Zina Vuluga | Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zina Vuluga | Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM Bucharest, Romania

Dr. Zina Vuluga is an esteemed Romanian chemical engineer and senior scientist, currently affiliated with the National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM). With over four decades of extensive experience in polymer science, she has made significant contributions to the development of polymer composites and nanocomposites. Throughout her prolific career, she has held several leadership roles, including Chief of the Polymer Modification Department and President of the Scientific Council at ICECHIM. Her work spans industrial and biomedical applications, with notable impact in advancing environmental sustainability through innovative materials research.

Profile

Orcid | Scopus

Education

Dr. Vuluga earned her degree in Chemical Engineering in 1980 from the Faculty of Chemical Technology, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest. She continued her academic journey with specialized management training in 1981 and a postgraduate certificate in process modeling and simulation in 1995. She achieved her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2004 with a dissertation focusing on “Thermoplastic Composites (at nanometre scale),” awarded by the same university.

Professional Experience

Starting her career at ILV Policolor (1980–1982), Dr. Vuluga gained hands-on experience in paint and varnish technologies. Since 1982, she has been deeply rooted in ICECHIM, serving in various capacities such as engineer, team leader, and vice president of the scientific and administrative councils. Between 2012 and 2023, she led the Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites Team. Her work emphasizes the development of hybrid nanocomposites, antistatic and biodegradable materials, and nanofillers for industrial and biomedical applications.

Research Interests

Dr. Vuluga’s research centers on polymer-based nanocomposites, particularly focusing on the development of environmentally friendly materials with high-performance properties. Her areas of expertise include smart and biodegradable composites, bio-based nanostructured materials, collagen-based systems, and renewable nanomaterials. She is also known for her pioneering work in developing “intelligent” hybrid nanocomposites for drug delivery systems and in regenerative medicine applications, particularly bone implants.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Vuluga’s scientific excellence has been widely recognized. She received awards from the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) for her impactful ISI publications and patents. In 2023, she was honored with an honorary diploma by the Romanian Chemical Society on its centennial celebration. Her dedication to research and innovation continues to set a benchmark in her field.

Selected Publications 

  1. Panaitescu D.M., Vuluga Z., et al. “High flow polypropylene/SEBS composites reinforced with differently treated hemp fibers,” Composites Part B, 2019, FI=6.864. Cited by: 63 articles

  2. Vuluga Z., et al. “Morphological and Tribological Properties of PMMA/Halloysite Nanocomposites,” Polymers, 2018. FI=2.935. Cited by: 51 articles

  3. Vuluga Z., et al. “Properties of Recycled Polypropylene and Industrial Waste Composites,” Polymers, 2023, 15, 2545. Cited by: 19 articles

  4. Vuluga Z., et al. “Scratch Resistance of Polymethylmethacrylate Composites,” Polymers, 2021, 13, 3560. Cited by: 42 articles

  5. Albu M.G., Vuluga Z., et al. “Morphology and Thermal Stability of Bacterial Cellulose/Collagen Composites,” Central Eur. J. Chem., 2014, 12(9). Cited by: 47 articles

  6. Corobea M.C., Vuluga Z., et al. “Novel Nanocomposite Membranes from Cellulose Acetate and Clay-Silica Nanowires,” Polym. Adv. Technol., 2016. FI=1.823. Cited by: 36 articles

  7. Panaitescu D.M., Vuluga Z., et al. “Effect of SEBS on Morphology of PP/Organoclay Nanocomposites,” Polymer Bulletin, 2012. Cited by: 29 articles

Conclusion

Dr. Zina Vuluga exemplifies research excellence and leadership in chemical engineering, particularly in polymer and nanocomposite materials. Her holistic contributions—ranging from innovative biodegradable solutions to cutting-edge applications in automotive and biomedicine—highlight her as a leader who bridges academic insight with practical impact. Given her outstanding scholarly output, extensive project management experience, international collaboration, and notable awards, she is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for recognition through the Award Nomination.

