Luca Montaina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luca Montaina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Post-Doc at CNR-IMM, Italy

Dr. Luca Montaina is a materials scientist with a PhD in Chemical Sciences, specializing in additive manufacturing and advanced composite materials. His research focuses on the development of conductive and biodegradable polymer composites for applications in flexible electronics and sensing technologies. Currently a research fellow at the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, he has contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects involving 3D printing, machine learning, and sustainable materials. Dr. Montaina has published extensively in high-impact journals, showcasing innovative work on electroconductive hydrogels, biodegradable substrates, and smart sensing platforms. He has presented his research at leading national and international conferences and served as a grant reviewer for Poland’s National Science Center. With a strong academic background and a growing international presence, Dr. Montaina demonstrates exceptional promise as a researcher at the intersection of materials science, bioelectronics, and sustainability, making him a valuable contributor to the advancement of next-generation technologies.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Luca Montaina holds a solid academic background in materials science and chemical sciences. He earned his PhD in Chemical Sciences from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (2020–2024), with a thesis focused on the development of conductive composite materials through vat photopolymerization 3D printing for advanced flexible electronics. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Technology from the same university in 2020, graduating with top honors (110/110 cum laude) for his thesis on bio-ink development for scaffold fabrication via 3D printing. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science in 2016, with a thesis on hydrogen absorption measurement systems. To broaden his technical skills, he completed several online certifications in additive manufacturing, machine learning, and circuit design. His education blends chemistry, physics, and engineering, forming a strong interdisciplinary foundation for his research in advanced and sustainable materials.

Professional Experience

Dr. Montaina’s professional experience centers on advanced materials research with a focus on additive manufacturing and flexible electronics. He is currently a research fellow at the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM) of the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy. His most recent work (2025–present) involves the use of additive manufacturing techniques to fabricate biodegradable substrates and active layers for sensing applications. In his prior fellowship at CNR-IMM (2024–2025), he worked on interdisciplinary projects involving 3D printing, machine learning, and biodegradable microelectronics. During his PhD (2020–2024), he collaborated closely with researchers from multiple scientific domains and also contributed to academic life by tutoring undergraduate students in General Chemistry. In each of these roles, Dr. Montaina has demonstrated hands-on expertise in photopolymerization, composite fabrication, and material characterization, positioning himself as a promising contributor to advanced materials research at both national and international levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Luca Montaina’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, additive manufacturing, and bioelectronics. His primary focus is on developing innovative polymer composites that are flexible, conductive, and biodegradable—materials that are well-suited for use in next-generation sensing platforms, wearable devices, and biomedical engineering. He is particularly interested in leveraging vat photopolymerization and stereolithographic 3D printing to engineer materials with tailored mechanical and electrical properties. His work also explores the integration of machine learning techniques for spectroscopic sensing and smart diagnostics. Additionally, Dr. Montaina has investigated green and sustainable materials for applications such as dental aligners and cardiac tissue scaffolds. His research has practical relevance in areas such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and soft electronics. With a strong drive toward sustainable innovation and multidisciplinary approaches, Dr. Montaina is pushing the boundaries of how smart materials can be designed, fabricated, and applied in real-world technologies.

Award and Honor

Although still in the early stages of his research career, Dr. Luca Montaina has already gained recognition through multiple notable achievements. His academic excellence is evident from his graduation with honors in both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He has actively participated in prestigious international conferences, delivering oral presentations at events such as FISMAT 2025 and the AIV XXVI Conference, and receiving acceptance for numerous poster contributions. A significant distinction includes his selection as a reviewer for Stage 2 grant evaluations for Poland’s National Science Center (NCN), a role that reflects the scientific community’s trust in his expertise. Additionally, he has contributed as a tutor for undergraduate chemistry courses, highlighting his dedication to academic mentorship. These early recognitions, combined with his robust publication record and growing international presence, signify Dr. Montaina’s potential to become a leading voice in the field of advanced functional materials and sustainable technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Luca Montaina represents a dynamic and impactful early-career researcher in the field of materials science, with particular expertise in additive manufacturing and flexible, biodegradable electronic materials. His academic foundation is distinguished by top-tier performance and interdisciplinary training, while his professional experience at the National Research Council of Italy underscores his ability to contribute meaningfully to collaborative, high-impact projects. With research spanning smart sensing platforms, sustainable composites, and machine-learning-integrated diagnostics, he demonstrates both technical excellence and visionary thinking. His impressive list of publications, conference engagements, and grant reviewing activities reflect a researcher committed not only to scientific advancement but also to community and knowledge dissemination. As he continues to develop his independent research identity, Dr. Montaina stands out as a promising candidate for prestigious research honors and awards. His trajectory points toward meaningful contributions to both scientific innovation and societal advancement through technology and sustainability.

