Mrs. Samiris Cocco Teixeira | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Samiris Cocco Teixeira embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (2015–2018). She further honed her expertise by earning a Master’s degree (2019–2021) and later a Doctor Scientiae (DS) in Food Science and Technology (2021) from the Federal University of Viçosa. Her rigorous academic training laid the foundation for her contributions to food science and polymer research.

🌟 Professional Endeavors

Samiris has actively contributed to cutting-edge research in food science and materials technology. Currently, she is a Visiting Scholar for Research and Development at Lincoln University, New Zealand (2025–2026), where she is engaged in polymer extraction from waste resources and the development of biodegradable and biocompatible sensors. Previously, she served as a Visiting Scholar at Iowa State University, USA (2023), working on surface modification of cellulose acetate using cold plasma and investigating its effectiveness in PFAS extraction from Kraft paper. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in Research and Development at the Laboratory of Packaging in Viçosa, Brazil (2019–2023), conducting advanced polymer analyses.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research spans diverse areas, including biodegradable materials, polymer analysis, and sustainable food packaging technologies. She has conducted in-depth studies on the design of plant-wearable sensors for real-time monitoring, surface modification techniques using cold plasma, and remediation potential of PFAS in food packaging. Her collaborations with institutions like the University of São Paulo have expanded the impact of her research in biodegradable materials and environmental sustainability.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Samiris’s work in polymer science and food technology has had a significant impact on the industry and academia. Her research on cold plasma treatments and biodegradable packaging has contributed to innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and food safety. She has assisted industries and researchers in developing advanced polymer-based solutions through state-of-the-art physical and chemical analyses.

🌐 Academic Citations

Her research has been recognized in several esteemed journals, leading to citations in prominent studies related to biodegradable materials, polymer engineering, and food packaging science. Her contributions to sustainable material development continue to inspire new investigations in food technology and material sciences.

📝 Technical Skills

Samiris possesses expertise in a range of cutting-edge analytical instruments, including: Universal Mechanical Testing Machine (Instron Corporation, USA), Scanning Electron Microscope (Hitachi Hi-Tech, Japan), DTG Thermal Analyzer (SHIMADZU, Japan), FT-IR Spectroscopy (Thermo Scientific, USA), Colorimeter (HunterLab, USA), UV-vis Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan), Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern, UK), Gas Permeability Testing (Labthink Instruments, China).

🏫 Teaching Experience

Throughout her academic journey, Samiris has mentored students and provided technical training in polymer analysis and biodegradable material applications. She has also been involved in academic events and research workshops, enhancing knowledge dissemination in the field of food technology and polymer science.

💪 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Samiris aims to expand her research in biodegradable polymers and smart food packaging. Her work in sustainable polymer extraction and sensor development positions her as a key figure in the advancement of eco-friendly materials and food safety technologies. She is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that her research translates into real-world applications for a more sustainable future.

🏆 Recognitions and Awards

Samiris’s outstanding contributions have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including: Best Student Paper Competition in Special Issue "Biomaterials and Bioactivities in Food Science" (Food Bioscience Journal), Nélio José de Andrade Prize for Best Dissertation in Postgraduate Program in Food Science and Technology (Federal University of Viçosa), 3rd Best Work in Materials Engineering at the 5th Meeting of Researchers in Materials Science and Engineering, Honorable Mention for oral presentation on the shelf life of frozen pizza at academic events.

📖Notable Publications

Samiris Cocco Teixeira | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award