Gabriel Luna-Barcenas | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Gabriel Luna-Barcenas | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished Professor of Biomaterials of Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico.

Prof. Gabriel Luna-Barcenas is a prominent figure in chemical engineering and materials science, currently affiliated with the Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico. His distinguished academic background includes a PhD from The University of Texas at Austin and postdoctoral work at Princeton University. Prof. Luna-Barcenas has garnered numerous accolades, including the Fulbright Scholar awards and the National Investigator SNI-III designation. His research, spanning over 280 publications and several patents, focuses on polymer science, nanotechnology, and green chemistry. He has led significant industrial projects and secured diverse funding sources. Known for his impactful work and high citation count, he has also been actively involved in teaching, supervising numerous theses, and organizing major conferences. His leadership roles include President of the Mexican Polymer Society and Delegate for the IUPAC Polymer Division, highlighting his substantial influence in the scientific community.

Profile
Education

Professor Gabriel Luna-Barcenas has a robust academic foundation in chemical engineering, marked by an illustrious educational journey. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Chemical Engineering from Instituto TecnolĆ³gico de Celaya, Mexico, in 1988. He continued his studies at the same institution, completing his Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Engineering in 1991. His quest for advanced knowledge led him to The University of Texas at Austin, where he obtained his Ph.D. in 1997, specializing in chemical engineering. Following his doctoral studies, Prof. Luna-Barcenas expanded his expertise through a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton University, where he conducted advanced research from 1997 to 1999. His education, spanning top institutions in Mexico and the United States, laid a strong foundation for his influential career in materials science and engineering, contributing significantly to his expertise in polymer science and sustainable manufacturing.

Professional Experience

Professor Gabriel Luna-Barcenas is a highly accomplished researcher and academic with extensive experience in chemical engineering and materials science. He currently serves as a Senior Researcher at the Industrial R&D Center (CID-DESC) and holds the position of Honorary Joint Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Austin, a role he has held since 2000. Prof. Luna-Barcenas has made significant contributions to the field through his research at Cinvestav Unidad QuerƩtaro, where he also served as Graduate Advisor from 2012 to 2015. His professional journey includes leading numerous industrial projects with prominent companies in Mexico and internationally, focusing on sustainable manufacturing, nanotechnology, and polymer science. Prof. Luna-Barcenas is recognized for his leadership in both academic and industrial settings, demonstrating a commitment to advancing science through collaborative research, innovation, and education. His work has had a profound impact on the development of new materials and processes.

Research Interest

Professor Gabriel Luna-Barcenas is a leading expert in the field of chemical engineering, with a research focus on the development and application of advanced materials for sustainable manufacturing. His work spans across polymer science, nanotechnology, and green chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the use of supercritical fluids and deep eutectic solvents for environmentally friendly polymer processing. Prof. Luna-Barcenas is also deeply involved in the study of biopolymers for biomedical applications, exploring their potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His research includes the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites, with a focus on enhancing their antimicrobial, electrical, and mechanical properties for use in various industrial and medical applications. Through his innovative approach, Prof. Luna-Barcenas aims to develop sustainable materials and processes that contribute to a cleaner and more efficient manufacturing industry, while also advancing the understanding of complex polymer systems.

Research Skills

Prof. Gabriel Luna-Barcenas is a highly skilled researcher with expertise in polymer science, nanotechnology, and sustainable materials. His research focuses on the development of advanced materials through innovative processing techniques, such as supercritical fluid processing and deep eutectic solvents. Prof. Luna-Barcenas excels in the synthesis and characterization of polymers, nanocomposites, and biomaterials, with a strong emphasis on their environmental and biomedical applications. He is proficient in using advanced analytical techniques, including high-resolution turbidimetry, to investigate the structural and functional properties of materials. His work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles of chemical engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology to address complex challenges in sustainable manufacturing. Prof. Luna-Barcenas is also skilled in mentoring and guiding graduate students, fostering a collaborative research environment that promotes innovation and excellence. His contributions to the field are reflected in his extensive publication record, patents, and impactful industrial collaborations.

Awards and Recognition

Professor Gabriel Luna-Barcenas has been widely recognized for his contributions to chemical engineering and materials science. His accolades include the prestigious Fulbright Scholar award in 2014 and 2020, highlighting his international research impact. As a leading figure in the scientific community, he served as President of the Mexican Polymer Society from 2005 to 2007 and has been an influential Delegate to the IUPAC Polymer Division for Mexico and Latin America since 2008. His designation as a National Investigator SNI-III, from 2015 to 2031, reflects his sustained excellence in research. Additionally, he has received the E.D. Farmer Scholarship from the University of Texas at Austin, and his leadership extends to his role as President of the CONACYT Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Network of Mexico since 2015. These awards and recognitions underscore Luna-Barcenasā€™s exceptional contributions to advancing science and technology on both national and international stages.

