Vasiliki Keramari | Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Vasiliki Keramari | Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Vasiliki Keramari is an Environmental and Chemical Engineer and a Ph.D. candidate in Analytical Chemistry whose work bridges advanced chemical analysis, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials research. Her expertise spans heavy metal detection, nanomaterials, and environmental monitoring, supported by a growing publication record and extensive teaching experience. As a Chemistry Lecturer at Aegean College, affiliated with the University of Essex, she teaches Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology, and Ecotoxicology, contributing to the development of future scientists through rigorous, research-informed instruction. She also serves as an instructor at IEK Omiros and IEK Akmi in Thessaloniki, delivering courses in Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Environmental Protection, Laboratory Safety, and Health and Safety, reflecting her broad scientific background and commitment to academic excellence. Her earlier role as a Quality Control and Data Analyst at Amarla Retail SA further strengthened her skills in chemical data evaluation, quality assurance, and process documentation, enhancing her ability to translate scientific principles into practical industrial applications. Throughout her academic and professional path, she has demonstrated strong competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, working effectively with scientists, engineers, and industry professionals toward environmentally responsible and technologically innovative solutions. Her research interests focus on developing reliable analytical methods, investigating advanced materials for environmental applications, and promoting sustainable approaches to pollution control. She also holds certifications in environmental and occupational safety standards, underscoring her dedication to responsible scientific practice. Overall, her combined experience in teaching, research, and industry positions her as a dynamic and forward-thinking scientist committed to advancing analytical chemistry and environmental sustainability through education, applied research, and technical expertise.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Keramari, V., Karastogianni, S., & Girousi, S. (2023). New prospects in the electroanalysis of heavy metal ions (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu): Development and application of novel electrode surfaces. Methods and Protocols, 6(4), 60.

Keramari, V., Papadimou, S. G., Golia, E. E., & Girousi, S. (2024). Bismuth film along with dsDNA-modified electrode surfaces as promising (bio)sensors in the analysis of heavy metals in soils. Biosensors, 14(6), 310.

Girousi, S., Keramari, V., Paraschi, I., Karastogianni, S., & Golia, E. E. (2025). Development of a carbon paste electrode modified with saffron-conjugated silver nanoparticles for the simultaneous determination of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cl in soils and plants. Chemosensors, 13(3), 91.

Keramari, V., & Girousi, S. (2025). Manganese nanoparticles for heavy metal detection vs. noble and base metal nanoparticles: Prospects, limitations, and applications in electroanalysis.

Ana Moreno-Reyes | Chemistry | Best Article Award

Ana Moreno-Reyes | Chemistry | Best Article Award

Instituto de Ciencias de la Construcción Eduardo Torroja | Spain

Dr. Ana María Moreno is a distinguished researcher in the field of chemical sciences, specializing in the design, development, and characterization of innovative cement-based materials with advanced environmental functionalities. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from the University of Castilla-La Mancha in 2022, following her master’s and undergraduate studies in chemistry from the same institution. Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Construction Sciences Eduardo Torroja (IETcc-CSIC) within the Department of Materials, she is an active member of the “Recycling of Materials” research group. Her work focuses on promoting sustainability within the construction sector by developing materials capable of acting as CO₂ sinks while incorporating recycled and industrial by-products, aligning her research with the principles of the circular economy. Dr. Moreno’s scientific contributions emphasize the valorization of waste materials to reduce environmental impact and enhance the performance of construction materials. She has also been instrumental in developing novel methodologies for measuring gamma radioactivity in cement-based materials, contributing to safer and more sustainable material design. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering, addressing global challenges related to waste management, decarbonization, and sustainable construction practices. Through her research, Dr. Moreno demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing green technologies and circular solutions, fostering innovation that supports both scientific progress and environmental responsibility.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Frías, M., Alujas, A., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Ibañez, J. A., Paredes, M. V., & Vegas, I. (2024). Advances in understanding R3 chemical reactivity in various traditional and emerging pozzolans: Chemical, mineralogical and calorimetric dimensions. Construction and Building Materials, 457, 139474. Elsevier.

Frías, M., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Vigil de la Villa, R., García, R., Villar-Cociña, E., Oleaga, A., & Vegas, I. (2024). Scientific advances regarding the effect of carbonated alkaline waste materials on pozzolanic reactivity. Journal of Building Engineering, 98, 111423.

Frías, M., Moreno de los Reyes, A. M., Villar-Cociña, E., García, R., Vigil de la Villa, R., & Vidak Vasić, M. (2024). New eco-cements made with Marabou weed biomass ash. Materials, 17(20), 5012.

Frías, M., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Vigil de la Villa, R., García, R., Martínez-Ramírez, S., Moreno, J., & Oleaga, A. (2024). Advances in the understanding of alkaline waste materials as potential eco-pozzolans: Characterisation, reactivity and behaviour. Journal of Building Engineering, 92, 109744. Elsevier.

Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Suárez-Navarro, J. A., Alonso, M. M., Gascó, C., Sobrados, I., & Puertas, F. (2022). Hybrid cements: Mechanical properties, microstructure and radiological behavior. Molecules, 27(2), 498.

Puertas, F., Suárez-Navarro, J. A., Gil-Maroto, A., Moreno-Reyes, A. M., Gascó, C., Pachón, A., & Alonso, M. M. (2021). Microstructural, mechanical and radiological characterization of mortars made with granite sand. Materials, 14(19), 5656.

Jigyasa | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jigyasa | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Jigyasa, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India 

Dr. Jigyasa is a dedicated researcher in Chemistry with extensive experience in synthetic and analytical chemistry. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar, in 2021, achieving a CGPA of 9.07. She also completed her MSc in Chemistry from the same institution in 2015. Dr. Jigyasa has five years of research experience during her PhD, along with one year of research during her MSc project. She also undertook summer training at the Department of Chemistry, GNDU, Amritsar, under the supervision of Professor Swapandeep Singh Chimni. Currently, she is affiliated with the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, contributing to advanced research in Chemistry.

Education:

Dr. Jigyasa completed her PhD in Chemistry in 2021 from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar, with a CGPA of 9.07. She earned her MSc in Chemistry from the same institute in 2015, achieving a CGPA of 8.80. Her undergraduate studies were in Medical Sciences (BSc) at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, where she attended Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, and secured 76.8%, ranking first in her college and tenth in the university. She completed her higher secondary education (XII) in 2010 at Swami Sant Dass Public School, Jalandhar, under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), scoring 90%. She also completed her secondary education (X) at the same school in 2008, securing 84%.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Professional Experience:

Dr. Jigyasa has accumulated substantial experience in both teaching and research within the field of chemistry. She has been associated with Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Prior to this, she gained 2 years and 3 months of teaching experience at Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana-Ambala, Haryana. Additionally, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at MCM DAV, Sector-36, Chandigarh for 5 months.

Research Experience:

Her research background is extensive, with five years of research experience during her Ph.D. studies, supplemented by one year of research conducted during her M.Sc. project. She also undertook summer training at the Department of Chemistry, GNDU, Amritsar, under the supervision of Professor Swapandeep Singh Chimni.

Research Interests:

One-Pot Synthesis of Organic Compounds – Developing efficient and sustainable synthetic methodologies.

Electrochemical Analysis – Using cyclic voltammetry for studying redox behavior of organic molecules.

Spectroscopic Characterization – Employing UV-Vis, fluorescence, and other spectroscopic methods for structural and functional analysis.

Nanomaterials and Surface Chemistry – Investigating the properties of synthesized compounds using TEM-EDX, XPS, and zeta potential measurements.

Thermal and Mass Spectrometry Studies – Exploring decomposition and stability of compounds using TGA, DTA, and GC-MS.

Medicinal and Material Chemistry – Synthesizing bioactive molecules and functional materials with potential applications.

Top Notable Publications:

Jigyasa, Badhan, J., Rajput, J.K. (2023). Nanosensors: A smart remedy for early detection of clenbuterol contamination in food. Food Chemistry.

Citations: 9

Jigyasa, Rajput, J.K. (2018). Bio-polyphenols promoted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for facile and ultra-sensitive colorimetric detection of melamine in milk. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 120, 153-159.

Jigyasa, Rajput, J.K. (2018). “ON-OFF” Novel Fluorescent Chemosensors Based on Nanoaggregates of Triaryl Imidazoles for Superselective Detection of Nitro-Explosive Trinitrophenol in Multiple Solvent Systems. Sensors and Actuators B, 259, 990-1005.

Jigyasa, Kumar, D., Arora, P., Singh, H., Rajput, J.K. (2020). Polyhydroquinoline nanoaggregates: A dual fluorescent probe for detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol and chromium (VI). Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 230, 118087.

Jigyasa, Singh, H., Rajput, J.K. (2020). Graphitic nitride nanosheets (g-C₃N₄ NS) as Dual Responsive Template for Fluorescent Sensing as well as Degradation of Azo Dyes. Food Chemistry, 343, 128451.

Jigyasa, Pratibha, Rajput, J.K. (2020). Alkali Metal (Na/K) Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄) for Highly Selective and Sensitive Electrochemical Sensing of Nitrite in Water and Food Samples. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 878, 114605.

Conclusion:

Dr. Jigyasa is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her high-impact research, innovative nanosensor applications, and interdisciplinary expertise. Her work significantly contributes to food safety, nanomaterials, and electrochemical sensing. To further solidify her standing, she could focus on securing research grants, expanding global collaborations, and increasing industry engagement. With these improvements, she would be an even more competitive contender for top-tier research awards.