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Meg Sobkowicz-KlineView profile

Professor

• Renewable Polymers
• Plastics Recycling
• Polymer Nanocomposites
• +7 more

Meg Sobkowicz-Kline is a Professor and Associate Chair of Doctoral Studies in the Plastics Engineering Department at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. She has been a faculty member since 2011 and leads research in sustainable polymer materials, focusing on the intersection of polymer science and environmental sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2010), Colorado School of Mines B.S. in Chemical Engineering (2001), Columbia University Dr. Sobkowicz-Kline's research spans renewable polymers, plastics recycling, extrusion, nanocomposites, organic photovoltaics, rheology, and green chemistry. Her work includes developing hybrid chemical/mechanical approaches for plastics recycling, creating biodegradable polymers for agricultural applications with controlled release properties, and engineering thermally conductive polymer composites for heat exchange devices. She emphasizes understanding structure-processing-property relationships in sustainable polymer systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on enzymatic depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), innovative recycling technologies for multi-component plastic waste, and polymer design for the circular economy. Her work bridges fundamental polymer science with practical applications aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining material performance. Selected Awards: CAREER Award (2014) from the National Science Foundation Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence (2015) from University of Massachusetts Lowell Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Fellow (2015) Dr. Sobkowicz-Kline co-directs the SWIMMER NRT program and actively mentors graduate students working on sustainable polymer research. She serves on the Internal Advisory Board for SWIMMER and is involved with the WAVES initiative to broaden participation of women in engineering. Her research group utilizes high-speed reactive extrusion, enzymatic depolymerization, and advanced characterization techniques to develop next-generation sustainable polymer materials with improved environmental profiles.

• Enzymology
• Microbial Biotechnology
• Protein Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Anna Khusnutdinova is a Research Fellow in Enzymology at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University. Her work focuses on enzyme engineering, microbial biotechnology, and synthetic biology, with applications in biocatalysis, plastic recycling, and biofuel production. Institution : Bangor University Academic Rank : Research Fellow Research Pillars : Enzymology, Protein Engineering, Metabolic Engineering Key research themes include: Thermostable Enzymes : Structural analysis of GH12 glycosidases and GH1 β-glucosidases from extremophiles. Biocatalytic Systems : Development of cell-free protein synthesis platforms using PLA plastics and CO2. Polymer Degradation : Characterization of family IV carboxylesterases for polyester and lignin breakdown. Cofactor Regeneration : Innovations in FMN prenylation and S-adenosylmethionine synthesis. Hydrogenase Mechanisms : Studies on HydSL hydrogenase structure and function in Thiocapsa bacteria. Her publications span journals like ACS Catalysis , Journal of Hazardous Materials , and FEBS Journal , reflecting collaborations with international teams across structural biology, industrial biotechnology, and environmental applications.

Esma SezerView profile

Professor

• Conductive Polymers
• Electropolymerization
• Energy Storage Materials
• +5 more

Esma Sezer is a Professor in the Chemistry Department at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Science and Letters. With an extensive publication record spanning from 1996 to 2026 (77 research outputs), she maintains an active research program in polymer chemistry and materials science. Her work is primarily centered at the university's Ayazağa Campus in Istanbul. Professor Sezer's research focuses on conductive polymers, with particular expertise in electropolymerization, energy storage materials, and corrosion inhibition. Her fingerprint analysis reveals dominant work in thiophene-based systems (100%), copolymerization techniques (99%), polycarbazole synthesis (88%), thin film materials (78%), and electropolymerization processes (75%). She has developed significant expertise in creating smart materials for dual electrochromic-energy storage applications. Her recent publications (2022-2026) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward advanced energy storage solutions, particularly bifunctional electrochromic-supercapacitor devices using thienothiophene, triphenylamine, and dithienothiophene polymer systems. The work spans from fundamental polymer synthesis to applied nanocomposite development for corrosion protection and energy applications. Professor Sezer has successfully led six major research projects as Principal Investigator, including recent work on conductive polymer-carbon nanocomposites for energy storage (2023-2024) and microporous conjugated polymers for capacitors/batteries (2019-2021). Her projects consistently address practical applications in corrosion inhibition for cooling systems and metal protection. She has supervised 18 graduate students throughout her career, focusing on polymer chemistry and materials science topics. Her laboratory work integrates electrochemical synthesis with advanced materials characterization for energy and corrosion applications. Current research directions include ultrasound-assisted polymerization techniques and novel copolymer systems for flexible energy storage devices.

