Dr. Rutu Patel earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Sankalchand Patel University, India, in 2023, specializing in the development of cracking catalysts. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Ganpat University, a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, and an M.S. in Polymer Chemistry from Pittsburg State University. Her research focuses on developing sustainable materials through green chemistry, advanced polymer design, and catalytic innovation. She focuses on synthesizing bio-based polymers from renewable feedstocks and on recycling and upcycling plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition, she investigates electrocatalysts for clean energy technologies, including hydrogen production, batteries, and fuel cells. The overarching aim of her work is to replace petroleum-derived polymers, minimize plastic waste, and accelerate the transition toward renewable energy and carbon neutrality. Dr. Patel’s research has broad applications across coatings, adhesives, elastomers, foams, sealants, and clean energy systems, contributing to both environmental sustainability and advanced materials performance. She has published multiple research papers and book chapters in reputed journals and is passionate about mentoring students, fostering curiosity, and supporting their growth as future scientists.

Ajay Kumar is a dedicated and aspiring Graduate Research Assistant at the National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA), currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Materials Science at Pittsburg State University, Kansas, USA. He earned his Bachelor of Science with a triple major in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Kurukshetra University, Haryana, India. Before joining graduate school, Ajay worked as an elementary school teacher in India, where he developed strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills. At NIMA, his research focuses on bio-based polymer materials, particularly non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs), to develop sustainable coatings and adhesives. He has also gained experience in battery materials research during his academic training. Ajay is skilled in advanced research techniques, including NMR, SEM, FTIR, tensile testing, and high-pressure autoclave reactor operations. Driven by curiosity and innovation, he is known for his teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving approach. Ajay aspires to build a career in scientific research, contributing to sustainable materials, energy storage technologies, and advanced material engineering to support global technological advancement.

Dr. Mayankkumar Chaudhary earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Sankalchand Patel University, India, in 2023, focusing on cracking catalysts. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya (India), and an M.S. in Polymer Chemistry from Pittsburg State University (USA). He is currently a Research Scientist at the National Institute for Materials Advancement, where he develops bio-based polymer materials for adhesives, coatings, and sustainable applications. His research also involves the synthesis of catalysts and electrochemical materials. Dr. Chaudhary has published over 21 papers in high-impact journals, authored more than 20 book chapters, and completed two books, including a self-authored and edited ACS volume on non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU). He received the SHODH Award from the Government of Gujarat, India, for research excellence. During his doctoral work, he supervised 70 graduate students and guided 17 M.Sc. students in polymer chemistry. His research interests include bio-based polyurethanes, non-isocyanate polymers, and catalyst design for energy applications to advance sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact.

Dr. Ram Gupta, Associate Vice President for Research and Support and Professor of Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, is among the world’s leading scientists, ranked in the top 2% globally by Stanford University. His multidisciplinary research spans semiconducting materials, biopolymers, flame-retardant polymers, and green energy systems involving nanostructured materials and conducting polymers. Dr. Gupta’s expertise also includes electrocatalysts, optoelectronic, and photovoltaic devices, making him a versatile contributor to modern materials science. He has published over 320 peer-reviewed papers, received 11,400+ citations, and holds an h-index of 61 and an i10-index of 233. He has delivered over 530 presentations worldwide and actively mentors researchers, supervising 12 Ph.D./PostDoc scholars, 90 M.S. students, and 66 undergraduate and high school projects. A prolific author, he has written 120+ book chapters and edited 70+ books with publishers such as ACS, CRC, Springer, and Elsevier. His leadership extends to organizing international conferences and securing several million dollars in research and educational funding. Through his groundbreaking work and mentorship, Dr. Gupta continues to advance innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in materials science and chemistry.