Past Awardees

OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awardees for Early Career Women Scientists in the Developing World

2022

Chowdhury, Gawsia Wahidunnessa

Awarded in: Biological sciences

Specialization field: Aquatic ecology

Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka

For her work on conservation of aquatic ecosystems and threatened species in Bangladesh. In particular, she focuses on assessing the extent of and the risks from plastic pollution, which is closely linked to climate change.

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2022

González Miranda, Flor de Mayo

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Guatemala, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Environmental engineering

Lecturer and researcher, Faculty of Engineering, San Carlos University

For her work engineering better landslide prevention for vulnerable areas in Guatemala. Dr. González Miranda is investigating how specific grasses in the vetiver can help to prevent landslides. Through soil tests, X-ray diffraction, and other techniques, she has shown how the plants' roots alter the chemical, physical and mechanical behavior of the soil, reducing the speed of soil infiltration as well as soil plasticity.

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2022

Ranathunga, Ashani Savinda

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Sri Lanka, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Geotechnical engineering

Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds

For her work turning industrial and agricultural waste into anthropogenic (man-made) soil for soft ground improvement and mine rehabilitation. Her research findings enable the effective utilization of locally available waste and by-products for economical and ecofriendly construction and development projects.

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2022

Calderon, Heyddy

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Nicaragua, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Hydrology

Director, Institute of Geology and Geophysics National Autonomous University of Nicaragua-Managua

For her work to provide secure and sustainable water sources for vulnerable populations in Central America. Dr. Calderon works with local communities in dry regions to increase their capacity to cope with climate variability and climate change, as well as with decision makers and local stakeholders to help them plan and prepare for the future.

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2022

Ahmed, Abeer Ahmed Qaed

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Yemen, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Microbiology

Head of Department and Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy, Al-Saeed University

For her work on microbiology- and nanotechnology-based solutions to pressing problems such as carbon emissions, drug-resistant pathogens, and fossil fuel dependence. She has studied the use of microbes in agricultural land to increase carbon sequestration and improve soil quality, the use of microbes to convert biomass into pharmaceuticals, and the effects of environmental and nutritional conditions on microbial biological processes to inform treatment against multi-drug resistant microorganisms.

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2022

Mujawamariya, Myriam

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Rwanda, Africa

Specialization field: Tropical forest ecology and ecophysiology

Lecturer, Department of Biology, University of Rwanda

For her research on the responses of native tree species in Rwanda to climate change. Her work will inform the most effective approach to reforestation and land restoration and identify the best tree species to facilitate soil stabilization, climate regulation, biodiversity, and bioenergy.

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2021

Dushaq, Ghada

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Palestine, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Applied physics and nanotechnology

Postdoctoral researcher, Photonics Research Lab, New York University Abu Dhabi

For her work in solid state physics, applied physics, photonics and optoelectronics, nanotechnology and on optical materials and devices. She has developed a novel method for bandgap engineering using nanoindentation as a complete physical technique.

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2021

Nkansah, Marian Asantewah

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Ghana, Africa

Specialization field: Environmental chemistry

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology

For her work on contaminants in water, food, soil, and the atmosphere. Remediation techniques are needed when there is no space for prevention and this is the right response in the case where, like Ghana, countries are suffering pollution from different sources and with different nature.

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2021

Dorjgotov , Khongorzul

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Mongolia, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Financial mathematics and mathematical modeling

Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Mathematics, National University of Mongolia

For her research in fractional calculus, differential equations, special functions, invariant solutions, mathematical modeling and financial mathematics.

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2021

Cabrera Catalán , MarÍa Eugenia

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Guatemala, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Particle physics

Junior Professor, School of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, University of San Carlos of Guatemala

For her work focusing on the study of physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. In her research, she has been focusing on the phenomenological study of new physics models that propose solutions to open questions about the Higgs boson, which can help explain why the fundamental particles have mass, as well as questions about dark matter.

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2021

Munaweera, Imalka

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Sri Lanka, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Synthetic and nano-chemistry

Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

For her work in the area of synthetic chemistry and materials specially in fabricating different functionalized materials, nanoparticles, nanocomposite for various industrial applications.

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2020

Zakham, Fathiah

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Yemen, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Bioengineering and microbiology

Assistant researcher, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeidah University

For her work to improve the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis and other emerging infectious diseases, using techniques of biotechnology and bioengineering. She is working to develop rapid, accurate and cheap tools for the detection of the causal agent of TB and the control of drug-resistance TB strains, which are dramatically increasing, especially in low and middle income countries. In addition, she is using metagenomics technology to identify new zoonotic viral pathogens emerging on the Arabian peninsula, including hemorrhagic fevers.

