Hanna Bandarenka | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hanna Bandarenka | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Head of Laboratory, Associate Prof at Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Belarus

Dr. Hanna Bandarenka is an accomplished researcher and Associate Professor specializing in nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for electronics, photonics, and biomedicine. With over 18 years of hands-on experience in the fabrication and characterization of plasmonic nanomaterials, Dr. Bandarenka leads the Applied Plasmonics Laboratory at the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics. Her expertise extends to developing advanced materials for applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and biosensors, showcasing her commitment to innovation in her field.

Profile

Scopus Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Bandarenka holds a Doctor of Sciences (Sc.D.) in Engineering Sciences from the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, where she specialized in Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in Electronics. She also earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences in 2014, with her credentials evaluated in the USA as equivalent to a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. Her educational journey began with a Master’s degree and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, both focused on Microelectronics.

Experience 🛠️

Throughout her career, Dr. Bandarenka has held significant positions, including her current role as the Head of the Applied Plasmonics Laboratory since 2018. She is also a Senior Research Scientist at the Institute of Advanced Materials and Technologies in Moscow. Her experience includes serving as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Arizona State University and Deputy Vice-Rector for Research and Development at BSUIR. Her diverse roles highlight her leadership in managing research teams and conducting cutting-edge investigations in nanotechnology.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Bandarenka’s research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of plasmonic nanomaterials, porous silicon, and metals for various applications, including SERS spectroscopy, biosensors, and solar cells. Her innovative work on antibacterial coatings and drug delivery systems through electroporation further emphasizes her dedication to advancing nanotechnology in both academic and practical realms.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Bandarenka has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and technology, including the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Grant in 2020, which allowed her to further her research at Arizona State University. Additionally, she has been recognized with travel grants from organizations such as the US Department of Energy and the EU Horizon 2020 program for her impactful presentations at international conferences. Her efforts in STEM education for high school students have also earned her multiple grants for outreach activities.

Publications 📚

Dr. Bandarenka has an extensive publication record. Here are some of her selected works:

  1. Exploring electron energy dependencies in the formation of surface charge on ZnO crystals
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. Photoluminescence Spectroscopy Sheds New Light on Silicon Microchip Functional Properties
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  3. Density functional theory for doped TiO2: current research strategies and advancements
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 4
  4. Excited State Calculations of Cu-Doped Anatase TiO2 (101) and (001) Nanofilms
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  5. Express formation and characterization of SERS-active substrate from a non-degradable Ag-Nb-N-O film
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2

Conclusion 📝

Dr. Hanna Bandarenka is a leading figure in nanotechnology, with a robust educational background, significant research experience, and a proven track record of impactful publications. Her commitment to advancing the field through innovative research and education continues to inspire future scientists and contribute to the global scientific community.

Nicoleta Mirela Marin | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

 

Wenjing Yang | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wenjing Yang | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate, Inner Mongolia Metal Material Research Institute, China

Wenjing Yang is a dedicated Research Associate at the Inner Mongolia Metal Material Research Institute. With a passion for materials science and engineering, she has focused her career on the welding and processing of metal materials. After earning her doctorate from Northeastern University, Wenjing has continued to innovate in her field, contributing to the advancement of materials engineering through her research and professional experience.

Profile

Scopus

Evaluation of Wenjing Yang for the “Best Researcher Award”

Strengths for the Award:

Innovative Contributions: Wenjing Yang has made significant contributions to the field of Materials Science and Engineering, particularly in the area of metal welding and processing. The development of the double-sided friction stir processing (DFSP) technique is noteworthy, as it addresses common issues in traditional friction stir processing by eliminating the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). This innovation has the potential to improve the mechanical properties of metal joints significantly.

Research Impact: The citation index of Yang’s work, particularly the articles cited 25 and 27 times, indicates a growing recognition and impact within the scientific community. The research on achieving high strength and ductility in aluminum alloys through DFSP has been well-received, reflecting the importance and relevance of the work.

Diverse Research Output: Yang has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals, including “Materials Science and Engineering A” and “Heliyon.” This demonstrates a consistent output of high-quality research in the field.

Novel Theoretical Contributions: Yang’s work on the Cavity Growth Mechanism Map (CGMM) is another highlight. This theoretical framework for understanding superplastic deformation in aluminum alloys adds depth to the understanding of material behavior under specific conditions, contributing to the broader field of materials science.

Areas for Improvement:

Citation Index: While some of Yang’s work has been well-cited, there are publications with low or no citations. Increasing the visibility and impact of these papers through better dissemination, collaboration, or focusing on trending research topics could enhance overall citation metrics.

Collaborations and Professional Engagement: The absence of documented collaborations, industry projects, and professional memberships might be seen as a gap in Yang’s profile. Building a network through collaborations and professional organizations could strengthen research impact and provide additional opportunities for innovation.

Broader Research Scope: While Yang has made significant contributions to specific areas within materials science, expanding the research scope to include interdisciplinary studies or applications in other industries could increase the relevance and applicability of the research.

Education 🎓

Wenjing Yang completed her doctoral studies at Northeastern University, specializing in Materials Science and Engineering. Her academic background has equipped her with a strong foundation in the study and application of metal materials, particularly in the context of welding and processing technologies.

