Zoha Afzal | Thermoelectric Materials | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Zoha Afzal | Thermoelectric Materials | Women Researcher Award

Student at Institute of Space Technology Islamabad, Pakistan.

Zoha Afzal is a dedicated researcher in condensed matter physics with expertise in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and thermoelectric materials βš›οΈ. She holds an MSc in Physics (Cum Laude) from the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad πŸŽ“, where she focused on simulating thermoelectric properties of Sr-doped LaCoO₃. As a research assistant at the Condensed Matter Physics Lab, she has contributed to high-impact studies on energy harvesting and flexible thermoelectric materials πŸ”¬. Zoha has attended renowned international conferences, including ICTP Winter College, Italy, and has multiple research publications πŸ“š.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for Women Researcher Award – Zoha Afzal

Zoha Afzal is an outstanding candidate for the Women Researcher Award, given her pioneering work in condensed matter physics, particularly in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and thermoelectric materials. Her research focuses on energy harvesting solutions, making impactful contributions to sustainable energy applications. As a Research Assistant at the Condensed Matter Physics Lab, she has co-authored multiple high-impact publications, participated in prestigious international conferences, and demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific outreach and leadership in STEM fields.

Education & Experience

πŸ“š Education:

  • πŸŽ“ MSc in Physics – Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad (2021–2023) (Cum Laude)

  • πŸŽ“ BSc in Physics – COMSATS University, Islamabad (2017–2021)

πŸ”¬ Experience:

  • πŸ›οΈ Research Assistant – Condensed Matter Physics Lab, IST Islamabad

    • πŸ“‘ Literature reviews & data analysis

    • πŸ“Š Collaborating with senior researchers

    • πŸ“‘ Reporting project findings

Professional Development

Zoha Afzal actively enhances her scientific expertise through participation in prestigious international conferences and workshops 🌍. She attended the ICTP Winter College in Italy to deepen her understanding of optics and metamaterials πŸ”¬. Her engagement in national and international seminars reflects her commitment to advancing research in thermoelectric materials and perovskite properties ⚑. Zoha also promotes scientific outreach, serving as a student ambassador for the State Bank of Pakistan and IGN πŸ›οΈ. Her role in the Asia Youth International MUN (AYIMUN) highlights her leadership and advocacy for women in STEM πŸš€.

Research Focus

Zoha Afzal specializes in Condensed Matter Physics, with a strong emphasis on Density Functional Theory (DFT), thermoelectric materials, and nanotechnology βš›οΈ. Her research explores the development of energy-efficient materials, focusing on Sr-doped LaCoO₃ and CNT-based flexible thermoelectric materials 🌑️. She aims to improve energy harvesting solutions for sustainable applications ⚑. Zoha’s work contributes to renewable energy, electronic materials, and device optimization, making significant advancements in materials science for optoelectronics and thermoelectric applications πŸ”‹.

Awards & Honors

πŸ† Merit-Based University Scholarship – 3rd Position in MSc Physics, IST Islamabad
β˜€οΈ Merit-Based Prime Minister Scheme – Awarded a solar panel by the Government of Punjab

Publication Top Notes

πŸ“„ Density Functional Theory (DFT) perspectives of thermoelectric transportation in Sr-doped LaCoO3 – Next Materials πŸ“… 2025 πŸ” Cited by: 1

Sajid Khan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Sajid Khan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D Scholar at University of Science & Technology Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,Β 

Sajid Khan is a seasoned physicist specializing in condensed matter physics, with a focus on superconductors and thermoelectric materials. He has an extensive academic background, marked by multiple publications in high-impact journals, and proficiency in advanced simulation tools such as Wien2k and Matlab. His research spans Zintl compounds, 2D materials, and heterogeneous catalysis. With years of experience as an assistant professor and researcher, Sajid has demonstrated excellence in both teaching and mentoring. He seeks to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in material science, leveraging his interdisciplinary expertise to explore innovative solutions in physics and engineering.

πŸ“š Profile

Scopus

πŸŽ“ Education

Sajid Khan holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan (2017-2020), where he specialized in thermoelectric properties of Zintl compounds using DFT-based methods. He earned an M.Phil. in Physics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (2007-2009), with research focused on superconductors, and an M.Sc. in Physics from the same university (2005-2007). His academic journey began with a B.Sc. from Gomal University, D.I. Khan (2002-2004), and F.Sc. from Govt. Postgraduate College, Bannu, demonstrating consistent academic excellence throughout.

