Aaron Zhen Yao Koe | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Aaron Zhen Yao Koe | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at University Sains Malaysia

Aaron Zhen Yao Koe is a passionate and driven Chemical Engineer specializing in wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery, and catalytic degradation processes. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Aaron has developed extensive expertise in membrane separation technologies, adsorption science, and sonocatalysis. His academic and professional journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and precision in engineering design. Proficient in MATLAB and skilled in Excel and data modeling tools, Aaron is also trilingual in English, Malay, and Mandarin, which enables him to work effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams. His dedication to cutting-edge research has culminated in the publication of two high-impact Q1 journal articles and a book chapter with Elsevier. With experience both in academia and industry, including roles as a process engineer and R&D lab technician, Aaron brings a versatile and application-oriented mindset to any project. His strength lies not only in technical execution but also in clear scientific communication and collaborative problem-solving. With a keen interest in resource-efficient engineering and a strong academic foundation, Aaron is poised to contribute significantly to sustainable technologies and future-focused innovations in chemical and environmental engineering.

Professional Profile

Education

Aaron Zhen Yao Koe’s educational background is rooted in excellence and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) between 2020 and 2024, graduating with a stellar CGPA of 3.8736. His doctoral research focused on sonocatalytic degradation using sustainable composite materials, highlighting his commitment to environmental remediation and resource recovery. Prior to this, he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) from 2015 to 2019. This undergraduate foundation laid the groundwork for his strong competencies in transport phenomena, process design, and environmental engineering. Through his academic tenure, Aaron not only mastered technical subjects but also engaged in research that yielded significant findings, particularly in the application of zeolite-assisted forward osmosis for aquaculture effluent treatment. He has actively contributed to scientific literature with multiple peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter. His academic performance and research productivity demonstrate both analytical rigor and practical ingenuity. Aaron’s education has provided him with the theoretical knowledge, laboratory expertise, and research acumen to solve real-world challenges, and he continues to build on this strong foundation as an emerging thought leader in chemical and environmental engineering.

Professional Experience

Aaron’s professional experience bridges both industrial engineering and academic research. He began his industry journey as a Process Engineer at IBIDEN Electronics Malaysia (2019–2020), where he was tasked with surface defect analysis in the surface department. Utilizing advanced tools such as cross-sectional microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), he systematically diagnosed production issues, performed root cause analysis, and prepared detailed technical reports for corrective actions. His ability to trace defects across complex processing lines illustrated his analytical depth and meticulous nature. Earlier in his career, he worked as an R&D Lab Technician during an internship at Ambu Sdn. Bhd. in 2017. There, he tested medical devices—mainly bronchoscopes—using instruments like Instron and Quickscope, ensuring compliance with high-quality standards. He also performed packaging and software evaluations, gaining exposure to the R&D lifecycle and quality control protocols. These hands-on roles not only enhanced his problem-solving and documentation skills but also reinforced his capability to adapt to diverse engineering environments. Aaron’s industrial background, combined with his research proficiency, equips him with a holistic understanding of the engineering pipeline—from ideation to implementation and continuous improvement.

Research Interest

Aaron Koe’s research interests are centered on the sustainable treatment of wastewater and resource recovery through advanced chemical engineering techniques. His core areas include nutrient recovery from aquaculture effluent, membrane-based separation processes, sonocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and adsorption using bio-derived materials. Aaron’s Ph.D. work on synthesizing graphitic carbon nitride/coconut-shell-derived carbon composites reflects his deep commitment to eco-friendly technologies and waste valorization. He is particularly intrigued by the intersection of nanomaterials and environmental engineering, focusing on the catalytic and sorptive properties of hybrid composites in real-world applications. His earlier project, which employed zeolite-assisted forward osmosis for ammonium and phosphate recovery, demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to circular water management. Aaron is motivated by the urgent global need for water sustainability and cleaner industrial processes. He envisions contributing to innovations that transform waste streams into valuable products, such as fertilizers and reusable water. With growing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, his interest lies in translating laboratory-scale findings into scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally viable solutions. Aaron’s research aspirations are further fueled by interdisciplinary collaboration, computational modeling, and the practical integration of engineering design and material science.

Research Skills

Aaron Zhen Yao Koe possesses a robust suite of research skills that span experimental, computational, and analytical domains. His technical proficiency includes MATLAB for transport modeling, Excel for advanced data analysis, and Design Expert software for statistical optimization via Central Composite Design. He has demonstrated strong experimental skills in membrane technology, adsorption studies, and catalytic degradation. In his Ph.D. research, Aaron successfully synthesized composite catalysts from coconut shell husks and tested their performance in sonocatalytic dye degradation, reflecting his competence in materials engineering and environmental chemistry. He has also performed critical parameter optimization, kinetic studies, and mechanistic evaluations. During his aquaculture effluent project, Aaron designed a zeolite-assisted forward osmosis system, conducted ammonium sorption experiments, and successfully regenerated zeolites under complex ion interference, indicating a high level of lab precision and scientific reasoning. His ability to conduct thorough literature reviews, design experiments, interpret results, and prepare high-quality scientific publications further demonstrates his advanced research capabilities. Aaron is also well-versed in scientific communication, with experience in writing journal articles, book chapters, and technical reports. These skills collectively position him as a multidisciplinary researcher capable of leading impactful, sustainability-oriented projects.

