Salvatore Garofalo | Smart Materials and Artificial Muscles | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Salvatore Garofalo | Smart Materials and Artificial Muscles | Best Researcher Award

PhD scholar, University of Calabria, Italy

Salvatore Garofalo is a PhD candidate in Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Calabria, Italy, specializing in smart materials and artificial muscles. He holds a Master’s (2023) and Bachelor’s (2020) in Mechanical Engineering, both with top honors. His research focuses on thermo-electro-mechanical behavior and the fatigue properties of nanostructured materials. He has been a visiting PhD scholar at Iowa University, contributing to advancements in Twisted and Coiled Artificial Muscles (TCAMs). Garofalo has published multiple peer-reviewed papers and won awards for his innovative research.

Profile

Education 🎓

PhD (2023–2026, Ongoing): Civil & Industrial Engineering, University of Calabria, Italy – Research in smart materials & artificial muscles. Master’s (2020–2023): Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria – Thesis on fatigue behavior of nanostructured polymers. Bachelor’s (2017–2020): Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria – Thesis on fatigue in composite materials. Secondary Diploma (2013–2017): Liceo Scientifico, Italy – Scientific high school graduate with top honors.

Experience 💼

Visiting PhD Scholar (2025): Iowa University, USA – Research on improving TCAMs. Teaching Assistant (2023–2025): University of Calabria – Courses on Mechanics of Materials. PhD Student Representative (2023–2026): University of Calabria – Institutional role. Internship (2022): Safran Aircraft Engines, France – Fatigue analysis of polymers & nanocomposites. Study Abroad (2015): ISIS Greenwich School, UK – English language & cultural immersion.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Best Poster Award (2024): General Meeting Age-It 2024, University of Venice, Italy. Best Poster Award (2023): 8th World Congress on Advanced Materials, Thailand. Internship at Safran Aircraft Engines (2022): Selected for a competitive role in polymer fatigue research. Top Academic Honors: Achieved highest distinction in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and secondary education.

Research Focus 🔬

Smart Materials & Artificial Muscles: Investigating thermo-electro-mechanical properties of TCAMs. Fatigue Behavior of Nanostructured Polymers: Enhancing durability of composite materials for aeronautics. Biomedical Applications: Exploring artificial muscles for rehabilitation devices. Finite Element Modeling: Simulating fatigue resistance of polymer matrix composites. All-Optical Actuation Systems: Developing non-contact control strategies for artificial muscles.

Publications

Production Parameters and Thermo-Mechanical Performance of TCAMs (Eng. Proc., 2025).

A Critical Review of Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Devices (Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2025).

Transitioning to Artificial Muscles in Rehabilitation (J. Intelligent Material Systems, 2024).

Fatigue Behavior of Nanostructured Epoxy Composites (J. Reinforced Plastics, 2024).

 

Conclusion

Salvatore Garofalo is a highly promising researcher in smart materials and artificial muscles, with a strong academic foundation, innovative research contributions, and international exposure. His awards, publications, and industry experience position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By expanding collaborations, securing patents, and broadening research applications, he could further solidify his standing as a leader in his field.

 

Abdumutolib Atakhanov | Novel Acryloylated | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Abdumutolib Atakhanov | Novel Acryloylated | Best Researcher Award

Director at ,Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Uzbekistan

Director of the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics since 2024, this professor has over two decades of experience in polymer chemistry research. Their leadership roles include managing key projects and laboratories in nanomaterials, biopolymers, and macromolecular systems. They’ve been instrumental in advancing both fundamental and applied research in Uzbekistan and internationally. An active member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), they’ve contributed to multiple international conferences and collaborations, driving innovations in polymer science. Their work bridges scientific inquiry with industrial applications, from nanofibers to biodegradable films.

Publication Profile

scholar

orcid

Education 🎓📚

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tashkent State University (1996-1999), followed by a Master’s in macromolecular chemistry from the National University of Uzbekistan (2000-2001). Ph.D. from the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics (2006), Doctor of Sciences (2016), and full professorship (2022). With extensive training in Uzbekistan and collaborative research travel to Reading University (UK) and A.V.Topchiev Institute (Russia), they’ve built a robust academic foundation that spans over two decades of polymer research.

