Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Excellence in Research Award 

Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah at Malaysia

Polymer Composites research forms the central scientific foundation of Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava’s distinguished academic and research career, reflecting his sustained excellence in metallurgical, mechanical, and nanomaterials engineering. Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, achieving an outstanding 9.63 CGPA, where he pioneered the development of Al and Cu-based hybrid nanocomposites using graphite nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes as hybrid nano reinforcement, with significant implications in advanced materials and Polymer Composites interfaces. He completed his M.Tech in Automotive Technology at the College of Engineering Pune (CoEP)-ARAI Academy under Savitribai Phule Pune University with an 8.13 CGPA, working on high-strength steel welded joints under high strain rates, contributing valuable insights into crashworthiness and automotive safety. His academic journey began with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Central College of Engineering & Management, CSVTU Bhilai, where he achieved an impressive 80.05%, supported by earlier schooling with 77.02% in Higher Secondary and 75% in High School. Professionally, Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava has served as Assistant Professor at Medi-Caps University, Indore and G.H.R.C.E.M Pune with notable teaching contributions, while his research brilliance spans postdoctoral work at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Research Associate experience at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai focusing on hydrogen storage materials and devices, and earlier industrial exposure during his internship at ARAI Pune on AHSS welding and testing. His advanced research interests include metal matrix nanocomposites, carbon-based reinforcements, powder metallurgy, hybrid nanostructures, triboelectric nanogenerators, nanomechanics, and high-performance materials for aerospace, biomedical, and defense applications. His research skills encompass mechanical alloying, characterization, microstructural analysis, high strain rate testing, nanocomposite fabrication, and materials performance evaluation with significant impact in next-generation materials and Polymer Composites innovation. He has attended multiple high-level workshops, including programs at IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, NIT Rourkela, ARAI Pune, and BARC Mumbai. His achievements include qualifying GATE twice—97.36 percentile and 88 percentile. He has contributed several highly cited publications in reputed journals such as Diamond and Related Materials, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Materials Today Communications, and Nano-Objects, with growing international impact. Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava continues advancing research at the intersection of nanomaterials and Polymer Composites, demonstrating technical leadership, strong research ethics, and academic excellence. His work reflects deep commitment to scientific innovation, material sustainability, industrial relevance, and global research collaboration.

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Featured Publications 

Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Ghosh, A., Shukla, U., Garg, K., Edara, A. C., & Sahoo, N. (2023). An introduction to triboelectric nanogenerators. 44 citations.
Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Panda, D., Sahoo, S. K., Maity, T., & Biswas, K. (2020). Effect of addition of multiwalled carbon nanotube/graphite nanoplatelets hybrid on the mechanical properties of aluminium. 27 citations.
Alam, S. N., Shrivastava, P., Panda, D., Gunale, B., Susmitha, K., & Pola, P. (2022). Synthesis of Al2Cu intermetallic compound by mechanical alloying. 23 citations.
Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Panda, D., Sahoo, S. K., Maity, T., & Biswas, K. (2021). Development and mechanical properties investigation of Cu-MWCNT-graphite nanoplatelets hybrid nanocomposites. 15 citations.
Ghosh, A., Shukla, U., Sahoo, N., Das, B., Kar, U. K., Shrivastava, P., & Alam, S. N. (2025). Development and mechanical characterization of copper-Hexagonal boron nitride metal matrix nanocomposites using powder metallurgy route. 12 citations.
Ghosh, A., Shukla, U., Sahoo, N., Ganguly, S., Shrivastava, P., Kumar, L., & others. (2023). Effect of ball milling on hexagonal boron nitride and development of Al-hBN nanocomposites by powder metallurgy route. 12 citations.
Raj, R., Shrivastava, P., Jindal, N., Alam, S. N., Naithani, N., Padhy, M., & others. (2019). Development and characterization of eutectic Sn-Zn, Sn-Ag, Sn-Bi and Sn-Cu solder alloys. 10 citations.
Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Ghosh, A., & Biswas, K. (2023). Fabrication, characterization, and mechanical properties and wear characteristics of graphite nanoplatelets incorporated nanotwinned Cu composites. 9 citations.

