Zina Vuluga | Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Ozge Sahin | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ozge Sahin | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Academician at Ankara University, Turkey

Özge Şahin is an accomplished academic specializing in soil science and plant nutrition, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices. Through extensive research, contributions to scientific publications, and involvement in collaborative projects, she has established herself as a leading voice in the field. Her work centers on biochar applications, soil fertility, and nutrient management to enhance crop productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.

Profile

Scholar

Education

With a strong academic foundation in soil science and plant nutrition, Özge Şahin has pursued advanced studies in agricultural sciences. Her expertise extends across various interdisciplinary areas, integrating soil chemistry, plant physiology, and environmental sustainability. Over the years, she has collaborated with national and international institutions, gaining insights into innovative agricultural methodologies.

Experience

Throughout her career, Özge Şahin has actively contributed to academic research, industry consultations, and government-funded projects. She has led investigations into soil fertility, mineral nutrition, and biofortification strategies aimed at improving crop resilience against environmental stressors. Her role as a researcher and consultant has strengthened knowledge-sharing efforts within academia and industry, allowing practical applications of scientific advancements to be integrated into modern agricultural practices.

Research Interests

Her primary research interests span soil fertility management, nutrient efficiency enhancement, and sustainable agricultural development. She has focused on optimizing fertilizer applications, investigating biochar’s role in improving soil conditions, and analyzing physiological responses in plants under nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, her studies have explored the effects of nano-fertilizers and organic amendments, demonstrating innovative methods to improve soil health while minimizing environmental impact.

Awards and Recognitions

Recognized for her contributions to agricultural sciences, Özge Şahin has been honored with nominations for prestigious awards, underscoring her commitment to advancing soil and plant nutrition research. Her research projects, spanning multiple funded initiatives, have received attention from scientific organizations and government agencies for their practical applications in improving agricultural productivity.

Publications

Here are selected publications demonstrating her scholarly impact:

  • Title: Antioxidant and stomatal responses of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to boron toxicity
    Publication: Scientia Horticulturae 110 (3), 279–284
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 223

 

  • Title: Impacts of biochar and processed poultry manure, applied to a calcareous soil, on the growth of bean and maize
    Publication: Soil Use and Management 31 (1), 106–113
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 210

 

  • Title: Effect of phosphorus‐enriched biochar and poultry manure on growth and mineral composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv.) grown in alkaline soil
    Publication: Soil Use and Management 30 (2), 182–188
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 184

 

  • Title: Silicon increases boron tolerance and reduces oxidative damage of wheat grown in soil with excess boron
    Publication: Biologia Plantarum 51, 571–574
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 173

 

  • Title: Effect of synthetic nano-hydroxyapatite as an alternative phosphorus source on growth and phosphorus nutrition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plant
    Publication: Journal of Plant Nutrition 41 (9), 1148–1154
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 123

 

  • Title: Effect of acid modification of biochar on nutrient availability and maize growth in a calcareous soil
    Publication: Soil Use and Management 33 (3), 447–456
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 123

 

  • Title: Essential and non-essential element composition of tomato plants fertilized with poultry manure
    Publication: Scientia Horticulturae 127 (1), 16–22
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 113

 

  • Title: Variations in mineral element concentrations of poultry manure biochar obtained at different pyrolysis temperatures, and their effects on crop growth and mineral nutrition
    Publication: Soil Use and Management 31 (4), 429–437
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 85

 

  • Title: Combined biofortification of soilless grown lettuce with iodine, selenium and zinc and its effect on essential and non-essential elemental composition
    Publication: Journal of Plant Nutrition 44 (5), 673–678
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 34

 

  • Title: Determination of mineral nutrition status of some hazelnut gardens in Ordu-Central district
    Publication: Academic Journal of Agriculture 5 (2), 77–86
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 34

Conclusion

With a profound dedication to agricultural sciences, Özge Şahin has contributed extensively to advancing soil fertility and plant nutrition research. Her interdisciplinary approach has led to meaningful collaborations, impactful publications, and innovative solutions for sustainable farming. By integrating theoretical insights with practical applications, her research continues to influence agricultural methodologies, improving both productivity and environmental sustainability.