Khandoker Samaher Salem | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Khandoker Samaher Salem | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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

 

Dr. Alexey Streletskiy | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

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