head assistant at Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with Hydro and Aerodynamics Centre – BAS, Bulgaria
Yana Sergeeva Mourdjeva is a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment, and Technologies with the Center for Hydro- and Aerodynamics “Acad. A. Balevski” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IMSETHC-BAS). With over 15 years of experience in materials science, her work focuses on characterizing metals and alloys, transmission electron microscopy, and exploring the effects of hydrogen embrittlement and nanomaterials. Currently serving as Head Assistant at the Laboratory of Transmission Electron Microscopy, Yana has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative research on superplasticity and advanced material properties.
Profile
Scholar
🎓 Education
Yana Mourdjeva holds a Master of Science degree in Machine Engineering from the Technical University – Sofia. She further pursued her academic journey at IMSETHC-BAS, earning a PhD in “Material Science and Technology of Machine Building Materials.” Her strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her expertise in material characterization, mechanical testing, and the development of advanced alloys and composites. Her educational background combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on research, making her a versatile expert in materials science.
💼 Experience
Yana has an extensive professional background, having held multiple roles at IMSETHC-BAS over the past two decades. From 2006 to 2013, she worked as a technologist in the Mechanical Testing Laboratory, where she conducted comprehensive studies on the mechanical properties of various metals and alloys. From 2013 to 2022, she transitioned to the Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory, deepening her expertise in microscopic analysis and material behavior. Since 2022, she has been serving as the Head Assistant, leading innovative research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and advancing the institute’s scientific contributions. Her international experience includes specializations through Erasmus programs at the Metallurgy Institute – PAN in Krakow, Poland, in 2022 and 2024, highlighting her active collaboration with global research networks.
🔬 Research Interest
Yana Mourdjeva’s primary research interests lie in materials science, focusing on the characterization of metals and alloys. Her expertise extends to transmission electron microscopy, hydrogen embrittlement, and nanomaterials. She is particularly interested in superplasticity and the microstructural evolution of advanced materials, including aluminum-based composites and steel alloys. Her recent projects involve the investigation of the mechanical properties and tribological performance of graphene-reinforced aluminum composites, contributing to the development of stronger, more durable materials with improved performance characteristics.
🏅 Awards
Yana Mourdjeva has received several accolades for her outstanding research contributions. She has been recognized for her participation in multiple Bulgarian National Science Fund projects, where her work received high evaluations. Her collaborative research on hydrogen embrittlement and aluminum-based nanocomposites has earned her significant acknowledgment from the scientific community. Additionally, she is an active member of various scientific societies, further showcasing her influence in the field of materials science.
📚 Selected Publications
Dyakova, V., Stefanov, G., Penkov, I., Kovacheva, D., Marinkov, N., Mourdjeva, Y., & Gyurov, S. (2022). “Influence of Zn on Glass Forming Ability and Crystallization Behaviour of Rapidly Solidified Al-Cu-Mg (Zn) Alloys.” Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 57(3), 622-630. (Cited by: 5 articles)
Lazarova, R., Mourdjeva, Y., Petkov, V., Marinov, M., Dimitrova, R., & Shuleva, D. (2022). “Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium-Graphene Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgical Method.” Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Springer. (Cited by: 8 articles)
Dyakova, V., Stefanov, G., Kovacheva, D., Mourdjeva, Y., Marinkov, N., Penkov, I., & Georgiev, J. (2022). “Influence of Zr and Zn as Minority Alloying Elements on Glass Forming Ability and Crystallization Behavior of Rapidly Solidified AlCuMg Ribbons.” AIP Conference Proceedings, 2449, DOI: 10.1063/5.0090746. (Cited by: 4 articles)
Mourdjeva, Y., Karashanova, D., Nihtianova, D., & Lazarova, R. (2023). “Microstructural Characteristics of Al4C3 Phase and the Interfaces in Al/Graphene Nanoplatelet Composites and Their Effect on the Mechanical Properties.” Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance. DOI: 10.1007/s11665-023-08804-6. (Cited by: 7 articles)
Kolev, M., Lazarova, R., Petkov, V., Mourdjeva, Y., & Nihtianova, D. (2023). “Investigating the Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Al4C3 on the Tribological Performance of Aluminum-Based Nanocomposites.” Metals, MDPI. DOI: 10.3390/met13050943. (Cited by: 6 articles)
Dyakova, V., Mourdjeva, Y., Marinkov, N., Stefanov, G., Kostova, Y., & Gyurov, S. (2023). “Effect of Ni as Minority Alloying Element on Glass Forming Ability and Crystallization Behavior of Rapidly Solidified Al-Cu-Mg-Ni Ribbons.” Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 58(5). (Cited by: 3 articles)
Dyakova, V., Mourdjeva, Y., Simeonova, T., Krastev, R., Atanasov, I., Drenchev, L., & Kavardjikov, V. (2024). “Microstructural Analysis of 40X Steel After Strain-Controlled Fatigue.” Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 54. (Cited by: 2 articles)
✅ Conclusion
Yana Sergeeva Mourdjeva is undeniably a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her:
Extensive research experience in materials science and metallurgy.
High-impact scientific publications with a growing citation record.
Participation in international collaborations, showcasing her global scientific influence.
Active involvement in prestigious research projects, contributing to industrial and technological advancements.
Exceptional leadership in the scientific community, promoting innovation and knowledge dissemination.
Her dedication to cutting-edge research, combined with her international experience and publication track record, makes her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.