Mariachiara Spennato | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Mariachiara Spennato | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Post-doc research fellow| University of Bologna | Italy

Dr. Mariachiara Spennato is an accomplished chemist specializing in sustainable materials and biocatalysis. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Trieste, where her doctoral research focused on the sustainable valorization of biomass using chemo-enzymatic approaches. Currently, she is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bologna, contributing to the H2020 PRESERVE project, which addresses enzymatic recycling and the development of advanced bio-based polymers. Her career reflects a strong commitment to green chemistry, biotechnology, and polymer science, with a clear emphasis on advancing circular bioeconomy solutions. Dr. Spennato has gained international exposure through her Short-Term Scientific Mission under the COST Action, where she applied computational approaches to enzyme characterization. She has authored peer-reviewed publications, engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations, and worked closely with industrial partners. With expertise spanning enzyme immobilization, polymer development, and plastic upcycling, she stands out as a promising young scientist dedicated to sustainable chemical innovation.

Professional Profiles

Dr. Spennato pursued her higher education in Chemistry with dedication and excellence. She completed her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Trieste, where she carried out innovative research on biomass valorization through chemo-enzymatic methods. Her doctoral studies provided her with a strong foundation in biocatalysis, enzyme immobilization, and the application of sustainable technologies in material science. During this period, she focused on integrating biotechnology and chemistry to develop processes that could reduce environmental impact while creating functional, renewable materials. Her training also included exposure to advanced analytical techniques and computational methods, preparing her to tackle complex scientific challenges. The interdisciplinary nature of her PhD research not only enhanced her technical expertise but also strengthened her ability to collaborate across fields such as polymer chemistry, enzymology, and bioengineering. This academic journey laid the groundwork for her current role in cutting-edge European projects centered on sustainable polymers and enzymatic recycling.

Experience 

Dr. Spennato’s professional experience reflects her strong engagement with both academic and applied research. She currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bologna, where she contributes to the H2020 PRESERVE project, focusing on enzymatic recycling and bio-based polymer development. Her prior experience includes participation in several European and national projects such as PRIN CARDIGAN, PRIME, and INTERFACE, which broadened her expertise in biocatalysis and functional material design. Through a COST-funded Short-Term Scientific Mission, she gained valuable international exposure, working on computational enzyme characterization in a collaborative setting. Across these roles, Dr. Spennato has actively published in peer-reviewed journals, fostered collaborations with industry, and applied her skills to practical sustainability challenges. Her experience demonstrates versatility, spanning laboratory-based enzymatic studies, polymer innovation, and computational analysis. She has consistently aligned her work with the principles of green chemistry, advancing solutions for recycling, upcycling, and sustainable material development in line with global needs.

