University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
👨🎓Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Khandoker Samaher Salem’s academic foundation is rooted in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, where she graduated with top honors. Driven by a passion for materials science and sustainability, she pursued advanced studies abroad, earning both a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering and a Ph.D. in Forest Biomaterials from North Carolina State University. Her graduate and doctoral training provided her with a strong interdisciplinary background, blending the fundamentals of polymer science, nanomaterials, and bio-based materials engineering.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Salem currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Dhaka. Her academic career has steadily progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, reflecting her commitment to teaching, curriculum development, and institutional service. Her teaching portfolio covers a wide range of specialized subjects, including Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, and Chemical Technology, with a focus on pulp and paper, cellulosic fibers, and wood chemistry. She is actively involved in multiple university-level committees such as course development, academic discipline, and Outcome-Based Education (OBE) implementation.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Salem’s research is centered on the fabrication and characterization of bio-based and polymeric materials with sustainable applications. Her work involves the development of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films for packaging, biopolymer nano-hybrids, and grafted polymers, utilizing techniques such as freeze drying, cryogenic processing, solution casting, and composite lamination. Her scientific contributions aim to advance the fields of renewable materials and green chemistry, aligning with global sustainability goals. She also explores performance evaluation of these materials using both classical and advanced analytical tools.
Technical Proficiencies
Her laboratory competencies span a diverse range of material fabrication and testing techniques. She is adept in using instrumentation such as Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Instron mechanical testing, thermal analysis systems (DSC, TGA, DMA), FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, and optical profilometry. She also employs niche equipment like the Emtec TSA Softness Measurement Instrument and conducts permeability assessments (WVTR, OTR). Her computational skills extend to ImageJ, Origin Lab, ChemDraw, Adobe Creative Suite, and specialized software for materials analysis.
Teaching Experience and Academic Service
As a dedicated educator, Dr. Salem engages actively in undergraduate and postgraduate instruction, with class sizes ranging from 40 to 65 students. She has designed and delivered core and elective courses in polymer science and chemical engineering. Beyond teaching, she serves in advisory and curriculum roles, contributing to policy-making in academic and administrative spheres. Her involvement in student advising and undergraduate admissions underscores her holistic approach to academic mentorship.
Research Recognition and Honors
Dr. Salem’s scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple competitive awards. These include first prize in a materials-focused Make-a-thon at NC State University and a prestigious enhancement fellowship for graduate students. Her research has earned national accolades, such as the National Science and ICT Fellowship, and university-level scholarships for academic distinction. These honors reflect her consistent performance as a top-tier scholar and emerging leader in materials research.
Industrial Exposure and Practical Insights
Dr. Salem complements her academic knowledge with hands-on exposure to industrial practices through various study tours across Bangladesh and the United States. These experiences have deepened her understanding of industrial chemical processes, quality control systems, utility operations, and sustainable material production, thereby enhancing her teaching and research with practical relevance.
Organizational Involvement and Outreach
She has demonstrated leadership in organizing international scientific events, such as the International Conclave on Materials, Energy and Climate, in partnership with the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM). Her involvement in community outreach programs in the U.S. during her studies—through initiatives like the ‘Cultural Corps’ and international festivals—highlights her commitment to intercultural exchange and science communication.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Salem maintains active memberships in leading professional organizations including the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), and the Bangladesh Chemical Society (BCS). These affiliations provide her with a global platform for networking, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Salem aims to further integrate sustainable materials into mainstream engineering applications through cutting-edge research and academic leadership. She envisions a future where biodegradable and bio-sourced materials replace conventional plastics, with her research group at the forefront of this transition. Her dedication to innovation, pedagogy, and sustainability positions her as a catalyst for scientific progress in materials engineering both locally and internationally.
📖Notable Publications
Advances in barrier coatings and film technologies for achieving sustainable packaging of food products – a review
Authors: P. Tyagi, K.S. Salem, M.A. Hubbe, L. Pal
Journal: Trends in Food Science & Technology, 115, 461–485
Citations: 340
Year: 2021
Hydrogel-based sensor networks: Compositions, properties, and applications — A review
Authors: X. Sun, S. Agate, K.S. Salem, L. Lucia, L. Pal
Journal: ACS Applied Bio Materials, 4(1), 140–162
Citations: 250
Year: 2020
Comparison and assessment of methods for cellulose crystallinity determination
Authors: K.S. Salem, N.K. Kasera, M.A. Rahman, H. Jameel, Y. Habibi, S.J. Eichhorn, …
Journal: Chemical Society Reviews, 52(18), 6417–6446
Citations: 243
Year: 2023
Polyethylene glycol functionalized carbon nanotubes/gelatin-chitosan nanocomposite: An approach for significant drug release
Authors: S. Sharmeen, A.F.M.M. Rahman, M.M. Lubna, K.S. Salem, R. Islam, M.A. Khan
Journal: Bioactive Materials, 3(3), 236–244
Citations: 109
Year: 2018
Cellulase in waste management applications
Authors: M.N. Khan, I.Z. Luna, M.M. Islam, S. Sharmeen, K.S. Salem, T.U. Rashid, …
Journal: New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Citations: 56
Year: 2016