Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor, UAM Poznań, Poland.

Dr. Patrycja Żak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organometallic Chemistry at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. She holds a distinguished academic and research career focused on green chemistry, organometallic synthesis, and functional nanomaterials. With over 47 peer-reviewed publications and 16 patents, her contributions span catalysis, silsesquioxane chemistry, and environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies. A highly respected scientist, she has led multiple national and European research projects and mentored doctoral candidates. Her scientific work emphasizes sustainable practices through the use of organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. Dr. Żak is a collaborative researcher, partnering with international and national institutions to expand the frontiers of materials and inorganic chemistry. Her dedication has earned her a place in prestigious scientific networks and journals as a reviewer and contributing author. Through her innovative and impactful work, Dr. Żak exemplifies excellence in chemical research and its practical application.

Professional Profile 

Dr. Patrycja Żak completed her entire academic education at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, where she laid the foundation for her scientific journey. She earned her Master of Science degree in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Marciniec. Continuing under the same mentor, she pursued and successfully defended her Ph.D. in Chemistry , focusing on advanced organometallic systems. Demonstrating a consistent trajectory of academic growth, she achieved her habilitation at the same institution, a significant milestone in European academia reflecting her independent research capabilities and teaching qualifications. Her educational path reflects a deep commitment to chemical sciences, and her studies were grounded in synthetic and structural chemistry, particularly relating to silicon-based compounds and catalysts. This solid academic base has underpinned her research excellence, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary fields, particularly in developing green and sustainable chemical methods.

Experience 

Dr. Żak has accumulated over 15 years of academic and research experience at Adam Mickiewicz University. She began her professional career as an adjunct faculty member and was promoted to Associate Professor. Her work has been briefly paused due to maternity leaves and a short health-related hiatus, but she returned to academia with renewed vigor. During her tenure, she has taken on roles beyond teaching and research, including supervising doctoral projects and serving on selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. She has actively contributed to collaborative research with international scientists and led industry-related projects, such as the development of efficient synthesis methods at AdvaChemLab. Her extensive project portfolio includes national grants like OPUS, SONATA, and MAESTRO, where she served as both investigator and principal investigator. These experiences have shaped her as a leader in her field, merging academic excellence with research innovation and mentorship.

Professional Development

Throughout her career, Dr. Żak has consistently engaged in professional development activities to enhance her academic and research contributions. She is a member of the Polish Chemical Society and has served as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as ChemSusChem, Inorganic Chemistry, and ChemCatChem. She also acted as a tutor in Environmental and Material Chemistry and served on several selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. Dr. Żak participated as an organizing committee member for the 8th European Silicon Days Conference. Internationally, she broadened her expertise through a six-month research exchange under the Socrates-Erasmus Program in Belgium. She continually refines her skills through leading-edge research projects and supervising doctoral candidates. These roles reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of chemical science, emphasizing collaborative growth, academic integrity, and leadership in research dissemination, all of which have significantly contributed to her development as an esteemed scientist in organometallic and green chemistry.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Patrycja Żak possesses an extensive skill set that bridges experimental chemistry, project leadership, and academic mentorship. She is highly proficient in organometallic synthesis, catalysis (particularly organocatalysis), and mechanochemical methods, enabling the development of green and efficient chemical transformations. Her expertise includes the design and functionalization of silicon-based nanomaterials such as silsesquioxanes. She has demonstrated strong abilities in analytical characterization techniques, photophysical studies, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. She effectively manages national and European research grants, showcasing organizational and leadership capabilities. In academia, she is skilled in curriculum development, supervising postgraduate students, and contributing to peer review and academic publishing. Furthermore, her role in organizing international conferences and reviewing for high-impact journals highlights her communication and evaluative skills. Her ability to innovate while adhering to sustainability principles marks her as a skilled and future-ready researcher in both academic and applied chemical sciences.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Patrycja Żak’s primary research focus lies at the intersection of Green Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, and Material Chemistry. Her work emphasizes the design of environmentally friendly and sustainable synthetic methods using organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. She is particularly focused on eliminating hazardous solvents and toxic metal-based catalysts by developing N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed transformations. Her research also targets the synthesis and functionalization of silsesquioxanes and nanomaterials with well-defined thermal and photochemical properties. Additionally, she explores thioester and heterocycle synthesis from unsaturated aldehydes and other functionalized compounds, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable, efficient chemical pathways. The research she leads aligns with cutting-edge themes in chemical sustainability, structure-property relationships in hybrid materials, and catalyst design for selective transformations. Her projects consistently follow the principles of atom economy and eco-compatibility, placing her work firmly within the green and sustainable chemistry category, with wide applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and nanotechnology.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Żak’s scientific excellence is reflected in her numerous achievements and recognitions. She has published 47 papers in Scopus-indexed journals, with an additional paper accepted and one under minor revision, showcasing consistent high-quality output. Her work has received over 662 citations in Scopus and 527 in Web of Science, with an h-index of 14, signifying both productivity and scholarly impact. She has authored chapters in scientific books and contributed to academic handbooks, such as the “Laboratory Experiments in Basic Inorganic Chemistry.” Moreover, her innovation has led to 16 patents across multiple jurisdictions including the US, EU, China, and Poland. She has also served as project manager and principal investigator for prestigious national projects including SONATA, POMOST, and OPUS. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in guiding doctoral candidates under Poland’s “Initiative of Excellence” programs. These distinctions underline her commitment to impactful, innovative, and globally relevant chemical research.

