Neha Agarwal – Additive Manufacturing and Material Science – Best Researcher Award

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Neha Agarwal – Additive Manufacturing and Material Science – Best Researcher Award

Ms. Neha Agarwal distinguished academic and researcher in the field Additive Manufacturing and Material Science. Proven experience in bridging the gap between Biotechnology and Material Sciences with surface techniques
and characterization. Have successfully published scientific papers in high-impact journals.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

She is currently pursuing a PhD in Material Science at Dublin City University in Ireland, focusing on additive manufacturing of Ni-rich nitinol for superelastic properties for stent applications. Prior to that, she obtained a Master of Science in Micro and Nano Systems from Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany, with a grade of 2.1. She completed her Bachelor of Electronics and Communications Engineering with First Class with Distinction at Visveswariah Technological University in India.

Research experience

She has a diverse range of work experiences spanning various fields and countries. From May 2020 to August 2020, she engaged in upskilling herself with courses on Digital Marketing and Project Management through SkillnetIreland. In November 2019, she worked as a Researcher at Saarland University in Saabruecken, Germany, focusing on nanotechnological development for microfluidics.

From November 2018 to February 2019, she served as a Consultant at Altran S.A.S Deutschland – Carl Zeiss SMT in Oberkochen, Germany. Her responsibilities included the calculation of pressure drop in piping systems, development of a modular tool in Excel and MATLAB, and verification of the tool through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

She also engaged in upskilling on the German language for B2 certification at VHS in Saarbrücken, Germany, from January 2018 to October 2018.

Her work as an Optical Engineer at Sectago GmbH in Saarbrücken, Germany, from October 2016 to December 2017, involved the development of security features for banknotes and documents, including diffraction gratings, wafer preparation, material testing, and nanoimprinting.

Prior to that, from October 2014 to September 2016, she worked on electrode immobilization strategies for the construction of P450 biosensors.

Academic experience

She has extensive experience as a research assistant in various institutions and projects. At the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe in Saarbrücken, Germany, she worked on sample preparation with aqueous solutions of pyrrole, polymerization using femtosecond Ultraviolet Laser on a microchip, synthesis of gold nanoparticles, and surface characterization using techniques like SEM, AFM, and conductivity measurements for antibody testing. She also contributed to the development of sensors in microfluidic chips through polymerization of conductive polymers using laser direct writing and surface modification techniques.

Previously, she was a research assistant at the Leibniz – Institute for New Materials (INM) in Saarbrücken, Germany. There, she worked on producing colorful coatings for various applications using Physical Vapor Deposition techniques, optimizing processes, investigating material properties, and employing different color measuring techniques.

Her master’s thesis at INM focused on micro-nano structuring and nitriding of Titanium alloy using fiber lasers for dental implants. This involved laser structuring, material characterization using various techniques, and structural analysis.

At Chemnitz University of Technology in Chemnitz, Germany, she worked on a research project involving capacitance-voltage characteristics of bi-layered MOSFETs, conducting measurements and analysis of dependency on frequency variations.

Her experiences demonstrate a strong background in research and hands-on work in materials science, nanotechnology, laser technology, and microfluidics.

📝🔬Publications📝

1. Effect of Heat Treatment Time and Temperature on the Microstructure and Shape Memory
Properties of Nitinol Wires, N Agarwal, J Ryan Murphy, TS Hashemi, T Mossop, D O’Neill, J
Power, A Shayegh, D Brabazon, Materials 16 (19), 6480

2. Influence of processing parameters on the corrosion resistance of additively manufactured
nitinol parts for biomedical applications, N Agarwal, KA Gallagher, S Keaveny, JG Carton, D
Brabazon, MA Obeidi, Results in Materials 21, 100536

3. Study of the effects of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructural morphologies and
physical properties of L-PBF produced Ni52. 39Ti47. 61, N Agarwal, MCC Monu, KT Selvam, MA
Obeidi, D Brabazon, Journal of Materials Research and Technology 27, 8334-8343

4. Influence of laser powder bed fusion and ageing heat treatment parameters on the phase
structure and physical behaviour of Ni-rich nitinol parts, N Agarwal, D Bourke, MA Obeidi, D
Brabazon, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2024

5. Laser induced anisotropic wetting on Ti–6Al–4V surfaces; Neha Agarwal, Alexander May, Juseok
Lee, Marcel Lambert, Cagri Kaan Akkan, F.P. Nothdurft, O.C. Aktas, Material Letters Journal

