Aleksandra Wierzbicka | Experimental methods | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Aleksandra Wierzbicka | Experimental methods | Women Researcher Award

Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences | Poland

Dr. Aleksandra Wierzbicka is a highly accomplished physicist and materials science researcher, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFPAN) in Warsaw. With over a decade of expertise in X-ray diffraction, epitaxy techniques, and nanostructure analysis, she is recognized for her contributions to both scientific research and education. Her work bridges fundamental physics and practical applications in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and photonics.

👨‍🎓Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Aleksandra began her academic journey at the University of Warsaw, earning her undergraduate degree in Physics, specializing in Material Physics and Optics. She continued with a Master’s degree in X-ray Structural Research, where she explored mixed semiconductor crystals. Her deep interest in structural studies of materials led her to pursue a PhD at the Institute of Physics (PAS), where she conducted pioneering research on epitaxial lateral overgrowth structures, focusing on stress and defects in semiconductors using X-ray diffraction and topography techniques.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Since 2010, she has held the position of Assistant Professor at IFPAN, where her role spans scientific research, grant writing, student supervision, and international collaborations. In parallel, she has also contributed to physics education at the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański Community Primary School No. 1 STO, demonstrating her dedication to science communication and youth development.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wierzbicka has been at the forefront of innovative epitaxial growth techniques, particularly molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE). Her work emphasizes the structural characterization of GaN nanowires, core-shell structures, and low-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures. She is also an expert in high-resolution X-ray diffraction and synchrotron-based techniques, contributing to the understanding of lattice disorder, defect distribution, and internal electric fields in complex materials.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her research has been instrumental in numerous European Union-funded projects, including COST actions, OPUS, SONATA, and NanoBiom, positioning her as a key player in collaborative science. As a project manager and contractor in various high-impact studies, her work has enabled breakthroughs in semiconductor device engineering, sensor technology, and photonics. Her invited talks—such as at CMD 31 in Braga, Portugal further reflect her international recognition.

📊 Academic Citations

Dr. Wierzbicka is the author of 63 peer-reviewed scientific publications, with a citation count exceeding 550 (as per Web of Science). Her ResearcherID (C-8880-2016) and ORCID (0000-0003-1379-5941) profiles showcase her scholarly contributions and visibility in the field of solid-state physics and nanomaterials.

🧠 Research Skills

Aleksandra possesses specialized expertise in:

  • High-resolution X-ray diffraction

  • Synchrotron radiation techniques

  • MBE growth methods

  • Defect and stress analysis

  • Scientific software such as Origin, Panalytical Epitaxy, VESTA, and WinWulff

Her skills are supported by strong computational abilities and analytical rigor, critical for interpreting complex material behavior.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

In addition to her research, Dr. Wierzbicka is a committed educator, engaging both university students and school-aged learners. Her ability to translate complex physical concepts into understandable content makes her an asset in promoting STEM education. She is actively involved in mentoring and curriculum development in physics.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Wierzbicka received her PhD with honors, and her continuous involvement in competitive grant programs like Opus, Sonata, and PBS demonstrates the trust placed in her by the scientific community. Being selected as manager and principal investigator in prestigious international projects (e.g., ANKA Synchrotron Facility at KIT) is a strong indicator of her recognized scientific leadership.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Aleksandra Wierzbicka’s career reflects an ongoing commitment to scientific excellence, education, and international cooperation. She is poised to contribute further to the advancement of nanoscale materials for use in next-generation electronics and optics. Her potential lies not only in her scientific output but also in her ability to inspire and mentor future generations of physicists especially young women in STEM. Looking forward, her trajectory is aligned with leading and shaping global research initiatives in epitaxy and semiconductor technology.

Publications Top Notes

📄Structural and optical properties of in situ Eu-doped ZnCdO/ZnMgO superlattices grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
  • Authors: Anastasiia Lysak, Aleksandra Wierzbicka, Sergio Magalhaes, Piotr Dłużewski, Rafał Jakieła, Michał Szot, Zeinab Khosravizadeh, Abinash Adhikari, Adrian Kozanecki, Ewa Przeździecka

  • Journal: Nanoscale

  • Year: 2025

📄Strain distribution in GaN/AlN superlattices grown on AlN/sapphire templates: comparison of X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence studies
  • Authors: Aleksandra Wierzbicka, Agata Kaminska, Kamil Sobczak, Dawid Jankowski, Kamil Koronski, Pawel Strak, Marta Sobanska, Zbigniew R. Zytkiewicz

  • Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials

  • Year: 2025

📄Influence of the Annealing Temperature on the Properties of {ZnO/CdO}30 Superlattices Deposited on c-Plane Al₂O₃ Substrate by MBE
  • Authors: Anastasiia Lysak, Aleksandra Wierzbicka, Piotr Dłużewski, Marcin Stachowicz, Jacek Sajkowski, Ewa Przezdziecka