Publication Top Notes 

Conclusion:

Overall, Dr. Patrycja Żak is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her impressive academic productivity, innovation in sustainable chemistry, mentorship record, and project leadership clearly match the criteria for recognizing excellence among women in science. Minor enhancements, such as expanding industrial collaborations and increasing policy outreach, could further amplify her profile in the future. Nonetheless, she fully deserves acknowledgment as a role model inspiring future generations of women scientists working toward a greener and more sustainable world.

Thompson Faraday Ediagbonya | Environmental Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

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Prof. Thompson Faraday Ediagbonya | Environmental Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Professor at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Nigeria.

Dr. Thompson Faraday Ediagbonya 🎓, an Associate Professor of Environmental Chemistry at OAUSTECH, Nigeria 🇳🇬, is a distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry and over 50 scientific publications 📚. With teaching experience spanning two decades, his expertise lies in pollution studies, risk assessment, and environmental impact analysis 🌍🧪. He has received awards such as Best Lecturer by the Chemical Society of Nigeria 🏆 and secured prestigious grants, including DAAD and Max Planck Institute scholarships 🌐💼. Beyond academia, he actively mentors postgraduate students and contributes to environmental research and policy. He enjoys reading, football, table tennis, and atmospheric music ⚽📖🎶.

Professional Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

SCOPUS 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Ediagbonya is a visionary scholar whose work bridges environmental science and public health. He has pioneered analytical approaches to assess the risks of environmental pollutants such as PAHs, PCBs, and heavy metals using advanced tools like GC-MS and ICP-OES 🔬. His studies on atmospheric pollutants, water safety, and ecosystem health have contributed to national and international environmental policies 🌍📈.

🎓 Educational Background

  • 🏫 Primary School: Obanosa Primary School, Benin City (1980–1986)

  • 🏫 Secondary School: Ihogbe College, Benin City (1986–1992)

  • 🏫 Secondary School: Step-forward Secondary School, Warri (1992–1993)

  • 🧪 B.Sc. (Ed) Chemistry: University of Benin (1995–1999)

  • 💻 Diploma in Computer Studies: Obafemi Awolowo University Consultancy Services (2000–2001)

  • ⚗️ M.Sc. in Analytical & Environmental Chemistry: University of Benin (2002–2005)

  • 🌍 Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry: University of Benin (2006–2011)

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience

🏛️ University Level (OAUSTECH)

  • 👨‍🔬 Lecturer II, Industrial Chemistry (2013)

  • 📘 Lecturer I, Industrial Chemistry (2016)

  • 📗 Senior Lecturer, Industrial Chemistry (2019)

  • 🎓 Associate Professor, Chemical Sciences (2022–Present)

  • 🧑‍🎓 Sub Dean, School of Science (2024–Present)

  • 👨‍💼 Acting HOD, Department of Chemical Sciences (2024–Present)

🏫 Teaching (Outside University)

  • 👨‍🏫 Chemistry Teacher, Imaguero Grammar School (1997–1998)

  • 👨‍🏫 NYSC Teacher, Irabeji Grammar School (2000–2001)

  • 👨‍🏫 Royal College, Ovwian (2001–2009)

  • 🧪 Practical Demonstrator, University of Benin (2008–2010)

  • 👨‍🏫 Jenny College, Ekete (2010–2012)

  • 👨‍🏫 Lecturer II, Western Delta University (2012–2013)

🌍 Research & Assessments

  • 🧪 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

  • 💧 Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for SPDC, NNPC & others

  • 🔬 Numerous international and national environmental studies

Professional Development 🚀📖

Dr. Thompson Faraday Ediagbonya 📘 has demonstrated remarkable professional development through decades of academic excellence and environmental research 🌍🧪. Rising from a dedicated Chemistry teacher to an Associate Professor at OAUSTECH 🎓, he has contributed significantly to pollution analysis, environmental risk assessment, and sustainable practices 💧🌿. A recipient of the DAAD Staff Exchange Scholarship 🇩🇪 and international grants, he has attended numerous conferences, presented impactful research 📊, and published over 50 scientific papers 📚. As a mentor and postgraduate supervisor 👨‍🏫, his role in shaping future scientists is commendable. His professional growth reflects dedication, innovation, and global environmental advocacy 🌐🔥.