Professional Experience

Current Director of the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics (2024-present). Held leadership roles as Head of Laboratory (2018-2024), Scientific Secretary (2013-2017), and Project Manager since 2010. Began as a junior researcher and doctoral student (2001-2008), progressing into senior roles where they managed high-profile projects related to nanofibers, biodegradable films, and nanocellulose. Their expertise in polymer chemistry has positioned them as a leader in both academic and applied research, fostering innovation in Uzbekistan’s scientific community. 🧑‍🔬👩‍💼

Awards and Honors

Recipient of numerous accolades for contributions to polymer science, they’ve led successful national and international collaborations, earning recognition for pioneering biodegradable materials and nanofiber technologies. They are a regular invited speaker at international symposiums, sharing insights on biodegradable composites, nanocellulose, and polymer nanostructures. Editorial board member of Uzbekistan Journal of Polymers and Thematic Journal of Chemistry, their impact in the field is celebrated by peers worldwide. 🏅🌟

Research Focus 🔬

Specializes in the fundamental and applied aspects of polymer chemistry, particularly nanofibers, biodegradable materials, and nanocellulose. Their projects include hydrogen and photocurrent generation using conductive biopolymers, microcrystalline cellulose production, and biodegradable film technologies. They’ve explored the relationship between polymer structure and function, contributing valuable knowledge on nanocomposites and biopolymers. Their work bridges theoretical research and practical industrial applications, driving sustainable solutions in polymer science.

Publication  Top Notes

  • Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite films based on carboxymethylcellulose and silver nanoparticles
    Kh.E. Yunusov, A.A. Sarymsakov, J.Z. Jalilov, A.A. Atakhanov
    Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 19, 2021.
  • Physicochemical studies of cotton cellulose and its derivatives containing silver nanoparticles
    K.E. Yunusov, A.A. Atakhanov, N.S. Ashurov, A.A. Sarymsakov, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Natural Compounds, 47, 415-418, 2011.
  • Isolation of nanocellulose from cotton cellulose and computer modeling of its structure
    A. Atakhanov, I. Turdikulov, B. Mamadiyorov, N. Abdullaeva, I. Nurgaliev, …
    Open Journal of Polymer Chemistry, 9(04), 117-129, 2019.
  • Comparative study of the physicochemical properties and structure of cotton cellulose and its modified forms
    A.A. Atakhanov, B. Mamadierov, M. Kuzieva, S.M. Yugai
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 3, 5-13, 2019.
  • Cotton cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and nanocellulose: carboxymethylation and oxidation reaction activity
    S. Yuldoshov, A. Atakhanov, S. Rashidova
    Nano Sci. Nano Technol, 10(6), 106, 2016.
  • Preparation of oxidized nanocellulose by using potassium dichromate
    K. Makhliyo, A. Abdumutolib, S. Sirojiddin, A. Nurbek, Y. Khaydar, G. Jiang
    Cellulose, 30(9), 5657-5668, 2023.
  • Comparative studies of the sorption properties and capillary-porous structure of cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and nanocellulose
    A.A. Atakhanov, M.Y. Yunusov, A.A. Sarymsakov, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 45-48, 2012.
  • Physicochemical studies of the structure of chitosan and chitosan ascorbate nanoparticles
    N.S. Ashurov, S.M. Yugai, S.S. Shakhobutdinov, A.S. Kulumbetov, …
    Russian Chemical Bulletin, 71(2), 227-231, 2022.
  • Silver nanoparticles were formed on the polymer matrices and their bactericidal properties
    Y. Kh.E., A.A. Atakhanov, A.A. Sarymsakov, R. S.Sh, K.V. Lobanova
    Pharmaceutical Journal, 1, 55-59, 2010.
  • Obtaining and studying properties of biodegradable composite films based on polyethylene
    I.H. Turdikulov, B.N. Mamadiyorov, M.Q. Saidmuhammedova, A.A. Atakhanov
    Open Journal of Chemistry, 6(1), 030-036, 2020.
  • Rheological behavior of nanocellulose aqueous suspensions
    A.A. Atakhanov, A.A. Kholmuminov, B.N. Mamadierov, I.K. Turdikulov, …
    Polymer Science, Series A, 62, 213-217, 2020.
  • New low-silicate stabilizing systems for peroxide bleaching of cotton fibers
    A.A. Atakhanov, A.D. Tikhonovetskaya, D.S. Nabiyev, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 5-9, 2004.
  • Structure and thermal properties of chitin and chitosan from various sources
    N.S. Ashurov, M. Abdurazakov, S.M. Yugay, A.A. Atakhanov, K.A. Gulamjanov, …
    Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2388(1), 012011, 2022.
  • Thermal and mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced by sulfuric acid-hydrolyzed and tempo-oxidized nanocellulose: a comparative study
    M.I. Voronova, O.V. Surov, M.M. Kuziyeva, A.A. Atakhanov
    Izvestiya Vysших Uchebnykh Zavedeniy. Seriya “Khimiya i Khimicheskaya Tekhnologiya”, 4, 2022.
  • Biomedical polymers and perspectives of their creation
    A.A. Sarymsakov, Y. Kh.E., A.A. Atakhanov, R. S.Sh
    Pharmaceutical Journal, 3, 29-37, 2011.
  • Possibility of obtaining cotton cellulose by combined cooking and bleaching
    A.A. Atakhanov, A.D. Tikhonovetskaya, D.S. Nabiyev, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 23-26, 2004.
  • Sodium-Carboxymethylcellulose/Polyphenol-Gossypol-Carboxymethylcellulose Copolymer Films for Ocular Drug Delivery: Preparation and Physico-Chemical Properties
    S.S. Yunusov Kh., Sarymsakov A., Shukurov A., Todjiyev J., Atakhanov A., Guohua J.
    Asian Journal of Chemistry, 34(12), 3085-3092, 2022.
  • Comparative studies of the physicochemical properties and structure of cotton cellulose and its modified forms
    A.A. Atakhanov, B. Mamadiyorov, M. Kuzieva, S.M. Yugai, S. Shakhobutdinov, …
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 5-13, 2019.
  • Biodegradable Polyethylene-Based Composites Filled with Cellulose Micro-and Nanoparticles
    M.Q. Saidmuhammedova, I.H. Turdikulov, A.A. Atakhanov, N.S. Ashurov, …
    Eurasian Journal of Chemistry, 28(2 (110)), 2023.
  • Founders: Ivanovo State Chemical Technology University
    A.E. Ponomareva, V.V. Pantelieva, A.B. Shein
    Izvestiya Vysших Uchebnykh Zavedeniy, 65(3), 52-59, 2022.

