Dr. Alaka Samal – catalysis Award – Best Researcher

Dr. Alaka Samal - catalysis Award - Best Researcher Award

Utkal University - India

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Alaka Samal embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, securing an 8th rank in B.Sc. Chemistry from Sambalpur University. This early success laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the field. She furthered her education by obtaining an M.Sc. in Chemistry from the National Institute of Technology, a prestigious institution that sharpened her research and analytical skills. These formative years were crucial in developing her keen interest in chemical sciences, specifically in the realm of nanomaterials and their applications.

Professional Endeavors

Upon completing her master's, Dr. Samal transitioned into academia as an Assistant Professor at the Templecity Institute of Technology and Engineering. This role not only allowed her to impart knowledge but also to engage in scholarly activities, honing her research capabilities. Her academic career took a significant leap forward with her pursuit of a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, India, specializing in graphene-based nanomaterials. Her doctoral research concentrated on the synthesis of metal phosphate-based graphene composites, aiming at applications like dye degradation and hydrogen generation.

Contributions and Research Focus On catalysis Award

Dr. Samal's professional journey is marked by her extensive research in heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalytic applications. She has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, focusing on wastewater treatment and hydrogen generation from waste plastics through photoreforming. Her expertise in designing catalysts and developing solar reactors for industrial applications showcases her commitment to leveraging chemical sciences for ecological benefits. Dr. Samal's proficiency in various analytical instruments has further augmented her research output, enabling comprehensive studies and groundbreaking findings in her field.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Samal's research excellence has been recognized and celebrated through several accolades. She was awarded the prestigious UGC-Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship, acknowledging her potential and contributions to chemical science research. Additionally, she secured a CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship, highlighting her capabilities and promise as a researcher. Her prowess was also showcased when she won a Metrohm Poster Presentation competition, further evidencing her skill in effectively communicating complex research findings.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Samal's work extends beyond academia into practical environmental solutions, particularly in addressing challenges related to water pollution and renewable energy. By focusing on the synthesis of nanomaterials for environmental applications, she has contributed significantly to the field of sustainable technology. Her research on photocatalytic applications for dye degradation and hydrogen generation presents viable solutions to pressing environmental issues, setting a benchmark for future studies in the domain.

Legacy and Future Contributions For catalysis Award

Dr. Samal's legacy in the field of chemical sciences, especially within the context of environmental sustainability, is characterized by her innovative approach to using nanotechnology for ecological benefits. As she continues her research at Utkal University, her focus on hydrogen generation from waste plastics through photoreforming is poised to make substantial contributions to renewable energy sources. Her multidisciplinary background and ongoing endeavors not only underscore her commitment to addressing environmental challenges but also predict a lasting impact on advancing sustainable solutions.

Dr. Alaka Samal represents a dynamic force in the realm of chemical sciences, with her early academic pursuits setting the stage for a distinguished career filled with professional achievements, impactful research, and a dedication to environmental sustainability. Her work not only earns her accolades and recognition but also leaves a legacy of innovation and influence that will inspire future contributions to the field.

Notable Publications

Gopinath Shit- Materials Chemistry- Best Researcher  – Award Winner 2023

Congratulations to  Gopinath Shit- Materials Chemistry- Best Researcher  - Award Winner 2023

Gopinath Shit:

Gopinath Shit's research spans across critical areas such as Materials Chemistry, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Corrosion Science and Technology, Electrochemistry, Materials Characterization. Gopinath Shit's work are not specified in the provided information. He completed his B.Sc in 2008 from the University of Burdwan, specializing in Physics, Chemistry (Hons), and Mathematics. His academic journey continued with an M.Sc. in Chemistry at IIT, Guwahati, where he graduated in 2010.

professional profile:

Early Academic Pursuits:

Gopinath Shit pursued his education with a focus on physics, chemistry, and mathematics. He completed his B.Sc in 2008 from the University of Burdwan, specializing in Physics, Chemistry (Hons), and Mathematics. He further pursued M.Sc. in Chemistry at IIT, Guwahati, graduating in 2010.

Professional Endeavors:

  • BARC Training School (01-09-2010 to 30-08-2011):
    • Designation: Trainee Scientific Officer
    • Discipline: Materials Science
  • IGCAR, Kalpakkam:
    • 01-09-2011 to 07/2015:
      • Designation: Scientific Officer

Contributions and Research Focus:

Gopinath Shit's research is centered around Materials Chemistry, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Corrosion Science and Technology, Electrochemistry, Materials Characterization, Materials Development for Nuclear Applications, and Nuclear Science. His specific research experiences include:

  • Development of materials for Nuclear Applications.
  • Synthesis of nanoparticles using wet chemical methods.
  • Corrosion evaluation using electrochemical tests (OCP, Potentiodynamic, EIS, etc.).
  • Characterization of materials using various tools like XRD, SEM, XPS & TEM.
  • Investigating the effects of radiation on materials.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

For more specific details or updates, it's recommended to refer to official profiles, publications, or announcements related to Gopinath Shit from the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research.