Awards and Honors

Aaron Zhen Yao Koe has received recognition for his outstanding research contributions, especially in the field of chemical engineering and environmental sustainability. His scholarly excellence is evident in his successful publication of two research papers in Q1-ranked journals—Journal of Water Process Engineering and Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering—which are well-regarded in the academic community for their focus on practical and high-impact environmental technologies. Furthermore, he contributed a book chapter to the prestigious Elsevier-published volume Integrated and Hybrid Process Technology for Water and Wastewater Treatment, marking a significant achievement early in his research career. His Ph.D. CGPA of 3.8736 from Universiti Sains Malaysia stands as a testament to his academic rigor and intellectual commitment. In addition to formal recognitions, Aaron’s research work has been supported and mentored by leading experts such as Prof. Dr. Ooi Boon Seng and Dr. Chang Ying Shi, indicating the trust and respect he has earned from senior researchers. His innovative thinking, precision, and interdisciplinary approach have also earned him praise during industrial stints, highlighting his adaptability and professionalism in various engineering settings. These honors reinforce Aaron’s trajectory as a promising and impactful chemical engineer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aaron Zhen Yao Koe exemplifies the qualities of a next-generation chemical engineer—analytical, innovative, and environmentally conscious. With a strong academic background culminating in a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Aaron has developed advanced expertise in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and catalytic materials. His dual exposure to academic research and industrial applications gives him a balanced, pragmatic perspective, allowing him to tackle real-world challenges with scientific rigor and technical acumen. Aaron’s portfolio of high-impact publications, experimental accomplishments, and collaborative projects highlights his capacity to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals. Beyond his technical skill set, Aaron brings strong communication abilities, multilingual proficiency, and a collaborative spirit to any team or project. His adaptability and continuous learning mindset enable him to thrive in dynamic research and engineering environments. As he continues his professional journey, Aaron remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and transformative research. With the right platforms and opportunities, he is poised to become a leader in green engineering and a valuable contributor to both academic and industrial advancement in environmental technology.

Publications Top Notes

Title:
Ammonium sorption and regeneration using Mg‑modified zeolites: A study on the interferences of competing ions from aquaculture effluent

Authors: Aaron Koe Zhen Yao, Lim Wei Jiun, Loh Chian Yong, Chang Ying Shi, and Ooi Boon Seng.

Year: 2022

Citation Count: 8

 

Fushun Tang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Prof. Fushun Tang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Guilin University of Technology, China

Dr. Fushun Tang is a distinguished entomologist whose career spans over two decades, dedicated to advancing sustainable pest management and agricultural biodiversity. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and currently serves as a Professor at the Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou, China. Tang’s work focuses on the ecology, taxonomy, and biological control of parasitic Hymenoptera and other beneficial insects. He has developed significant contributions in the field of integrated pest management (IPM), emphasizing ecological balance and the minimization of chemical pesticide use. With over 100 scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals and multiple patents, his research bridges fundamental insect science with practical agricultural solutions. He is actively involved in national and international collaborations aimed at solving critical pest-related challenges in crops, particularly in subtropical and temperate regions. His leadership in entomological research, mentoring of graduate students, and active participation in professional societies underscore his status as a leading figure in modern entomology. Passionate about promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices, Tang continues to drive innovation in pest control strategies through rigorous research and field implementation, contributing substantially to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Professional Profiles

Education

Fushun Tang’s academic journey in entomology reflects a robust foundation in agricultural science and insect biology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Protection from Zhejiang Agricultural University, where he developed a foundational understanding of pest identification and control techniques. Following his undergraduate studies, Tang pursued a Master’s degree in Entomology at the same institution, where his thesis focused on the taxonomy and biological behavior of key parasitic Hymenoptera species. He then completed his Ph.D. in Entomology at the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. During his doctoral training, Tang conducted groundbreaking research on parasitoid-host interactions, integrating ecological modeling and field surveys to better understand the dynamics of biological control in vegetable crops. His education provided him with deep expertise in insect systematics, biological control, integrated pest management, and applied entomology. Throughout his academic journey, Tang was mentored by leading entomologists and participated in numerous national research programs, laying the groundwork for his future scientific career. This comprehensive academic background has been instrumental in shaping Tang’s approach to research, combining rigorous laboratory experimentation with practical, field-based agricultural solutions that are environmentally sound and economically viable.