Conclusion

The candidate is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to their extensive educational background, leadership in significant research projects, and active participation in the scientific community. Their work in developing innovative materials aligns well with current global challenges, particularly in sustainability. While there are opportunities for improvement in publication output and collaboration, their strengths far outweigh these areas. Awarding them this recognition would not only honor their contributions but also inspire further advancements in polymer chemistry and materials science.

Dr Arely Cano | Mechanics of Functional Materials and Structures.

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Dr Arely Cano: Leading Researcher in Mechanics of Functional Materials and Structures.
Dr Arely Cano, PhD, Advanced Technology  .

Dr. Arely Cano, a distinguished PhD holder in advanced technology, stands at the forefront of groundbreaking research in the mechanics of functional materials and structures. With an illustrious career, Dr. Cano has become a trailblazer, contributing significantly to the field’s advancements. Her expertise extends across intricate realms, encompassing innovative technologies and the nuanced understanding of materials’ mechanical behavior. As a respected leader, Dr. Cano’s work not only propels the boundaries of knowledge but also inspires the next generation of researchers to delve into the fascinating intersections of technology, materials, and structure.

 

Professional Profiles:

 

 

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from google scholar:

Cited by : All-354

citations- 342

h-index-10

 

Education:

  • PhD, Advanced Technology Research Center for Applied Sciences and Advanced Technology, National Polytechnic Institute 01/2015-12/2018 Mexico City, Mexico -Thesis: “An XPS study of Prussian blue Analogues and Related Coordination Compounds”. Advisor. Scientist Emeritus Edilso F. Reguera Ruiz (edilso.reguera@gmail.com) and Dr. Luis Lartundo (SNI II) (llartundo@ipn.mx)Master’s degree, Advanced Technology Research Center for Applied Sciences and Advanced Technology, National Polytechnic Institute 01/2013-12/2014 Mexico City, Mexico -Thesis: “Study of an atypical transition metal nitroprussides”. Advisor. Scientist Emeritus Edilso F. Reguera Ruiz (edilso.reguera@gmail.com) and Dr. Adela Lemus (SNI II) (alemuss@ipn.mx)Bachelor’s’ degree, Industrial Chemical Engineering Escuela Superior en Ingeniería Química e Industrias Extractivas (ESIQIE), National Polytechnic Institute 08/2008-12/2012 Mexico City, Mexico -Degree obtained with the Master´s thesis: “Study of an atypical transition metal nitroprussides”. Advisor. Scientist Emeritus Edilso F. Reguera Ruiz (edilso.reguera@gmail.com) and Dr. Adela Lemus (SNI II) (alemuss@ipn.mx)