Professional Development

Dr. Spennato has consistently advanced her professional development through active participation in international research collaborations, European projects, and interdisciplinary studies. As part of the H2020 PRESERVE initiative, she works alongside a diverse network of scientists and industrial partners, enhancing her understanding of large-scale, application-oriented research. Her involvement in the COST Action STSM further expanded her competencies in computational enzyme studies, enriching her experimental expertise with modeling approaches. By engaging with projects such as PRIN CARDIGAN, INTERFACE, and PRIME, she has diversified her research scope, moving from biomass valorization and enzyme immobilization to sustainable polymers and circular bioeconomy applications. She continues to strengthen her profile by contributing to publications, attending scientific meetings, and fostering collaborations across institutions like Politehnica University of Timișoara. This ongoing professional development illustrates her commitment to remaining at the forefront of sustainable chemistry, bridging academic research with industrial innovation, and building leadership capacity for future contributions.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Spennato possesses a multidisciplinary skill set that spans chemistry, biotechnology, and material science. Her expertise lies in biocatalysis, particularly enzyme immobilization for biomass valorization and enzymatic recycling processes. She has developed proficiency in designing bio-based and biodegradable polymers, applying innovative approaches to plastic upcycling and circular bioeconomy solutions. Her research also incorporates supercritical extraction of bioactive compounds and the development of functional materials from renewable resources. Beyond experimental expertise, she has gained skills in computational enzyme characterization, broadening her ability to integrate theoretical and applied approaches. She is adept in handling advanced laboratory techniques, project-based collaborations, and interdisciplinary communication, enabling her to work effectively across academic and industrial environments. Additionally, her experience with European-funded projects has strengthened her project management, grant-writing, and teamwork capabilities. Together, these competencies highlight her as a versatile scientist who can address sustainability challenges through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence in chemical sciences.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Spennato’s research focus centers on sustainable chemistry, with an emphasis on biocatalysis, polymer science, and circular bioeconomy. She investigates enzymatic processes for biomass valorization, exploring how immobilized enzymes on renewable supports can enhance efficiency and sustainability. A key area of her work is the design and development of bio-based and biodegradable polymers with advanced functionalities, suitable for replacing conventional plastics. Her contributions also include studies on enzymatic recycling and upcycling of synthetic polymers, offering solutions to global plastic waste challenges. Integrating biotechnology with material science, she develops functional materials from renewable resources while applying innovative extraction methods to recover bioactive compounds. She also utilizes computational enzyme characterization to complement her experimental research, enabling a deeper understanding of enzyme mechanisms. Overall, her focus lies in creating environmentally friendly processes and materials that align with the principles of green chemistry, promoting innovation in sustainable materials and polymer circularity.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Spennato has been recognized for her scientific achievements through nominations and active participation in prestigious award platforms. Most notably, she has been nominated for the International Chemical Scientist Awards under the category of Women Researchers, which highlights her contributions to sustainability, innovation, and advanced polymer research. Her achievements within European research frameworks, including participation in Horizon 2020 projects like PRESERVE and INTERFACE, as well as national projects such as PRIN CARDIGAN, further underscore her recognition within the scientific community. Her involvement in COST-funded missions also reflects her ability to secure competitive opportunities that advance both her research and professional profile. While still in the early stages of her career, her growing citation record, collaborative publications, and contributions to the field of biocatalysis and polymer sustainability position her as a rising scientist. These recognitions affirm her potential to shape the future of sustainable chemistry through impactful research and innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Dr. Mariachiara Spennato embodies the qualities of an emerging scientific leader and is an excellent candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her research directly addresses pressing global issues such as plastic waste, bio-based materials, and sustainable processes. With her strong track record of interdisciplinary collaborations and impactful projects, she demonstrates both scientific merit and future leadership potential. Strengthening her international visibility, expanding her citation impact, and taking on leadership roles will further enhance her profile. Overall, she is a deserving nominee whose work reflects the award’s vision of recognizing outstanding women researchers driving innovation and sustainability in chemistry.

Vedant Joshi | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Mr. Vedant Joshi | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar of CSIR Indian institute of petroleum mokhampur dehradun in india.

Dr. Elijah W. Stommel 🧠, born in Hamilton, Bermuda 🇧🇲, is a distinguished neurologist and professor at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth 🏥📚. He holds both an M.D. and Ph.D. from Boston University and has spent decades advancing research in neurology, particularly in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 🧬. Dr. Stommel is widely recognized for his pioneering studies on environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases 🌿🧪. He serves as a staff neurologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and actively contributes as a reviewer and editor for numerous scientific journals 📖🔬. His dedication to teaching, research, and clinical care continues to inspire. ✨

Professional Profile

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Vedant Joshi exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher: innovation, technical expertise, and dedication to sustainable scientific advancement 🔬🌱. With over 4 years of focused research experience and a strong academic foundation, he has demonstrated excellence in catalysis, polymer science, and green chemistry. His ongoing PhD at CSIR-IIP reflects a deep commitment to academic and industrial impact 🎓⚗️.

🎓 Education

  • 📘 M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry (2013–2015)
    Government P.G. College, Gopeshwar Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India

  • 📗 B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) (2011–2013)
    Government P.G. College, Gopeshwar Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India

  • 📚 PhD (Pursuing)
    CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

💼 Work Experience

  • 🧪 Project Associate (Oct 2020 – Mar 2023)
    CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun

    • Worked on synthesis of Unsaturated Polyester Resin using Parr Reactor

    • Optimized reactant quantities and handled instruments like GPC, Rheometer, Viscometer

  • 🧫 Project Assistant (Feb 2018 – Mar 2020)
    CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun

    • Synthesized and optimized noble and non-noble metal catalysts

    • Hands-on work in pilot plant experiments and advanced instrumentation: GC, TEM, TPR-TPD, RAMAN

Professional Development 🚀📖

Vedant Joshi has shown remarkable professional growth through hands-on research and advanced technical skills 🧑‍🔬. He has gained expertise in polymer synthesis, catalyst development, and pilot-scale operations ⚗️. His proficiency with instruments like GC, TEM, Rheometer, and RAMAN 📊 reflects his analytical strength. Vedant actively participated in national and international conferences 🗣️, presenting his research at IIT Guwahati and attending workshops on Transmission Electron Microscopy 🔍. His contributions include multiple peer-reviewed publications and patents 📄💡. Vedant’s commitment to continuous learning and scientific excellence positions him as a valuable asset in sustainable material research and innovation 🌱🔬.