  • Journal: Crystals

  • Year: 2025

📄 Enhancing GaN Nanowires Performance Through Partial Coverage with Oxide Shells
  • Authors: Radoslaw Szymon, Eunika Zielony, Marta Sobanska, Tomasz Stachurski, Anna Reszka, Aleksandra Wierzbicka, Sylwia Gieraltowska, Zbigniew R. Zytkiewicz

  • Journal: Small

  • Year: 2024

📄 Effect of repeating hydrothermal growth processes and rapid thermal annealing on CuO thin film properties
  • Authors: Monika Ozga, Eunika Zielony, Aleksandra Wierzbicka, Anna Wolska, Marcin Klepka, Marek Godlewski, Bogdan J. Kowalski, Bartłomiej S. Witkowski

  • Journal: Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology

  • Year: 2024

 

 

 

Ahmed A. Aboud | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed A. Aboud | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer in department of Physics, Faculty of Sicence, BSU, Egypt

Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Nagy Aboud Moustafa is a dedicated Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University (BSU), Egypt. He holds a PhD in Physics, specializing in Surface Antireflection and Protection for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, from Yerevan State University, Armenia, earned through a full scholarship. His academic journey has been marked by excellence and a strong commitment to advancing physics and material science.

👨‍🎓Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Aboud’s academic career began with exceptional achievements. He graduated top of his class with a B.Sc. in Physics from Cairo University, Beni-Suef branch, in 2000. He continued to excel in his studies, securing a M.Sc. in Physical Physics in 2008. During his early years, Dr. Aboud’s interest was sparked by thin film deposition and its applications in materials science, which later influenced his research direction.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Aboud’s professional career includes extensive research experience in thin film deposition, nano-material preparation, and solar energy applications. He has worked on various cutting-edge projects involving spray pyrolysis, chemical vapor deposition, and aerosol-assisted techniques. His work has spanned across several international collaborations, including SolarNex Co. in Pakistan and EMONIX in the USA. His participation in various projects, such as the 10kW rooftop grid-connected PV system, showcases his contribution to sustainable energy technologies.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Aboud has made substantial contributions to the field of material science and physics, particularly in thin film technologies and nanomaterials. His primary research focus lies in the preparation of high-quality thin films using cost-effective chemical-based techniques like spray pyrolysis, chemical bath deposition, and aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition. His work aims to enhance the performance of solar cells and develop novel nano-structured materials for energy applications.

Additionally, his research interests extend to green chemistry, where he explores eco-friendly capping agents for nanomaterial synthesis and the development of dual metal sulfide precursors for solar absorber applications.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Aboud’s research impact is evident through his numerous publications in renowned journals and his collaborations with international institutions. His work on doped ZnO thin films and photoelectrochemical activity is highly regarded in the field of solar energy and nano-materials. He has also contributed to functional food development, as seen in his work on fortified biscuits with iron nanoparticles. Through his research, Dr. Aboud is influencing sustainable technologies and renewable energy solutions on a global scale.

Academic Citations 📚

With numerous research papers published in prominent journals like Physica Scripta, Journal of Materials Science, and Materials Research Express, Dr. Aboud has achieved significant academic recognition. His work on Ni doping in ZnO films and Cu-doped CdS solar absorbers is widely cited by researchers in the fields of semiconductors and photovoltaics. This high citation count reflects his contributions to advancing material science and energy-efficient technologies.

Research Skills 🧪

Dr. Aboud is proficient in various research methodologies, including:

  • Thin film deposition techniques (spray pyrolysis, chemical bath deposition)
  • Nano-material preparation (chemical bath, microwave techniques, and hot injection)
  • Characterization of materials using state-of-the-art techniques such as:
    • X-ray diffraction (XRD)
    • Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
    • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
    • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
    • Optical properties, DC conductivity
    • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
    • Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)

These skills have been critical in his ability to contribute to innovative solar technologies, functional food applications, and advanced material development.

Teaching Experience 🏫

As an educator, Dr. Aboud has delivered comprehensive courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students at BSU. His teaching portfolio includes General Physics, Semiconductor Devices, Modern Physics, and Thin Film Physics, among others. Dr. Aboud’s courses emphasize practical knowledge and hands-on experience, aligning with his passion for scientific discovery and education. His graduate-level courses, including Energy Harvesting and Thin Film Technology, inspire the next generation of physicists.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Throughout his career, Dr. Aboud has been recognized with multiple awards and honors. His research excellence has earned him funding from the Egyptian Academy of Science and international collaborations with institutions like Ohio State University. His academic achievements are testament to his commitment to advancing the field of material science and renewable energy technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, Dr. Aboud aims to continue his research on cost-effective thin film techniques for solar energy applications. He also plans to further develop green nanomaterials for sustainable technologies. His future projects will focus on innovating dual-metal sulfide precursors, improving photoelectrochemical systems, and enhancing energy efficiency. Dr. Aboud’s legacy will be one of dedication to science, advancing renewable energy solutions, and fostering scientific education.

