Oliver. O Apeh | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr Oliver. O Apeh, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh is an accomplished physicist and researcher specializing in solar energy, the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, and blockchain applications. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa (2021), with a dissertation on solar photovoltaic system performance. His research integrates machine learning, renewable energy, and sustainability to address global challenges. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, he supervises students and contributes to groundbreaking studies on energy optimization. With numerous academic publications, awards, and professional memberships, Dr. Apeh’s work significantly impacts renewable energy advancements. His dedication to sustainability and innovation makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🌞🔬📚

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh 🎓 is a dedicated physicist specializing in solar energy and materials science. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa (November 2021) 🌞, with a thesis on the comparative performance of 3-kWp solar photovoltaic systems under varying meteorological conditions in Alice, Eastern Cape. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy (December 2015) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he researched nanostructured zinc oxide thin films 🏗️. Additionally, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Physics Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (December 2014) 📚. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy (July 2011) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he synthesized and characterized tungsten oxide using the chemical bath method ⚛️. His expertise bridges renewable energy, nanomaterials, and education, contributing to sustainable technology advancements.

Experience

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg 🇿🇦 (2022–Present), where he supervises Honors and Master’s students while researching the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, machine learning applications in solar energy, and blockchain for energy systems 🔬⚡📊. Since 2023, he has also been a Visiting Lecturer at Eduvos Higher Institution, Midrand Campus 🇿🇦, teaching undergraduate students and guiding Honors research 👨‍🏫📖. Previously, he was a Research Assistant at the University of Fort Hare 🇿🇦 (2018–2021), conducting experiments and authoring research papers. In addition, he served as a Student Administrator (2020–2021), assisting international students with visa applications 🌍📝. Dr. Apeh also lectured physics and mathematics at NCM Computer and Business Academy, Fort Beaufort 🇿🇦 (2021) 📚🔢. His career is marked by significant contributions to teaching, supervision, and research, demonstrating his dedication to academia and innovation 🚀🎓.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh is a distinguished scholar and educator with a strong commitment to research and teaching. He was a recipient of the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Grant Award at the University of Fort Hare (2017–2021) 🏅, supporting his groundbreaking research. His academic excellence was further recognized through the University of Fort Hare Doctoral Research Award (2017–2021) 🎓, reflecting his outstanding contributions to knowledge. Dr. Apeh’s dedication to discipline and time management earned him a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Punctuality from St. Cyprian’s Science School in 2014 ⏳. His passion for teaching was evident early in his career when he received the Best Science Teacher Award at Community Secondary School, Aguibeje in 2003 🏆. These accolades showcase his unwavering dedication to education, research, and mentorship, making him a respected figure in academia and beyond. ✨📚

Research Focus

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh’s research focuses on renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaics, machine learning applications in energy systems, and the Food-Energy-Water Nexus. His studies investigate blockchain for energy optimization, sustainability in agri-food industries, and solar forecasting techniques. He has authored numerous high-impact publications on energy efficiency, grid resilience, and economic growth through renewable energy. His work bridges the gap between technology and sustainability, aiming to solve global energy challenges using data-driven and AI-enhanced methodologies. With a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Apeh advances clean energy innovations, offering insights into smart energy management and climate-friendly solutions. ☀️🔗📊

Publication Top Notes

Contributions of solar photovoltaic systems to environmental and socioeconomic aspects of national development—A review

Monthly, seasonal and yearly assessments of global solar radiation, clearness index and diffuse fractions in alice, South Africa

Properties of nanostructured ZnO thin films synthesized using a modified aqueous chemical growth method

The water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus scenario in Africa: Perspective and policy implementations

Performance evaluation of Bi₂O₃@GO and Bi₂O₃@rGO composites electrode for supercapacitor application

Modeling and experimental analysis of battery charge controllers for comparing three off-grid photovoltaic power plants

Electrical and meteorological data acquisition system of a commercial and domestic microgrid for monitoring pv parameters

Dr. Jonathan Ruiz Esquius | Energy | Best Researcher Award

ComFuturo Research Fellow, Carbon Science and Technology Institute, Spain

Jonathan Ruiz Esquius is a dynamic researcher specializing in nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion. Currently a ComFuturo Research Fellow at the Instituto Nacional del Carbón in Oviedo, Spain, he has a rich background in catalysis and electrochemical applications. With a passion for sustainable energy solutions, Jonathan’s innovative contributions have propelled advancements in oxygen evolution catalysts and hydrogen production materials. 🌍🔬

Education

Jonathan has cultivated his expertise in nanotechnology and chemistry through rigorous academic training, with a focus on the development of electrocatalysts for clean energy technologies. His journey reflects a strong foundation in materials science and nanotechnology, with an eye toward addressing global energy challenges. 🎓📘

Experience

Jonathan’s career spans top institutions, including his role as a ComFuturo Research Fellow at Instituto Nacional del Carbón (2023-present). He has also served as a Research Fellow at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal, where he focused on energy storage and conversion nanomaterials. Earlier, he was a Research Assistant at Cardiff University’s School of Chemistry, contributing to the field of electrocatalysis. 🏛️⚡

Research Focus

Jonathan’s research is driven by a commitment to developing advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversion, with a particular focus on hydrogen production and oxygen evolution reactions. His work involves the design of high-entropy materials and mixed-metal oxides to improve efficiency and sustainability in energy processes. His cutting-edge research supports the development of clean energy technologies. ⚙️🌱

Publications Top Notes

“Self-supported FeCoNi(OHy)Ox oxy-hydroxide doped with Cr and Cu as robust low-loading catalyst for the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction” was published in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy in October 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.160.
“Mixed iridium-nickel oxides supported on antimony-doped tin oxide as highly efficient and stable acidic oxygen evolution catalysts” appeared in Materials Futures in December 2023 DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad16d2.
“High entropy materials as emerging electrocatalysts for hydrogen production through low-temperature water electrolysis” in Materials Futures DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/accbd8.