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

 

 

 

Ugur Yahsi | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ugur Yahsi | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Head of the General Physics Department | Marmara University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Uğur Yahşi is a Full Professor in the Physics Department at Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. With an academic background spanning Physics at institutions such as Istanbul University (BSc), University of Wisconsin (MSc), and Case Western Reserve University (PhD), he has made notable contributions to the scientific community in both research and education.

👨‍🎓Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Prof. Dr. Yahşi’s academic journey began with a BSc in Physics from Istanbul University in 1983. He pursued an MSc at the University of Wisconsin from 1987-1988, followed by a PhD at Case Western Reserve University, completing his studies in 1994. His early research laid the foundation for his future work in material science and applied physics.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Prof. Yahşi’s professional career has been extensive, with a continuous academic presence at Marmara University, where he has held positions from Assistant Professor to Full Professor since 1996. Additionally, he has served as a Visiting Scientist at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and contributed significantly to various administrative roles within the university, such as Senator and Director of the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Dr. Yahşi’s research is at the forefront of material science, particularly in nanomaterials, macromolecular physics, and defect structures. His research spans across multiple topics, including vacancy structures, dendrimers, polymer-ion interactions, and nanometric defects in materials. He is a leading figure in applying positron annihilation spectroscopy and other advanced techniques to study the electronic properties of materials, advancing nanotechnology and material engineering.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Prof. Yahşi’s impact extends beyond his research, as he has shaped the academic environment at Marmara University. He has mentored numerous students through undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral research projects. His leadership roles have fostered growth in the Physics Department and research programs, contributing to collaborations with other institutions and research organizations globally.

Academic Cites 📑

Prof. Dr. Yahşi has been extensively cited in scientific journals for his work on positron annihilation and material defect structures. His influence can be seen in the academic advancements in polymer science, nanotechnology, and material characterization techniques. The funding from projects such as TÜBİTAK and Marmara University underscores the significance of his work in advancing scientific discovery.

Research Skills 🔧

Prof. Yahşi possesses a diverse set of research skills, including expertise in positron annihilation spectroscopy, experimental physics, and materials characterization. He is skilled in various computational tools such as Fortran, Mathematica, and MatLab, enabling him to model complex physical systems and conduct numerical simulations in support of his theoretical work.

Teaching Experience 🎓

Prof. Yahşi’s teaching spans over decades, with experience in courses ranging from Advanced Classical Mechanics to Computer Programming in Fortran. His commitment to student development is evident through his role in shaping curriculum and teaching courses in Technical English, Solid-State Physics, and Numerical Methods. He has also contributed significantly to the translation and localization of key texts in Physics, ensuring that students have access to high-quality educational resources.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Prof. Yahşi has been the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards, such as the Turkish Educational Ministry Fellowship for his graduate studies. His work has earned research grants from prominent Turkish organizations like TÜBİTAK, demonstrating his recognized contributions to scientific progress. He continues to receive support for innovative projects, including the BİDEB Mentorship Support Program and various Marmara University projects.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Prof. Dr. Uğur Yahşi’s legacy lies in his commitment to advancing physics education and research, particularly in material science and nanotechnology. His ongoing projects, such as the investigation of flash sintering in doped ZnO structures and polymer materials, are paving the way for future breakthroughs. With continued administrative roles and research leadership, Prof. Yahşi is poised to make lasting contributions to both academic knowledge and scientific innovation.

Publications Top Notes

Free volume impact on ionic conductivity of PVdF/GO/PVP solid polymer electrolytes via positron annihilation approach

  • Authors: M. Yilmazoğlu, H. Okkay, U. Abacı, C. Tav, U. Yahşi
    Journal: Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2025

The Influence of Defects on the Structural, Optical, and Antibacterial Properties of Cr/Cu Co-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles

  • Authors: L. Arda, Z. Ra’ad, S. Veziroğlu, C. Tav, U. Yahşi
    Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025

Correlation of proton conductivity and free volume in sulfonated polyether ether ketone electrolytes: A positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy study

  • Authors: M. Lahmuni, M. Yilmazoğlu, U. Abacı, C. Tav, U. Yahşi
    Journal: Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2025

A novel approach for the atomic scale characterization of Li-ion battery components probed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

  • Authors: R. Bakar, S. Koç, A. Yumak Yahşi, C. Tav, U. Yahşi
    Journal: Materials Research Bulletin, 2024

Free-volume analysis of the structural and dielectric properties of PMMA/TeO2 composites via positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

  • Authors: S. Kuzeci, E. Özcan, A.U. Kaya, R. Bakar, C. Tav, U. Yahşi, K. Esmer
    Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2024