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2020

Arrechea, Susana

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Guatemala, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Chemical engineering and nanotechnology

Affiliated Professor, School of Chemical Engineering, University San Carlos of Guatemala

For her research on the potential industrial and environmental applications of materials such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, and graphene, which can be employed in creating more sustainable building materials, in water treatment, and in solar devices and other renewable energy solutions. In addition to contributing to the development of nanotechnology in Guatemala, she is also involved in improving solar electrification, connectivity, and digital and STEM literacy in schools in rural Guatemala.

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2020

Mbogo, Chao

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Kenya, Africa

Specialization field: Computer science

Dean and Researcher/Lecturer, School of Science and Technology, Kenya Methodist University

For her work designing techniques to support students in resource-constrained environments to learn computer programming using mobile devices. Her research finds ways to circumvent limitations such as small screens and small keypads, that make it difficult for students to use mobile phones for programming in areas where computers are not easily available.

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2020

Subrina, Samia

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Bangladesh, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Electronic engineering and nanotechnology

Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

For her work modeling thermal and electronic transport in nanoscale materials and the applications of these materials in nanoscale devices, particularly on nanomaterials with high thermal conductivity that can be useful in heat mitigation. Fast, high-performance electronic devices tend to suffer from overheating, which causes performance degradation and shortens the life of the devices; Dr. Subrina is exploring how the use of high heat-carrying materials in electronic device design can provide a solution to this issue.

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2020

Ellawala Kankanamge, Champika

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Sri Lanka, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Environmental engineering

Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Ruhuna

For her work on ecosystem conservation and pollution control. Her research will help develop methods to control invasive aquatic plants in river ecosystems, by restoring shade and encouraging the natural resistance of native plants to invasive species. By understanding the behavior of aquatic plants in response to changes in environmental conditions, her research will help to control ecosystem degradation.

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2019

Mumtaz, Tabassum

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Bangladesh, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Environmental microbiology

Principal Scientific Officer, Institute of Food and Radiation Biology, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission

For her work on bioconversion of waste byproducts and biomass into more environmentally-friendly compounds.

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2019

Prasai Joshi, Tista

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Nepal, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Environmental microbiology

Scientific Officer, Environment and Climate Study Laboratory, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology

For her research in developing novel metal oxide adsorbents to remove harmful organic and inorganic arsenic compounds efficiently from water.

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2019

Shaheen, Amira

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Palestine, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Epidemiology

Assistant Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health, An-Najah University

For her work investigating health care system responses to gender-based violence in primary and reproductive health services in Palestine.

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2019

Paniagua-Zambrana, Narel

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Bolivia, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Ethnobotany

Associate Researcher, National Herbarium of Bolivia, Institute of Ecology Universidad Mayor de San Andres

For her work documenting and protecting traditional knowledge of plant use by indigenous populations and local communities, especially in Bolivia. Her work provides local populations with tools to conserve their natural resources and associated traditional knowledge.

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2019

Okomo, Uduak

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Gambia, Africa

Specialization field: Paediatrics and epidemiology

Clinical Research Fellow, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

For her work in defining routes of transmission of infections to neonates. Dr. Okomo’s research has pointed to hospital-acquired transmission rather than maternal or community acquisition, which contributes to improved control of infections and better planning of health systems and resource distribution, thereby reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality.

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2018

Naher, Hasibun

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Bangladesh, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Applied mathematics

Associate Professor, BRAC University

For her work in nonlinear partial differential equations. Dr. Naher's significant academic contributions to this field have included her most recent work on tsunami simulation and her research on travelling waves.

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2018

Fox, Dawn Iona

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Guyana, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Environmental and material chemistry

Lecturer, University of Guyana Turkeyen

For her research on converting local waste products into value-added materials to solve environmental problems, focused on improving drinking water quality for vulnerable communities and on 'water-stress' events such as floods, storms and hurricanes.

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2018

Lestari, Witri Wahyu

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Indonesia, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Organometallic and co-ordination chemistry

Junior Lecturer, Universitas Sebelas Maret

For her research on the synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks whose structures have widespread potential applications in areas such as molecular magnets, gas separation and storage, selective drug synthesis and delivery and environmental protection.

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2018

Djuidje Kenmoe, Germaine

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Cameroon, Africa

Specialization field: Physics

Lecturer, University of Yaounde 1

For her work on mechanics and the study of friction-and-wear processes on the molecular level, which has the potential for important implications in the area of energy efficiency.

