Assist. Prof. Dr. tugba demir caliskan | Polymer chemistry | Best Researcher Award
Assistant Professor at Ankara University, Turkey.
Short Biography 
Dr. Tugba Demir Caliskan 
is a distinguished researcher in Chemical Engineering at Ankara University 
. Her expertise spans the synthesis of polymeric films via PECVD 
, development of triboelectric nanogenerators 
, and creation of self-healing materials 
. She holds a Ph.D. 
in Material Science and Engineering from Clemson University, USA 
, where her research focused on oleophobic fluorinated polyester coatings. Previously, she earned her M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Caliskan has extensive experience in polymer synthesis, surface modification, and the development of advanced composites 
. She has worked on DARPA-funded projects 
, developed antifouling surfaces for medical devices 
, and contributed to the advancement of materials for water treatment and energy storage 
. Her interdisciplinary work bridges academic research and industrial applications, driving innovation in smart materials and sustainable technologies 
.
PROFILE
Summary of Suitability:
Dr. Tugba Demir Caliskan is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive and impactful research contributions in the fields of polymer science, material engineering, nanotechnology, and surface chemistry. With a solid academic background (Ph.D. from Clemson University, USA) and diverse international postdoctoral experience, Dr. Caliskan has consistently demonstrated innovation, interdisciplinary expertise, and scientific excellence throughout her career.
Education & Experience
Dr. Tugba Demir Caliskan’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Izmir Institute of Technology . She pursued her M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University, USA . Her doctoral research focused on synthesizing oleophobic fluorinated polyester coatings 
. Professionally, Dr. Caliskan gained extensive research experience at Clemson University, developing self-healing polymers , carbon fibers , and nanomaterials for sensors . She later contributed as a postdoc at Bilkent University and Ankara University, enhancing medical device surfaces , developing water treatment composites 
, and creating energy storage materials . In 2024, she was appointed Assistant Professor at Ankara University, continuing her pioneering work in polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, and surface engineering . Her international experience bridges research, development, and application, positioning her as a leader in advanced material synthesis and characterization .
Professional Development 
Throughout her career, Dr. Caliskan has developed exceptional skills in polymer processing and material characterization . She is proficient in advanced techniques such as ATRP, PECVD, and controlled radical polymerization . Her hands-on expertise covers a wide array of instruments including NMR, SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, and XRD 
. Dr. Caliskan excels in managing complex research projects, mentoring students 
, and leading interdisciplinary teams 
. She has also taught numerous university courses in organic chemistry, petroleum technology, and chemical engineering labs . Actively participating in international conferences 
, she has presented her work globally, fostering collaborations and advancing her field. Dr. Caliskan’s professional growth is marked by her continuous learning, ability to adapt cutting-edge technologies, and dedication to translating research into practical solutions that address real-world challenges . Her career exemplifies a perfect blend of academic excellence and industrial relevance .
Research Focus 
Dr. Caliskan’s research revolves around advanced polymer synthesis and surface engineering . She specializes in self-healing materials , triboelectric nanogenerators , oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings , and stimuli-responsive polymers 
. A significant part of her work focuses on fluorinated polymers for water and oil repellency, creating sustainable alternatives to long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances 
. She also develops functional materials for medical devices , such as antifouling surfaces to prevent biofouling. Her expertise extends to carbon dot composites for water treatment , nanomechanical sensors for gas detection 
, and advanced composite materials for aerospace and automotive industries 
. By combining polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and material science, Dr. Caliskan addresses critical challenges in energy storage , environmental protection , and healthcare innovation 
. Her work is highly interdisciplinary, merging chemistry, engineering, and applied sciences to push the boundaries of smart and functional materials 
.
Awards and Honors 
-
Awarded Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship for graduate studies in the USA (2007)
-
DARPA-funded research projects on advanced carbon fibers and nanocomposites
-
Multiple international conference presentations at ACS and other global events
-
Numerous peer-reviewed journal publications in top materials science and polymer journals
-
Recognition for contributing to pioneering research on self-healing polymers and advanced coatings
Publications & Citations
Key-and-lock commodity self-healing copolymers — M.W. Urban et al., Science 362 (6411), 220-225 (2018) 
— Cited by: 341 
Toward a long-chain perfluoroalkyl replacement: Water and oil repellency of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films modified with perfluoropolyether-based polyesters — T. Demir et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 9 (28), 24318-24330 (2017) — Cited by: 29 Highly Oil-Repellent Thermoplastic Boundaries via Surface Delivery of CF3 Groups by Molecular Bottlebrush Additives — L. Wei et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 12 (34), 38626-38637 (2020) — Cited by: 25 
Micro-cantilever sensors for monitoring carbon monoxide concentration in fuel cells — T.D. Caliskan et al., Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering 30 (4), 045005 (2020) — Cited by: 18 
Attainment of water and oil repellency for engineering thermoplastics without long-chain perfluoroalkyls: Perfluoropolyether-based triblock polyester additives — L. Wei et al., Langmuir 34 (43), 12934-12946 (2018) — Cited by: 14 A brief report on managing infected nonunion of a high tibial osteotomy in two stages: a case series involving seven knees — V. Karatosun et al., J Bone & Joint Surgery Br 93 (7), 904-906 (2011) — Cited by: 13 
Perfluoropolyether-based oleophobic additives: Influence of molecular weight distribution on wettability of polyethylene terephthalate films — T.D. Caliskan et al., Journal of Fluorine Chemistry 244, 109747 (2021) — Cited by: 10 
Effect of number of –CF3 groups in tails of polyester on surface wettability of coatings: Synthesis and characterization of PFPE based polyesters with three –CF3 groups in tails — T.D. Caliskan et al., Journal of Polymer Research 27 (5), 128 (2020) — Cited by: 8 
Toward the Replacement of Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Compounds: Perfluoropolyether-Based Low Surface Energy Grafted Nanocoatings — T. Demir Caliskan et al., ACS Applied Polymer Materials 4 (2), 980-986 (2022) — Cited by: 7 Synthesis and characterization of oleophobic fluorinated polyester films — T. Demir, Clemson University Dissertation (2015) — Cited by: 4 
Towards a long-chain perfluoroalkyl replacement: Water and oil repellent perfluoropolyether-based polyurethane oligomers — L. Wei et al., Polymers 13 (7), 1128 (2021) — Cited by: 3 
Conclusion:
Dr. Tugba Demir Caliskan exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient through her continuous pursuit of scientific advancement, cross-disciplinary innovation, and real-world problem-solving. Her research not only advances fundamental science but also delivers practical solutions in healthcare, energy, and environmental sustainability. Her global academic presence, cutting-edge publications, and contributions to both academic and industrial sectors make her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.
Physically and chemically cross-linked cellulose cryogels: Structure, properties and application for controlled release – 132 citations, 2016
Biosynthesis of dextran by Weissella confusa and its In vitro functional characteristics – 84 citations, 2018
Cellulose-based hydrogels for medical/pharmaceutical applications – 81 citations, 2018
Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks containing polysaccharides. I Xanthan/Lignin networks – 53 citations, 2007
Natural polymers in heart valve tissue engineering: strategies, advances and challenges – 48 citations, 2022
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