6. Ag–Al2O3 optical nanocomposites with narrow particle size distribution prepared by pulsed laser
deposition; Marcel Lambert, Alexander May, Cagri Kaan Akkan, Neha Agarwal, O.C. Aktas,
Material Letters Journal

7. A Cytochrome P450 3A4 Biosensor Based on Generation 4.0 PAMAM Dendrimers for the Detection
of Caffeine; Michael Müller, Neha Agarwal, Jungtae Kim, Biosensors

8. Direct writing of a conducting polymer pattern in aqueous solution by using an ultrashort laser
pulse; Neha Agarwal, Hyobong Ryu, Melanie Mangang, Wilhelm Pfleging, Jungtae Kim, Royal
Society of Chemistry Advances

Rajni Aggarwal -Synthesis of ionic liquids – Women Researcher Award

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Rajni Aggarwal -Synthesis of ionic liquids – Women Researcher Award

Dr. Rajni Aggarwal distinguished academic and researcher in the field Synthesis of ionic liquids. She has accumulated significant teaching experience in the field of chemistry. This includes six months of teaching Organic Chemistry practicals for B.Sc. (HNs) Human Genetics semester I class from July 2011 to November 2012, and another six months teaching the same subject for B.Sc. (HNs) Electronics Technology semester I class from July 2012 to December 2012. Following this, she served for three years as a teacher of Chemistry at BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, from 2015 to 2017. Furthermore, she contributed her expertise in the Department of Chemistry from 2022 to 2023, teaching Physical Chemistry to both undergraduate and postgraduate classes over a three-year period

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry (HNs) from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, obtained in 2007, followed by an M.Sc. in Chemistry (HNs) from the same institution in 2009. During her M.Sc., she conducted a project in inorganic chemistry under the guidance of Dr. T. S. Lobana in the Chemistry Department at GNDU, Amritsar. Subsequently, she pursued her Ph.D. from the Department of Chemistry at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Sukhprit Singh. Her doctoral research focused on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of ionic liquids, as well as physical studies related to ionic liquids. Additionally, she has qualified for the Ph.D. Eligibility Test conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, in August 2010, and the Graduate Aptitude Test conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, in March 2013.

🏆🏆Awards🏆🏆

 Recipient of UGC SAP Fellowship in science for meritorious student, India (2009 – 2014).

LABORATORY AND INSTRUMENTATION SKILLS

She possesses extensive knowledge and practical skills in various aspects of chemistry, particularly in the realm of organic and inorganic compounds. Her expertise includes conducting multistep organic reactions and monitoring them using techniques such as TLC, UV, fluorescence, NMR, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, she is proficient in purifying compounds through methods like liquid column chromatography and crystallization.

Furthermore, she is well-versed in the characterization of both organic and inorganic compounds using a wide range of analytical techniques, including NMR, IR, MS, UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments.

Moreover, she is adept in instrumentation techniques associated with NMR, IR, UV, fluorescence, as well as utilizing software such as Zetasizer for dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and XRD analysis. Her proficiency in these areas enables her to contribute effectively to research and teaching endeavors within the field of chemistry.

CONFERENCES ATTENDED

She has actively participated in numerous national symposiums and seminars, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of chemistry. Notable among these are her poster presentations at the National Symposium on Chemistry in 21st Century held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, in December 2011, and the Chemical Constellation Cheminar-2012 at Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, in September 2012.

Additionally, she has presented her research findings at various prestigious events, including the 7th RSC-CRSI Symposium in Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, in January 2013, and the 15th CRSI National Symposium in Chemistry at the same venue in February 2013. Furthermore, she participated in the National Symposium on Recent Trends in Chemistry held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, in March 2013.

Her commitment to scholarly discourse is evident through her attendance and contributions at the IVth, Vth, and VIth National Symposia on Advances in Chemical Sciences, all held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, in 2014, 2016, and 2017 respectively. These engagements underscore her active involvement in academic and research activities within the chemistry community.

