Mrs. Ralitsa Uzunova | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Ralitsa Uzunova | Physical Chemistry | PhD student/ Researcher at Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, sofia university, Bulgaria

Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova is a dedicated Ph.D. student and researcher in the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” With a strong background in chemistry, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in “Chemistry” and a Master’s in “Medicinal Chemistry.” Over the past seven years, she has actively contributed to various research projects, particularly in surfactant solutions, interfacial tension, and adsorption studies. She has participated in 13 national and international conferences, delivering nine oral presentations, including at the prestigious 37th European Colloid and Interface Society Conference and the 19th European Student Colloid Conference. Her collaborations extend to industry giants like Unilever and S.C. Johnson, as well as the National Science Fund of Bulgaria. Ralitsa’s work focuses on understanding volatile molecules’ adsorption-desorption mechanisms, which are crucial in cosmetics, household products, and pharmaceuticals. Her dedication to research has led to two indexed journal publications, benefiting the broader scientific community.

Professional Profile :

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova is an emerging researcher in the field of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, specializing in surface chemistry, interfacial tension, and adsorption phenomena. With a strong academic background (Bachelor’s in Chemistry and Master’s in Medicinal Chemistry), she has gained seven years of research experience at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” Her participation in eight research projects, two indexed journal publications, and four industry collaborations with Unilever, S. C. Johnson, and others demonstrate her contribution to applied research. Additionally, her active engagement in national and international conferences (including the 37th European Colloid and Interface Society Conference) highlights her role in scientific dissemination. Her work on volatile molecules used in cosmetics and household formulations has both theoretical significance and industrial application, aligning well with the criteria for excellence in research. Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova is a deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”, given her multifaceted contributions to chemical engineering research, industrial collaborations, and scientific impact. Her interdisciplinary expertise in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and surface chemistry showcases her ability to bridge academia and industry, making her an ideal contender for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova pursued her higher education in chemistry with a keen interest in interdisciplinary applications. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” where she built a strong foundation in chemical principles and analytical techniques. Following her undergraduate studies, she completed a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry, focusing on bioactive compounds and their applications in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, specializing in surfactant solutions, interfacial tension, and adsorption phenomena. Throughout her academic journey, she has been actively engaged in research and has collaborated with industrial partners on multiple projects. Her educational background has equipped her with expertise in static and dynamic interfacial tension, cleaning mechanisms, and volatile molecule adsorption-desorption processes. Ralitsa continues to expand her knowledge through research collaborations, conference presentations, and scientific publications.

🏢Work Experience:

Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova has amassed seven years of experience in research and academia while working in the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering at Sofia University. Her expertise spans static and dynamic interfacial tension, surfactant solutions, and oil drop attachment/detachment studies. She has contributed to eight research projects, collaborating with industry leaders such as Unilever, S. C. Johnson, and the National Science Fund of Bulgaria. Additionally, she has been involved in four consultancy/industry projects, applying her knowledge to real-world challenges in cosmetics and household chemistry. Ralitsa has actively participated in 13 national and international conferences, delivering nine oral presentations, including at prestigious European colloid conferences. Her research has resulted in two indexed journal publications, contributing valuable insights into volatile molecule interactions. Her work is instrumental in developing formulations for personal care and industrial applications, bridging the gap between scientific research and industrial needs.

🏅Awards:

Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field of chemical and pharmaceutical engineering. She has received multiple accolades for her oral presentations at international conferences, particularly at the 37th European Colloid and Interface Society Conference and the 19th European Student Colloid Conference, where her work on interfacial tension and surfactant solutions was highly appreciated. As a member of the Bulgarian Association of Cosmetologists, she has contributed significantly to research in cosmetics and household chemistry. Her research collaborations with Unilever and S. C. Johnson have also been acknowledged for their impact on industrial formulations. Additionally, her involvement in National Science Fund of Bulgaria projects has played a crucial role in advancing knowledge in volatile molecule adsorption-desorption mechanisms. Ralitsa is currently nominated for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing her dedication to scientific excellence and innovation in colloid and interface science.

