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
Scopus
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”