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2018

González Pérez, Silvia

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Ecuador, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Theoretical and computational chemistry

Research Professor, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

For her research on hetereogenous catalysis in metal, bimetal, nanotubes and oxides. Dr. González Pérez performs molecular modelling of potential new materials that can be synthesized or purified from natural products.

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2017

Soetaredjo, Felycia Edi

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Indonesia, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Chemical engineering

Lecturer, Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya

For her research on utilizing biomass for environmental remediation and renewable energy. Dr. Soetaredjo uses biomass and clay material to produce biosorbents, adsorbents and composites, which effectively remove hazardous compounds such as antibiotics, heavy metals and dyes from wastewater.

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2017

Mokhtar, Rania Abdelhameed

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Sudan, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Computer engineering

Director of External Relations, Sudan University of Science and Technology

For her work on solutions in the field of wireless communications engineering, agriculture automation sensor networks and advanced security systems, including significant advances in the knowledge, methods, theory and application of security systems for mobile devices.

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2017

Hashem, Tanzima

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Bangladesh, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Computer science and engineering

Associate Professor, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

For her contributions to the field of spatial databases and ubiquitous computing, including computation approaches to location-based services that allow citizens to have control over their personal and sensitive data relating to their health, habits and whereabouts.

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2017

Ofori-Sarpong, Grace

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Ghana, Africa

Specialization field: Energy and minerals engineering

Associate Professor, University of Mines and Technology

For her research on microbial-mineral interaction, recovery of precious metals, water quality monitoring and acid mine drainage. Dr. Ofori-Sarpong uses fungi to break down recalcitrant gold-bearing minerals and free gold particles to enable and improve the efficiency of their extraction.

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2017

Rivera Velásquez, María Fernanda

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Ecuador, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Environmental engineering

Professor, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

For her work using the fibre of a native Ecuadorian plant (Cabuya) and reactive minerals (zeolites) taken from the region to reduce contamination in inudstrial areas. Dr. Rivera Velásquez's work has had a profound impact on the improvement of working conditions in small-scale and artisan mineral mining.

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2016

Maharjan, Sushila

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Nepal, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Biochemistry and biotechnology

For her work using soil microbes to develop medically useful chemicals. Microbes create a great number of the materials used in medicine, including antibiotics. Dr. Maharjan studies bacterial strains from the high-altitude regions of Nepal to identify substances useful for the development of new antibiotics, as well as other medically useful compounds.

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2016

Fatmawati, Sri

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Indonesia, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Bioenvironmental sciences

Assistant Professor, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember

For her work analyzing the medical and pharmaceutical potential of plant and fungi extracts normally used in herbal medicine. Dr. Fatmawati has also received the prestigious Pemenang Fellowship from the International L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, for her research analyzing substances from sponges that may lead to treatments for malaria, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

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2016

Blas, Magaly

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Peru, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Epidemiology

Associate Professor, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

For her work using information and communication technology to solve health problems, particularly sexually transmitted diseases in urban and rural Peru. Dr. Blas also leads the Mama River Programme, training community members to use smartphones to collect basic information from pregnant women and forward this information to a medical ship to schedule visits.

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2016

Al-Naqeb, Ghanya

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Yemen, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Nutritional sciences

Assistant Professor, Sana'a University

For her research using chemicals isolated from Yemeni herbal plants for disease prevention. A major focus of Dr. Al-Naqeb's work has been black cumin seeds, which are commonly used as a spice in Yemen, other Middle Eastern countries and India. Her research on these seeds has focused on their effects in protecting the heart from cardiovascular disease.

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2016

Nakimuli-Mpungu, Etheldreda

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Uganda, Africa

Specialization field: Psychiatric epidemiology

Senior Lecturer, Makerere University College of Health Sciences

For her work using psychotherapy as a treatment for depression and alcoholism in Ugandans living with HIV. Depression is a serious problem for HIV patients throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, making it more likely that those patients will stop taking their HIV-antiretroviral medications. Dr. Nakimuli-Mpungu works with service providers to integrate depression screening with HIV-treatment, as well as to include local communities in discussions of depression to help destigmatize the illness.

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2015

Salihu Saiid, Rabia

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Nigeria, Africa

Specialization field: Atmospheric physics

Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Bayero University

For her research that seeks to solve Nigerian environmental challenges, such as decreasing deforestation by turning carpenters' waste into briquettes to replace firewood. She is currently working on a government project to gather atmospheric data, and is a mentor in local and national science projects that encourage youth participation in science.

