Mihaela Georieva | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihaela Georieva | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Sofia | Bulgaria

Dr. Mihaela Georgieva is an accomplished Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia), Bulgaria. With over 18 years of research experience in the fields of electroless and electrochemical metallization, corrosion protection, and nanocomposite materials, she has established herself as a leading scientist in applied electrochemistry. Dr. Georgieva began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, specializing in Electrochemistry and Corrosion Protection. She earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with a dissertation on the electroless deposition of copper composite coatings on polymer substrates. Her scientific output includes 31 peer-reviewed publications, co-authorship of 2 patents, and participation in 13 research projects, three of which she has led as a principal investigator. Her work has received 122 citations across 77 documents, and she holds an h-index of 7 (Scopus), reflecting the impact and visibility of her research in the scientific community. Dr. Georgieva is actively involved in national and European research collaborations and has presented her findings at numerous international conferences. She has also contributed as a reviewer for more than 10 academic journals. Her dedication to both teaching and research continues to inspire innovation in materials science and electrochemistry.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Petrova, S., Lazarova, D., Georgieva, M., Petrova, M., Dobrev, D., & Ditchev, D. (2025). Metallization of 3D-printed PET and PETG samples with different filling densities of the inner layers. Materials, 18(14), 3401.

  • Petrova, M., Lazarova, D., Dobrev, D., Georgieva, M., & Petrova, S. (2025). Development of an environmentally friendly pre-treatment for electroless metallisation of glasses. Transactions of the IMF, 103(1), 1–8.

  • Georgieva, M., Lazarova, D., Petrova, M., & Dobreva, E. (2023). Selection of a suitable environmentally friendly (non-toxic) etching solution in the electroless metallisation of ABS polymers. Transactions of the IMF, 101(6), 321–329.

  • Georgieva, M., Lazarova, D., Petrova, M., Tzaneva, B., & Dobreva, E. (2023). Modification of the surface of ABS polymer by swelling operation and its influence on some properties of electroless deposited metal coatings. Transactions of the IMF, 101(1), 18–26.

  • Georgieva, M. G. (2022). Study of a system for creating a statistical model of the electroless plating of Cu-Ni-P alloys. Transactions of the IMF, 100(6), 345–351.

 

Dilip Kumar Meena | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University) | India

Profiles

Scopus
Google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Physics, completing his undergraduate studies from Rajasthan University, followed by postgraduate education from one of India’s premier institutes, the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar. His early inclination towards solid-state physics and materials science laid the groundwork for advanced research, which he pursued rigorously during his doctoral studies at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. These formative academic experiences nurtured his scientific rigor and critical thinking, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of physical sciences and experimental research methodologies.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Meena currently serves as an Assistant Professor at HNB Garhwal University, where he combines academic instruction with active research. His transition from a research fellow to a faculty member reflects his progressive academic trajectory and dedication to both research and teaching. During his academic career, he earned prestigious fellowships including Junior and Senior Research Fellowships, demonstrating his competence in securing competitive research opportunities and contributing to high-impact scientific work.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Meena’s research primarily revolves around thermoelectric materials, nanostructured composites, and solid-state physics. He has extensively studied materials such as Sb₂Te₃, Bi₂Te₃, and ZnTe for their thermoelectric applications, focusing on improving their electrical and thermal conductivity through material processing techniques like melt solidification and top-down synthesis. His work on conduction reversal and thermal conductivity suppression in nanocomposites showcases a clear understanding of electron and phonon transport mechanisms in advanced materials. Additionally, his research on crystal growth and characterization of Weyl semimetals indicates a deep engagement with topological materials and quantum phenomena.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Meena’s publications in reputed international journals such as Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Applied Physics A, and Material Research Express reflect the global relevance of his research. His contributions have helped expand knowledge in energy-efficient thermoelectric devices, a field critical to sustainable energy technologies. Furthermore, his involvement in organizing academic seminars and delivering conference presentations illustrates his role in promoting scientific dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Academic Citations

Dr. Meena’s work has been cited in the scientific community for its novelty and technical strength. His research outputs provide critical insights into thermoelectric material design, structural transformation through solid-state reactions, and enhanced understanding of composite behavior at nanoscale. His growing citation record indicates a rising academic footprint in the domain of energy materials and applied physics.

Technical Skills

Dr. Meena possesses robust technical expertise in material synthesis, thermal conductivity measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermoelectric property characterization. He has hands-on experience with melt growth techniques, solid-state calcination kinetics, and compositional engineering of nanomaterials. His interdisciplinary skills also extend to experimental data analysis, scientific writing, and collaborative research project development.

Teaching Experience

As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Meena is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. His pedagogy emphasizes conceptual clarity, experimental validation, and research-oriented learning. He mentors students on academic projects, guiding them through laboratory work, literature review, and research dissemination. His participation in workshops such as scientific paper writing and his leadership in organizing university-level seminars underscore his commitment to holistic student development.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Meena is poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of materials science, particularly in the development of next-generation thermoelectric materials for energy conversion technologies. His future research aims to explore eco-friendly synthesis routes, functional composites, and device-level integration of energy materials. By nurturing a research-oriented academic culture and engaging in international collaborations, he is set to influence both academia and industry in the domain of sustainable energy.