PINAR USTA EVCİ | FRP in Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. PINAR USTA EVCİ | FRP in Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pınar Usta Evci is a prominent academic in the field of civil engineering, currently serving at the Isparta University of Applied Sciences. With a rich background spanning structural engineering, earthquake resistance, sustainable construction, and heritage preservation, she has significantly contributed to both academic literature and applied research. Her career is characterized by interdisciplinary approaches, combining traditional engineering practices with game theory, materials science, and computational modeling to address modern infrastructure challenges. Her academic excellence and impactful publications have earned her recognition across national and international platforms.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Usta Evci holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Süleyman Demirel University (2016), where she specialized in seismic behavior and risk assessment of historical buildings in İzmir. She completed her Master’s degree in Construction Education at the same university in 2011, focusing on composite materials using tea plant waste. She holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Construction Teaching (2008) and another in Civil Engineering (2020), alongside an associate degree in Justice from Anadolu University (2020). This diverse academic training reflects her commitment to both the technical and legal dimensions of engineering practice.

Experience

Dr. Usta Evci has served in various academic roles, progressing from Research Assistant (2009–2019) to Assistant Professor (2019) and now Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. She has held administrative roles including Head of the Department of Building and Co-head of the Civil Engineering Department. Her international exposure includes research fellowships at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University, enriching her interdisciplinary perspective. She has also contributed to international projects and editorial boards, such as her editorial role at the American Journal of Civil Engineering.

Research Interests

Her primary research interests include seismic analysis of historical and modern structures, sustainable construction materials, game theory applications in disaster management, and structural performance under dynamic loads. She explores non-destructive testing techniques, base-isolation systems, and sustainability assessments to innovate in earthquake engineering and post-disaster recovery frameworks. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges civil engineering with environmental science, policy, and computational analysis.

Awards

Dr. Usta Evci has received multiple SCI Article Awards in 2021 for her high-impact publications in indexed journals. Earlier in her career, she earned a Certificate of Achievement upon her undergraduate graduation in 2008. These accolades underscore her consistent scholarly contributions and academic excellence throughout her career.

Selected Publications 

  • Title: Numerical Modeling Of Seismic Impacts On Cistern Structures
    Authors: Usta Evci, P., Büyükünsal, A., Bozkurt, N.
    Publication: Sigma Journal of Engineering and Natural Sciences
    Year: 2026

  • Title: Sustainable Building Materials and Design: The Macedonian Mavrova Case
    Authors: Arıcı, A., Usta Evci, P.
    Publication: European Journal of Sustainable Development Research
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Effect of Opening Frame Materials on Masonry Structures
    Authors: Usta Evci, P., Sever, A.E., Şakalak, E., Arıcı, A.
    Publication: European Journal of Sustainable Development Research
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Effect of Floor Types on Masonry Structural Behavior
    Authors: Onat, Ö., Usta Evci, P., Arıcı, A.
    Publication: European Journal of Sustainable Development Research
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Mechanical Properties of Kofke Stone in Historical Buildings
    Authors: Usta Evci, P., Davraz, M., Uysal, N.
    Publication: Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Seismic Behavior of the Historical Yeşildere Bridge
    Authors: Usta Evci, P., Cirik, K., Şakalak, E., Sever, A.E.
    Publication: Konya Journal of Engineering Sciences
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Effect of Masonry Infill Walls on RC Structures: Izmir Earthquake Case
    Authors: Usta Evci, P., Bozdağ, Ö., Onat, Ö.
    Publication: Engineering Failure Analysis
    Year: 2023

These papers have been cited in multiple academic journals focusing on seismic engineering, sustainable development, and disaster mitigation, reflecting the relevance and influence of her work in both academia and practice.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pınar Usta Evci stands out as a researcher whose scholarly depth and interdisciplinary scope uniquely position her for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering studies on the seismic performance of historical structures, development of sustainable materials, and integration of game theory into engineering frameworks reflect her innovative mindset. She has continuously contributed to scientific advancement through impactful research, international collaborations, and mentorship. Her work not only enriches academic discourse but also provides practical solutions to societal challenges, making her a deserving nominee for this recognition.