Current Position and Address:

Scientist/Scientific Officer-E; CSTD; Metallurgy and Materials Group; Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (DAE); Govt. of India; Kalpakkam-603102 (T.N), India.

Notable Publication:

High temperature phase transformation studies in magnetite nanoparticles doped with Co2+ ion

Improvement of sensitization and intergranular corrosion of AISI type 304L stainless steel through thermo-mechanical treatment

The Effect of Severe Plastic Deformation on the Corrosion Resistance of AISI Type 304L Stainless Steel

The corrosion behavior of compositional modified AISI type 304L stainless steel for nitric acid application

Ida Poljanšek – Wood science- Best Researcher  – Award Winner 2023

Congratulations to Ida Poljanšek - Wood science- Best Researcher  - Award Winner 2023
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek :

Dr. Ida Poljanšek is a highly accomplished individual with a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering. Her educational journey includes earning a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, in 2001. Her doctoral thesis focused on the polymerization of vinyl monomers with biphosphine initiators, showcasing her expertise in the field.She further expanded her academic credentials with a Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Technology from the same university in 1994.

professional profile:

Early Academic Pursuits:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek's academic journey began with her Bachelor's degree in Chemical Technology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at the University of Ljubljana in 1990. She continued her education with a Master's degree in Chemical Technology, where her research focused on the synthesis of sulbactam and the exploration of new beta-lactam inhibitors. This laid the foundation for her future contributions in the field.

Her academic journey reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana in 2001. Her doctoral thesis, centered around the polymerization of vinyl monomers with biphosphine initiators, showcased her early expertise and interest in polymer chemistry.

Professional Endeavors:

Ida Poljanšek's professional career is marked by her longstanding affiliation with the University of Ljubljana. Starting in 1990, she served at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology until 2007, highlighting her commitment to academia. Subsequently, she contributed to the National Institute of Chemistry, specifically in the Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology from 2007 to 2010. Her continued dedication to education and research is evident in her current position at the University of Ljubljana, specifically in the Biotechnical Faculty's Department of Wood Science and Technology since 2010.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek has significantly contributed to the field of polymer chemistry and technology. Her research has spanned the synthesis and characterization of natural and synthetic polymers, with a recent emphasis on nanocellulose. Her work involves the production of nanofibrillated cellulose and its applications in composites within synthetic and natural polymer matrices. Additionally, she has explored the extraction of valuable organic compounds from wood, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach in her contributions.

Her involvement in (inter-)national projects, conferences, and academic visits underlines her commitment to advancing knowledge in polymer science, characterization, and the development of new materials and products.

Accolades and Recognition:

Throughout her career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek has received recognition for her outstanding contributions. Notably, she was honored with the KRKA award in 1990 for her scientific work on the synthesis of cephalosporine antibiotics. In 1997, she secured the first prize for a lecture by young researchers, further attesting to the impact of her work.

Impact and Influence:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek's impact is evident in her extensive publication record, comprising over 59 scientific articles, with 48 published in journals with impact factors. Her mentorship and supervision have played a crucial role in shaping the academic journey of numerous students, as reflected in the recognition received by some of them, such as the Faculty Prešeren Award for a Master's thesis.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Ida Poljanšek's legacy lies in her substantial contributions to the understanding of polymers and their applications. As an Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana, she continues to shape the next generation of researchers through her mentorship and academic leadership. Her future contributions are likely to build upon her established expertise, potentially pushing the boundaries of polymer science and wood technology. The ongoing focus on nanocellulose and sustainable materials suggests a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in materials science

Employment:

  • 1990 – 2007: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
  • 2007 – 2010: National Institute of Chemistry, Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology
  • 2010 - Present: University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology

Academic and Professional Activities:

  • Research and characterization of natural and synthetic polymers.
  • Main focus on the synthesis of well-defined polymers and their properties.
  • Recent research on nanocellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose production, and its application in composites.
  • Research on the extraction of valuable organic compounds from wood.
  • Involvement in (inter-)national projects on polymer synthesis, characterization, and development of new materials/products.

International Experience:

  • Visits to Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany (1991) and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA (1995).
  • Participation in ACHEMA conferences (2000, 2003).
  • Academic visits to Akademi University in Finland (2012) and Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic (2022).

Web Content:

  • Detailed information available in COBISS: COBISS Link

Notable Publication:

Characterization of phenol-formaldehyde prepolymer resins by in line FT-IR spectroscopy

Application of liquefied wood as a new particle board adhesive system

The transesterification of rapeseed and waste sunflower oils: mass-transfer and kinetics in a laboratory batch reactor and in an industrial-scale reactor/separator setup

Characterization of phenol–urea–formaldehyde resin by inline FTIR spectroscopy

Analyzing TEMPO-oxidized cellulose fiber morphology: new insights into optimization of the oxidation process and nanocellulose dispersion quality

Transformation of Indigo carmine by Phanerochaete chrysosporium ligninolytic enzymes

Morphological, thermal, and structural aspects of dried and redispersed nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)

Evaluation of an environmental profile comparison for nanocellulose production and supply chain by applying different life cycle assessment methods

Evaluation of selective extraction methods for recovery of polyphenols from pine