 

📝🔬Publications📝🔬
  • R. Aggarwal, S. Singh, Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of surface properties of
    cyclohexyloxyoxoethylbipyridinium gemini amphiphiles, and a Comparison with single-tailed
    amphiphiles
  • R. Aggarwal, S. Singh, G. Hundal, Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of surface properties of
    cyclohexanoxycarbonylmethyl pyridinium and cyclohexanoxycarbonyl methyl imidazolium ionic
    liquids.
  • R. Aggarwal, P. Khullar, M. S. Bakshi, D. Mandial, A. Mahal, G. Ahluwalia. Bipyridinium and
    Imidazolium Ionic Liquids for Nanomaterials Synthesis; pH Effect, Phase Transfer Behavior, and
    Protein Extraction. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2017, 5(9), 7859-7870. (DOI:
    10.1021/acssuschemeng.7b01368)
  • R. Aggarwal. Comparison of physicochemical studies of single tailed and gemini cyclohexanoxy
    carbonyl pyridinium cationic amphiphiles. Journal of proteomics and bioinformatics. Volume 10 (7)
    178-185 (2017).
  • R. Aggarwal, S. Singh. Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of surface and thermal properties of
    3-cyclohexyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl pyridinium and imidazolium surface active ionic liquids. Journal of
    surfactant and Detergents, 2018, vol. 21, issue 1, (doi.org/10.1002/jsde.12002).
  • R. Aggarwal, S. Singh. Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of surface and thermal properties
    and cytotoxicity of 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl imidazolium bola-type gemini amphiphiles, Journal of
    surfactant and Detergents, 2018, volume 22 (1), (doi/10.1002/jsde.12203)
  • R. Aggarwal, T. S. Lobana, B. Thakur, R. J. Butcher, M. Zeller, J. P. Jasinki. Synthesis and structure of
    dinuclear palladium complexes with 1, 3-imidazoline-2-thione, Acta Cryst. (2023), E79.
  • R. Aggarwal, S. Singh.Synthesis, self-aggregation, thermal stability and cytotoxicity trends of
    alkyloxypropoxycyclohexane based pyridinium ionic liquids.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2024.124382.

Kaoutar Dachri -Mineralogy -Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Kaoutar Dachri distinguished academic and researcher in the field Application of machine learning in geometallurgy in the field of mineral processing .  Kaoutar Dachri, a skilled mineralogist at REMINEX Research Center within the MANAGEM Group, brings a wealth of expertise in mineral characterization and processing. With a keen eye for detail, she excels in various analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, and optical microscopy, adeptly unraveling the mineralogical composition of diverse matrices. Her proficiency in software tools like HighScore Plus, Maud, and SmartSEM empowers her to conduct comprehensive analyses and generate detailed reports summarizing her findings. Kaoutar is not only a dedicated researcher but also a mentor, guiding interns at different academic levels and fostering a collaborative environment within her team. Additionally, she contributes to the advancement of mineral processing methodologies, leveraging her knowledge in techniques like flotation and hydrometallurgy. Fluent in Arabic, French, and advanced in English, Kaoutar bridges communication across multicultural teams and effectively translates research insights into impactful publications and project implementations. Her creative flair extends to hosting internal events and producing engaging multimedia content, showcasing her versatility and commitment to advancing mineralogical research and development.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Universe Sciences from the Faculty of Sciences Ain Choc, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco, graduating in 2015. Her passion for understanding the dynamics of georesources led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Georesource Management and Development at the same institution, which she successfully completed in 2017. Building upon her foundational knowledge, she is currently immersed in a Ph.D. program specializing in Geometallurgy and ore valuation at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco. Her doctoral research focuses on the Geometallurgy of copper, with a study case centered on the Tizert deposit in the Western AntiAtlas region of Morocco. Scheduled for defense in June 2024, her dissertation promises to contribute significantly to the understanding and optimization of copper ore extraction and processing methodologies.

EXPERIENCE

Since 2017, she has held the role of Mineralogist at REMINEX Research Center, a subsidiary of the MANAGEM Group, where her expertise has been instrumental in various facets of laboratory management and mineralogical analysis. At the forefront of her responsibilities is the oversight of the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) laboratory, where she ensures the accurate characterization and identification of mineral phases using advanced techniques. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in managing the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) laboratory, leveraging cutting-edge technology to delve deeper into the microstructural properties of geological samples. Her leadership extends to supervising operations within the polished section and thin section preparation laboratory, ensuring the meticulous preparation of samples for detailed analysis. Through her dedicated efforts, she contributes significantly to advancing research and exploration endeavors within the MANAGEM Group, facilitating the discovery and extraction of valuable mineral resources.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Continuously committed to enhancing her professional skills, she has undertaken a series of rigorous training programs spanning diverse areas of expertise. Notably, she participated in a comprehensive training on ISO/IEC 17025, 2017 (version), facilitated by CAFMET Management organism, from April to May 2023. This equipped her with the latest standards and practices in laboratory accreditation and quality management, bolstering her ability to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in her analytical work.