🔬Research Focus:

Ralitsa Ivanova Uzunova’s research focuses on static and dynamic interfacial tension, surfactant solutions, and volatile molecule interactions. Her work explores the bulk properties and adsorption behaviors of surfactants, which are crucial in cleaning, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. She investigates the attachment/detachment of oil drops, enhancing formulations for detergents, skincare, and industrial surfactants. A significant part of her research delves into volatile molecule adsorption and desorption at interfaces, examining compounds like menthol, geraniol, linalool, benzyl acetate, and citronellol, widely used in personal care products and medicine. Her studies provide critical insights into optimizing formulations for enhanced stability, efficiency, and sustainability. Through collaborations with Unilever, S. C. Johnson, and the National Science Fund of Bulgaria, she applies her findings to industrial applications. Her work contributes to improving product performance, environmental sustainability, and the development of novel surfactant-based systems, making significant advancements in colloid and interface science.

Publication Top Notes:

“Quantitative characterization of the mass transfer of volatile amphiphiles between vapor and aqueous phases: Experiment vs theory”

“Kinetics of transfer of volatile amphiphiles (fragrances) from vapors to aqueous drops and vice versa: Interplay of diffusion and barrier mechanisms”

Mr. Lei Mou ,Guangzhou Medical University, China

Lei Mou is a Research Associate at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, specializing in biosensors, wearable devices, and organ-on-a-chip technology. With a robust background in biomedical engineering and materials science, Lei completed a Ph.D. from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) under Prof. Xingyu Jiang. His work integrates advanced microfluidic and biosensor platforms aimed at enhancing clinical diagnostics and wearable health monitoring. With extensive research and technical skills, he has contributed to innovative approaches in immunoassay technology, HPV detection, and biosignal computing. Lei’s contributions to nanobiotechnology are also reflected in his numerous patents, high-impact publications, and presentations at international conferences.

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Lei Mou demonstrates strong potential for the “Young Scientist Award,” with impressive accomplishments in biomedical engineering, especially in clinical biosensors, wearable devices, and organs-on-a-chip technology. His academic foundation is rooted in a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he specialized in biomaterials and point-of-care diagnostic platforms, laying a solid groundwork for his current innovative research.

🎓Education:

Lei Mou earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2016-2020), where he researched biosensors and microfluidic devices under Prof. Xingyu Jiang’s mentorship. His undergraduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering were completed at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) in 2016, as part of the Excellent Engineer Training Program. Here, he laid the foundation for his expertise in nanomaterials and engineering design, achieving numerous accolades for academic excellence. Lei’s educational path has emphasized interdisciplinary research, equipping him with a skill set to bridge materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications effectively.

🏢Work Experience:

Lei Mou is currently a Research Associate at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), where he focuses on the development of organ-on-a-chip systems and advanced biosensors. Prior to this, he was a Researcher at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, where he specialized in clinical biosensors and wearable device technology. Lei’s professional experience has enabled him to develop high-sensitivity immunoassay platforms and contribute to significant projects in health-related microfluidic applications. His work bridges clinical settings and advanced engineering, bringing laboratory innovations closer to real-world applications.

🏅Awards:

Lei Mou has earned numerous awards for his academic and research excellence, including the Director’s Scholarship at NCNST and the First Class Scholarship for Master’s Students, recognizing him as a top 3% student. During his undergraduate studies, he received the prestigious 86 Alumni Scholarship, the National Scholarship from China’s Ministry of Education, and the Beijing Outstanding Graduates Award. His achievements reflect his commitment to excellence and innovation in his field, with honors that highlight his performance and contributions to biomedical engineering and materials science.

🔬Research Focus:

Lei Mou’s research focuses on microfluidic immunoassays, wearable biosensors, and organs-on-a-chip technologies. He specializes in integrating nanotechnology with biomedical engineering to develop advanced diagnostic tools for healthcare. His work includes creating chemiluminescence immunoassay platforms that amplify biomarker signals using gold nanoparticles, as well as developing portable devices for detecting high-risk HPV strains. His research has significant implications for personalized medicine and remote diagnostics, aiming to improve accessibility and precision in clinical diagnostics and healthcare monitoring.

Publication Top Notes:

Surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles for health-related applications

Citations: 277

Microfluidics‐based biomaterials and biodevices

Citations: 183

Materials for microfluidic immunoassays: a review

Citations: 154

Printable metal-polymer conductors for highly stretchable bio-devices

Citations: 130

Highly stretchable and biocompatible liquid metal‐elastomer conductors for self‐healing electronics

Citations: 109