Mariachiara Spennato | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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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.

tugba demir caliskan | Polymer chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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 

ORCID 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

🔍 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kacsó Alex – Barna | Biomaterial | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Kacsó Alex – Barna | Biomaterial | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at UMFST “G.E. Palade” from Targu Mures , Romania.

Kacsó Alex-Barna is a Romanian mechanical engineer and PhD student at UMFST “G. E. Palade” in Târgu Mureș. With a strong academic foundation in engineering, design, and digital skills, he has honed his expertise in CAD/CAM and manufacturing technology. His professional journey includes roles in automotive product development and design engineering, showcasing his adaptability and precision. Passionate about innovation and continuous growth, Alex has actively contributed to major industrial projects while earning certifications in web design and digital marketing. His multicultural experience through Erasmus+ further enhances his versatile and global outlook. 🚀📐🌍

PROFILE 

ORCID 

 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Kacsó Alex-Barna is a dynamic young researcher actively contributing to the optimization of manufacturing systems in the automotive sector. As a PhD candidate with a solid foundation in machine construction and CAD/CAM, his early-career achievements already reflect a commitment to impactful and applied research. He has published peer-reviewed work, undertaken complex design projects, and integrated modern tools like Catia V5 to improve engineering processes. His experience in both academic and industrial settings ensures that his research is not only theoretical but directly translatable to real-world challenges.

🎓 Education & Experience 

🎓Education:

  • 🎓 PhD Student in Engineering – UMFST “G.E. Palade”, Târgu Mureș (2024–present)

  • 🎓 Master’s in CAD/CAM – UMFST “G.E. Palade” (2022–2024)

  • 📘 Bachelor’s in Machine Construction Technology – UMFST “G.E. Palade” (2018–2022)

  • 🌐 Erasmus+ at University of Patras, Greece (2019–2020)

  • 🧑‍🏫 Post-University Teaching Training (Level I & II)

  • 📜 Web Design Certificate (FreeCodeCamp, 2022)

  • 📈 Digital Marketing Certificate (Google, 2021)

Experience:

  • 🏭 Mechanical Engineer – TMF S.R.L. (2022–2024, 2024–present)

  • 🚗 Product Developer – Hirschmann Automotive (2024)

  • 🗂️ Secretary – Euroformed Consulting (2021–2022)

  • 🔧 Intern – TMF S.R.L. (2020)

  • 🌊 Beach Admin/Trade Worker – Aluniș S.R.L. (2017–2020)

  • 🍽️ Waiter Assistant – SCB Sovata SA (2016)

Professional Development 🚀📖

Alex has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his professional development through a range of training programs and certifications. He completed the Bosch Academy Program, gaining insight into Industry 4.0, lean management, and logistics. His continuous learning approach is reflected in digital certifications like web design and marketing, equipping him with versatile skills beyond engineering. Alex’s real-world experience in high-pressure roles sharpened his time management and communication abilities. His early leadership as a beach administrator and his participation in the Junior Business Academy show entrepreneurial spirit and administrative competency. He thrives on learning, self-improvement, and applying innovation in all tasks. 🚀📚🔧

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Kacsó Alex-Barna focuses his research on optimization and design of manufacturing lines, particularly for the automotive sector. His academic and professional work revolves around machine construction, CAD/CAM technologies, and production efficiency. In his publication, he explores innovative design approaches to streamline manufacturing processes and enhance product quality. His engineering expertise integrates simulation tools like Catia V5 to ensure precision in design and execution. Passionate about smart industry principles, his research aligns with Industry 4.0 trends, targeting sustainable and intelligent manufacturing solutions. This multidisciplinary approach merges technical design with practical implementation. 🔩🚘📊

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

  • 🏆 Publication in Acta Marisiensis. Seria Technologica – “Optimization and design of a manufacturing line for automotive products” (2024)

  • 🎓 Erasmus+ Scholar – University of Patras, Greece (2019–2020)

  • 📜 Bosch Academy Certificate – Industry 4.0 & Lean Management (2022)

  • 📈 Junior Business Academy Graduate – Business administration fundamentals (2022)

  • 🌐 FreeCodeCamp Certificate – Responsive Web Design (2022)

  • 📊 Google Digital Workshop – Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate (2021)

Publications & Citations 📚

📄 “Optimization and design of a manufacturing line for automotive products” – Acta Marisiensis. Seria Technologica, 2024.
🔍 Cited by: [Not publicly indexed/cited yet] 📚🛠️

🔍 Conclusion:

Kacsó Alex-Barna stands out as a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative contributions, industry-integrated research focus, and rapid progression in the field of mechanical and manufacturing engineering. His ability to merge academic excellence with hands-on industry experience makes his work both relevant and impactful. He exemplifies the qualities of a researcher dedicated to solving real-world problems through technical expertise and continuous learning. 🏅📈🔬