Professional Experience

Dr. Fushun Tang has cultivated a distinguished professional career marked by his dedication to entomological research and sustainable agriculture. After completing his doctoral studies, Tang joined the Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology at the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS) as a Research Scientist, eventually rising to the rank of Professor. At ZAAS, he leads a multidisciplinary research team focusing on integrated pest management (IPM), insect ecology, and biological control methods. Over the years, Tang has spearheaded numerous national and provincial research projects, many funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Agriculture. His work has directly influenced pest control strategies for economically important crops, particularly in vegetable and orchard systems. He also collaborates closely with international researchers and agricultural extension programs to disseminate effective and environmentally friendly pest control techniques. Beyond research, Tang plays an active role in training young scientists, supervising graduate students, and participating in academic committees. His career is distinguished by a strong commitment to translating entomological science into practical agricultural innovation, bridging the gap between research institutions, farmers, and policy-makers to enhance food security and reduce the environmental impact of pest management.

Research Interest

Fushun Tang’s research interests span a broad spectrum of topics within applied entomology and integrated pest management (IPM), with a specific emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. His work is particularly focused on the ecology and behavior of insect pests and their natural enemies, which informs the development of biological control strategies. Tang is deeply engaged in exploring the dynamics between pests and beneficial insects, particularly in the context of vegetable and fruit crops in subtropical climates. His research also delves into the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on pest populations and their interactions with parasitoids and predators. With a strong commitment to environmentally sound pest control, Tang investigates non-chemical alternatives such as plant-derived insecticides, pheromone-based controls, and ecological engineering. In recent years, he has also explored molecular techniques for species identification and population genetics, contributing to better surveillance and management of invasive pests. These interdisciplinary interests not only advance scientific understanding but also provide practical, field-oriented solutions that support both yield optimization and ecological balance. Tang’s research agenda continues to evolve in line with emerging agricultural challenges and the growing need for resilient, eco-friendly pest management systems.

Research Skills

Dr. Fushun Tang possesses a comprehensive skill set that integrates classical and modern techniques in entomological research. He is proficient in insect taxonomy, particularly in identifying and classifying parasitoids and other beneficial insects. His expertise extends to ecological field experimentation, where he designs and conducts complex studies on insect population dynamics, interspecies interactions, and pest outbreaks in agricultural systems. Tang is skilled in using statistical software and ecological modeling tools to analyze insect behavior, life history traits, and predator-prey relationships. Additionally, he employs molecular biology techniques, including DNA barcoding and microsatellite analysis, to study genetic diversity and species delineation among pest and parasitoid populations. In applied entomology, Tang has significant experience in developing and field-testing biological control agents, including mass-rearing and release strategies. His technical skills also encompass pesticide residue analysis, host-parasitoid risk assessments, and integrated pest management planning. Moreover, he is adept at writing scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and technical reports for governmental and international organizations. With a multidisciplinary approach and collaborative mindset, Tang’s research skills support both academic inquiry and practical innovation in pest control, contributing to more sustainable and effective agricultural practices.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Fushun Tang has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to entomology and sustainable agriculture. He has been the recipient of several provincial science and technology progress awards for his innovative work in biological pest control and integrated pest management strategies. Tang was honored with the Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award by the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences for his extensive research on parasitoid-host dynamics and his leadership in field-based IPM projects. His scientific publications have earned accolades in peer-reviewed journals, and he has been invited to speak at national and international conferences, highlighting his reputation in the global scientific community. Tang has also received funding from competitive research grants awarded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, acknowledging the significance and quality of his work. In addition, he has served as a peer reviewer for several prestigious entomological journals and has been recognized for his mentorship of graduate students and young scientists. These honors reflect both his scientific excellence and his commitment to addressing real-world agricultural challenges through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Conclusion

Dr. Fushun Tang’s career exemplifies the integration of scientific rigor with real-world agricultural application. His work in entomology, particularly in the study and application of biological control methods, has significantly advanced sustainable pest management in China and beyond. Tang’s ability to translate complex ecological interactions into practical IPM solutions has contributed to both the scientific community and the farming industry. His educational background, professional expertise, and robust research portfolio illustrate a lifelong dedication to improving agricultural practices through science and innovation. Tang’s leadership in collaborative research initiatives and his mentorship of emerging scientists ensure that his influence will continue through the next generation of entomologists. With a forward-thinking approach to global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, Tang remains at the forefront of ecological pest management. His work promotes environmentally responsible farming while safeguarding crop yields, thus playing a critical role in achieving sustainable development goals. As he continues to pioneer new strategies in pest control and agricultural ecology, Dr. Fushun Tang stands out as a leading figure in entomological science and an advocate for the harmonious coexistence of agriculture and nature.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Effect of Synthesis Process on ZSM-5 Morphology from Non-ferrous Metal Tailings
    Authors: Yu, Jingwei; Yue, Xinyu; Zhang, Han; Liao, Wannian; Tang, Fushun
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Improvement of NO Selective Capture in Flue Gas by Structural Modification of Amine-Based Ni-AIP MOF
    Authors: Zhang, Han; Wang, Sisi; Ban, Jingshu; Ruan, Le; Tang, Fushun
    Year: 2025

  1. Title: High-performance carboxymethyl starch/PVA based intelligent packaging films engineered with Cu-Trp nanocrystal as functional compatibilizer
    Authors: Xu, Ruoyi; Xia, Lijun; Tang, Qun; Li, Heping; Zou, Zhiming
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 21