Notable Publications

Structural transformation of MnTiO₃ with manganese dioxide and titanium dioxide influenced by solid-state calcination kinetics
Authors: Ritushree Shaily, Abhishek Parsad, Kuldeep Kumar, Dilip Kumar Meena
Journal: Next Materials
Year: 2025

Polymer-mixed Sb₂Te₃/Te nanocomposites exhibiting p-type to n-type conduction reversal and thermal conductivity reduction
Authors: Dilip Kumar Meena, Rapaka S. C. Bose, A. M. Umarji, D. Arvindha Babu
Journal: Materials Research Express
Year: 2023

Melt Solidification Rate-Dependent Structural and Thermoelectric Properties of Sb₂Te₃/Te Nanocomposites
Authors: Dilip Kumar Meena, Rapaka S. C. Bose, K. Ramesh
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2022

Impact of Melt Solidification Rate on Structural and Thermoelectric Properties of n-type Bi₂Te₃ Alloy
Authors: Dilip Kumar Meena, Rapaka S. C. Bose, S. Vinoth, K. Annapurna, K. Ramesh
Journal: Applied Physics A
Year: 2022

Role of grain alignment and oxide impurity in thermoelectric properties of textured n-type Bi–Te–Se alloy
Authors: Rapaka S. C. Bose, Dilip Kumar Meena, Paolo Mele, K. Ramesh
Journal: Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking academic and dedicated researcher. With a strong foundation in experimental physics, impactful publications, and an active teaching role, he is steadily building a legacy of scientific contribution and academic leadership. His trajectory indicates not only a commitment to research excellence but also a vision to shape the future of applied sciences through innovation and education.

Yantao Xu | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Yantao Xu | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yantao Xu began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Wood Science & Engineering from Shandong Agricultural University (2013–2017). His passion for sustainable materials and bio-based innovations led him to pursue a Master’s and subsequently a Ph.D. in Forestry Engineering, specializing in Wood Science and Technology at Beijing Forestry University. Under the mentorship of Prof. Qiang Gao and Prof. Jianzhang Li, he developed a groundbreaking dissertation on Bioinspired Multifunctional Soy Protein Adhesives for Sustainable Wood Composites, laying a solid foundation for his research career.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Master's Supervisor at Zhejiang A&F University since 2022, Dr. Xu is at the forefront of wood and bamboo material modification and bio-adhesive development. His responsibilities extend beyond research, encompassing teaching graduate-level courses such as Wood Processing & Environmental Protection, and mentoring over 10 graduate students on thesis research and innovation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research portfolio is deeply rooted in the development of bioinspired wood adhesives and multifunctional wood composites. His core expertise includes the formulation of soy protein and chlorine oxide cement adhesive systems, engineering composites with enhanced flame-retardant and mildew-resistant properties, and translating these technologies into industrial applications. Notably, his patented formaldehyde-free resin technologies exemplify his dedication to eco-friendly innovation.

🌟 Impact and Influence

With over 20 published articles—including 7 in Q1 TOP-SCI journals as first or corresponding author, and an average Impact Factor exceeding 10—Dr. Xu has cemented his position as a significant contributor to sustainable materials science. His highly cited paper in Chemical Engineering Journal (IF: 16.7) is recognized in the TOP 1% globally. In addition to scholarly publications, he has secured five patents (four granted), directly influencing both academia and industry.

📚 Academic Cites & Publications

Dr. Xu’s standout works include:

  • A triple-network organic-inorganic hybrid adhesive featured in Chemical Engineering Journal (2022),

  • The first nacre-mimetic soy adhesive for strength-toughness synergy in Composites Part B (2021),

  • An industry-focused bamboo modification method in Polymers (2023),

  • And a high-performance, low-viscosity adhesive for particleboards in Journal of Cleaner Production (2020).

🧪 Technical Skills

He brings hands-on proficiency with a suite of analytical tools and processing techniques, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, rheological analysis, and composite manufacturing. Additionally, Dr. Xu is adept with software tools such as Origin, AutoCAD, and ImageJ for data analysis and structural visualization.

🎓 Teaching Experience

In his academic role, Dr. Xu seamlessly blends research with teaching, delivering impactful courses in wood science while guiding graduate students through complex experimental design, data interpretation, and thesis development. His mentorship plays a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of materials scientists.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an Outstanding Doctoral Graduate (2022) and National Talent Program Scholar (2021), Dr. Xu is recognized for his academic excellence and innovative thinking. His work bridges the gap between research and real-world application, particularly through his collaboration with Shandong Yixin Chemical Co., where he contributed to the industrial scaling of bio-adhesives. Looking ahead, Dr. Xu aims to further explore the intersection of sustainability and performance in bio-composite materials, driving forward China’s green material revolution and inspiring international collaboration.

📖Notable Publications

  1. Publication: Designed organic-inorganic hybrid adhesive with triple-network structure
    Authors: Xu, Y.* et al.
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
    Year: 2022

  2. Publication: First nacre-mimetic soy adhesive with strength-toughness synergy
    Authors: Xu, Y. et al.
    Journal: Composites Part B: Engineering
    Year: 2021

  3. Publication: Industry-applied bamboo modification
    Authors: Xu, Y.* et al.
    Journal: Polymers
    Year: 2023

  4. Publication: High-performance low-viscosity adhesive for particleboard manufacturing
    Authors: Xu, Y. et al.
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
    Year: 2020