Publications Top Notes

1. Toward a User‑Accessible Spectroscopic Sensing Platform for Beverage Recognition Through K‑Nearest Neighbors Algorithm

  • Authors: Luca Montaina; Elena Palmieri; Ivano Lucarini; Luca Maiolo; Francesco Maita

  • Year: 2025

2. Enhanced Response of ZnO Nanorod‑Based Flexible MEAs for Recording Ischemia‑Induced Neural Activity in Acute Brain Slices

  • Authors: José Ignacio Del Rio De Vicente; Valeria Marchetti; Ivano Lucarini; Elena Palmieri; Davide Polese; Luca Montaina; Francesco Maita; Jan Kriska; Jana Tureckova; Miroslava Anderova; Luca Maiolo

  • Year: 2025

3. Towards Green Dentistry: Evaluating the Potential of 4D Printing for Sustainable Orthodontic Aligners with a Reduced Carbon Footprint

  • Authors: Elena Palmieri; Luca Montaina; Denise Bellisario; Ivano Lucarini; Francesco Maita; Martina Ielmini; Maria Elena Cataldi; Loredana Cerroni; Roberta Condò; Luca Maiolo

  • Year: 2024

4. Electrically Conductive Scaffolds Mimicking the Hierarchical Structure of Cardiac Myofibers

  • Authors: A. Ul Haq; L. Montaina; F. Pescosolido; F. Carotenuto; F. Trovalusci; F. De Matteis; E. Tamburri; P. Di Nardo

  • Year: 2023

5. Engineered Surface for High Performance Electrodes on Paper

  • Authors: Elena Palmieri; Luca Montaina; Giuseppina Polino; Matteo Bonomo; Gioele Giordanengo; Claudia Barolo; Gaio Paradossi; Francesca Brunetti; Emanuela Tamburri; Silvia Orlanducci

  • Year: 2023

6. A Sustainable Hydroxypropyl Cellulose‑Nanodiamond Composite for Flexible Electronic Applications

  • Authors: E. Palmieri; F. Pescosolido; L. Montaina; R. Carcione; G. Petrella; D.O. Cicero; E. Tamburri; S. Battistoni; S. Orlanducci

  • Year: 2022

7. Three‑Dimensional‑Printed PEGDA‑Polyaniline Composites by In Situ Aniline Photopolymerization: An Innovative Biomaterial for Electrocardiogram Monitoring Systems

  • Authors: L. Montaina; R. Carcione; F. Pescosolido; M. Montalto; S. Battistoni; E. Tamburri

  • Year: 2022

8. PANI‑Modified Ti‑Doped CVD Diamond As Promising Conductive Platform to Mimic Bioelectricity Functions

  • Authors: S. Politi; S. Battistoni; R. Carcione; L. Montaina; S. Macis; S. Lupi; E. Tamburri

  • Year: 2021

9. Beyond the Concepts of Nanocomposite and 3D Printing: PVA and Nanodiamonds for Layer‑by‑Layer Additive Manufacturing

  • Authors: M. Angjellari; E. Tamburri; L. Montaina; M. Natali; D. Passeri; M. Rossi; M.L. Terranova

  • Year: 2017

YI-CHENLEE | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. YI-CHENLEE | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Department of Seafoo d Science, National Kaohsiung University of Scienc e an d Technology, Kaohsiung,Taiwan