Professional Experience 🏢

Since November 2021, Wenjing Yang has been working at the Inner Mongolia Metal Material Research Institute. In her role as a Research Associate, she has been instrumental in leading several key research projects. Her work primarily revolves around developing innovative methods for the welding and processing of metal materials, significantly contributing to the institute’s research output.

Research Interests 🔍

Wenjing Yang’s research interests are centered around Materials Science and Engineering, with a particular focus on welding techniques and the processing of dissimilar metals. She has proposed novel methods, such as double-sided friction stir processing (DFSP) and a multi-layer plug and bolt connection for dissimilar metal butt joints, aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties and impact resistance of metal materials.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Wenjing Yang is a candidate for the Best Researcher Award at the World Top Scientists Awards. Her innovative contributions to the field of materials engineering, particularly her work on the Cavity Growth Mechanism Map (CGMM) for aluminum alloys, have earned her recognition within the scientific community.

Publications Top Notes📚

2024Improve the impact property in a novel butt joint of Ti/Al dissimilar metals – Published in Heliyon.

2021Parametric optimization for friction stir processing in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy – Published in Materials and Manufacturing Processes.

Cited by: 25

2016Improvement of microstructure and mechanical properties of 7050-T7451 aluminum by a novel double-sided friction stir processing – Published in Materials Science Forum.

Cited by: 1

2017Achieving High Strength and Ductility in Double-Sided Friction Stir Processing 7050-T7451 Aluminum Alloy – Published in Materials Science and Engineering A.

Cited by: 27

2022Morphology Evolution of Cavity and Energy Dissipation during Superplastic Deformation of 7B04 Al-alloy – Published in Chinese Journal of Materials Research.

Cited by: 1

2024Effect of Sc on wettability of ER5356 welding wires and porosity of deposited metal – Published in ACS Omega.

Conclusion:

Wenjing Yang is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” given the innovative contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in metal welding and processing. The development of new techniques like DFSP and theoretical contributions like the CGMM demonstrate a high level of expertise and innovation. However, there is room for growth in terms of expanding research collaborations, increasing professional engagement, and improving the citation impact across all publications. With continued focus and strategic enhancements, Yang’s research could have an even greater influence on the field.

Xiangfan Fang | Materials Science | Best Research Article Award

Prof Dr. Xiangfan Fang | Materials Science | Best Research Article Award

Institut of Automotive Lightweight Design, University of Siegen, Germany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Xiangfan Fang is a distinguished professor and director of the Institute of Automotive Lightweight Design at the University of Siegen. With a robust background in materials engineering and a career spanning several prestigious institutions and companies, he has made significant contributions to the field of vehicle body and chassis lightweight design. His expertise encompasses materials engineering, manufacturing technology, and the integrative approach to vehicle lightweight design. Prof. Fang has held key roles in both academia and industry, leading innovative projects and research that have advanced the automotive sector.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Prof. Fang earned his Diplom-Ingenieur degree in Metallurgy and Metal Physics in 1987 from RWTH Aachen, followed by a Dr.-Ing. in 1992 from the same institution. His education laid the foundation for a career characterized by a deep understanding of materials science and engineering principles.

Professional Experience 🛠️

Prof. Fang’s career began as a research associate at TU Hamburg-Harburg and RWTH Aachen. He then moved into industry, working as a project engineer at Adam Opel AG, where he introduced integrative approaches to weight reduction in car bodies. At Stahlwerke Bremen GmbH, he led the first series launch of non-linear laser welded blanks in vehicles. His tenure at MAGNA COSMA Europe saw him manage product and technology development, focusing on ultrahigh-strength steels and hot-forming technologies. Since 2010, he has been a W3-Professor and director at the University of Siegen, furthering research in automotive lightweight design.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Fang’s research interests are centered around developing methods for component development in vehicles, focusing on material selection, geometric section design, and the study of material loading limits under severe stresses and strains. He also explores novel manufacturing methods for multi-material-forming and joining, and the development of advanced vehicle chassis systems for fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.

Awards 🏆

Prof. Fang has received notable accolades, including the Springgorum Medal for his distinguished Diplom and the Borchers Medal for his outstanding doctorate from RWTH Aachen. These awards highlight his academic excellence and contributions to engineering.

Publications Top Notes 📚

C. Hartig, X. F. Fang, H. Mecking, and M. Dahms, “Textures and plastic anisotropy in TiAl,” Acta Metallurgica, 1992, pp. 1883-1894. doi:10.1016/0956-7151(92)90175-e.

U. Reichel, X. F. Fang, and W. Dahl, “Nummerische Verfahren zur Fließspannungsanalyse,” Steel Research, 1991, pp. 131-136. doi:10.1002/srin.199101262.

X. F. Fang and W. Dahl, “Strain hardening and transformation mechanism of deformation-induced martensite transformation in metastable austenitic stainless steels,” Materials Science and Engineering A, 1991, pp. 189-198. doi:10.1016/0921-5093(91)90769-j.

