CIGDEM CAGLAYAN | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. CIGDEM CAGLAYAN | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at Seoul National University, South Korea

Cigdem Caglayan is an accomplished Aerospace Engineer and a PhD candidate at Seoul National University, specializing in cutting-edge research on dynamic combinational epoxy vitrimers, recyclable carbon fiber vitrimer composites, and self-healing mechano-luminescent (ML) coatings for structural health monitoring (SHM). Her work focuses on developing cost-effective solutions for detecting and visualizing stress distribution in structural components, advancing sustainability through recyclable composite materials. With a strong foundation in polymer science and composite technologies, her research journey spans innovative material design, advanced manufacturing techniques, and extensive collaboration with international institutions. Cigdem is highly skilled in project management, technical reporting, and material characterization, with several publications in high-impact journals. Her global academic contributions and passion for sustainability position her as a leader in the aerospace and materials research domains.

Professional Profile

Education

Cigdem is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Seoul National University, expected in February 2025. Her doctoral research focuses on self-healing epoxy vitrimers and ML coatings. She earned her MSc in Aerospace Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, where her thesis emphasized nano-reinforced polyurethane foams and polymer foam core sandwich composites. She graduated with a GPA of 4.00/4.30 in 2019. Her BSc in Aerospace Engineering, also from Istanbul Technical University, focused on the design and testing of advanced composites, graduating in 2016 with a GPA of 3.69/4.00. Her academic achievements have been supported by prestigious scholarships and her commitment to advancing composite technologies.

Professional Experience

Cigdem has extensive experience as a researcher, starting her career at Istanbul Technical University’s Aerospace Research Center (2016–2019), where she led projects on nano-reinforced polyurethane foams and polymer foam core sandwich composites. Currently, she is a researcher at Seoul National University, where she develops self-healing stress sensors and recyclable carbon fiber composites, contributing to advancements in structural health monitoring and sustainability. Cigdem has been instrumental in laboratory setup and operations, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques. Her teaching experience includes mentoring undergraduate students in subjects like composite materials and aerospace engineering, further showcasing her leadership and technical expertise.

Research Interests

Cigdem’s research interests focus on developing sustainable and innovative materials for aerospace and structural applications. Her work in self-healing mechano-luminescent (ML) coatings and recyclable epoxy vitrimer composites aims to revolutionize structural health monitoring (SHM) by enabling non-contact stress detection and visualization. She is passionate about composite manufacturing techniques, including vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and hot pressing, with a keen focus on enhancing sustainability through recyclable materials. Her interests also extend to understanding material failure under various conditions, making her research pivotal for industries like aerospace and defense.

Research Skills

Cigdem is proficient in advanced composite manufacturing and characterization techniques, including VARTM, hot pressing, and ASTM-standard testing methods like flexural fatigue and impact analysis. Her expertise extends to characterization tools such as FTIR, NMR, and SEM, and she is skilled in data analysis using MATLAB and 3D CAD/CAM software like CATIA. Additionally, she excels in laboratory management, experimental design, and technical reporting, with strong soft skills in teamwork and communication. Cigdem’s ability to innovate and lead makes her a valuable contributor to complex research projects.

Awards and Honors

Cigdem has been recognized globally for her academic and research excellence. She is a recipient of the prestigious Global Korean Scholarship (2019–2023) and has been honored with the Korean Government Invitation Program award for top students. Her outstanding presentation at the International Conference on Active Materials and Soft Mechatronics in 2024 earned her an Excellent Presentation Award. As one of Turkey’s top students, she has also received multiple scholarships and participated in international exchange programs, highlighting her dedication and achievements in aerospace engineering.

Conclusion

Cigdem Caglayan is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative research, extensive technical expertise, and global academic contributions. Her work in self-healing composites and recyclable materials directly addresses contemporary challenges in sustainability and advanced materials science, aligning with the award’s objectives. By broadening the application of her research and increasing leadership roles in professional communities, she can further enhance her academic and professional impact.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Reprocessable carbon fiber vitrimer composites: Reclamation and reformatting of carbon fibers for second-generation composite materials
    Authors: Sharma, H., Bender, M., Kim, G., Kumar, A., Rana, S.
    Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
    Year: 2024
  2. Epoxy-Based Catalyst-Free Self-Healing Elastomers at Room Temperature Employing Aromatic Disulfide and Hydrogen Bonds
    Authors: Kim, G., Caglayan, C., Yun, G.J.
    Journal: ACS Omega
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 13
  3. CNT-Reinforced Self-Healable Epoxy Dynamic Networks Based on Disulfide Bond Exchange
    Authors: Caglayan, C., Kim, G., Yun, G.J.
    Journal: ACS Omega
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5
  4. Impact response of shear thickening fluid filled polyurethane foam core sandwich composites
    Authors: Caglayan, C., Osken, I., Ataalp, A., Turkmen, H.S., Cebeci, H.
    Journal: Composite Structures
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 51
  5. The effect of CNT-reinforced polyurethane foam cores to flexural properties of sandwich composites
    Authors: Caglayan, C., Gurkan, I., Gungor, S., Cebeci, H.
    Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 53
  6. Flexural behaviours of nanophased rigid polyurethane foam core sandwich composites
    Authors: Çağlayan, Ç., Demir, E., Gürkan, İ., Cebeci, H.
    Conference: ICCM International Conferences on Composite Materials
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 1

 

 

 

NIDAL EL BIYARI | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Dr. NIDAL EL BIYARI | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

PhD student, EUROMED UNIVERSITY OF FEZ, MOROCCO

Dr. Nidal El-Biyari, a PhD student in Mechatronics Engineering at the Euromed University of Fez, is a strong candidate for the Women Best Researcher Award. Her thesis on designing an opto-fluidic biosensor for breast cancer diagnosis demonstrates her commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges. Dr. El-Biyari has published significant research in top-tier journals, showcasing her innovative approach to biosensing technologies. With practical experience gained from internships and engineering roles, she has developed strong skills in CAD, robotics, and project management. Her teaching experience at the Euromed Polytechnic School reflects her ability to mentor and inspire future engineers. Additionally, her active involvement in organizing academic events and contributions to the UEMF Student Times highlight her dedication to fostering a supportive research community. Overall, Dr. El-Biyari’s impressive achievements and unwavering commitment to advancing engineering make her a deserving recipient of the Women Best Researcher Award.

