Alexia Mihaela Frincu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Alexia Mihaela Frincu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai din Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Alexia Mihaela Frincu embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, completing her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest. Her early interest in organic synthesis was evident in her Bachelor’s thesis, where she explored the synthesis of polyaryl compounds using the SUZUKI coupling reaction in aqueous medium. Her academic excellence was matched by practical laboratory proficiency, which she continued to develop throughout her studies. She advanced to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Chemistry from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Babeș-Bolyai University, where her research focused on N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts involving copper(I) and cyclic peptides, blending coordination chemistry with synthetic methodology.

Professional Endeavors

Currently a PhD student and research assistant at the Department of Chemistry and SOOMCC, Babeș-Bolyai University, Ms. Frincu contributes to cutting-edge chemical research in both academic and applied contexts. She has also undertaken internships at the National Institute of Endocrinology C.I. Parhon and Microsin SRL, where she was exposed to real-world applications of analytical and clinical chemistry, especially within pharmaceutical and biomedical frameworks.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Frincu’s primary research interests lie in organic synthesis, organometallic catalysis, and chemical analysis. Her graduate and doctoral work investigates novel synthetic methodologies using metal complexes and bioactive scaffolds, with an emphasis on sustainability and bio-compatibility. She has contributed to the development of innovative pathways for carbene-catalyzed reactions and the structural characterization of biologically relevant molecules. Participation in interdisciplinary studies has broadened her scope to include peptide chemistry and clinical biochemistry.

Impact and Influence

Her scholarly efforts have been presented at multiple high-level academic platforms, including national and international chemistry conferences. Notably, she presented her research at the Belgian Organic Synthesis Symposium, the National Chemistry Conference, and the International Conference of Chemical Societies of South-East European Countries. These engagements reflect her growing presence in the broader chemical research community and affirm the relevance of her studies to contemporary chemical and medical sciences.

Academic Contributions and Citations

While still in the early stages of her academic career, Ms. Frincu has laid the groundwork for impactful contributions in both research publications and collaborative projects. Her academic writings and conference proceedings contribute to ongoing conversations in organic catalysis and analytical chemistry. As her research progresses, it is expected to gather increasing academic citations, especially in the fields of sustainable synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

Technical and Analytical Skills

Ms. Frincu possesses a robust suite of technical proficiencies essential for modern chemical research. These include the use of ChemDraw, MestReNova, Xcalibur, DMfit, Microsoft Office Suite, and specialized analytical software such as Chemsketch and Inkscape. She is skilled in spectroscopic interpretation and structural analysis, including NMR, IR, and MS methods, enabling detailed compound characterization. Her training includes the use of complex instrumentation and digital platforms critical for reproducible scientific work.

Teaching and Mentorship Experience

As a research assistant, Ms. Frincu has contributed to student support in laboratory instruction and academic guidance at Babeș-Bolyai University. She is actively engaged in mentoring junior students and peers within the department and through student associations, especially in topics related to organic synthesis and laboratory techniques. Her volunteer work with the Chemistry Students Association of the University of Bucharest also exemplifies her commitment to peer engagement and educational outreach.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Frincu is poised to make significant contributions to the field of organic and clinical chemistry. Her future research is likely to explore green chemistry techniques, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for catalysis, and biocompatible compounds for therapeutic applications. With a solid grounding in both theoretical and applied science, she is well-positioned to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world chemical applications, contributing meaningfully to both academic and industrial scientific communities.

Notable Publications

📘 Synthesis of 2-(2-((5″-(4-Cyanophenyl)-3,4′,4″-trioctyl[2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophen]-5-yl)methylene)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylidene)malononitrile
A.M. Frîncu, L. Căta, D. Bălăceanu, I. Grosu, A.P. Crișan, A. Terec Molbank, 2025(3), M2038, Year: 2025

🔬 Synthesis of Polyaryl Compounds Using Aqueous Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction
A.M. Frîncu, A.G. Coman, A. Păun, C.C. Popescu, I. Nicolau, M. Matache

Conclusion

Ms. Alexia Mihaela Frincu exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and forward-thinking researcher. With a strong academic background, interdisciplinary research interests, and a commitment to scientific excellence, she continues to grow her influence within the chemistry domain. Her contributions not only reflect personal achievement but also support the advancement of chemical sciences in Romania and beyond. Her academic trajectory suggests a future marked by impactful discoveries, meaningful collaborations, and sustained academic engagement.