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Dr. Thompson Faraday Ediagbonya’s research focus centers on Environmental Chemistry and Pollution Studies 🌍🧪. His work explores air and water quality, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and greenhouse gases 🌫️💧🌡️. He conducts risk assessments to evaluate environmental and human health impacts 🧬⚠️, particularly in industrial and coastal regions. His studies utilize advanced analytical techniques like GC-MS and ICP-OES 🔬📈. Committed to sustainability, he investigates climate change, rainwater harvesting, and ecosystem protection 🌦️🌱. His research supports cleaner environments and informed policies, contributing to global environmental safety and public health awareness 🧑‍🔬📉🌐.

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 Best Lecturer Award – Chemical Society of Nigeria (OAUSTECH), 2021

  • 🏅 Students’ Favourite Lecturer – Chemical Society of Nigeria (OAUSTECH), 2018

  • 🧪 Best Chemistry Teacher – Royal Colleges, Ovwian, Delta State, 2007

  • 🎓 DAAD Staff-Exchange Scholarship – Germany 🇩🇪, 2021

  • 🌍 International Research Grant – Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Germany 🇩🇪 (2020, €26,676)

  • 📚 TETFund National Research Grants – Nigeria 🇳🇬 (3-time recipient)

Publications & Citations 📚

📘 Occupational exposure to wood dust and respiratory health status of sawmill workers in South-south Nigeria – Tobin EA, Ediagbonya TF et al. | J Pollut Eff Cont | 51 citations | 📅 2016 🌳🫁

💧 Assessment of rain water harvesting systems in a rural community of Edo State, Nigeria – Tobin EA, Ediagbonya TF et al. | Journal of Public Health | 31 citations | 📅 2013 🌦️🏞️

🌫️ Sequential extractions and toxicity potential of trace metals absorbed into airborne particles in an urban atmosphere of Southwestern Nigeria – Olumayede EG, Ediagbonya TF | Scientific World J | 30 citations | 📅 2018 🏙️☠️

💦 Identification and quantification of heavy metals, coliforms and anions in water bodies using enrichment factors – Ediagbonya TF et al. | J Environ Anal Chem | 23 citations | 📅 2015 🚱🧪

🌾 Spatio-temporal distribution of inhalable and respirable particulate matter in rural atmosphere of Nigeria – Ukpebor EE, Ediagbonya TF et al. | IAEES | 22 citations | 📅 2013 🌬️🏡

🧭 Potential risk assessment and spatial distribution of elemental concentrations in sediment – Ediagbonya TF, Balogun OT | Applied Water Science | 17 citations | 📅 2020 🧪🌍

🐟 Comparative analysis of some metallic elements in selected body part of fishes from Igbokoda River – Ediagbonya TF et al. | Results in Chemistry | 17 citations | 📅 2020 🐠⚗️

🧱 Risk assessment and elemental quantification of anthropogenic activities in soil – Ediagbonya TF, Ajayi S | Environ Geochem Health | 15 citations | 📅 2021 🌍🔬

🏙️ Air pollution and respiratory morbidity in an urban area of Nigeria – Ediagbonya TF, Tobin AE | Greener J Environ Manag | 15 citations | 📅 2013 🚗💨

🪵 The level of suspended particulate matter in wood industry (sawmills) in Benin City, Nigeria – Ediagbonya TF et al. | J Environ Chem Ecotoxicol | 13 citations | 📅 2013 🪚🌫️

🌍 Comparative study of TSP, inhalable and respirable particles in Niger Delta – Ediagbonya TF et al. | Greener J Phys Sci | 13 citations | 📅 2012 🏞️💨

🐸 Bioaccumulation of elemental concentrations in sediment and frog (Pyxicephalus edulis) – Ediagbonya TF et al. | Chemistry Africa | 12 citations | 📅 2022 🐸⚛️

⛏️ Effect of quarry activities on biological resources around quarry site in Oyo State – Ediagbonya TF et al. | Environ Geochem Health | 12 citations | 📅 2021 🌿🪨

🌊 Geochemistry of terrigenous sediments in surface water from Ore and Okitipupa – Ediagbonya TF, Ayedun H | Bangladesh J Sci Ind Res | 12 citations | 📅 2018 🧬💧

🧲 Enrichment factor of atmospheric trace metals using reference elements – Ediagbonya TF | Nigerian Journal of Technology | 12 citations | 📅 2016 🔍📈

🌫️ Heavy metal in inhalable and respirable particles in urban atmosphere – Ediagbonya TF et al. | Environ Skeptics and Critics | 12 citations | 📅 2013 🌁🧪

😷 Prevalence of respiratory symptoms due to particulate matter in Niger Delta – Ediagbonya TF et al. | Biol & Environ Sci J Tropics | 11 citations | 📅 2014 🫁🌿

 🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Ediagbonya’s commitment to scientific innovation, public health, and sustainability makes him an exceptional candidate for the Excellence in Innovation Award. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also delivers practical solutions to pressing global environmental challenges 🌎🚀