 

Kseniia Grafskaia | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Kseniia Grafskaia | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Kseniia Nikolaevna Grafskaia is a dedicated researcher specializing in polymer science, functional materials, and self-assembled materials. With a strong academic background in applied mathematics and physics, she has contributed significantly to the study of amphiphilic wedge-shaped molecules and their applications in ion-selective membranes. Currently associated with Aramco Innovations in Moscow, Russia, she has actively worked on molecular recognition, polymer-like structures, and sustainable industrial materials. Her research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas, bridging fundamental science and industrial applications to enhance material sustainability and performance.

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Education

Dr. Grafskaia earned her PhD in Physical and Mathematical Sciences from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in November 2020. Her doctoral research focused on the real-time study of amphiphilic wedge-shaped sulfonate molecules’ self-organization, contributing to the understanding of polymer-like structures. Prior to this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics, where she investigated self-assembling amphiphilic molecules for ion-exchange membranes. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree with excellence in the same discipline, with a research emphasis on 3D simulations of mesomorphous structures in ion-exchange membranes.

Experience

Throughout her career, Dr. Grafskaia has been actively involved in both academic research and industry collaborations. Her work has resulted in six completed or ongoing research projects and four consultancy projects in collaboration with industrial plants. She has played a pivotal role in the development of low-toxicity polymer compositions for cable insulation, improving safety and sustainability. Additionally, she has contributed to polymer material design for advanced fuel cell ion-exchange membranes, enhancing renewable energy applications. Her expertise extends to optical microscopy studies for molecular recognition of synthetic tetramers, advancing fundamental knowledge in material science.

Research Interests

Dr. Grafskaia’s research interests focus on polymer science, functional materials, self-assembled materials, and liquid crystals. She is particularly engaged in the synthesis and study of macromolecules, investigating their applications in energy storage, membrane technology, and industrial materials. Her work on amphiphilic molecules and polymer-like structures has provided crucial insights into material self-organization, contributing to advancements in both academic and industrial settings. She continues to explore new methods for enhancing material properties and sustainability.

Awards

Dr. Grafskaia has been nominated for the Women Research Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to materials science. Her innovations in polymer compositions and self-assembled materials have had a significant impact on sustainable industrial applications, earning her recognition in academic and professional circles.

Publications

Grafskaia K.N., Anokhin D.V. (2023). “Self-organization of amphiphilic wedge-shaped molecules in ion-selective membranes,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, cited by 8 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2022). “Optical microscopy for studying molecular recognition of synthetic tetramers,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, cited by 6 articles.

Grafskaia K.N., Ivanov M.S. (2021). “Low-toxicity polymer compositions for cable insulation,” Industrial Polymer Journal, cited by 5 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2020). “Experimental chamber design for in-situ investigation of polymer structures,” Advanced Materials Research, cited by 4 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2019). “Wedge-shaped amphiphiles in fuel cell membranes,” Energy & Environmental Science, cited by 10 articles.

Grafskaia K.N., Petrov A.D. (2018). “Mesomorphous structure simulations in ion-exchange membranes,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, cited by 7 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2017). “Liquid crystalline behavior of functional polymers,” Soft Matter, cited by 9 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Grafskaia Kseniia Nikolaevna’s exceptional academic background, groundbreaking research, and impactful industry collaborations make her a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her contributions to polymer science and functional materials have advanced both scientific understanding and practical applications, particularly in sustainability and industrial safety. With numerous publications, patents, and industry partnerships, she has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in research. As a woman in a highly technical field, her achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of female scientists. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her remarkable contributions but also encourage further advancements in scientific research led by women.

Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Institute for Problems in Materials Science, Ukraine

Dr. Dora Zakarian, a distinguished theorist in solid-state physics, has been contributing to material science since 1980 at the Institute for Problems in Materials Science (IPMS), Ukrainian National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine. With a doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, she is renowned for her innovative “a priori pseudopotential” method and groundbreaking studies on the mechanical properties of advanced materials.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Zakarian holds a Doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, specializing in solid-state physics. Her academic background is rooted in rigorous theoretical approaches, emphasizing quantum mechanics and material modeling.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zakarian’s career spans over four decades at IPMS, where she has conducted theoretical studies of mechanical properties in diverse materials. She developed the “a priori pseudopotential” method, which has led to significant advancements in understanding materials like metals, carbides, borides, and eutectic composites. Her work has influenced fields such as nanotechnology and high-entropy alloys, resulting in dozens of foundational methodologies.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zakarian’s research is centered on computational materials science, particularly:

  • Mechanical properties of composite materials under varying conditions.
  • Thermodynamic modeling of binary systems and eutectics.
  • Pioneering methods to account for size factors, anharmonic effects, and intercomponent interactions in composite materials.
  • Young’s modulus and other critical properties of advanced materials.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Zakarian has actively contributed to international research through:

  1. U.S. Navy Grant (2007-2009) – Simulation of ceramic composites in LaB₆-MeB₂ systems.
  2. U.S. Air Force Grant (2012-2014) – Modeling of boride ceramic composites.
  3. NATO Project Grant (2016-2023) – Development of shock-resistant boron-based ceramics, integrating production and testing.

Her groundbreaking contributions have been recognized globally, with applications in defense and aerospace industries.

Key Publications 📚

Dr. Zakarian has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. Key works include:

Universal temperature dependence of Young’s modulus

  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 42

Calculation of composition in LaB6–TiB2 and LaB6–ZrB2 eutectics by means of pseudopotential method

  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 23

Pseudopotential method for calculating the eutectic temperature and concentration of the components of the B4C–TiB2, TiB2–SiC, and B4C–SiC systems

  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 19

Ab-initio calculation of the coefficients of thermal expansion for MeB2 (Me–Ti, Zr) and LaB6 borides and LaB6–MeB2 eutectic composites

  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 11

Quasi-harmonic approximation model in the theory of pseudopotentials

  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 7

Расчет теоретической прочности алмазоподобных материалов, исходя из энергии взаимодействия атомных плоскостей

  • Year: 2006
  • Citations: 7

Mechanical characteristics of quasibinary eutectic composites with regard for the influence of an intercomponent interaction of the interface

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 5

Theoretical Strength of Borides and Quasibinary Boride Eutectics at High Temperatures

  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 4

Наночастицы с алмазоподобной структурой и обратный закон Холла–Петча

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 3

Temperature dependence of the hardness of materials with a metallic, covalent-metallic bonds

  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 2

For a complete list of publications, please refer to the accompanying document.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Dora Zakarian’s contributions to theoretical solid-state physics and materials science are pivotal in advancing our understanding of composite materials. Her innovations in computational methods and models have reshaped the study of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of advanced materials, making her a prominent figure in her field

Thi Sinh Vo | Polymer-Composite Materials | Outstanding Contributions in Academia Award

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Dr . Thi Sinh Vo | Polymer-Composite Materials | Outstanding Contributions in Academia Award 

Postdoc , Sungkyunkwan University , South Korea

Thi Sinh Vo, Ph.D., also known as Helen Vo, is a dedicated researcher specializing in Polymer-Composite Materials. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea, she has made significant contributions to advanced material synthesis, characterization, and application. Her work is focused on functional composites, electromechanical and electrochemical sensors, and water/wastewater treatment. Dr. Vo’s passion for interdisciplinary research and collaboration has led to over 35 peer-reviewed publications, showcasing her expertise and dedication to advancing materials science.

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Contributions: Thi Sinh Vo has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, specifically in polymer-composite materials, electromechanical and electrochemical sensors, and water/wastewater treatment. With over 35 peer-reviewed articles and more than 500 citations, her work demonstrates a profound impact on the academic community. Her research covers a broad range of interdisciplinary areas, highlighting her versatility and ability to integrate different scientific domains.
  2. Innovative Research Projects: Vo has been involved in pioneering research, particularly in the development of functional composites for various applications, including human motion sensing and environmental remediation. Her work on biosensors for detecting diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and the use of natural materials for water purification, underscores her commitment to solving real-world problems through advanced research.
  3. Mentorship and Collaboration: Vo has demonstrated strong leadership in mentoring graduate students and collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams. Her role in fostering a collaborative and productive research environment is a testament to her ability to guide and inspire others, which is a crucial aspect of academic excellence.
  4. Recognition in the Field: Vo’s research has been published in high-impact journals, and she has contributed to multiple national research projects in South Korea. Her work is well-recognized in the academic community, which is an essential criterion for the award.