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Vedant Joshi’s research primarily focuses on catalysis, polymer science, and sustainable material development 🔬🌱. His work spans the synthesis and optimization of catalysts, development of unsaturated polyester resins, and advanced functional polymers for environmental and industrial applications ⚗️🧪. He has contributed to green chemistry through innovative methods in desulfurization and bitumen upgrading ♻️🛢️. Vedant is also engaged in nanoarchitectonics for fluorescence sensing of biomolecules like cholesterol and bilirubin 🧫✨. His interdisciplinary approach integrates organic chemistry, material science, and chemical engineering, aiming for eco-friendly and efficient technological solutions for energy and petrochemical industries ⚙️🌍.

🏅 Awards & Honors

  • 🧠 Patent Contributor
    Co-inventor of 3 patents in the fields of reactive desulfurization, novel copolymers, and bitumen additives 🇮🇳📜

    • US Patent: Reactive desulfurization via copolymerization (US 11,802,249 B2)

    • India & US Patent: Novel thiophene-based copolymers (202111061088/0212NF202)

    • India Patent: Additives for bitumen upgradation (202311020225)

  • 🎤 Oral Presentation at SPSI-MACRO 2023
    Delivered a talk at the 17th International Conference on Polymer Science and Technology at IIT Guwahati 🧪🌍

  • 🛠️ Workshop Participation


  • Completed 7-day hands-on training in Transmission Electron Microscopy 🧫🔍

 

Publications & Citations 📚

📘 Fabrication of Au Nanoparticles Supported on One-Dimensional La₂O₃ Nanorods for Selective Esterification of Methacrolein to Methyl Methacrylate – B Paul et al., ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2019, Cited by: 32 🔬

🧪 Low-temperature catalytic oxidation of aniline to azoxybenzene over an Ag/Fe₂O₃ nanoparticle catalyst using H₂O₂ as an oxidant – B Paul et al., New J. Chem. 2019, Cited by: 21 ⚗️

🔷 Development of Highly Efficient and Durable Three-Dimensional Octahedron NiCo₂O₄ Spinel Nanoparticles toward the Selective Oxidation of Styrene – B Paul et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2019, Cited by: 19 💎

🔬 Oligomer sensor nanoarchitectonics for “turn-on” fluorescence detection of cholesterol at the nanomolar level – V Joshi et al., Molecules 2022, Cited by: 9 🧬

🔥 Enhanced coke-resistant Co-modified Ni/modified alumina catalyst for the bireforming of methane – S Panda et al., Catal. Sci. Technol. 2023, Cited by: 5 🔥

🌱 An economic, and environmentally benign Psidium guajava L. leaves catalyst for biodiesel production at room temperature – A Sarkar et al., Ind. Crops Prod. 2024, Cited by: 2 🌿

🛢️ Synthesis of polyesters derived from glycerol and phthalic anhydride and its application for bitumen modification – V Joshi et al., J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2024, Cited by: 2 🧴

🏗️ Use of modified chitosan as bitumen modifier and its impact on rheological properties – K Kumar et al., Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2024, Cited by: 2 🛠️

🧠 Diabetic retinopathy detection using convolutional neural networks – VN Joshi et al., IJRASET 2022, Cited by: 2 👁️

💡 Development of petroleum-derived polymeric additive to enhance bituminous properties with ML model – M Awasthi et al., Sustain. Chem. Environ. 2024, Cited by: – 🤖

📜 Process for preparation of higher-grade VG bitumens using sulfur-based polymeric additives (SBPA) – T Senthilkumar et al., US Patent App. 18/612,469 2024, Cited by: – 🧪

⚙️ Method for reactive desulfurization of crude oil and sulfur rich refinery fractions – A Ray et al., US Patent 11,802,249 2023, Cited by: – 🛢️

🔗 Poly(thiophene-co-benzothiophene-co-dibenzothiophene) copolymers and process thereof – A Ray et al., US Patent App. 18/064,529 2023, Cited by: – 🔬

📖 Mini Review on Conjugated polymer-based Fluorescence Techniques for Bilirubin Detection – V Joshi & T Senthilkumar, BJSTR 2022, Cited by: – 📘

🌊 “Turn-On” Fluorescence Sensing of Bilirubin Using Water-Soluble Conjugated Polymer – TS Kumar et al., Int. J. Anal. Appl. Chem. 2021, Cited by: – 💡

 🔍 Conclusion:

Vedant Joshi’s research blends scientific rigor with real-world relevance. His consistent contributions to sustainability, innovation, and materials science make him a strong and deserving contender for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also supports industrial applications, aligning with global scientific priorities. 🥇🌐