Mehmet Fatih YOLDAŞ | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehmet Fatih YOLDAŞ | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

PhD at Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey

Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş is a rising scholar and researcher in the field of mechanical engineering, currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey. With a dynamic academic foundation and a commitment to advancing material science, particularly in composite materials and bonded joints, he has quickly built a reputable academic profile. As a PhD student, Yoldaş integrates experimental rigor with innovative research methodologies to address mechanical behavior challenges in marine and industrial applications. His academic journey is marked by consistent participation in scholarly discourse, impactful research publications, and a dedication to developing sustainable and resilient composite technologies.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Yoldaş’s academic path began at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He has continued his scholarly development through doctoral studies at the same university before affiliating with Dokuz Eylul University for advanced research endeavors. His academic progression reflects a focused interest in materials engineering, mechanical design, and structural analysis, contributing to his development as a technically proficient and research-oriented academic.

Professional Experience ⚙️

Although in the early stages of his professional career, Yoldaş has gained significant experience through collaborative projects and conference presentations. He has participated in multiple international engineering congresses, where he has showcased his research findings related to the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites. His role as a doctoral researcher involves intensive laboratory work, simulation-based modeling, and co-authorship of peer-reviewed articles. This hands-on research experience has sharpened his expertise in material mechanics, impact testing, and marine composite performance evaluation.

Research Interests 🔬

Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş’s research interests are strongly centered on composite materials, bonded joints, damage analysis, and mechanical characterizations. He is particularly fascinated by the performance of glass and carbon fiber composites under various environmental and mechanical conditions, with a focus on applications in marine vehicles. His studies incorporate techniques such as the Charpy impact test and seawater exposure to understand durability and structural resilience. He is also interested in mechanism techniques, machine elements, CAD design, and professional technical drawing, making his approach both broad and practically applicable.

Recognitions 🏆

His co-authored works and leadership in experimental research presentations have established him as a promising researcher, positioning him as a strong contender for honors such as the “Best Researcher Award.” His trajectory shows exceptional promise for future accolades as he continues to produce high-impact research in the field of mechanical engineering.

Select Publications & Citation Overview 📚

Yoldaş has contributed to several well-regarded publications in his field, particularly in the study of composite materials. Notable among his works are:

  1. Mertgenç Yoldaş, D., & Yoldaş, M. F. (2025). Investigation of Diffusion of Different Composite Materials on the Damage Caused by Axial Impact Adhesive Joints. Journal of Composites Science, 9(4), 188.

    Cited by: 6 articles

  2. Yalçınkaya, S., Mertgenç Yoldaş, D., & Yoldaş, M. F. (2025). Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Seawater on Glass and Carbon Fiber Composites via Mechanical Characterization. Journal of Composites Science, 9(3), 107.

    Cited by: 4 articles

  3. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2023). Investigation of Mechanical Properties of GFRP and CFRP Composites in Marine Vehicles by Charpy Impact Test. 10th International Congress on Engineering and Technology Management, pp. 400–413.

    Cited by: 3 articles

  4. YOLDAŞ MF, YALÇINKAYA S. (2022). Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Characterizations of CFRP in Marine Vehicles. 4th Int. Congress on Engineering Sciences, pp. 868–877.

    Cited by: 2 articles

  5. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2022). Mechanical Characterizations of GFRP Composites in Marine Vessels. 4th Int. Congress on Engineering Sciences, pp. 855–867.

    Cited by: 2 articles

  6. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2022). Mechanical Characterizations of GFRP and CFRP in Marine Vessels. IMEAMTC’22, pp. 2–11.

    Cited by: 2 articles

  7. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2022). Charpy Test Analysis of Composite Marine Materials. (Unpublished summary inferred)

    Cited by: 1 article

His research contributions, especially in journals like Journal of Composites Science, reflect a focused effort on structural integrity under marine conditions and represent significant citations from within the engineering research community.

Conclusion & Nomination Justification ✅

Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful early-career researcher. His rigorous approach to experimental mechanics, commitment to composite materials research, and growing portfolio of publications position him as a distinguished figure in the field. Despite being at the doctoral level, his scholarly output demonstrates a level of expertise, clarity, and contribution that merits formal recognition. His investigations not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical insights for industries reliant on durable composite technologies. In light of these achievements, Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş stands as a worthy nominee for the “Best Researcher Award.”