University of Zinder (2015-2017)
  • 🏭 B.Sc. in Refining & Petrochemical Process Engineering – André Salifou University of Zinder (2017-2019)
  • 🏮 Chinese Language Program – Central South University (2020-2021)
  • 🏭 M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering & Technology – Central South University (2021-2024)
  • 🏭 Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering & Technology – Central South University (2024-Present)

Experience 🏗️

  • 🔬 Ph.D. Researcher – Central South University (2024-Present)
  • 🏭 Intern – CNPC-NP (2022) – Operator training in petroleum refining
  • 🏭 Intern – Zinder Refining Company (SORAZ) (2022) – FCC operator training
  • 🏭 Intern – Nigerien Petroleum Company (SONIDEP) (2017) – Laboratory operator (ASTM analysis)
  • 🔧 Intern – Hydraulics and Sanitation of Téra (2014) – Drilling, pump installation, and exploration

Professional Development 🚀

📚 Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou has actively engaged in certified training programs to enhance his expertise in petroleum refining, catalyst technology, and industrial safety. He completed Systematic Training & Evaluation for Production Operators at CNPC-NP, along with specialized courses in risk assessment, environmental awareness, and international health and safety (ECITB-certified). Seybou has also earned an HSK4 & HSKK Chinese Language Certificate, demonstrating his proficiency in Mandarin. His commitment to professional growth is reflected in his research collaborations, international conference presentations, and technical skill development in Aspen Plus, Ansys, and MATLAB.

Research Focus 🔬

⚙️ Seybou’s research primarily falls under Chemical Engineering, with a specialization in:

  • 🏭 Refining & Petrochemical Process Engineering – Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) optimization and catalyst applications
  • 🧪 Catalyst Synthesis & Reactor Design – Development of novel catalysts for enhanced fuel conversion
  • 🔬 Mathematical Modeling & Optimization – Advanced computational modeling for refining processes
  • Lithium-Ion Battery Research – Synthesis and characterization of new-generation lithium phosphate batteries
    His work integrates experimental analysis, computational simulations, and industrial applications to improve energy efficiency and refining performance.

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • 🏅 CNPC-NP Operator Training Certification (2022)
  • 🏅 ECITB Risk Assessment & Environmental Awareness Certification (2022)
  • 🏅 ECITB International Health & Safety Passport Certification (2022)
  • 🏅 HSK4 & HSKK Intermediate Chinese Language Certification (2023)
  • 🏅 Best Research Paper Award in Chemical Engineering (2023)
  • 🏅 Outstanding Student Researcher, Central South University (2024)

Publication Top Notes

  • Influence of Tectonics on the Circulation of Mineralized Fluids in the Ebba South Arlit Sector (Niger)

    • 📅 Year: 2025
    • ✍️ Authors: Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou
  • Production of Biodiesel from Southern DRC (Bunyakiri) Palm Nut Kernels Oil

    • 📅 Year: 2025
    • ✍️ Authors: Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou
  • Synthesis and Characterization of Lithium Phosphate (Li₃PO₄) as a Solid Electrolyte

  • Characterization of Equilibrium Catalysts from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Process of Atmospheric Residue

    • 📅 Year: 2023
    • ✍️ Authors: Seybou Yacouba Zakariyaou, Ye Hua, Oumarou Abdoulaye Dan Makaou, Aziz Mamane Souley Abdoul, Ke Shixian
    • 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/CATAL13121483
  • A Four-Lump Kinetic Model for Atmospheric Residue Conversion in the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit: Effect of the Inlet Gas Oil Temperature and Catalyst-Oil Weight Ratio on the Catalytic Reaction Behavior