OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Prof. Chi-Hsien Huang
Prof. Chi-Hsien Huang is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as the Director of the Center for Plasma and Thin Film Technologies and the Head of the Department of Materials Engineering at Ming Chi University of Technology in Taiwan. With a PhD in Applied Chemistry from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, his expertise lies at the intersection of nanomaterials synthesis and advanced bio/chemical sensing technologies. His research focuses on the development of high-performance sensors, including field-effect transistors and electrochemical platforms, utilizing innovative materials such as graphene, carbon quantum dots, and metal-organic frameworks.
Beyond his university leadership roles, Prof. Huang is an active figure in the scientific community, currently serving as the Vice President of the Carbon Society of Taiwan. His recent work includes pioneering projects on laser-induced 3D graphene and its applications for portable electrochemical biosensors, specifically targeting biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. A prolific author, his research is frequently featured in top-tier journals such as Biosensors and Bioelectronics and Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, highlighting his contributions to ultrasensitive diagnostic tools and flexible electronic interfaces.
Prof. Kapil Gupta
Prof. Kapil Gupta is a Full Professor at the University of Johannesburg with fifteen years of experience in mechanical and industrial engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Advanced Manufacturing, alongside a Master’s in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, he has completed specialized programs in higher education and Artificial Intelligence (4IR). His research focus includes advanced machining, sustainable manufacturing, precision engineering, and Industry 4.0. He is a C-rated researcher by South Africa’s National Research Foundation and a member of the South African Young Academy of Science.
An accomplished author, Prof. Gupta has edited or authored 20 international books and published over 150 articles in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals. His literary contributions cover topics such as hybrid machining, gear manufacturing, and spark erosion. He also serves as an editor for two CRC Press book series and holds editorial positions at seven international journals, including associate editor roles for IMechE’s Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering. His work has earned him several awards, including best paper and people’s choice honors.
Prof. Gupta has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship, supervising 9 PhD students, 18 Master students, and hosting 5 postdoctoral fellows. He has secured funding for major projects from the Royal Academy of Engineering and the National Research Foundation. Notably, he developed a virtual lab for manufacturing engineering to enhance teaching and learning. He is a registered Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa and maintains active memberships in both the South African Institution of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering.