João Gomes Oliveira Neto | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. João Gomes Oliveira Neto | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), Brazil

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

João Gomes de Oliveira Neto began his academic journey with a Technical Education in Agroindustry at the Maria Cavalcante Costa State School of Professional Education. His exceptional abilities were recognized early on, winning First Place in the Science Fair in the category of Environmental Sciences. This foundational experience ignited his passion for chemistry and scientific inquiry. He pursued his Bachelor's in Chemistry at the Federal Institute of Ceará (IFCE), focusing on the synthesis and characterization of microspheres doped with iron and nickel for environmental applications. This work underscored his commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative chemical solutions.

🏫 Professional and Research Endeavors

João's professional journey includes roles as a monitor and research fellow at IFCE, contributing to analytical chemistry projects and working on galactomannan extractions for microsphere synthesis. He furthered his expertise with a Master’s in Materials Science (2017–2019) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science (2019–2022) from the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA). His doctoral research, under the guidance of Adenilson Oliveira dos Santos, focused on the development of sulfated double salts for optical and thermochemical devices, showcasing his proficiency in advanced material synthesis and characterization. João currently serves as a visiting professor and researcher in the Postgraduate Program in Materials Science at UFMA, contributing to cutting-edge studies in crystallography and molecular structures.

💡 Research Focus and Contributions

João’s research spans a diverse range of areas: Environmental Chemistry: Designing alginate and chitosan microspheres for heavy metal removal and synthetic fuel purification, Materials Science: Investigating organic and inorganic crystals, biopolymers, and their applications in optical devices and cancer treatment, Biochemistry: Evaluating the chemical and biological properties of natural compounds like Euterpe oleracea (açaí). His notable contributions include a 3rd place award at the ICAIC International Conference for his work on the structural and thermal properties of crystal catena compounds.

📖 Impact and Influence

João’s academic output has garnered significant recognition, with publications in high-impact journals and multiple awards, including the prestigious CAPES scholarships during his master’s and doctoral studies. His research findings have been presented at international platforms, influencing both academia and industry.

🛠️ Technical Skills

João is skilled in: Advanced crystallography techniques and X-ray diffraction, Biopolymer synthesis and environmental chemistry applications, Characterization of materials for biomedical and optical uses.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a monitor during his undergraduate studies and now as a visiting professor, João has shown a strong commitment to mentoring students. His dedication to education is evident in his roles as a guide for analytical chemistry and material science research projects.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

João aims to continue bridging gaps between academic research and practical applications. His work in developing sustainable solutions and advancing material science sets the stage for impactful contributions in environmental protection, biochemistry, and optical technologies. João’s journey from a passionate student in Quixadá to an accomplished researcher and educator highlights his unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its real-world applications.

📖Notable Publications

 

Kalpana Pandey | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kalpana Pandey | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

KOREATECH, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kalpana Pandey’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in polymer science and technology. She completed her M.Sc. in Polymer Science & Technology from Gujarat University at CIPET, Ahmedabad, followed by a B.Sc. in Polymer Science & Technology from Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi. During these formative years, she developed a strong passion for material science, which later fueled her research in biopolymers and their applications in environmental and sustainable technologies.

Professional Endeavors 🏢

Her professional career has seen her in several roles contributing significantly to material science and engineering. She is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at KOREATECH, South Korea since October 2023. Prior to this, she worked at IIT Delhi as a Research Associate in the Department of Material Science and Engineering and contributed to various significant industrial and academic research projects. Her collaboration with Dr. Dibakar Rakshit and Dr. Sampa Saha at IIT Delhi in the development of Cellulose-based Phase Change Materials is one of her notable professional undertakings.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Her research primarily focuses on biodegradable polymers, groundwater remediation, and sustainable materials. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Studies on zero-valent iron encapsulated biodegradable polymer particles for groundwater remediation,” underscores her commitment to addressing environmental concerns through innovative material solutions. Additionally, her contributions to the development of bioplastics and biodegradable packaging films have placed her at the forefront of sustainability efforts in material science.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Her research is making a significant impact in the field of sustainable material development and environmental remediation. Her work in encapsulating zero-valent iron in biodegradable polymers has the potential to revolutionize groundwater remediation techniques, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, her research on bioplastics and bio composites contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of plastic waste, furthering the global effort to tackle pollution.  Through her awards such as the RETA 2022 Research Excellence Travel Award at IIT Delhi and recognition for Distinction in Doctoral Research, Dr. Pandey has been acknowledged for her research excellence and significant contributions to material science. Her academic work and industrial partnerships continue to influence future innovations in sustainable materials.

Academic Cites 📚

She has contributed significantly to the academic literature in material science and sustainable technologies. Her publications include influential research articles and book chapters that are widely cited in the field of biodegradable polymers and eco-friendly materials. One such contribution is her work on packaging films using microcrystalline cellulose and TiO2, which has been published in the American Journal of Polymer Science and Technology. 

Technical Skills 🛠️

She possesses advanced technical skills in material characterization, including synthesis and functionalization of polymers, and the development of bio-based materials. She is proficient in handling techniques such as blown film extrusion, spectroscopic analysis, and polymer processing. Her research in nano materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes further highlights her proficiency in handling cutting-edge materials for energy and environmental applications.

Teaching Experience 📖

In addition to her research, Dr. Pandey has been actively involved in mentoring and teaching roles. Her work as a Research Associate at IIT Delhi included supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students in research projects related to material science and environmental remediation. Her mentorship extends beyond formal teaching, as she actively contributes to workshops and seminars to inspire the next generation of scientists in the field of sustainable material research.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Her long-term goal is to continue making strides in green chemistry and sustainable materials, with a particular focus on biodegradable polymers for environmental cleanup. Her interdisciplinary work is poised to have lasting impacts on environmental remediation, plastic waste management, and the development of sustainable energy materials. 

Her collaborations with international research groups and industrial partners ensure that her work will continue to shape the future of sustainable material science, potentially paving the way for innovations in clean energy technologies and eco-friendly materials.

Conclusion 🏅

Her multifaceted career reflects a dedication to advancing material science, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. Her work in bioplastics, groundwater remediation, and bio-based polymers demonstrates her commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions that address pressing global challenges. As she continues her postdoctoral research and prepares for future academic endeavors, Her contributions are set to inspire future advancements in green technology and material engineering.

📖Notable Publications

Architecture dependent transport behavior of iron (0) entrapped biodegradable polymeric particles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Verma, D.K., Singh, A., Saha, S.
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2024

In-situ fabrication of poly-l-lactide & its application as a glass fiber polymer composites using resin transfer molding
Authors: Kim, S.-J., Pandey, K., Poddar, D., Yoo, H.M.
Journal: Polymer Composites
Year: 2024

Stabilization of Iron (0) in plasma treated semi porous polylactic acid based particles for in situ groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2023

Encapsulation of zero valent iron nanoparticles in biodegradable amphiphilic janus particles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2023

Advances in design and synthesis of stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Sharma, S., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2022

Facile technique to encapsulate phase change material in an amphiphilic polymeric matrix for thermal energy storage
Authors: Pandey, K., Ali, S.F., Gupta, S.K., Rakshit, D., Saha, S.
Journal: Applied Energy
Year: 2021

Microencapsulated Zero Valent Iron NanoParticles in Polylactic acid matrix for in situ remediation of contaminated water
Authors: Pandey, K., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2020