Profile

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Nidal El-Biyari is currently a PhD student specializing in Mechatronics Engineering at the Euromed University of Fez, where she is focused on developing an opto-fluidic biosensor for breast cancer diagnosis and monitoring. She has a solid educational foundation, having earned her engineering degree in Mechatronics from the Faculty of Science and Technology of Fes, Morocco. Throughout her academic career, Dr. El-Biyari has demonstrated a strong commitment to her studies, completing multiple years in the State Engineer cycle in Mechatronics. She also holds a degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, further enhancing her technical proficiency. Her academic journey has been marked by excellence, evident in her achievements and contributions to research in advanced biosensing technologies. Dr. El-Biyari’s diverse educational background and ongoing research efforts position her as a promising leader in her field, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical technologies.

Professional Experiences

Dr. Nidal El-Biyari has cultivated a robust professional foundation in engineering, primarily within the field of mechatronics. She served as an engineer at Floquet Monopole Industrie, where she focused on improving CAD designs and enhancing the functionality of industrial machinery. Her role as an engineer assistant intern at Lesaffre Fes involved working on the HDA 75 separator machine, further sharpening her practical engineering skills. Additionally, her internship at CBGN allowed her to gain insights into the operational principles of various machines in a production environment. Dr. El-Biyari has also demonstrated her commitment to education through her teaching experience at the Euromed Polytechnic School, where she supervised and mentored students in subjects like geometric optics and fluid mechanics. This diverse array of experiences highlights her technical proficiency and dedication to both research and mentoring, making her a valuable asset in any engineering or academic setting.

Research Interests

Dr. Nidal El-Biyari’s research interests are deeply rooted in the development of cutting-edge technologies for healthcare applications, with a focus on biosensing and microfluidic systems. Her primary area of research revolves around the design, modeling, and production of opto-fluidic biosensors, specifically aimed at improving the early diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer. Additionally, Dr. El-Biyari is passionate about integrating 3D printing technologies with biosensor design, advancing the field of additive manufacturing for biomedical applications. Her work also explores surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors, enhancing their performance for highly sensitive diagnostic tools. Beyond healthcare, she is interested in the intersection of robotics, optics, and mechatronics, particularly in creating automated systems that optimize precision and efficiency. Through her research, Dr. El-Biyari aims to develop innovative solutions that address critical challenges in medical diagnostics, demonstrating a commitment to improving both healthcare technologies and patient outcomes.

 

Research Skills

Dr. Nidal El-Biyari possesses a diverse array of research skills that make her a standout candidate for the Women Best Researcher Award. Her expertise in designing and modeling opto-fluidic biosensors showcases her proficiency in advanced engineering concepts, particularly in biosensing technologies. With a strong foundation in 3D printing, she applies additive manufacturing techniques to enhance the quality of microfluidic chip fabrication. Dr. El-Biyari is adept in utilizing software such as CATIA V5 and SolidWorks for computer-aided design, as well as MATLAB for data analysis and simulations. Her familiarity with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing reflects her capability in optical engineering, allowing her to explore innovative sensing solutions for medical diagnostics. Moreover, her participation in international conferences and her published works demonstrate her ability to effectively communicate research findings and collaborate with peers in the scientific community. Overall, Dr. El-Biyari’s comprehensive research skills contribute significantly to her ongoing success and impact in her field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Nidal El-Biyari has received significant recognition for her groundbreaking research in mechatronics and biosensor technology. Her work on developing an opto-fluidic biosensor for breast cancer detection has been presented at renowned international conferences, including the International Conference on Advanced Functional Materials for Optics and the Fifth International Conference on Materials and Environmental Science. She has co-authored several high-impact publications, including in journals like Optical and Quantum Electronics and Sensors International. Dr. El-Biyari was also a finalist in the ENJOYEERING JUNIOR competition, where she showcased her expertise in robotics and engineering design. Her leadership and innovation were further acknowledged through her role in organizing the USMBA FSTF Enterprises Forum and contributing to the editorial committee of the UEMF Student Times. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her contributions to both research and the academic community.

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Nidal El-Biyari is an exemplary candidate for the Women Best Researcher Award. Her academic achievements, innovative research contributions, extensive professional experience, and active community involvement collectively demonstrate her exceptional capabilities and commitment to advancing the field of mechatronics engineering. Recognizing her efforts with this award would not only honor her achievements but also inspire future generations of women in research.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Plasmon Induced Transparency and Waveguide Mode Based Optical Biosensor for Self-Referencing Sensing
Journal: Sensors International
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.sintl.2024.100283
Contributors: Nidal El Biyari, Ghita Zaz, Latifa Fakri Bouchet, Mohssin Zekriti
Citations: To be determined (as the article was published in 2024, citation count may not be available yet).