 

Synchrotron Project:

Accepted internal proposal for Beam time run September-October/2022 (1 month) Surface structure and chemical composition study of Nb for quantum materials applications: 3D and 2D resonators Author(s): A. Cano, D. Bafia, Z. Sung, M. Martinello, S. Posen, A. Romanenko, A. Grassellino and J. R. Zuazo European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Spline Spanish beam-station, ESRF, France Contact: Beam-scientist PhD Juan R. Zuazo, Beam-scientist PhD German Castro Accepted proposal for Beam time run November/2021 (2 year)

Electronic and structural changes in Nb SRF material under cryogenic conditions through combined HAXPES/GIXRD data Author(s): A. Cano, Z. Sung, D. Bafia, T. Spina, M. Martinello, S. Posen, A. Grassellino, A. Romanenko European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Spline Spanish beam-station, ESRF, France Contact: Beam-scientist PhD Juan R. Zuazo, Beam-scientist PhD German Castro Accepted proposal for Beam time run Feb/2021(1 year)

Tracing microstructural changes in SRF Nb-matrix under cooling/heating cycles through HighResolution XRD powder patterns analysis Author(s): A. Cano, D. Bafia, J. Lee, Z. Sung, M. Martinello, A. Romanenko Advanced Photon Source-Argonne National Laboratory, IL, USA Contact: Beam-scientist Jennia Karapetrova

 

Research Experience:

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory 06/2019-Present Batavia, IL, USA Applied Physics and Superconducting Division (APS/TD) -Research Project: Surface structure and chemical composition of the near-surface of SRF cavities based on Nb and Nb3Sn Superconducting Quantum Materials and System Center (SQMS) -Research Project: Unraveling the local surface structure in 2D and 3D Nb superconducting resonators and examining its potential impact on TLS losses Supervisors: Senior Scientist Alexander Romanenko (aroman@fnal.gov), PhD Martina Martinello (martina9@stanford.edu), Senior Scientist Grigory Eremeev (grigory@fnal.gov) and PhD. Akshay Murthy (amurthy@fnal.gov) -Design of multi-technique surface analysis platform based on X-ray photoelectron spectrometer with HeL manipulator. Supervisors:Senior Researcher Anna Grasellino (annag@fnal.gov), Senior Scientist Alexander Romanenko (aroman@fnal.gov), PhD Mattia Checchin (checchin@stanford.edu) User facilities/Postdoctoral Research Associate European Synchrotron Radiation Facilities 11/2021-10/2022 Grenoble, France Spline Spanish Beamline -Research Project: Surface structure study of Nb for quantum materials applications: 3D and 2D resonators Supervisors: Senior Scientist Alexander Romanenko (aroman@fnal.gov), Beam-scientist PhD Juan R. Zuazo (rubio@esrf.fr), PhD Martina Martinello (martina9@stanford.edu), Senior Scientist Grigory Eremeev (grigory@fnal.gov) User facilities/Postdoctoral Research Associate Advanced Photon Source-Argonne National Laboratory 11/2020-11/2021 Lemont, IL, USA 33-BM-C -Research Project: Tracing microstructural changes in SRF Nb-matrix upon cooling/heating cycles by cryo-GI-XRD Supervisors: Senior Scientist Alexander Romanenko (aroman@fnal.gov), Beam-scientist M. Sc. Evguenia Karapetrova (jenia@anl.gov), PhD Martina Martinello (martina9@stanford.edu), PhD Tiziana Spina (spina.tiziana@as-g.it) User facilities/ Postdoctoral Research Associate Northwestern University 07/2019-Present Evanston, IL, USA NU Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE) -Research Project: Chemical composition mapping of the inner surface of SRF cavities cutouts using Electron Spectroscopies and Microscopy Supervisors:Senior Researcher Anna Grasellino (annag@fnal.gov), PhD Martina Martinello (martina9@stanford.edu) and PhD Xinqi Chen (xchen@northwestern.edu) Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC) -Research Project: Evaluation of the Surface structure of Nb cavities cutouts processed with state-of-the-art RF surface treatments using X-ray diffraction techniques and TG-MS Supervisors: PhD Martina Martinello (martina9@stanford.edu) and Senior Scientist Christos Malliakas (cmalliakas@northwestern.edu) User facilities/ Postdoctoral Research Associate Minnesota University 07/2021-Present Minnesota, MN, USA XPS instrument, Characterization facility, CharFac -Research Project: Thermal evolution of the native oxide layer on Nb3Sn-coated Nb SRF grade. An In-situ angular XPS study Contact: PhD Bing Luo (luox0026@umn.edu), Senior Scientist Grigory Eremeev (grigory@fnal.gov)and Senior Scientist Sam Posen (sposen@fnal.gov) Invited Researcher Research Center for Applied Sciences and Advanced Technology, National Polytechnic Institute 01/2019-06/2019 Mexico City, Mexico National Laboratory in Energy Conversion and Storage, LNCAE -Research collaboration: Mentoring of undergraduate/graduate thesis and Electron spectroscopy (XPS) trainings Contact: Scientist Emeritus Edilso F. Reguera Ruiz (edilso.reguera@gmail.com) Visiting Researcher Institute for Nuclear Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences 02/2016-07/2016 Debrecen, Hungary Laboratory of Electron Spectroscopy and Materials Science -Research Project: XPS study of Coordination Chemistry at the Nanoparticles Surface Contact: PhD László Kövér (lkover15@gmail.com), PhD József Tóth (toth.jozsef@atomki.mta.hu) Visiting Researcher Malaga University 09/2015-12/2015 Malaga, Spain Department of Inorganic Chemistry.