Conclusion

Gabriel Luna-Barcenas is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to polymer science, sustainable manufacturing, and nanotechnology. His extensive publication record, impactful patents, and leadership roles underscore his significant influence in the field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing public engagement and fostering diverse collaborations, could further elevate his already impressive career. Overall, Luna-Barcenas exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher and innovator.

Publications Top Notes

  • Development of an electrochemical sensor for the quantification of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen in pharmaceutical samples
    • Authors: A. GutiĆ©rrez, M.G. RamĆ­rez-Ledesma, G.A. Rivas, R.A. Escalona-Villalpando, J. Ledesma-GarcĆ­a
    • Year: 2024
  • Metathesis of butadiene rubber for the sustainable production of polyesters and polyols
    • Authors: M. Burelo, A.Y. Yau, S. GutiĆ©rrez, G. Luna-Barcenas, C.D. TreviƱo-Quintanilla
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Development and characterization of three-dimensional antibacterial nanocomposite sponges of chitosan, silver nanoparticles and halloysite nanotubes
    • Authors: A. Hernandez-Rangel, P. Silva-Bermudez, A. Almaguer-Flores, G. Luna-Barcenas, C. Velasquillo
    • Year: 2024
  • Combined antibacterial and antifouling properties of polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes with zwitterionic graphene oxide nanostructures
    • Authors: R. Castellanos Espinoza, M.J. Huhn Ibarra, A.J. Montes Luna, M. Guerra BalcĆ”zar, B.L. EspaƱa SĆ”nchez
    • Year: 2024
  • Mesoporous Pdx-Nix aerogels for electrocatalytic evaluation of urea-assisted electrolysis
    • Authors: A. RodrĆ­guez-Buenrostro, A. MartĆ­nez-LĆ”zaro, M.V. Contreras-MartĆ­nez, J. Ledesma-GarcĆ­a, L.G. Arriaga
    • Year: 2024
  • Surface engineering of carbon dots synthesized from green sources with antiviral properties
    • Authors: A. LĆ³pez-Amador, B.I. JimĆ©nez-MuĆ±Ć³z, A. Gutierrez-Ortega, M. Estevez, B. Liliana EspaƱa-SĆ”nchez
    • Year: 2024
  • Hydrogel Based on Chitosan/Gelatin/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) for In Vitro Human Auricular Chondrocyte Culture
    • Authors: C. Ortega-SĆ”nchez, Y. Melgarejo-RamĆ­rez, R. RodrĆ­guez-RodrĆ­guez, V. MartĆ­nez-LĆ³pez, Z.Y. GarcĆ­a-Carvajal
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 3
  • Rheological, Physicochemical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Biopolymeric Films Incorporated with Micro-Holocellulose from Coffee Residues
    • Authors: J.D. HernĆ”ndez-Varela, J.J. Chanona-PĆ©rez, G.L. BĆ”rcenas, D.I. Medina
    • Year: 2024
  • Physiological evaluation of PVP-coated AgNP in the rat small intestine: an ex vivo approach
    • Authors: J.A. ChĆ”vez-HernĆ”ndez, B.L. EspaƱa-SĆ”nchez, P. Aguirre-BaƱuelos, G. Luna-BĆ”rcenas, C. Gonzalez
    • Year: 2024
  • Evaluation of the synergistic effects of curcumin-resveratrol co-loaded biogenic silica on colorectal cancer cells
    • Authors: A. Ochoa-Sanchez, P. Sahare, S. Pathak, G. Luna-BĆ”rcenas, S. Paul
    • Year: 2024

 

Samra Qaraghuli | Natural Award | Life Sciences Innovation Award

Dr. Samra Qaraghuli | Natural Award | Life Sciences Innovation Award

Doctor at Mustansiriyah University, Iraq.

Samra Qaraghuli is a highly accomplished researcher and educator specializing in microbiology, natural products, and medicinal plants. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Flinders University, Australia, she has garnered prestigious awards, including first prize in the AMP Ignite Competition 2018. Samra’s research focuses on purifying antibiotics from Macro fungi, showcasing her innovative approach. She has extensive teaching experience, having taught courses in Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy at Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad. Currently, she serves as a Lecturer at a College of Pharmacy, where she continues to inspire students with her expertise. Samra’s diverse skill set, including natural products extraction and molecular biology, coupled with her passion for education, distinguishes her as a valuable asset in scientific research and academia.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Samra Qaraghuli’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to the field of biology and biotechnology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biotechnology at Al-Mustansiriyah University in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005, laying the foundation for her future studies. Continuing her education, she earned a Master of Science in Botany from the same university in 2008, further specializing in the biological sciences. Seeking to broaden her horizons, she pursued proficiency in the English language at the Intensive English Language Institution (IELI) in South Australia, enhancing her communication skills for academic and professional settings. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, in 2018. During her doctoral studies, she focused on purifying novel antibiotics from Macro fungi, a research endeavor that earned her recognition as the first prize winner of the AMP Ignite Competition 2018 and a nomination for the Future Scientist Award Winner 2018. Her educational background underscores her passion for scientific research and her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of microbiology.