Areas of Improvement  

  • Broader Dissemination of Research: While Vo has a strong publication record, she could further enhance her academic profile by participating in more international conferences and symposia. This would not only increase the visibility of her work but also facilitate networking with global experts, potentially leading to more collaborative opportunities.
  • Diversity in Research Funding: Although Vo has participated in several national research projects, securing independent research grants or funding from diverse sources could strengthen her academic portfolio. Demonstrating the ability to lead funded projects independently is often a key consideration for awards of this nature.
  • Interdisciplinary Expansion: Vo’s research is already interdisciplinary; however, expanding her work into newer, emerging fields such as artificial intelligence in materials science or green energy technologies could further enhance her contribution to academia. This expansion could also lead to new, innovative research directions.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2023) – Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
    Thesis: “Chitosan-Based Functional Composites for Organic Dye Adsorption and Piezoresistive Sensing: Design, Synthesis, and Characterization”
    Thesis Link
  • M.S. in Chemical Engineering (2018) – Daegu University, South Korea
    Thesis: “Synthesis and Characterization of Crosslinked Polyurethane Utilizing Azide-Alkyne Click Reaction”
    Thesis Link
  • B.S. in Materials Science (2014) – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
    Thesis: “Preparation and Characterization of Water-Soluble Chitosan as a Stabilizer for Gamma-Irradiation-Assisted Silver Nanoparticles”

Experience 💼 

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2023-Present) – School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
    Engaging in cutting-edge research on composite membranes for dye removal, flexible composites for human motion sensing, and nanocomposite-based biosensors.
  • Research Assistant (2018-2023) – Complex Materials Engineering & Systems (COME) Lab, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
    Focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of functional composites and participated in several national research projects.
  • Research Assistant (2015-2018) – Polymer Lab, Daegu University, South Korea
    Worked on self-healing materials and microcapsules, contributing to advancements in polymer science.
  • Chemical Engineer (2015) – CHING LUH Shoes Co., Ltd., Vietnam
    Optimized manufacturing processes for shoe production, enhancing material selection and production techniques.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Vo’s research interests include the development of functional composites and structures, electromechanical and electrochemical sensors for human motion detection, and innovative solutions for water and wastewater treatment, particularly focusing on organic dye removal.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Vo has received numerous recognitions for her contributions to the field of materials science, reflecting her dedication and innovative research approaches.

 Publications 📚

  1. A Comprehensive Review of Laser Processing-assisted 2D Functional Materials, and Their Specific Applications
    Materials Today Physics, 2024
    Link
    Cited by: Articles exploring advancements in 2D materials for various applications.
  2. 3D Porous Sponge-like Sensors Prepared from Various Hybrid Mixture-Filled Melamine Sponge toward Human Motion Detections
    Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2024
    Link
    Cited by: Studies on novel sensors for human motion detection.
  3. Recent Trends of Bioanalytical Sensors with Smart Health Monitoring Systems: from Materials to Applications
    Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2024
    Link
    Cited by: Research in smart health monitoring technologies.
  4. Hybrid Film-Like Strain Sensors Prepared from Polydimethylsiloxane-Covered 3D Porous Network Sponges toward Human Motion Detection
    Applied Materials Today, 2024
    Link
    Cited by: Articles focusing on flexible strain sensors.
  5. Recent Trends of Functional Composites and Structures for Electromechanical Sensors – A Review
    Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2023
    Link
    Cited by: Reviews and articles on advanced composite materials.
  6. Realization of Motion Sensing Composites Prepared from The Incorporation of Three-Dimensional Porous Conductive Foams and Polydimethylsiloxane
    Journal of Science: Advanced Materials & Devices, 2023
    Link

Conclusion

Thi Sinh Vo’s extensive research contributions, particularly in polymer-composite materials and environmental sensors, make her a strong candidate for the Research for Outstanding Contributions in Academia Award. Her publication record, mentorship, and involvement in cutting-edge research projects highlight her as a leading figure in her field. While there are opportunities for growth in terms of broader dissemination of her work and securing diverse research funding, her overall achievements position her well for this prestigious recognition.