 

 

 

Micaela Castellino | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr . Micaela Castellino | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Senior PostDoc Researcher, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Micaela Castellino, born on April 23, 1979, in Turin, Italy 🇮🇹, is a distinguished Senior PostDoc Researcher at the Applied Science and Technology Department of Polytechnic of Turin since September 2023. As the XPS lab head, she oversees the characterization of diverse surface materials, ranging from carbon-based materials to ceramics and metallic nanoparticles. Micaela’s expertise spans Experimental Physics, Material Science, and Solid State Physics, with a focus on Chemico-Physical Characterization and Surface functionalization. Her work involves cutting-edge techniques like X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), contributing to advancements in Electrical and Thermal Conductivity, Carbon-based materials, Polymer composites, Biomaterials, and Materials for Energy Harvesting and CO2 trapping. 🌐🔬👩‍🔬

Profile

linkedin

Scopus

orcid

Work Experiences

Micaela Castellino has been a trailblazer in her role as a Senior Post Doc Researcher at the Applied Science and Technology Department (DISAT) of Politecnico di Torino since September 2023. 🌟 Specializing in the study and characterization of materials for Energy Harvesting/Conversion applications and CO2 absorption and conversion, she has also been a dedicated professor for the “Nanomaterials Engineering” course for the Master’s degree in Functional Materials Engineering. Prior to this, from September 2018 to August 2023, Micaela served as an Assistant Professor at DISAT, focusing on materials for Energy Harvesting/Conversion applications and teaching the “Nanomaterials Engineering” course. 📚 Before joining Politecnico di Torino, she made significant contributions during her tenure as a Senior Post Doc Researcher at the Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia from June 2013 to August 2018. In this role, she delved into the study and characterization of nanostructured materials for energy harvesting applications, also imparting her knowledge through teaching XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) lab courses for Master’s and Ph.D. students. 👩‍🏫🔬🌍

Education

Micaela Castellino holds a Ph.D. in Fundamental & Applied Physics and Astrophysics, where her research focused on the “Study and characterization of diamond surfaces for biosensoring applications.” 🎓 During her doctoral journey, she played a pivotal role in implementing and characterizing an XPS instrument situated in the Solid State Physics Laboratory. 🛠️ Her expertise shone in Diamond Surface Characterization and Functionalization, specifically contributing to the development of nano-biosensors for the DIBIOREX Project at the NIS (Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces) Centre within the University of Turin. 🌐 The intersection of physics and biosensor technology marked a significant chapter in her academic pursuits. 👩‍🔬💎

Language

Micaela Castellino’s proficiency extends to the realms of Nuclear, SubNuclear, and Astroparticle Physics, where she has made notable contributions in the detection of cosmic rays. 🌌🔍 Her skill set is further enriched by her adeptness in C++ language programming, allowing her to navigate complex computational challenges in her research endeavors. 💻 Fluent in Italian, her mother tongue, and boasting a C1 level in English, Micaela is well-equipped for effective communication and collaboration in an international scientific context. Additionally, she possesses a foundational understanding of Spanish at an A1 level. 🇮🇹🌐🌍 This multilingual proficiency enhances her ability to engage with diverse scientific communities and contribute meaningfully to her field. 👩‍🔬📊

Publications Top Notes

 

  1. “The beneficial role of nano-sized Fe3O4 entrapped in ultra-stable Y zeolite for the complete mineralization of phenol by heterogeneous photo-Fenton under solar light”
    • Authors: Tammaro, O., Morante, N., Marocco, A., … Sannino, D., Pansini, M.
    • Journal: Chemosphere, 2023, 345, 140400
    • Citations: 2 📚
  2. “Understanding the role of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction”
    • Authors: Fortunati, A., Risplendi, F., Re Fiorentin, M., … Russo, N., Hernández, S.
    • Journal: Communications Chemistry, 2023, 6(1), 84
    • Citations: 3 📚
  3. “Decoration of laser-induced graphene with MXene and manganese oxide for fabrication of a hybrid supercapacitor”
    • Authors: Reina, M., Serrapede, M., Zaccagnini, P., … Gonzalez-Julian, J., Lamberti, A.
    • Journal: Electrochimica Acta, 2023, 468, 143163
    • Citations: 3 📚
  4. “Standardization of Cu2O nanocubes synthesis: Role of precipitation process parameters on physico-chemical and photo-electrocatalytic properties”
    • Authors: Cuatto, G., Zoli, M., Gallone, M., … Castellino, M., Hernández, S.
    • Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2023, 199, pp. 384–398
    • Citations: 1 📚
  5. “CO2 hydrogenation to methanol over Zr- and Ce-doped indium oxide”
    • Authors: Salomone, F., Sartoretti, E., Ballauri, S., … Pirone, R., Bensaid, S.
    • Journal: Catalysis Today, 2023, 423, 114023
    • Citations: 7 📚
  6. “CO2 conversion into hydrocarbons via modified Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by using bulk iron catalysts combined with zeolites”
    • Authors: Corrao, E., Salomone, F., Giglio, E., … Pirone, R., Bensaid, S.
    • Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2023, 197, pp. 449–465
    • Citations: 2 📚