    Crystallography and Mineralogy -Developed project: Systematic XPS Study of Molecular Nano-porous Materials with Potential Applications in Renewable Energy Technologies Contact: Dr. Enrique Rodríguez Castellón (castellon@uma.es) Visiting Researcher Center for Nanoscience and Micro/Nanotechnologies, National Polytechnic Institute 06/2014-06/2015 Mexico City, Mexico National Laboratory of characterization of materials and nanostructures -Developed project: Advanced training in Surface Analysis using XPS spectroscopy Contact: PhD Luis Lartundo Rojas (SNI II) (llartundo@ipn.mx) Visiting undergraduate student Research Center for Applied Chemistry, CIQA 01/2012-02/2012 Saltillo, Mexico Department of Plastic Transformation Processes -Developed project: Synthesis, characterization, and monitoring phase inversion of high impact polystyrene (HIPS). Contact: Dr. Graciela E. Morales Balado (SNI II) (graciela.morales@ciqa.edu.mx) and Dr. Florentino Soriano Corral (SNI I), (florentino.soriano@ciqa.edu.mx) Internship undergraduate student Research Center for Applied Chemistry, CIQA 01/2011-02/2011 Saltillo, Mexico Department of organometallic materials synthesis -Developed project: Morphology control of Zn-oxides nanoparticles for automotive applications Contact: Dr. Graciela E. Morales Balado (SNI II) (graciela.morales@ciqa.edu.mx), Dr. Pablo Acuna (SNI I) (pablo.acuna@ciqa.edu.mx)

 

Publications and Top Noted:

First direct observation of nanometer size hydride precipitations on Superconducting Niobium Author(s): Z-H. Sung, A. Cano, A. Murthy, E. Karapetrova, J-Y. Lee, A. Grassellino and A. Romanenko arXiv Preprint arXiv:2305.01022

Assist Prof Dr Валентина Титаренко – Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials

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Assist Prof  Dr Валентина Титаренко : Leading Researcher In Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials

Congradulations, Assist Prof  Dr Валентина Титаренко, on winning the esteemed  Paper Best Researcher Award Sciencefather!

Congratulations, Assist Prof  Dr Валентина Титаренко In recognition of your outstanding contributions to the field of Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on receiving the prestigious  Best Researcher Award by ScienceFather Your dedication to advancing knowledge in clinical Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials, and the exploration of Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials is truly commendable.Your commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in research have not only enriched our academic community but have also contributed significantly to the broader scientific community.

May this award serve as a testament to your exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and the impactful influence you’ve had on your field.  We look forward to witnessing your continued success and the many more groundbreaking contributions to come.Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

 

Professional Profiles:

Education:

She entered Dnipropetrovsk National University Department of Physics in 1999 and graduated in 2004 with a diploma in applied Physics.

She received a PhD in physical and mathematical sciences Degree from the Institute of Dnipropetrovsk National University named OlesHonchar in 2012 for the thesis “Structure and properties of metal films, produced by electroplating with external laser radiation stimulation”.

Teaching Experience:

lecturer at the department of Physics, Dnipro National University of Railway Transport named after Academician V. Lazaryan since 2007. She is the lecturer of course “Physics”.