πŸ’Ό Experience

Sajid Khan’s professional experience includes over a decade of teaching and research in physics. Since 2010, he has served as an Assistant Professor at Government Degree College, Domel, Bannu, teaching undergraduate physics and supervising lab experiments. From 2017 onwards, he has also worked as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Science and Technology, Bannu, focusing on simulations and data analysis in condensed matter physics. Earlier, he was a Research Associate at Quaid-i-Azam University (2008-2009), conducting groundbreaking research in superconductivity under the mentorship of esteemed physicists.

πŸ”¬ Research Interests

Sajid Khan’s research interests encompass a wide array of topics within condensed matter physics and materials science. His primary focus is on the thermoelectric properties of Zintl compounds, along with structural, electronic, and magnetic characteristics of perovskites. He has a keen interest in surface physics, gas sensors, nanomaterials, and heterogeneous catalysis. His expertise in Density Functional Theory (DFT) allows him to explore the fundamental electronic properties of advanced materials. Sajid’s research seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and practical applications in energy-efficient and advanced materials.

πŸ† Awards and Honors

Sajid Khan has been recognized for his academic and research excellence throughout his career. He was awarded a Merit Scholarship during his M.Phil. studies at Quaid-i-Azam University (2007-2009). In 2019, he received the Best Poster Presentation award at the University of Science and Technology, Bannu, acknowledging his contributions to thermoelectric materials research. Earlier, he earned a merit scholarship during his F.Sc. studies (2000-2001). These accolades highlight his commitment to advancing the field of physics and reflect his consistent performance in both academic and research endeavors.

πŸ”š Conclusion

Sajid Khan is a dedicated researcher with an impressive track record in condensed matter physics and materials science, particularly thermoelectric materials. His research, publication record, and teaching experience make him a solid candidate for awards focused on scientific achievement. However, for the Best Researcher Award, additional elements such as broader international recognition, leadership in larger research initiatives, and demonstrated real-world impact would make his case even stronger. Based on his current profile, he would be a competitive contender, but there may be stronger candidates if these elements are missing.

Publications Top Notes πŸ“š

    • Effect of cations on the structural, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of AMgβ‚‚Nβ‚‚ (A = Yb, Sm, Eu) Zintl compounds; An ab-initio study
      Authors: Usman, T., Khan, S., Khan, D.F., Khan, S.A., Li, X.
      Year: 2025
      Citations: 0
      πŸ“˜βš›οΈπŸ’‘
    • Selective-wavelength perfect infrared absorption in Ag@ZnO conical metamaterial structure
      Authors: Faisal, M., Ur Rahman, A., Khan, S., Bourhia, M., Younous, Y.A.
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 0
      πŸ“‘πŸ”¬βœ¨
    • Interaction of Hβ‚‚S with perfect and O-covered Pd(100) surface: A first-principles study
      Authors: Usman, T., Ilyas, A., Khan, S.A., Alotaibi, M.A., Tan, M.-Q.
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 0
      βš—οΈπŸ”πŸŒ±
    • First-principles study of structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of rare earth-based perovskites XAlO₃ (X = Sm, Eu, Gd)
      Authors: Usman, T., Ali Khan, S., Khan, S., Liaqat, K., Hanif, M.
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 1
      πŸ”¬πŸ“ŠπŸŒ
    • First-principles investigation of structural, electronic and thermoelectric properties of SmMgβ‚‚Xβ‚‚ (X = P, As, Sb, Bi) Zintl compounds
      Authors: Khan, S., Khan, D.F., Usman, T., Ashraf, M.W., Ilyas, A.
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 2
      πŸ§ͺπŸ”ŒπŸ“ˆ
    • Electronic and Thermoelectric Properties of Yb²⁺-Doped Cubic Perovskite CsCaCl₃: A First-Principles Study
      Authors: Rahman, A.U., Khan, R., Jabeen, N., Alanazi, Y.M., Abdul, M.
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 0
      πŸ“‰πŸ”‹πŸ”
    • Electronic and thermoelectric properties of YbMgβ‚‚Xβ‚‚ (X = P, As, Sb, Bi) Zintl compounds by first-principles method
      Authors: Khan, S., Khan, D.F., Neffati, R., Jan, S.U., Murtaza, G.
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 11
      πŸ“‘πŸŒπŸ§©
    • First-principle insight into the structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties of Cs-based double perovskites Csβ‚‚XCrCl₆ (X = K, Na)
      Authors: Al-Humaidi, J.Y., Ullah, A., Khan, N.U., Refat, M.S., Zaman, A.
      Year: 2023
      Citations: 21
      πŸ›οΈπŸ“˜πŸ”¬