Her dedication to staying abreast of intellectual property matters led her to pursue an advanced course on patents certified by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy, from April to July 2022. This certification, identified as DL301E – Patents, underscores her proficiency in navigating patent-related issues and leveraging intellectual property rights effectively.

Moreover, she honed her expertise in laboratory accreditation, quality management, and metrology through training provided by CAFMET Management in June 2022. Covering various aspects such as ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, auditing standards, and uncertainties management, this training further strengthened her ability to uphold stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance within laboratory operations.

Additionally, she acquired specialized skills in XRD refinement using the HighScore Plus software through training conducted by Malvern Panalytical in October 2021. This training deepened her understanding of Rietveld refinement techniques, enhancing her proficiency in phase characterization and analysis.

Further expanding her analytical capabilities, she underwent advanced training in Mineralogic software for automated quantitative mineralogy, facilitated by Petrolab Mineralogy & Petrography Laboratory in February 2019. This training equipped her with the necessary skills to leverage automated mineralogy tools for comprehensive mineral characterization and analysis.

Lastly, she gained proficiency in EDS Microanalysis principles and applications through training provided by Bruker Corporation in February 2018. Covering topics such as equipment manipulation and data interpretation, this training enhanced her ability to perform detailed microanalysis and derive valuable insights from geological samples. Through her proactive pursuit of continuous professional development, she remains at the forefront of mineralogical research and analysis, continually advancing her expertise to drive innovation and excellence in her field.

  • Kaoutar Dachri, Khalid Naji, Keltoum Nouar, Intissar Benzakour, Khalid Ouzaouit,
    Mustapha Badri, Abdelmalek Boussetta, Hakim Faqir, Khalid El Amari, Mohamed
    Hibti., (2022). Mineralogical approach-A tool for geometallurgical prediction of
    Tizert copper deposit (Ighrem inlier, Anti-Atlas, Morocco). Journal of Mining and
    Environment, 13(1), 33–51. https://doi.org/10.22044/jme.2022.11576.2144.
  • Laila Barfoud, Issam Meftah Kadmiri, Salah Eddine Azaroual, Kaoutar Dachri, Hakim
    Faqir, Intissar Benzakour, Abderrahmane Kaddami, Khalid Naji, Samira Ait Mbarek.,
    (2023). Investigating the impact of inoculation on bioleaching efficiency of
    copper sulfide concentrate using a continuous reactor at pilot scale – study
    case: Tizert deposit. Minerals Engineering 205 (2024) 108455.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108455
  • • Oral Communications
    Kaoutar Dachri, Mohammed Hibti, Khalid El Amari, Khalid Naji. (2022). Mineralogical
    characterization of the Tizert copper deposit (Ighrem inlier, Morocco). 3rd
    International Conference on Engineering and Applied Natural Sciences (ICEANS
    2022). July 20-23, 2022 – Konya, Turkey.
  • Kaoutar Dachri, Mohammed Hibti, Khalid El Amari, Khalid Naji. (2022). Application
    of mineralogical approach as a tool for geometallurgical prediction of the Tizert
    copper deposit (Anti-Atlas, Morocco). 1st International Conference on Engineering
    and Applied Natural Sciences (ICEANS 2022). May 10-13, 2022 – Konya, Turkey
  • Kaoutar Dachri, Mohammed Hibti, Khalid El Amari, Khalid Naji. (2021). Petrographic
    and mineralogical characterization of the Tizert copper deposit (Western AntiAtlas, Morocco). 3rd International Eurasian Conference on Science, Engineering and
    Technology (EurasianSciEnTech 2021). December 15-17 – Ankara, Turkey
  • Kaoutar Dachri, Mohammed Hibti, Khalid El Amari, Intissar Benzakour. (2021).
    Contribution of automated quantitative mineralogy in the study of
    geometallurgical variability of the Tizert copper deposit in western Anti-Atlas,
    Morocco. XV. International Conference on Geosciences, Mining and Geometallurgy
    (ICGMG 2021). April 22-23, 2021- New york, USA