Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Zhang | Physical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Zhang | Physical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Zhang , Physical Chemistry , Minzu University of China , China

Dr. Zhang Xiaoming is an Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry at the College of Science, Minzu University of China. She specializes in functional self-assembly and interfacial physics of nanomaterials for applications in energy batteries, photocatalytic water splitting, and ultra-high-resolution imaging. She earned her Ph.D. from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2007. Dr. Zhang has held postdoctoral positions at Keio University (Japan), Dublin City University (Ireland), and the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (China). She has published over 60 SCI-indexed papers and led multiple national and municipal research projects. Her work bridges fundamental nanoscience with real-world applications in energy and biotechnology. She is actively involved in editorial boards and academic committees and has received several teaching and research awards. She also mentors postgraduate and international postdoctoral researchers, contributing to global scientific exchange.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the prestigious Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with additional advanced training from globally recognized institutions such as Keio University (Japan) and Dublin City University (Ireland). She has published over 60 SCI-indexed papers as first or corresponding author, indicating her leading role in innovative research. Her work on nanomaterials, interfacial physics, and applications in energy storage, photocatalysis, and super-resolution imaging is both interdisciplinary and of high societal relevance. Dr. Zhang is the Principal Investigator for a major National Natural Science Foundation of China project and has led/co-led several national and international research initiatives, including talent introduction and key development programs. She is a Master’s and Ph.D. supervisor, actively mentoring both domestic and international researchers, especially women and underrepresented groups, thus contributing to capacity building and gender equity in science. Dr. Zhang Xiaoming embodies the ideal profile for the “Women Researcher Award”—a dynamic scientist who excels in cutting-edge research, mentors the next generation, contributes to international scientific dialogue, and advances gender representation in science. Her contributions not only enrich the scientific community but also serve as a role model for aspiring women researchers globally. Awarding her would recognize and further empower women’s leadership in science and technology.

🎓Education:

Dr. Zhang Xiaoming completed her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (2007) at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Junbai Li. She earned her M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry (2004) from Shandong Normal University, mentored by Prof. Zexin Wang, where she began her research into molecular self-assembly. Prior to that, she obtained her B.Sc. in Chemistry (2001) from the same university. Her education laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, nanotechnology, and physics. Through her studies, she developed a deep understanding of surface chemistry, interfacial interactions, and bio-functionalization, which now underpin her research on nanomaterial design for energy and biomedical applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhang has extensive academic and industrial experience. Since 2017, she has served as an Associate Professor at Minzu University of China. Before that, she was Deputy General Manager and Senior Engineer at the American Bentley Company (Beijing) from 2015 to 2017. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at Keio University (Japan, 2007–2008), Dublin City University (Ireland, 2010–2012), and the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China (2012–2015). This international research exposure has shaped her cross-disciplinary expertise in nanoscience, interfacial physics, and functional materials. She has been actively involved in major national-level research projects and contributes to graduate education and talent training initiatives.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Zhang has received numerous awards for her academic, research, and teaching excellence. These include the 2025 Outstanding Individual in Undergraduate Recruitment Publicity and 2024 Outstanding Work Performance awards from Minzu University. She earned Second Prize in the 2024 Education and Teaching Innovation Competition and several awards for teaching excellence, including the First Prize in the 11th Teaching Competition and the Best Teaching Demonstration Award (2018). Her research was internationally recognized with the IRCSET EMPOWER Fellowship (2010) in Ireland. She has also been honored as an Outstanding Instructor and Outstanding Communist Party Member and continues to be a highly active contributor in national education evaluations and academic forums.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on functional nanomaterials, particularly their self-assembly, bio-functionalization, and interfacial physics. Her goal is to harness these properties for energy storage, photocatalytic water splitting, and ultra-high resolution fluorescence imaging. Her interdisciplinary approach blends chemistry, nanotechnology, and biology. She investigates how nanostructures form and behave at interfaces, which is key to improving battery performance and catalytic efficiency. One of her recent projects explores the co-assembly of glucagon-like peptide GLP-1 with lipopeptides, using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to visualize intracellular transport. She also studies the epitaxial growth of GeSn alloys for use in mid-infrared photodetectors, expanding her expertise into semiconductor applications.

Publication Top Notes:

1. High-performance ethanol detection achieved by WO₃/Co₃O₄ composite heterojunctions with synergistic p-n junction features

2. Probing Peptide Assembly and Interaction via High-Resolution Imaging Techniques: A Mini Review.

3. Engineering of peptide assemblies for adaptable protein delivery to achieve efficient intracellular biocatalysis

4. Manganese doped tailored cobalt sulfide as an accelerated catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

5. Solution-processed, ultrasensitive, high current density vertical phototransistor using porous carbon nanotube electrode

6. Dramatic increase in SWIR detection for GeSn strip detector with graphene hybrid structure

7. A review on III–V compound semiconductor short wave infrared avalanche photodiodes

8. Two-dimensional antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) nanosheets prepared by hydrothermal method for visible-light photodetectors

9. Fabrication of graphene: CdSe quantum dots/CdS nanorod heterojunction photodetector and role of graphene to enhance the photoresponsive characteristics

10. One-Step Synthesis of SiOx@Graphene Composite Material by a Hydrothermal Method for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

 

Mrs. Ralitsa Uzunova | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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 :         

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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”