Dr. Denise Alves Fungaro is a distinguished researcher in environmental chemistry with a strong focus on sustainable materials and waste valorization. She is currently a researcher at the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute in São Paulo, Brazil. Her work has significantly contributed to the development of innovative materials from industrial and agricultural waste, particularly in the synthesis of zeolites and silica-based materials. Over the years, she has established herself as a leading scientist in environmental sustainability, with a strong publication record, numerous patents, and an extensive history of mentoring students. Her contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally, earning her several prestigious awards. Dr. Fungaro’s research not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical solutions for waste management, water treatment, and environmental conservation. With over 80 publications and multiple industry partnerships, she has successfully combined scientific innovation with real-world applications. Her leadership in academic initiatives, including the Planetary Health Ambassadors Program at the University of São Paulo, further underscores her commitment to education and sustainability. Through her extensive research, mentorship, and industry collaborations, Dr. Fungaro has demonstrated excellence in her field, making her a well-respected figure in environmental research and material science.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile
• ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Fungaro has an extensive academic background in chemistry, specializing in analytical and environmental chemistry. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of São Paulo in 1983, followed by a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from the same institution in 1987. Her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge led her to pursue a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of São Paulo, which she completed in 1994. Her doctoral research focused on innovative chemical analysis techniques that laid the foundation for her later work in environmental applications. To further expand her expertise, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Coimbra University in Portugal in 1998, where she deepened her knowledge of sustainable materials and advanced analytical methods. This diverse academic background provided her with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied chemistry, equipping her with the skills necessary to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Her education has been instrumental in shaping her research direction, enabling her to bridge the gap between chemistry and environmental sustainability.

Professional Experience

Dr. Fungaro has built an impressive career as a researcher, primarily focusing on environmental chemistry and material science. She is currently a researcher at the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN) in São Paulo, Brazil, where she has worked for several years. In this role, she has led multiple research projects aimed at developing sustainable solutions for waste management and environmental remediation. Throughout her career, she has actively collaborated with academic institutions, governmental organizations, and industry partners to advance research in sustainable materials. Her expertise has also led her to serve as a mentor, having supervised 17 master’s students and 6 PhD candidates. She has also been an active participant in scientific committees, editorial boards, and international conferences. As the coordinator of the Planetary Health Ambassadors Program at the Institute of Advanced Studies of the University of São Paulo, she has played a key role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives. Her professional experience is marked by a combination of research excellence, mentorship, and leadership, making her a respected figure in both academic and industrial scientific communities.

Research Interests

Dr. Fungaro’s primary research interests lie in environmental chemistry, waste valorization, and sustainable materials development. She is particularly focused on the synthesis of zeolites from industrial byproducts, such as coal fly ash, to be used in environmental applications, including wastewater treatment and air pollution control. Her work also extends to the development of high-purity silica gel and nanosilica from sugarcane biomass ash, which has significant potential for commercialization. Another key area of her research involves bioplastics and biodegradable films, where she investigates the role of renewable silica powder in improving the properties of starch-based plastics. Additionally, she has explored the use of mesoporous materials for removing contaminants like pharmaceuticals and heavy metals from water sources. Her research is deeply interdisciplinary, integrating analytical chemistry, environmental science, and material engineering to address global sustainability challenges. Through her work, Dr. Fungaro aims to provide practical, scalable solutions that contribute to environmental conservation and resource efficiency.

Research Skills

Dr. Fungaro possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in analytical chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering. She is highly proficient in synthesizing and characterizing advanced materials, particularly zeolites and silica-based compounds derived from industrial waste. Her expertise in waste valorization has enabled her to develop sustainable materials with applications in water treatment, pollution control, and eco-friendly construction. She is skilled in advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which are essential for analyzing material properties. Dr. Fungaro also has significant experience in chemical process development, from laboratory-scale experimentation to pilot-scale implementation. Additionally, she has strong research project management skills, successfully leading multi-institutional collaborations and industry partnerships. Her ability to combine theoretical research with practical applications demonstrates her innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Fungaro has received numerous national and international awards in recognition of her contributions to environmental chemistry and sustainable materials research. Some of her most notable accolades include the Kurt Politzer Award for Technology (2016), awarded for her groundbreaking work on high-purity silica gel and nanosilica from sugarcane biomass ash. She also won the International Cannes Water Great Prize (2006) for her research on using synthesized zeolites for wastewater decontamination. In 2023, she was honored with the USP Alumni Award for her contributions to human relations and social inclusion. Other significant awards include the Fernando Cerviño Lopez Award for Recycling Techniques (2007 & 2005) and the Yes to Racial Equality Award (2021). Her research has also earned recognition at international conferences, including the SETAC Australasia Congress (2013), where her supervised doctoral work won the best student research poster in ecotoxicology. These awards highlight her dedication to scientific excellence, sustainability, and societal impact.

