Prof. Dr. Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar | Nanobiomaterials Awards | Best Innovation Award

Prof. Dr. Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar | Nanobiomaterials Awards | Best Innovation Award

Prof. Dr. Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador

Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar is a distinguished Chemical Engineer and Professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), where she co-directs the Applied Circular Engineering & Simulation Laboratory (GICAS). She is an active member of multiple research institutes, including the Instituto Biosfera de Investigaciones Biológicas y Ambientales and the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Lourdes holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and her expertise spans biomass valorization, sustainable and circular bioeconomy, and circular engineering. She has a notable history in teaching, research, and technical consulting, both nationally and internationally, focusing on bioeconomy and circular engineering. Her extensive academic and professional journey includes numerous positions and projects, reflecting her commitment to advancing green technologies and sustainable development.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

🎓Education:

Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), completed between August 2013 and December 2017. During her time at Virginia Tech, she also earned a Diploma in Bio-based Materials in December 2016. She previously obtained an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, from August 1993 to May 1995. Additionally, Lourdes earned two M.Sc. degrees in Organic Chemistry Technology (Engineering): one from Universidad Estatal de Guayaquil, Ecuador, in October 1985, and another from Universitatea si Politehnic Bucuresti, Romania, in July 1984.

🏢Work Experience:

Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar has had a distinguished career at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador since 1999, where she currently serves as a Professor and Co-Director of the Applied Circular Engineering & Simulation Laboratory (GICAS). In addition, she is a consultant for the Geocircular Consulting Group in Florida, USA, and has provided expertise in sustainable bioeconomy for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Her previous roles include working on projects for the Inter-American Development Bank (BID), co-directing the INEDITA Project funded by SENESCYT and PNUD, and serving as an instructor at Virginia Tech. She has also held positions as a researcher and consultant in various institutions, including CEISCET, Escuela Politécnica del Ejército, and Universidad Central del Ecuador, reflecting her extensive experience in circular engineering, sustainability, and bioeconomy.

🏆Awards:

Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech, USA (SENESCYT Registration # 8401127137), an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, USA (SENESCYT Registration # 7195R-12-6681), and an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry Technology from Universitatea si Politehnic Bucuresti, Romania (SENESCYT Registration # 1006R-08-4053).

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Hemicelluloses from bioresidues and their applications in the food industry – towards an advanced bioeconomy and a sustainable global value chain of chemicals and materials
  • Title: Biomass Valorization through Catalytic Pyrolysis Using Metal-Impregnated Natural Zeolites: From Waste to Resources
  • Title: Initial study on natural fibers for use in concrete mixes as a sustainable materials alternative
  • Title: Valorization of ripe banana peels and cocoa pod husk hydrochars as green sustainable “low loss” dielectric materials
  • Title: Optimization of microfibrillated cellulose isolation from cocoa pod husk via mild oxalic acid hydrolysis: A response surface methodology approach

 

Mahmut Özacar | Nanobiomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Mahmut Özaca: Nanobiomaterials: Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Mahmut Özacar, Sakarya University, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Mahmut Özaca is a distinguished Senior Researcher and Director at the BIOE AMS R&D Group, Sakarya University, Turkey, since 2020. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry, his research spans various domains, including nanomaterial synthesis, solar cells, catalysis, hydrogen energy, biomedical materials, and drug delivery systems. As a Principal Member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences and a recognized professor in Physical Chemistry since 2010, he has contributed significantly to academia. Prof. Özaca’s extensive career includes leadership roles, awards, and memberships in prestigious scientific societies. 🌐🔬🏆

Current Position:

🔬 Senior Researcher and Director, BIOE AMS R & D Group, Sakarya University, Turkey (Since 2020). 📚 Professor in Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Science&Arts Faculty, Sakarya University (Since 2010).

Degrees and Diplomas:

🎓 Ph.D. in Chemistry, Sakarya University, Turkey (1998). 🎓 M.Sc. in Chemistry, Sakarya University, Turkey (1995). 🎓 B.Sc. in Teaching Chemistry, Uludağ University, Turkey (1992).

Past Positions:

👨‍🔬 Principal Member, Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Ankara, Turkey (Since 2020). 🏛 Director and Management Board Member, Sakarya University, BIMAS RC, Turkey (2014-2020). 👨‍🔬 Associate Member, Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Ankara, Turkey (2012-2020). 🌐 Visiting Researcher, Connecticut University, USA (2012). 👨‍🏫 Various Academic Positions at Sakarya University (1998-2010).

Awards:

🏆 Encouragement Award, TUBITAK (2010)

Society Memberships:

🧪 Turkish Chemical Society, Istanbul, Turkey. 🎓 The Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Ankara, Turkey. ☀️ International Solar Energy Society, Freiburg, Germany.

Professional Profiles:

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar:

  • Cited by: All – 8,312.
  • Citations – 7,050.
  • h-index – 49.
  • Documents – 138.

A prolific researcher making meaningful contributions to the academic world!

Research Focus: 🧬

Prof Dr. Mahmut Özaca’s research predominantly centers around environmental chemistry, with a specific focus on adsorption processes. His work includes in-depth studies on the removal of various contaminants from aqueous solutions, such as dyes and heavy metals, using natural materials like bentonite, alunite, and pine sawdust. The research spans equilibrium and kinetic studies, process design, and modeling for different adsorption systems. Notably, his investigations on the adsorption of malachite green, reactive dyes, Congo Red, lead, phosphorus, and phosphate showcase a comprehensive approach towards addressing environmental challenges. Additionally, his exploration into electrocoagulation for decolorization and the photocatalytic efficiencies of metal-doped ZnO nanostructures highlight a commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions. 🌍🔬