Mrs. Suzanna AKIL | Synthesis and self assembly of nanomaterials | Women Researcher Award

Enseignante chercheuse at LCPA2MC, Lorraine University, France.

Dr. Suzanna Akil is an esteemed Assistant Professor at Lorraine University, France, specializing in nanotechnology. Her research focuses on synthesizing plasmonic, semiconductor, and hybrid plasmonic nanomaterials using eco-friendly and high-throughput fabrication techniques. She is particularly interested in their applications in sensing and photocatalysis, contributing significantly to advancing sustainable nanofabrication. Over her extensive career, Dr. Akil has worked on projects related to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), semiconductor physics, nano-optics, and hybrid plasmonics. She has established strong international collaborations with institutions such as Ural Federal University, Jean Lamour Institute, Lebanese University, Georgia Tech Lorraine, and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT). Her co-supervision of a Ph.D. project focusing on UV plasmonic nanostructures for biosensing applications highlights her role in mentoring young researchers. With an impressive publication record in prestigious journals like Soft Matter, ChemPhotoChem, Catalysts, and Scientific Reports, Dr. Akil has made significant contributions to nanomaterial science. Her expertise, combined with her commitment to innovation, makes her a leading figure in her field. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she continues to push the boundaries of nanotechnology, bridging the gap between material science and real-world applications.

Professional Profile:

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Suzanna Akil has a strong academic foundation in material science and nanotechnology, which has been instrumental in shaping her research career. She completed her Ph.D. at Lorraine University from 2003 to 2007, where she focused on studying complex coacervation in biopolymer mixtures. This research provided her with a deep understanding of interactions in nano-biopolymer systems, which later became a crucial aspect of her work in nanomaterials. Following her doctoral studies, she pursued postdoctoral research at Lorraine University from 2006 to 2008, where she studied the thermodynamics of interactions in nano-biopolymer systems, further strengthening her expertise in nanostructures. Between 2008 and 2010, Dr. Akil held a teaching and research position at the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT), where she applied plasmonic sensors to biopolymer detection. She continued her postdoctoral research at LNIO-UTT from 2009 to 2010, working on the development of novel SERS sensors for disease diagnostics. From 2010 to 2012, she served as a project researcher at UTT, focusing on the elaboration of 3D nanostructures for functionalizing infrared (IR) detectors. Her extensive educational background and research training have equipped her with the necessary expertise to advance nanomaterial science and its applications in various fields.

Professional Experience

Dr. Suzanna Akil has a distinguished professional career spanning over 15 years in nanotechnology research. Since September 2013, she has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Nanomaterials team at Jean Barriol Institute, Lorraine University. In this role, she has been actively involved in research, teaching, and mentoring students while developing innovative nanofabrication techniques. Her earlier professional experience includes working as a project researcher at the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) from 2010 to 2012, where she focused on the elaboration of 3D nanostructures for the functionalization of IR detectors. Prior to that, from 2009 to 2010, she held a postdoctoral research position at LNIO-UTT, contributing to the development of new SERS sensors for disease diagnostics. She also worked as a teaching and research faculty member at UTT between 2008 and 2009, exploring plasmonic sensors for biopolymer detection. Her first postdoctoral role was at Lorraine University from 2006 to 2008, where she investigated thermodynamic interactions in nano-biopolymer systems. Throughout her career, Dr. Akil has been deeply involved in nanomaterials research, securing international collaborations and leading innovative projects that contribute to advancements in biosensing, photocatalysis, and semiconductor physics.

Research Interest

Dr. Suzanna Akil’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, materials science, and applied physics. She specializes in the synthesis and characterization of plasmonic, semiconductor, and hybrid plasmonic nanomaterials with a strong focus on their applications in sensing and photocatalysis. Her work aims to develop reproducible, high-throughput, and eco-friendly nanofabrication techniques to improve material performance and sustainability. A significant part of her research is dedicated to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), where she investigates the use of nanostructures for enhancing molecular detection in biosensing applications. Additionally, she explores the physics of semiconductors, nano-optics, and hybrid plasmonics to create advanced materials for real-world applications. She actively collaborates with institutions like Ural Federal University, Jean Lamour Institute, Lebanese University, Georgia Tech Lorraine, and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) to advance her research. Her co-supervision of a Ph.D. project on UV plasmonic nanostructures for biosensing demonstrates her commitment to bridging fundamental research with technological innovation. Dr. Akil’s work is highly interdisciplinary, integrating physics, chemistry, and biology to develop next-generation nanomaterials that have transformative potential in medicine, energy, and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Dr. Suzanna Akil possesses a diverse set of research skills that make her a leader in nanotechnology and material science. She is highly proficient in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, particularly plasmonic, semiconductor, and hybrid nanostructures. She has extensive experience in nano-optics and semiconductor physics, which she applies to developing advanced materials for biosensing and photocatalysis. Her expertise in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has enabled her to create novel nanostructures that improve molecular detection for disease diagnostics. She is also skilled in thermodynamic analysis of nano-biopolymer interactions, an area she explored during her postdoctoral research. Dr. Akil has strong proficiency in nanofabrication techniques, including the development of high-throughput and eco-friendly synthesis methods. She is adept at collaborative research and interdisciplinary integration, working with international institutions to advance her projects. Additionally, she has experience in mentoring and supervising Ph.D. students, as demonstrated by her co-supervision of a biosensing project at UTT. Her ability to integrate physics, chemistry, and biology into her research allows her to develop cutting-edge nanomaterials with real-world applications.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Suzanna Akil has received significant recognition for her contributions to nanotechnology and materials science. Her research excellence is reflected in her numerous publications in high-impact journals, including Soft Matter, ChemPhotoChem, Catalysts, Langmuir, Journal of Materials Chemistry C, RSC Advances, and Scientific Reports. These publications demonstrate her pioneering work in plasmonic nanostructures and their applications in biosensing and photocatalysis. She has also been involved in major research collaborations with internationally renowned institutions, reinforcing her influence in the scientific community. While specific awards and honors are not listed in her profile, her research accomplishments, leadership in international collaborations, and contributions to advancing sustainable nanofabrication techniques suggest that she has been widely recognized in her field. To further strengthen her academic profile, documenting major awards, patents, or research grants would provide a more comprehensive view of her achievements. Her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to innovation make her a strong candidate for prestigious research awards.

Conclusion

Dr. Suzanna Akil is a distinguished researcher in nanotechnology, making significant contributions to plasmonic and semiconductor nanomaterials. With over 15 years of experience, she has established herself as a leader in high-throughput, eco-friendly nanofabrication techniques, focusing on sensing and photocatalysis applications. Her international collaborations and strong publication record demonstrate her research impact and commitment to advancing the field. While she has an impressive scientific career, further highlighting awards, patents, and research funding could enhance her profile for competitive research awards. Nonetheless, her expertise in nanotechnology, mentorship of Ph.D. students, and interdisciplinary research approach make her an outstanding candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her dedication to innovation and sustainability ensures that her contributions will continue to influence nanomaterials research for years to come.

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