Michael ZumsteinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biotransformation
• Biodegradation
• Environmental Analytical Chemistry
• +4 more

Michael Zumstein is an Assistant Professor for Biotransformation at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna. His research group investigates the biotransformation and biodegradation of anthropogenic organic chemicals in natural and engineered environments, combining techniques from environmental analytical chemistry and molecular biology. His research focuses on: Water-soluble polymers important for home and personal care products Biomolecules as alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals and pesticides Enzymatic processes in wastewater systems Development of biodegradable chemicals Professor Zumstein leads multiple research projects including: Cluster of Excellence: Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health Biodegradation of Water-Soluble Polymers in Engineered and Natural Aquatic Environments (collaboration with BASF SE) Exploring Extracellular Enzymes from Wastewater Microbial Communities Biotransformation of Biopesticides in Agricultural Soils He has received the Ambizione Fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation to investigate peptide-based antibiotics in wastewater systems. His research group includes several PhD students and researchers working on environmental biotechnology projects.

Nelson Vinueza BenitezView profile

Professor

• Textile Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Toxicology
• +5 more

Nelson Vinueza Benitez is a Professor at the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science within the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. He holds dual appointments in the Associate Faculty of Chemistry and the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science. His research focuses on analytical chemistry, environmental toxicology, and material science, particularly in textile dye characterization, mass spectrometry methodologies, and environmental impact assessments. His work spans synthetic dye analysis, forensic applications of microfluidics, and eco-friendly flame retardant development. He leads the Vinueza Labs , which emphasizes interdisciplinary research in textile chemistry and environmental sustainability. Key areas include the mutagenicity of azo dyes, mitochondrial effects of textile dyes, and high-throughput fluoroprobe discovery for protein studies. The labs also utilize advanced techniques like DART mass spectrometry and microdialysis for dermal absorption studies. His research output demonstrates expertise in analytical methods (e.g., LC-QTOF-MS, ion-molecule reactions) and applications to real-world problems like biodegradation studies of dyes in fabrics and soil. Social media engagement via Twitter, Instagram, and ResearchGate highlights collaborative and applied research priorities.

Luc AvérousView profile

Professor

• Polymer Science
• Biopolymers
• Biodegradable Polymers
• +12 more

Luc Avérous is a University Professor at the School of Chemistry, Physics, and Materials (ECPM) at the University of Strasbourg, France, where he teaches bioplastics, composites, and polymer processing. He is a leading researcher at ICPEES (Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, the Environment and Health), heading the BioTeam research group and directing the Mutaxio joint laboratory with the Soprema group. His research spans biopolymers, sustainable macromolecular architectures from renewable resources, and biomaterials for environmental and biomedical applications. Key interests include biodegradable polyesters, vitrimers, enzymatic catalysis, bio-recycling, tissue engineering, and 3D/4D printing. His work emphasizes a cradle-to-cradle approach, integrating green chemistry and circular economy principles. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in biosourced materials, particularly from lignin, tannins, fatty acids, and sugars. Research focuses on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers, including non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU), polyamides (PA), and polyisocyanurates (PIR), with applications in foams, membranes, and biomedical devices. There is a clear emphasis on enzymatic processes, degradation mechanisms, and life cycle sustainability. TOP 1% of scientists in the world Luc Avérous has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers through his BioTeam and Mutaxio lab. He has secured funding from major national (ANR, BpiFrance, PIA) and international (H2020, EU-China, AUF) programs. He collaborates extensively with industry (Soprema, Tereos, Stellantis, Veolia) and academic partners worldwide (Australia, Canada, Latin America, EU). He serves on research advisory boards, editorial boards of scientific journals, and international grant juries (ERC, Horizon, FWO). He leads the BioTeam at ICPEES and the Mutaxio joint laboratory with Soprema, focusing on translational research in sustainable polymers. These labs integrate expertise in synthesis, formulation, characterization, and processing of advanced bio-based materials for industrial and biomedical applications.

