Oana M. Istrate

Oana M. Istrate is a Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. She holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from Politehnica University Bucharest and a PhD in polymer nanocomposites from Trinity College Dublin. Her career includes postdoctoral research at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute, and roles at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, focusing on bridging academia and industry.

Her research interests span polymer nanocomposites, graphene-based materials, 2D materials, and their applications in renewable energy, sensors, and additive manufacturing. She leads projects such as the Electro-Responsive 4D-Printable Polymer Nanocomposites for Artificial Muscles and actively contributes to energy storage solutions like redox flow batteries.

Dr. Istrate has published extensively on topics like redox flow battery optimization, graphene synthesis, and thermal management systems. She is an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, evidenced by her involvement in initiatives like the Centre for Advanced Technologies for Healthcare (CATcH) and engagement in public outreach through keynote talks and media contributions.