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 

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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

Vassilios Sikavitsas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vassilios Sikavitsas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Professor at University of Oklahoma, United States

Professor Vassilios I. Sikavitsas is a distinguished researcher and educator in biomedical and chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo and postdoctoral experience at Rice University, his work focuses on tissue engineering, cancer therapeutics, and bioreactor technologies. He has authored numerous high-impact publications and holds patents related to bone tissue engineering and scaffold design. Recognized multiple times as Best Professor by chemical engineering students, he has also mentored award-winning graduate researchers. His research bridges fundamental science and clinical application, notably in cancer exosome-based therapies and dynamic in vitro tumor models. Sikavitsas actively contributes to the scientific community through editorial board service and memberships in leading professional societies such as AIChE, BMES, and TERMIS. His commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, student development, and translational impact positions him as a leading figure in his field and a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

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Education

Professor Vassilios I. Sikavitsas holds a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering. He earned his Ph.D. (2000) and M.S. (1995) in Chemical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he built his expertise in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Prior to his graduate studies in the United States, he obtained a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1991. His educational trajectory reflects a progressive focus on biomedical applications within engineering, which laid the groundwork for his future research in regenerative medicine and bioreactor technologies. This combination of classical chemical engineering training and biomedical specialization has enabled him to operate at the intersection of engineering and life sciences, a hallmark of his interdisciplinary research. The international scope of his education also contributes to his broad perspective on engineering challenges and biomedical innovation.

Professional Experience

Professor Sikavitsas has built a distinguished academic career at the University of Oklahoma, where he currently serves as a Professor in the School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and is affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology. He joined the university as an Assistant Professor in 2002 and was progressively promoted to Associate Professor in 2008 and Full Professor in 2015. His academic journey began with a postdoctoral research appointment in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University from 2000 to 2002, where he deepened his expertise in tissue engineering. Throughout his academic appointments, he has established a dynamic and productive research laboratory, collaborated across disciplines, and contributed significantly to curriculum development in bioengineering. In addition to his academic duties, he serves on editorial boards and remains active in professional societies, enhancing his engagement with the broader scientific and engineering communities.

Research Interest

Professor Sikavitsas’s research is centered around tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and bioreactor design. He specializes in the development of 3D biomimetic scaffolds, dynamic in vitro tumor models, and bone tissue constructs using advanced flow perfusion systems. His work investigates the role of mechanical stimulation and surface modifications in cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. In recent years, he has expanded into cutting-edge cancer research, exploring exosome-based drug delivery systems and tumor-immune interactions. His interdisciplinary projects bridge chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications, contributing to both fundamental understanding and clinical translation. Notable innovations include US patents on scaffold technology and tissue construct production. With an emphasis on bioreactor modeling and oxygen transport optimization, his work has practical implications in both regenerative therapies and anti-cancer strategies. His lab’s ability to combine experimental and computational methods distinguishes his contributions in the field of biomedical engineering.

Award and Honor

Professor Sikavitsas has received numerous awards and recognitions that reflect his excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship. He has been honored multiple times as the “Best Chemical Engineering Professor” by senior undergraduate students at the University of Oklahoma, recognizing his dedication to teaching and student engagement. As a research advisor, he has mentored students who have won prestigious accolades, including the Biomedical Engineering Society’s Best Dissertation Award and several Best Poster Awards at regional and national conferences. His achievements are further highlighted by multiple editorial board appointments in respected journals like the Journal of Functional Biomaterials and Scientifica (tissue engineering section). Additionally, his professional affiliations with AIChE, BMES, the Biomaterials Society, and TERMIS underscore his standing in the scientific community. These recognitions demonstrate his well-rounded excellence as a researcher, educator, and mentor, making him a strong role model and leader in his academic field.

Conclusion

Professor Vassilios I. Sikavitsas is a highly accomplished researcher and educator whose work bridges chemical engineering and biomedical science. His academic background, combined with over two decades of professional experience, has positioned him as a leader in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer therapeutic research. His innovative work on bioreactors, scaffolds, and cancer exosomes has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, patents, and awards. Equally committed to mentorship and education, he has been recognized for excellence in teaching and for guiding students toward national-level accolades. His involvement in editorial boards and leading scientific societies demonstrates a commitment to the advancement of science and engineering at large. Professor Sikavitsas’s sustained contributions to both research and academic service, along with his interdisciplinary impact, make him a compelling candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award. His career reflects a balance of innovation, collaboration, and academic leadership.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Fluid flow increases mineralized matrix deposition in 3D perfusion culture of marrow stromal osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner
    Authors: GN Bancroft, VI Sikavitsas, J Van Den Dolder, TL Sheffield, CG Ambrose, et al.
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 901

  • Title: Biomaterials and bone mechanotransduction
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, JS Temenoff, AG Mikos
    Year: 2001
    Citations: 815

  • Title: Mineralized matrix deposition by marrow stromal osteoblasts in 3D perfusion culture increases with increasing fluid shear forces
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, GN Bancroft, HL Holtorf, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 595

  • Title: Formation of three‐dimensional cell/polymer constructs for bone tissue engineering in a spinner flask and a rotating wall vessel bioreactor
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, GN Bancroft, AG Mikos
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 541

  • Title: Design of a flow perfusion bioreactor system for bone tissue-engineering applications
    Authors: GN Bancroft, VI Sikavitsas, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 529

  • Title: In vitro generated extracellular matrix and fluid shear stress synergistically enhance 3D osteoblastic differentiation
    Authors: N Datta, QP Pham, U Sharma, VI Sikavitsas, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 521

  • Title: Effect of flow perfusion on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells cultured on starch‐based three‐dimensional scaffolds
    Authors: ME Gomes, VI Sikavitsas, E Behravesh, RL Reis, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 468

  • Title: Effect of bone extracellular matrix synthesized in vitro on the osteoblastic differentiation of marrow stromal cells
    Authors: N Datta, HL Holtorf, VI Sikavitsas, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 388

  • Title: Flow perfusion enhances the calcified matrix deposition of marrow stromal cells in biodegradable nonwoven fiber mesh scaffolds
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, GN Bancroft, JJ Lemoine, MAK Liebschner, M Dauner, et al.
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 247

  • Title: Flow perfusion culture of marrow stromal osteoblasts in titanium fiber mesh
    Authors: J van den Dolder, GN Bancroft, VI Sikavitsas, PHM Spauwen, JA Jansen, et al.
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 205

  • Title: Pre‐culture period of mesenchymal stem cells in osteogenic media influences their in vivo bone forming potential
    Authors: H Castano‐Izquierdo, J Álvarez‐Barreto, J Dolder, JA Jansen, AG Mikos, et al.
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 203

  • Title: Tuning the biomimetic behavior of scaffolds for regenerative medicine through surface modifications
    Authors: NR Richbourg, NA Peppas, VI Sikavitsas
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 196

  • Title: Flow perfusion improves seeding of tissue engineering scaffolds with different architectures
    Authors: JF Alvarez-Barreto, SM Linehan, RL Shambaugh, VI Sikavitsas
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 171

  • Title: Polypyrrole thin films formed by admicellar polymerization support the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
    Authors: H Castano, EA O’Rear, PS McFetridge, VI Sikavitsas
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 158

  • Title: Influence of the in vitro culture period on the in vivo performance of cell/titanium bone tissue‐engineered constructs using a rat cranial critical size defect model
    Authors: VI Sikavitsas, J Dolder, GN Bancroft, JA Jansen, AG Mikos
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 150