Publications Top Notes

Effect of different metallic doping elements on the physical properties of iron oxide thin films

  • Authors: Ahmed A. Aboud, Zinab S. Matar, Mona Mohaseb
    Journal: Physica Scripta
    Year: 2024

Physical properties of La:ZnO thin films prepared at different thicknesses using spray pyrolysis technique

  • Authors: Norah A. Alsaiari, Abanoub A. Awad, Motaz F. Ismail, Ahmed A. Aboud
    Journal: Physica Scripta
    Year: 2024

Tailoring physical properties and electrochemical performance of polyaniline thin films via chemical bath deposition

  • Authors: Mohamed S. Gadallah, Ahmed A. Aboud, H.M. Abd El-Salam
    Journal: Optical Materials
    Year: 2024

Properties of spray pyrolysis deposited Zr-doped ZnO thin films and their UV sensing properties

  • Authors: Aeshah Alasmari, Ramy A. Abd-Elraheem, Ahmed A. Aboud, Motaz Ismail
    Journal: Physica Scripta
    Year: 2024

Investigating the influence of yttrium doping on physical properties of ZnO thin films deposited via spray pyrolysis

  • Authors: Aeshah Alasmari, Abanoub A. Awad, Ahmed A. Aboud
    Journal: Optical Materials
    Year: 2024

Jone Kirubavathy Suyambulingam | Characterization techniques | Member

Assist Prof Dr. Jone Kirubavathy Suyambulingam | Characterization techniques | Member

Assistant Professor at P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women in Coimbatore, India

Dr. S. Jone Kirubavathy, an Assistant Professor at P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women in Coimbatore, is a distinguished figure in the field of chemistry. With a Ph.D. from the same institution, her expertise lies in the synthesis and characterization of novel compounds, leading to patents such as “Ion Conducting Bio-Membrane from Plant Exudate.” Dr. Kirubavathy’s research contributions extend to numerous publications and research projects, reflecting her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Recognized for her academic excellence and mentoring prowess, she continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, fostering innovation and excellence in the realm of chemistry.

Professional Profiles:

Academic and Professional Achievements

Dr. S. Jone Kirubavathy, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women in Coimbatore, has made significant contributions in the field of chemistry.

Work Experience

Having served as an Assistant Professor at various esteemed institutions, including Kongunadu Arts & Science College, Dr. Kirubavathy brings a wealth of experience to her current role. Her dedication to teaching and research has earned her recognition and respect among peers and students alike.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Kirubavathy’s contributions to academia have been acknowledged through various awards and accolades, including the Meritorious Award from Kongunadu Arts & Science College and the University Third Rank in UG studies. Her commitment to mentoring students and promoting scientific awareness further highlights her dedication to the field.

Academic Qualifications and Thesis

With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women, Dr. Kirubavathy’s academic journey has been marked by excellence. Her doctoral thesis titled “Synthesis, Characterisation and Applications of Transition Metal Complexes of Quinoxaline, Pyrimidine and Benzothiazole Based Heterocyclic Ligands” reflects her expertise in the field.

Research Focus:

Dr. S. Jone Kirubavathy’s research focus lies primarily in the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in studying the structural and molecular properties of biologically active compounds. Dr. Kirubavathy’s work encompasses various aspects of metal coordination chemistry and its applications in antimicrobial activity, DNA interaction studies, and cytotoxicity evaluation. Her investigations into the design and characterization of transition metal complexes highlight her expertise in the development of potential pharmaceutical agents and materials with diverse applications in biomedical and environmental sciences.

Publications 

  1. Synthesis, characterization and biological investigations of novel Schiff base ligands containing imidazoline moiety and their Co (II) and Cu (II) complexes, cited by:  51, Publication date: 2018.
  2. Tetradentate Schiff Base complexes of transition metals for antimicrobial activitycited by:  42, Publication date: 2020.
  3. Structural, theoretical investigations and biological evaluation of Cu (II), Ni (II) and Co (II) complexes of mercapto-pyrimidine schiff bases, cited by: 23, Publication date: 2017.
  4. Structural, optical, morphological and electrochemical properties of ZnO and graphene oxide blended ZnO nanocompositescited by: 21, Publication date: 2023.
  5. Synthesis, structure, biological/chemosensor evaluation and molecular docking studies of aminobenzothiazole Schiff bases, cited by: 17, Publication date: 2020.
  6. Structural, optical, thermal, biological and molecular docking studies of guanidine based naphthoate metal complexescited by: 14, Publication date: 2021.
  7. 2-Methylimidazolium pyridine-2, 5-dicarboxylato zinc (II) dihydrate: Synthesis, characterization, DNA interaction, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-breast cancer studies, cited by: 12, Publication date: 2021.
  8. Corn silk extract–based solid-state biopolymer electrolyte and its application to electrochemical storage devices, cited by: 11, Publication date: 2022.
  9. Synthesis, characterization, DFT, In-vitro anti-microbial, cytotoxicity evaluation, and DNA binding interactions of transition metal complexes of quinoxaline Schiff base ligand, cited by: 11, Publication date: 2020.
  10. Metal oxides: Advanced inorganic materials, cited by: 08, Publication date: 2022.

 

 

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