Associate Profes李憶甄 (Lee, Yi Chen) is an Associate Professor at the Department of Aquatic Food Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST), Taiwan. She also serves as the Vice Director of Research and Development at NKUST’s Water Circle College. With a focus on food science, especially in food safety, preservation, and sensory analysis, Dr. Lee has a strong academic and industry background. She completed her Ph.D. in Food Science from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, after earning her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. Her research interests include the development of innovative food technologies to enhance food quality, safety, and shelf life. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with various researchers and institutions, contributing to numerous high-impact publications in food science and technology.sor,Department of Seafoo d Science, National Kaohsiung University of Scienc e an d Technology, Kaohsiung,Taiwan

Profile 

Scopus

Education 

Dr. Lee earned her Ph.D. in Food Science from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, between 2010 to 2015. Prior to that, she completed her M.S. in Aquatic Food Science from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (2008-2010), and her B.S. in Aquatic Food Science from the same institution (2004-2008). Her academic journey in food science, with a focus on aquatic food products, laid the foundation for her expertise in food safety, preservation, and sensory analysis. The combination of a strong theoretical education and hands-on research in these areas has driven her career forward as a professor and researcher in food technology. Her commitment to academic excellence has also been evident in her role in mentoring students and guiding emerging scholars in her field.

Experience 

Dr. Lee has a diverse career blending academia and industry. She is currently an Associate Professor at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, where she also serves as Vice Director of Research and Development at the Water Circle College since 2016. Before her tenure at NKUST, Dr. Lee worked in various industry roles, including Deputy Manager in Quality Management at Everlight Biotech, Research and Development Manager at Zhen Yi Food Co., and Lecturer at multiple universities, including Chang Jung Christian University and National Taitung University. Her industry experience has enriched her academic research, especially in food processing, quality control, and product innovation. Additionally, her prior role as a Lecturer and Assistant at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (2010–2016) provided her with substantial teaching and research management experience, shaping her academic leadership.

Research Focus 

Dr. Lee’s research primarily revolves around food safety, preservation technologies, and sensory analysis. She is particularly focused on the application of high-pressure processing (HPP) and microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) technologies to extend the shelf life of food products while maintaining nutritional and sensory quality. Her work aims to improve food safety by developing innovative methods to control microbial growth in perishable products like seafood, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages. Additionally, she investigates food inspection and analysis techniques to enhance quality assurance in food production. Her research also includes the application of novel processing methods to reduce food waste and improve the sustainability of food production systems. Dr. Lee’s interdisciplinary approach has led to impactful findings in food preservation, contributing to both academic literature and real-world industry practices.

Publications

  1. Application of high-hydrostatic pressure to extend shelf life of miso-marinated escolar loins during cold storage 🐟📦
  2. Developing novel microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) technology for heating in-packaged ready-to-eat chicken breast products 🍗💡
  3. Application of novel microwave-assisted induction heating technology for extending the shelf life of ready-to-eat rice through microbial, physical, and chemical quality preservation 🍚🌡️
  4. Comparison of high-hydrostatic pressure and frozen treatments on raw freshwater clam marinated in soy sauce: Impact on microbiological and organoleptic qualities 🦪❄️
  5. Inactivation Kinetics of Foodborne Pathogens in Carrot Juice by High-Pressure Processing 🥕🔬
  6. Determining the Optimal Vacuum Frying Conditions for Silver Herring (Spratelloides gracilis) Using the Response Surface Methodology 🐟🍟
  7. Physicochemical Quality Retention during Cold Storage of Prepackaged Barramundi Meat Processed with a New Microwave-Assisted Induction Heating Technology 🐠❄️
  8. Effect of High-Pressure Processing on the Qualities of Carrot Juice during Cold Storage 🥕💧
  9. Green extraction and purification of chondroitin sulfate from jumbo squid cartilage by a novel procedure combined with enzyme, ultrasound, and hollow fiber dialysis 🦑🧬
  10. Design and Implementation of a Recommendation System for Buying Fresh Foods Online Based on Web Crawling 🍏🛒