Milica BalabanView profile

Associate Professor

• Organic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• +6 more

Milica Balaban is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , University of Banja Luka, serving as Head of the Chemistry Department since 2014. She holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Belgrade (2013) and has dedicated her career to polymer synthesis, structural characterization, and environmental chemistry. Focus on thermoplastic elastomers, self-healing polymers, and green chemistry principles Active in international collaborations (EIT RawMaterials, Erasmus+) Coordinator for education innovation projects and STEM outreach Her research spans polymer additives, food packaging safety, mechanochemistry, and sustainable materials. She has secured grants for projects like MechSusInd and RM@Schools-4 , and serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for journals including Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society . Awards include Matsumae International Foundation and Erasmus+ Key Action 1 grants.

• Textile Engineering
• Fashion Design
• Sustainable Textiles
• +5 more

Nazan Avcıoğlu Kalebak is a Professor at Gaziantep University's Faculty of Fine Arts, specializing in the Department of Textile and Fashion Design. Her academic journey includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Gaziantep University, 2000), an M.S. in Textile Engineering (Gaziantep University, 2014), and a Ph.D. in Textile Engineering (Çukurova University, 2010). She has held positions as Assistant Professor (2013–2019) and Associate Professor (2019–present) at the same institution. Her research explores sustainable textiles, functional materials (e.g., flame-retardant nonwovens), cultural heritage in fashion (e.g., Ottoman kaftans, Kutnu fabric), and cross-cultural design influences. She integrates art movements like Surrealism and Punk into wearable design, emphasizing eco-innovation and traditional craftsmanship. Kalebak's publications focus on themes such as medical textiles (antibacterial masks), sustainable dyeing (coffee grounds, plant-based dyes), and cultural semiotics in film costumes (e.g., Audrey Hepburn, Cruella). Her work frequently addresses industrial applications in automotive and healthcare sectors. Awards & Honors: Gaziantep University Award: Sound Absorbing Polyester Recycled Nonwovens (2015) Six TÜBİTAK Publication Incentive Awards (2011–2012) for friction/abrasion studies in nonwovens Advising & Projects: She mentors graduate students in sustainable fashion and textile innovation. Key projects include: Antibacterial surgical masks using natural dyes (TÜBİTAK-funded). Revival of traditional Kutnu fabric in contemporary design. Patents for flame-retardant BCF yarns and friction-testing devices. She leads research groups exploring heritage textiles and sustainable materials, with collaborations across Turkey's textile industry.

Nevena VukićView profile

Professor

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Sustainable Packaging
• +4 more

Dr. Nevena Vukić serves as a Professor at the Department of Physics and Materials within the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Kragujevac. Her academic career spans institutions including the Faculty of Technology in Novi Sad (2012-2020) and her current position at the Čačak campus since 2020. She holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Novi Sad with a perfect 10.00 average grade. Her research focuses on sustainable materials science, particularly biodegradable packaging, polymer nanocomposites, and green chemistry applications. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on cellulose-based films, polylactide modifications, and nanotechnology-enhanced materials. Key trends include valorization of waste streams (PET glycolysis), edible packaging development, and educational applications of materials science. Scientific recognition includes: Best female scientist award at University of Kragujevac (2023) Author/co-author of 150+ conference papers and journal articles Textbook author and book chapter contributor Technical solution patent holder She mentors diploma and master's theses at vocational studies programs while serving on doctoral dissertation committees. Her international collaborations include research stays at Demokritos National Research Center (Athens) and Institute of Materials Research (Košice), along with participation in COST and FP7 projects.

