Samiris Cocco Teixeira | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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

Prabhakar M.N. | Bio Composite | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prabhakar M.N. | Bio Composite | Best Researcher Award

Changwon National University, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. M.N. Prabhakar began his academic journey at Sri Krishnadevaraya University, India, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physical Sciences and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Polymer Science and Technology. He continued his academic excellence by completing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Polymer Science and Technology at the same university. Additionally, he acquired a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Physical Sciences from Bangalore University, reflecting his passion for teaching alongside his research pursuits.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Prabhakar's professional career spans diverse research and academic roles in multiple countries: Research Associate at the Bristol Composite Institute, University of Bristol, UK (2024–Present), Research Professor and Co-Supervisor at Changwon National University, South Korea, Post-Doctoral Fellow at Changwon National University, Earlier, he held roles in esteemed organizations such as the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), India, and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), India as a Project Assistant. His industrial experience includes working as a Junior Chemist in E-Pack Polymers (P) Limited.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Prabhakar’s research centers on polymer composites, focusing on their mechanical performance, thermal properties, and flame-retardant capabilities. His groundbreaking work includes: Development of eco-starch plastic composites funded by a prestigious $122,861 grant from the National Research Foundation of South Korea, Advancements in flame-resistant vinyl ester composites that earned him the Outstanding Presentation Award at the International Symposium on Precision Engineering and Sustainable Manufacturing (PRESM) 2021, Expertise in state-of-the-art composite fabrication techniques, including injection molding, coaxial electrospinning, and various advanced microscopy methods.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Prabhakar has contributed significantly to academia and industry by mentoring 4 Ph.D. and 9 Master's students at Changwon National University. He has served as an evaluator for research competitions such as FONDECYT-Chile National Projects and collaborated internationally on several innovative projects. His efforts in organizing conferences, such as the 11th International Conference on Green Composites (ICGC-11), highlight his leadership in the global research community.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Prabhakar’s prolific academic output includes numerous publications in high-impact journals like Industrial Crops and Products, Cellulose, and Polymer Composites. His extensive reviewing experience for technical journals underscores his influence in the field of polymer science. He has been honored with prestigious fellowships, including Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from the University Grants Commission (UGC), India, during his doctoral studies.

⚙️ Technical Skills

Dr. Prabhakar’s expertise spans a wide range of analytical and processing techniques, such as:Injection molding and Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), Rheometry, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Advanced microscopy tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and 3D Microscopy, Fire testing techniques like Cone Calorimetry and Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Changwon National University, Dr. Prabhakar taught Polymer Processing Technology and Polymer Composites to Ph.D. and Master’s students. He also actively participated in graduate defense committees, further strengthening his commitment to education and mentorship.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Prabhakar’s work has left a lasting impact on the field of polymer science and green composites, fostering innovation in sustainable materials. Looking ahead, his role as a Research Associate at the Bristol Composite Institute positions him to drive cutting-edge advancements in composite engineering, bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and industrial applications.

🏆 Select Honors

Outstanding Presentation Award at PRESM 2021, Jeju, South Korea, Research Grant from the National Research Foundation of South Korea for eco-starch plastic composites, Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from UGC, India.

📖Notable Publications