Dr Nicoleta Mirela Marin | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Nicoleta Mirela Marin , National University of Science and Technology , China

Nicoleta Mirela Marin is an accomplished chemist specializing in analytical chemistry and environmental quality control. With a PhD from the University of Bucharest, her research focuses on innovative ion exchange methods and spectrometric techniques for assessing environmental pollutants. A dedicated researcher, she has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications and conference presentations. Currently, she serves as a Scientific Researcher at the National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND and as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the University Politehnica of Bucharest. Nicoleta is known for her leadership in national research projects and her commitment to disseminating scientific knowledge through peer-reviewed journals. Her interdisciplinary approach combines fundamental research with practical applications, making her a key figure in advancing environmental analytical methodologies.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Academic Background:
   • Nicoleta has a strong educational foundation with a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s, and a PhD from the University of Bucharest, focusing on Analytical Chemistry.
   • Her doctoral research led to the publication of three ISI scientific articles and presentations at numerous national and international conferences.
2. Proven Research Contributions:
   • She has published a total of 16 ISI articles, with 12 as the main author, including several in high-impact journals (Q1 and Q2).
   • Her H-index of 9 on Scopus and 8 on Web of Science, along with 181 total citations on Scopus and 92 on Web of Science, reflects her impactful research in environmental quality control and analytical methods.
3. Innovative Research Focus:
   • Her research addresses critical environmental issues, particularly the speciation of hazardous metals and the development of analytical methods for environmental monitoring.
   • The focus on eco-friendly chelating resins and natural materials for pollutant removal showcases her commitment to sustainable practices.
4. Leadership and Collaboration:
   • Nicoleta has led national research projects and collaborated on numerous others, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.
   • Her participation in interlaboratory comparison programs and active role in research teams highlight her collaborative spirit.
5. Peer Review and Editorial Roles:
   • As a guest editor for a special issue in a Q1 journal and a peer reviewer for multiple high-ranking journals, she contributes to the scientific community by ensuring the quality of published research.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Outreach:
   • While her publication record is strong, expanding her outreach efforts, such as public engagement or community education regarding environmental issues, could enhance her impact.
2. Diversity in Research Topics:
   • Exploring interdisciplinary approaches or collaborations with researchers from other fields could lead to innovative solutions and broaden her research scope.
3. Enhanced Visibility:
   • Increasing participation in public seminars or workshops could raise her profile within the community and foster more partnerships and collaborations.

Education 

Nicoleta Mirela Marin obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Bucharest in 2006. She continued her academic journey by completing a Master’s degree in the same field between 2006 and 2008. In October 2011, she embarked on her doctoral studies at the University of Bucharest’s Faculty of Chemistry, under the mentorship of Professor Irinel Adriana Badea. Her doctoral research culminated in 2019 with the defense of her thesis titled “Classic and Non-Conventional Ion Exchangers with Applications in Environmental Quality Control Methods,” for which she received her PhD title. Throughout her academic career, Nicoleta has developed a strong foundation in analytical techniques and environmental studies, further enhanced by her ongoing postdoctoral research at the University Politehnica of Bucharest, supported by the European Social Fund.

Experience

Nicoleta Mirela Marin has extensive experience in research and development, currently serving as a Scientific Researcher at the National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND in Bucharest. Her work focuses on assessing pollution levels through advanced analytical techniques such as AAS, ICP-EOS, ICP-MS, AFS, and UV-VIS spectrometry. Nicoleta has led multiple research projects aimed at developing and optimizing analytical methods for detecting inorganic pollutants in various environmental matrices, including water, soil, and waste. She has published 16 ISI-indexed articles, participated in numerous national and international conferences, and contributed to several national research projects as a leader and team member. Her role involves method validation, interlaboratory comparisons, and the dissemination of research findings, showcasing her strong analytical and project management skills in a collaborative research environment.

Research Focus 

Nicoleta Mirela Marin’s research primarily centers on analytical chemistry, particularly the development of innovative ion exchange methods for environmental quality control. Her work involves studying hazardous substances and assessing pollution levels through various spectrometric techniques. She has extensively researched the speciation of metals in soil and sediments, focusing on the determination of metals such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, and heavy metals like Cd, Pb, and Hg in environmental samples. Nicoleta’s publications highlight her contributions to the development and optimization of analytical methods for monitoring inorganic pollutants in drinking water, wastewater, and soil. She is also interested in eco-friendly materials for water treatment and the application of natural polymers for pollutant removal. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates fundamental research with practical applications, aiming to enhance environmental monitoring and remediation strategies.

Publications Top Notes

1. A New Approach of Complexing Polymers Used for the Removal of Cu2+ Ions 🧪
2. Preparation of Eco-Friendly Chelating Resins and Their Applications for Water Treatment 🌍
3. New Chelate Resins Prepared with Direct Red 23 for Cd2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ Removal 🌊
4. Maize Stalk Obtained after Acid Treatment and Its Use for Simultaneous Removal of Cu2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Cr3+ and Fe3+ 🌾
5. Natural and Synthetic Polymers Modified with Acid Blue 113 for Removal of Cr3+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ 🧬
6. Removal of procainamide and lidocaine on Amberlite XAD7HP resin and of As(V), Pb(II) and Cd(II) on the impregnated resin for water treatment 💧
7. Maize stalk material for on-site treatment of highly polluted leachate and mine wastewater 🚰
8. Application of Amberlite IRA 402 Resin Adsorption and Laccase Treatment for Acid Blue 113 Removal from Aqueous Media 🧴
9. APPLICATION OF AMBERLITE XAD 2 RESIN FOR TEXTILE DYE REMOVAL 🧵
10. Assessment of heavy metals contamination in groundwater sources from Ialomita County 🔍
11. Water Quality Index, a Useful Tool for Evaluation of Danube River Raw Water 🚣
12. Synergistic Methodology Based on Ion Exchange and Biodegradation Mechanisms Applied for Metal Complex Dye Removal from Waste Waters 🏞️

Conclusion

Nicoleta Mirela Marin exhibits a strong blend of academic prowess, impactful research, and leadership qualities that make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to addressing environmental challenges through innovative methods and her substantial contributions to the scientific community position her as a deserving recipient of this recognition. Encouraging her to expand her outreach and interdisciplinary collaborations could further amplify her impact and enhance her already impressive profile.