• Polymer Biomaterials
• Active Textiles
• Self-Assembled Polymers
• +2 more

Frédéric CAZAUX is a Lecturer affiliated with the Materials and Transformations Unit (CNRS UMR 8207) at the University of Lille, working within the Polymer Systems Engineering research team. His academic role includes teaching macromolecular chemistry and physical chemistry at the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille (ENSCL), where he serves as a 3P tutor and member of the CAC50 educational team. His research focuses on advanced polymer systems with biomedical and functional applications. Key areas include: Development of active textiles for medical and technical use Design of functionalized polymer biomaterials including hydrogels, nanofibers, and coatings Engineering of self-assembled controllable polymers for targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering Nanotechnology approaches like electrospinning for antimicrobial and anticoagulant materials His recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable biomaterials, with recurring themes in: Drug delivery systems for diabetic/wound care Antimicrobial surgical implants and textiles Green synthesis of biobased polymers Nanocomposite functionalization techniques This work consistently bridges polymer science, nanotechnology, and clinical applications.

Michael ShaverView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Polymers
• Plastics Recycling
• Materials Engineering
• +3 more

Professor Michael Shaver is a Professor of Polymer Science and Materials Engineering at The University of Manchester's School of Natural Sciences. He leads initiatives like Sustainable Futures and the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub, focusing on sustainable polymers, plastics, and materials for recycling. His research spans fundamental polymer design to translational projects in plastic packaging and waste management. Previously, he held roles at the University of Edinburgh and University of Prince Edward Island. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2005) - University of British Columbia BSc Honours Chemistry (1999) - Mount Allison University Research Interests: Sustainable polymers, plastics recycling (mechanical/chemical), biodegradable materials, and interdisciplinary approaches combining polymer chemistry with social science and economics. His team develops self-healing polymers, medical sensors, and circular system strategies for material lifecycle management. Recent Themes in Articles: Focus on quantifying recycled content in plastics, enhancing polyester durability, frustrated Lewis pair polymers, and HDPE recyclate analysis. These studies address challenges in material characterization, recycling process optimization, and environmental impact mitigation. Awards: MacroGroup Young Polymer Scientist Award (2015) Young Academy of Scotland Membership (2014-2018) Canada Foundation for Innovation Leadership Awards (2010, 2012) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Grants & Projects: EMBRACE: Sustainable conveyor belt recycling Future Homes: Low-carbon building materials RE3: PET recycling innovations Labs/Teams: Green Materials Laboratory (greenmaterialslaboratory.com) and Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub (smihub.ac.uk).

• Biotechnology
• Enzymology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Felice Quartinello is a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . His work focuses on biotechnological approaches to waste recycling, enzyme processes, and sustainable material development, particularly in textile and polymer waste valorization. Research Interests: Biotechnology, enzymology, microbiology, fermentation technology, waste recycling, and biorefinery systems. Key Projects: REPurpose (EU-funded enzymatic recycling), Systemkreislaufwirtschaft & Textilrecycling (EU-funded), and projects on enzyme-driven polyester degradation. His recent publications highlight innovations in textile waste upcycling (e.g., PET recovery, amino acid valorization), biopolymer production from orange peel waste, and enzyme characterization (e.g., dihydropyrimidinase for polyamide hydrolysis). He has supervised master’s theses on DNA-based flame retardants and cutinase immobilization. Scientific Contributions include collaborations on advanced enzymatic recycling methods, bioplasticizer development, and biotechnological solutions for chronic wound care. His work aligns with circular economy principles, emphasizing sustainable processing of synthetic and natural polymers.

Darnell Kaigler, Jr.View profile

Associate Professor

• Stem Cell Therapy
• Tissue Engineering
• Oral Regeneration
• +3 more

Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Jr., is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and holds a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering. He earned a dual DDS/PhD in Oral Health Sciences from the University of Michigan, followed by clinical certifications in operative dentistry and periodontics, as well as an MS in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis. Affiliation: School of Dentistry & College of Engineering, University of Michigan Roles: Research Lab Director, Clinical Trial Lead Investigator, Patient Care Provider His research focuses on stem cell-based therapies for regenerating oral tissues, including bone, gingiva, and tooth structures. Key areas include translational research, biomaterials development, and clinical application of regenerative strategies. Recent work emphasizes niche-inspired scaffolds, personalized bioceramic grafts, and immunomodulatory properties of oral-derived stem cells. His lab has pioneered methods for quantifying stem cell stability and optimizing clinical translation of cell therapies. Awards: Sigmund Socransky Award, Journal of Dental Research Gies Award, Henry Goldman Award Advising spans PhD, DDS, and undergraduate students, with over 30 trainees listed. His team collaborates on grants exploring stem cell storage, bone healing mechanisms, and scaffold design. As Kaigler Lab Director, he oversees interdisciplinary projects merging dental and engineering expertise. Clinical practice includes a Detroit multi-specialty group, complementing his academic roles.