Dr. Alexey Streletskiy | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexey Streletskiy | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Centre for Strategic Planning, Russia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Alexey Streletskiy began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Material Sciences at Moscow State University, Russia. He earned his B.Sc. in 2000 and M.Sc. in 2002, both in Material Sciences, followed by a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 2005. During this time, he was actively involved in research at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, where he explored the synthesis and properties of fullerene derivatives. His academic achievements were complemented by his role as a teaching assistant for the course “Chemical Thermodynamics,” where he guided third-year students, showcasing both his technical knowledge and teaching capabilities.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Streletskiy has accumulated extensive experience across industry and academia, both in Russia and internationally. Since July 2023, he has served as a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Strategic Planning of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (CSP, FGBU), focusing on physical chemistry in the field of ecotoxicology. From 2018 to 2023, he was a Senior Analyst at the same center, contributing to strategic research and technical analysis. Between 2009 and 2017, he worked at Rusnano JSC as a Senior R&D Expert, where he played a vital role in scientific evaluation of emerging nanotechnologies, managed technical due diligence, liaised with business partners, and produced analytical reports for investment decision-making. His earlier international tenure included a role as Senior Research Engineer at Cheil Industries, Samsung, in South Korea (2008–2009), where he developed analytical methods for polymers and electronic materials using advanced instruments like MS, NMR, LC-MS, and GC-MS.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his career, Dr. Streletskiy has consistently bridged fundamental science and applied research. His work spans ecotoxicology, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical analysis. As Leader of the Bioanalytical Group at ASINEX (2006–2008), he led bioanalytical studies of drug compounds using LC/MS/MS and ensured compliance with GLP standards. His early work with fullerene derivatives and their physical-chemical properties reflects his deep interest in molecular chemistry. His current research is vital in supporting environmental and health-related policy through advanced physical chemistry approaches in ecotoxicology.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Streletskiy’s contributions have had both national and international impact. His scientific expertise helped shape investment strategies and innovation at Rusnano, and his analytical support has been instrumental in guiding public health initiatives at the CSP. His role in developing analytical methodologies at Samsung and his leadership in GLP-compliant bioanalysis at ASINEX highlight his global influence and adaptability across scientific environments.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Streletskiy has received numerous accolades for his scholarly work. He was awarded Moscow research grants in 2002 and 2004 and received the Luginin’s Award for interlab collaboration in 2004. He earned the prestigious INTAS Fellowship for Young Scientists (2004–2006), affirming his potential in international scientific research. Additionally, he was recognized with the Young Scientist Award at the 2nd Russian Congress of Mass Spectrometry in 2005.

🧪 Technical Skills

Dr. Streletskiy brings a robust portfolio of technical proficiencies in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry. He is experienced with mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and both gas and liquid chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS). He has developed and validated methods for polymer and pharmaceutical analysis, conducted due diligence evaluations, and operated within GLP and HSE frameworks. These skills make him an asset in both research and industrial settings.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

In addition to his research roles, Dr. Streletskiy has contributed to scientific education. At Moscow State University, he served as a teaching assistant, helping students grasp core concepts in chemical thermodynamics. He has also trained colleagues and lab personnel on new instrumentation and analytical techniques, reflecting his dedication to knowledge sharing and skill development.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Streletskiy’s professional path reflects a unique blend of scientific rigor, practical application, and strategic insight. His work has directly supported advancements in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and environmental health. Looking ahead, his expertise in ecotoxicology positions him to contribute significantly to sustainable scientific policy and environmental safety. His legacy lies in uniting cross-disciplinary scientific excellence with public impact, ensuring his continued relevance in the evolving scientific landscape.

📖Notable Publications

1. Electron capture-induced dissociation of AK dipeptide dications: Influence of ion velocity, crown-ether complexation and collision gas
  • Authors: Bernigaud, V.; Cederquist, H.; Haag, N.; Holm, A.I.S.; Huber, B.A.; Hvelplund, P.; Kadhane, U.; Larsen, M.K.; Manil, B.; Nielsen, S.B.; et al.
  • Journal: International Journal of Mass Spectrometry
  • Year: 2008
2. Growth of p- and n-dopable films from electrochemically generated C₆₀ cations
  • Authors: Bruno, C.; Marcaccio, M.; Paolucci, D.; Castellarin-Cudia, C.; Goldoni, A.; Streletskii, A.V.; Drewello, T.; Barison, S.; Venturini, A.; Zerbetto, F.; et al.
  • Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society
  • Year: 2008
3. Application and evaluation of solvent-free matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the analysis of derivatized fullerenes
  • Authors: Kotsiris, S.G.; Vasil’ev, Y.V.; Streletskii, A.V.; Hart, M.; Mark, L.P.; Boltalina, O.V.; Chronakis, N.; Orfanopoulos, M.; Hungerbühler, H.; Drewello, T.
  • Journal: European Journal of Mass Spectrometry
  • Year: 2006
4. Differences in electronic properties of fluorinated and trifluoromethylated fullerenes revealed by their propensity for dianion formation
  • Authors: Streletskiy, A.V.; Hvelplund, P.; Nielsen, S.B.; Liu, B.; Tomita, S.; Goryunkov, A.A.; Boltalina, O.V.
  • Journal: Journal of Chemical Physics
  • Year: 2006
5. Electron transfer reactivity in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI): Ionization energy, electron affinity and performance of the DCTB matrix within the thermochemical framework
  • Authors: Vasil’ev, Y.V.; Khvostenko, O.G.; Streletskii, A.V.; Boltalina, O.V.; Kotsiris, S.G.; Drewello, T.
  • Journal: Journal of Physical Chemistry A
  • Year: 2006