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2015

Do, Dang Thi Oanh

Awarded in: Engineering sciences

From: Vietnam, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Computational mathematics

Head of Division of Science, Thái Nguyên University of Information and Communications Technology

For her work in developing algorithms that are used to solve problems normally too complicated for computers. Her work has helped to improve the accuracy of these methods, typically used for solving problems in fields such as artifical intelligence and computer graphics.

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2015

Oluwyemisi Adeniyi, Mojisola

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Nigeria, Africa

Specialization field: Lower atmospheric physics

Head of the Atmospheric Physics/Meteorological Research Group, University of Ibadan

For her research using modelling to understand weather and climate, as well as atmospheric radioactivity, lightning and food security. Her research has shed light on when to best plant staple crops in Nigeria. She has also presented on efforts to improve the accuracy of climate models.

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2015

Eassa, Nashwa

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Sudan,

Specialization field: Material physics and nanotechnology

Assistant Professor, Al Neelain University

For her research on a type of high-speed semiconductor, focusing on how to lessen the film that accumulates on its surface and interferes with the flow of electrical current. She is also involved in a project developing methods for using solar radiation to treat water and for splitting water molecules so that hydrogen can be collected.

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2015

Usikalu, Mojisola

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Nigeria, Africa

Specialization field: Medical-radiation physics

Senior Lecturer, Covenant University

For her research on how radiation affects health, for example her finding that exposure to microwave radiation could increase anxiety and reduce sperm counts in animals. Dr. Usikalu is also active in promoting physics in her home country, participating in programmes meant to guide young women into studying university-level physics.

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2014

Badal-McCreath, Simone Ann Marie

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Jamaica, W.I., Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Biochemistry

Manger of the biochemistry lab, the Natural Products Institute at the University of the West Indies

For her work in designing a new cell culture lab to investigate the cancer-fighting properties of Jamaican natural compounds.

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2014

Abdu Dauqan, Eqbal Mohamed

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Yemen, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Biochemistry and food science

Associate Professor at the University of Agder, Norway

For her research on the antioxidant properties of vegetable oils and specialized research in sensory evaluation and organic chemistry.

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2014

Mamadalieva, Nilufar

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Uzbekistan, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Organic chemistry

Senior Scientific Researcher, Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Tashkent

For her work on the phytochemical and biological investigation of active compounds derived from medicinal plants growing in Central Asia, in particular the development of efficient nutraceuticals and the discovery of new lead compounds for the pharmaceutical industry.

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2014

Ritmaleni, Leni

Awarded in: Physical sciences

From: Indonesia, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Organic chemistry

Lecturer at the Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Gadjah Mada University

For her work in the field of organic synthesis, focusing on the development of tropical medicines, in particular improved methods for the synthesis of sulfoxides and their application in the preparation of biologically active targets.

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2014

Olayemi Elufioye, Taiwo

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Nigeria, Africa

Specialization field: Pharmacology

For her research on the medicinal properites of native Nigerian plants, in particular the effectiveness of different species in treating malaria, wounds, memory loss, leprosy and cancer.

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2013

Erdenechimeg, Namjil

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Mongolia, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Biochemistry

For her investigations of catalytically active antibodies with oxidoreductase activities from the sera of rats.

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2013

Basaleem, Huda Omer

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Yemen, Arab Countries

Specialization field: Community and public health

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Aden University

For her dedication in the fight against cancer and for the well-being of women and children in the Arab region.

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2013

Akhter, Nasima

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Bangladesh, Asia & Pacific

Specialization field: Medical sciences

For her research on fetal screening for congenital anomalies using ultrasonography and her introduction of the use of inactive iodide adjunct medication with radioiodine therapy in Graves' disease.

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2013

Gamboa, Dionicia

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Peru, Latin America & Caribbean

Specialization field: Molecular biology/parasitology

Department of Cellular and Molecular Sciences, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

For her multidisciplinary approach to fighting leishmaniasis and malaria, in particular for her studies into the molecular epidemiology of these diseases in endemic regions.

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2013

Fred-Jaiyesimi, Adediwura

Awarded in: Biological sciences

From: Nigeria, Africa

Specialization field: Pharmacognosy

Department of Pharmacognosy, Olabisi Onabanjo University

For her work on the medicinal uses of plants, particularly her research on antidiabetic properties of plants including the hypoglycaemic and a-amylase-inhibitory activities of the extracts of two local plant species.

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