Research Experience:

Samra Qaraghuli has extensive research experience, particularly in the field of microbiology and natural products. Her research endeavors have focused on the purification and identification of novel antibiotics from Macro fungi, demonstrating a commitment to advancing knowledge in microbial biology and pharmaceutical sciences. During her doctoral studies at Flinders University, Australia, she conducted in-depth research on Australian Macro fungi, exploring their potential as a source for bioactive compounds. Her research not only contributed to the understanding of microbial diversity but also had practical implications for the development of new antibiotics. Additionally, Samra has been involved in various research projects and collaborations, presenting her work at conferences and contributing to scientific publications. Her research experience highlights her expertise in natural products extraction, purification, and identification, as well as her dedication to scientific inquiry and innovation.

Research Interest:

Samra Qaraghuli’s research interests primarily focus on microbiology, natural products, and medicinal plants. She is particularly passionate about exploring the potential of Macro fungi as a source for bioactive compounds, with a specific emphasis on purifying novel antibiotics. Her research aims to contribute to the understanding of microbial diversity and the development of new antibiotics. Additionally, Samra is interested in the broader applications of natural products in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. She also explores the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants, aiming to uncover their therapeutic potential. Samra’s interdisciplinary approach and dedication to scientific inquiry make her a valuable contributor to the field of microbiology and natural products research.

Award and Honors:

Samra Qaraghuli has been honored with several prestigious awards and accolades for her exceptional contributions to microbiology and natural products research. She was awarded the first prize in the AMP Ignite Competition 2018 for her groundbreaking research on purifying novel antibiotics from Macro fungi. This achievement reflects her innovative approach and scientific excellence. Additionally, Samra was nominated for the Future Scientist Award 2018, recognizing her as a promising future leader in the scientific community. In 2016, she received the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) Development Grant, further highlighting her ability to secure funding for impactful research projects. Furthermore, Samra was granted The Australasian Mycological Society (AMS) Conference Travel Grant in 2016, enabling her to participate in conferences and share her research findings with the scientific community. These awards and honors underscore Samra’s dedication, passion, and significant contributions to advancing knowledge in microbiology and natural products.

Training:

Samra Qaraghuli has undertaken a variety of training programs to enhance her skills and knowledge in relevant areas. These include courses in Time Management, which helped her improve her ability to balance research, teaching, and other responsibilities effectively. She also completed training in Risk Management, which equipped her with skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in her academic and professional activities. Additionally, Samra participated in Conflict of Interest Management training, which provided her with strategies to navigate potential conflicts of interest. Her training in Conflict Management has enhanced her ability to handle conflicts effectively, promoting positive outcomes in challenging situations. Furthermore, she completed a Critical Thinking course, which has sharpened her analytical skills, enabling her to evaluate information and make informed decisions in her research and professional endeavors. These training programs have significantly contributed to Samra’s professional development, enhancing her capabilities in research, teaching, and other areas of her work.

Teaching Experience:

Samra Qaraghuli has extensive teaching experience in the fields of medicinal plants, pharmacognosy, and related subjects. Her teaching career began at Al-Mustansiriyah University in Baghdad, Iraq, where she served as a Lecturer. At Al-Mustansiriyah University, she taught courses in Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy to second and third-stage students, respectively, and was responsible for preparing educational materials, delivering coursework, and evaluating student performance. Currently, she is a Lecturer at a College of Pharmacy, where she teaches in seminar and lab meetings for researchers and post-doctoral fellows, demonstrating her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Samra’s dedication to education is evident in her commitment to preparing educational materials, administering exams, and nurturing the next generation of scientists. Her teaching experience highlights her passion for sharing knowledge and expertise in the field.

Skills:

Samra Qaraghuli’s skill set is rich and diverse, encompassing a range of technical and communication abilities essential in scientific research and academia. With expertise in natural products extraction, purification, and identification, she has demonstrated proficiency in isolating bioactive compounds from Macro fungi. Her knowledge extends to mycology, where she is adept in mushroom cultivation and preservation techniques. In molecular biology, Samra is skilled in DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, and cDNA synthesis, crucial for genetic analysis. Her proficiency in medical microbiology includes quantitative genetics analysis, serology, and bacteriology procedures. Furthermore, she has a solid foundation in cell biology, with experience in tissue culture techniques, cell culture, and standard media preparation. Samra’s communication skills, honed through teaching and research roles, complement her technical expertise, making her a valuable contributor in scientific research and educational environments.