Hsi-Wu WongView profile

Professor

• Reaction Engineering
• Chemical Kinetics
• Catalysis
• +7 more

Hsi-Wu Wong is a Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He also serves as Associate Director of the Center for Energy Innovation. His research focuses on utilizing both experimental and theoretical techniques to study modern energy and environmental problems through the Sustainability and Reaction Engineering Laboratory (SuREL). Education: B.S. in Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Postdoctoral Researcher at MIT, Cambridge, MA Dr. Wong's research expertise includes high temperature pyrolysis, gasification, and oxidation experiments along with molecular and detailed kinetic modeling. His primary focus is to uncover the fundamental interplay between chemical kinetics and transport phenomena to manipulate reaction pathways for producing high-value products from low-value hydrocarbon feedstocks including flared shale gas, lignocellulosic biomass, plastic waste, and food waste. His work spans reaction engineering, chemical kinetics, catalysis, sustainability principles, waste utilization and upcycling, alternative fuels, and process intensification. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on sustainable chemical processes, particularly in plastic upcycling and waste conversion. His research demonstrates significant work on cellulose fast pyrolysis, noncovalent interactions during biomass processing, enzymatic depolymerization of polyesters, and safer solvent development across multiple disciplines including sustainable chemistry, reaction engineering, polymer science, and environmental engineering. Scientific Awards and Honors: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2019) North American Symposium on Chemical Reaction Engineering (NASCRE) Travel Award (2019) B. J. Martin Dissertation Year Fellowship, Northwestern University (2002) International Symposia on Chemical Reaction Engineering (ISCRE) Travel Award (2002) Dr. Wong has successfully mentored numerous graduate students to completion, with many receiving departmental and university-wide awards. His lab has secured significant funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and other agencies to support research in waste conversion technologies. Current projects include copyrolysis of waste mixtures, upcycling of single-use multi-layer plastic films, upcycling HDPE waste using hybrid approaches, bioconversion of polyester wastes, and safer solvents for pharmaceutical applications. The Sustainability and Reaction Engineering Laboratory (SuREL) is equipped with advanced analytical instruments including Shimadzu GCMS, GC, Agilent HPLC systems, and a bench-scale fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor. The lab maintains active collaborations with multiple research groups at UMass Lowell and external institutions on projects related to sustainable energy and environmental solutions.

Tuser BiswasView profile

Researcher

• Textile Material Technology
• Sustainable Textile Production
• Functional Textiles
• +4 more

Tuser Biswas is an academic affiliated with the University of Borås, holding a doctoral degree in Textile Material Technology. He is part of the Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business and the Department of Textile Technology. His work focuses on sustainable textile production, functionalization of fibers using chemical and biological methods, and circular production systems. He teaches courses in Product Development, Smart Textiles, Textile Chemistry, and Circular Textiles. Dr. Biswas has a background in industry, having worked in textile research, product development, and factory-level production. His research projects include collaborations with Svenska Cellulosa AB, Vinnova, and the EU (DESTEX project). He has received awards such as the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship, Best Thesis award (Bo Rydin Foundation), and the Global Swede award from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Research Focus: Enzyme immobilization via inkjet printing, antimicrobial textiles, and sustainable wet processing. Grants: Projects funded by SCA, Vinnova (I-Tex), and EU (DESTEX). Labs/Teams: Involved in textile material technology and functionalization research groups. His publications emphasize sustainable textile technologies, enzymatic functionalization, and advanced printing techniques. Current projects include optimizing enzyme-based treatments and exploring circular economy applications in textiles.