Conclusion

Dr. Denise Alves Fungaro is an accomplished researcher with a strong track record in environmental sustainability, waste valorization, and materials science. Her extensive academic background, professional experience, and pioneering research have earned her national and international recognition. She has significantly contributed to the development of sustainable solutions for industrial waste management, including the synthesis of zeolites, biodegradable materials, and innovative water treatment methods. Her research impact is reflected in her numerous publications, patents, and mentorship of graduate students. Beyond her scientific achievements, she has demonstrated a commitment to promoting sustainability through her leadership in academic and environmental initiatives. While increasing global collaborations and commercializing her patented technologies could further elevate her impact, her existing contributions make her a highly deserving candidate for the Distinguished Scientist Award. Her work exemplifies the fusion of scientific innovation and real-world application, reinforcing her status as a leader in environmental research and sustainable materials development.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: Effect of wood sawdust-derived biochar as a substrate component on leachate water quality
   Authors: Daniele de Andrade Villarim Lima; Thamiris Brandino Stellato; Joao Cristiano Ulrich; Danilo Lopes Costa e Silva; Fabiana Abreu de Rezende; Denise Alves Fungaro
   Year: 2025

2. Title: Thermal evaluation of a Cs-loaded waste vitrification
   Authors: Danilo Lopes Costa e Silva; Mariana Silva Araújo; Denise Alves Fungaro; Sonia Mello-Castanho
   Year: 2025

3. Title: Byproduct-based zeolite type A as absorbent material for decontamination of simulated radioactive wastewater
   Authors: M.S. Araujo; D.L. Costa-Silva; S.R. Mello Castanho; D.A. Fungaro
   Year: 2025

4. Title: Assessing immobilization matrices for nuclear effluent treatment: Cs case study
   Authors: Danilo Lopes Costa e Silva; Denise Alves Fungaro; Alexandre Las Casas; Paulo Sergio Cardoso da Silva; Roberto Vicente; Mariana Silva de Araujo; Juliana Carvalho Izidoro; Sonia Mello-Castanho
   Year: 2025

5. Title: Zeolite Synthesized from Solid Waste for Eco-System Remediation: Selective Adsorption in Wastewater
   Authors: Mariana S. Araujo; Danilo Costa-Silva; Juliana C. Izidoro; Denise A. Fungaro; Sonia Mello Castanho
   Year: 2024

6. Title: The Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum Applications in Production of Eco-Friendly Cementitious Matrices
   Authors: R. H. N. Bibiano; Juliana de Carvalho Izidoro; Denise Alves Fungaro
   Year: 2023

7. Title: Optimization of Pelleting Parameters for Producing Composite Pellets Using Zeolitic Material From Fly Ash
   Authors: Denise Alves Fungaro; Tharcila Bertolini
   Year: 2023

8. Title: The influence of separately and combined bentonite and kaolinite as binders for pelletization of NaA zeolite from coal fly ash
   Authors: T. C. R. Bertolini; D. A. Fungaro; A. E. D. Mahmoud
   Year: 2022

9. Title: Brine sludge waste from a Chlor-alkali industry: characterization and its application for non-structural and structural construction materials
   Authors: Juliana De Carvalho Izidoro; Denise Alves Fungaro; Luciana Cristina Viviani; Rogério Da Costa Silva
   Year: 2021

10. Title: Aluminium Tertiary Industry Waste and Ashes Samples for Development of Zeolitic Material Synthesis
    Authors: Denise Alves Fungaro; Kátia Cruz Silva; Alaa El Din Mahmoud
    Year: 2021