Zaharia Marius | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zaharia Marius | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry | Romania

Dr. Zaharia Marius is a distinguished Scientific Researcher at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Iași, Romania, where he conducts pioneering research in polymer and organic synthesis, ion-exchanger materials, and environmental chemistry. His scientific expertise encompasses the synthesis and characterization of functional ion-exchangers for water purification and medical applications, as well as the development of composite materials based on CaCO₃ and multilayer polyelectrolyte coatings for advanced functional surfaces. He has extensive experience in analytical and instrumental techniques, including HPLC, FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, GC-TCD, and atomic absorption spectrometry. Dr. Zaharia has authored or co-authored 32 ISI-indexed journal articles (12 in Q1 and 12 in Q2 journals), 8 conference proceedings papers, 39 oral presentations, 31 posters, and holds 1 patent. His scholarly impact is reflected in 274 citations and an h-index of 13, underlining the significance of his work. He has been involved in eight national research grants, one international PNRR project, and served as director of a national grant (WHIERTARN, 2019–2022) focused on wastewater heavy metal ion decontamination. Recognized with multiple awards for oral and poster presentations and excellence in research, Dr. Zaharia continues to advance innovative solutions for environmental sustainability and green chemistry. ORCID: 0000-0002-4964-8874.

 Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

  1. Bucatariu, F., Petrila, L.-M., Ciobanu, T.-A., Zaharia, M.-M., & Mihai, M. (2025). Dynamic ultra-fast sorption/desorption of indigo carmine onto/from versatile core-shell composite microparticles. Applied Sciences, 15(19), 10725. https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910725

  2. Zaharia, M.-M., Bucatariu, F., Karayianni, M., Lotos, E.-D., Mihai, M., & Pispas, S. (2024). Synthesis of thermoresponsive chitosan-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hybrid copolymer and its complexation with DNA. Polymers, 16(10), 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101315

  3. Mihai, M., Lotos, E.-D., Zaharia, M.-M., Bucatariu, F., & Vasiliu, A.-L. (2024). Alginate-based composite hydrogels formed by in situ CaCO₃ crystallization. Crystal Growth & Design, 24(3), Article 3c01518. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.3c01518

  4. Pelin, I. M., Popescu, I., Calin, M., Rebleanu, D., Voicu, G., Ionita, D., Zaharia, M.-M., Constantin, M., & Fundueanu, G. (2023). Tri-component hydrogel as template for nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite deposition using alternate soaking method for bone tissue engineering applications. Gels, 9(11), 905. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9110905

  5. Zaharia, M.-M., Bucatariu, F., Vasiliu, A.-L., & Mihai, M. (2023). Versatile zwitterionic beads for heavy metal ion removal from aqueous media and soils by sorption and catalysis processes. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 5(10), 8183–8193. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.3c01375

Mark Bigool | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mark Bigool | Materials Science
| Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Dr. Mark Bigool is a dedicated academic and policy expert with a strong interdisciplinary background in public policy, management, and health systems. He currently serves as a Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in international business, policy analysis, governance, and strategic management. Holding a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Korea Development Institute (KDI), Dr. Bigool blends academic rigor with practical policy expertise gained from his time as a Health Policy Analyst at Ghana’s Ministry of Health. His research and teaching emphasize evidence-based policymaking, leadership, and development planning. Dr. Bigool actively contributes to public service and academic discourse, making him a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

ORCID

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Dr. Mark Bigool’s multidisciplinary expertise, impactful research, and dedication to evidence-based public policy make him an ideal nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His scholarly output and teaching span governance, international business, quantitative analysis, and public health, reflecting his commitment to applied research that informs policy and benefits communities. With extensive academic training in Japan, South Korea, and Ghana, he integrates global best practices with local relevance. His work as a policy analyst and academic demonstrates excellence, innovation, and a results-driven approach. Dr. Bigool’s ability to translate research into actionable policy recommendations and train the next generation of leaders exemplifies the values of this award—contribution to knowledge, societal impact, and academic integrity.

🎓 Education :

Dr. Mark Bigool has an impressive academic background across multiple continents. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea (2018–2020). He holds an M.A. in Public Management and Policy Analysis from the International University of Japan (2013–2015) and a BSc in Nursing from the University for Development Studies, Ghana (2009–2011). He also obtained a Diploma in Nursing from the Presbyterian Nurses Training College, Ghana (2002–2006). Dr. Bigool further enhanced his expertise through short professional trainings, including Health Systems Planning at Tokai University, Japan (2017), and a Diploma in Nursing from the University of Ghana (2008–2009). His education combines policy, management, and healthcare perspectives.

🏢 Work Experience :

Dr. Mark Bigool currently lectures at the University of Cape Coast, where he teaches courses on public policy, business strategy, and governance. Previously, he served as a Health Policy Analyst at Ghana’s Ministry of Health (2021), where he led policy reviews, coordinated national disease burden studies, and contributed to health economics planning. He also held a position as an Assistant Lecturer at KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea (2019), teaching quantitative research methods. His teaching portfolio includes both postgraduate and undergraduate levels, with topics ranging from international political economy to strategic management. Dr. Bigool’s experience bridges academia and government policy, reinforcing his role as a dynamic researcher and policy influencer.

🏅Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not listed in the provided details, Dr. Mark Bigool’s academic trajectory and professional appointments reflect a strong record of merit and recognition. His acceptance into prestigious institutions such as the KDI School in South Korea and the International University of Japan demonstrates competitive academic excellence. Serving as a lecturer at top universities and his selection as a Health Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Health further underscore his competence and professional recognition. His role as coordinator for the national burden of disease study in Ghana and as Health Economics Coordinator also reflect trust and honor in high-impact national roles. These milestones position him as a high-achieving academic deserving of research-based accolades.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Mark Bigool’s research centers on public policy, health systems, and governance, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based decision-making. His work intersects public management, international political economy, and health policy, offering valuable insights for both academia and national development. He is particularly focused on evaluating policy frameworks, analyzing global health initiatives, and recommending locally adaptable strategies. His research approach employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, reflected in his teaching of data analysis and policy evaluation. As coordinator for health-related studies in Ghana, he has helped shape critical national health strategies. His current work includes exploring the impact of governance structures on service delivery, bridging the gap between policy theory and practice for sustainable development.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

📘 Effects of Free Maternal Healthcare on Stunting in Children Under Five Years of Age
Year: 2024 | Cited by: Crossref 📊 | DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12771

👶🍲 Impact of Community Nutrition Project on Malnutrition in Children Under Five: A Case of SPRING Ghana Project
Year: 2024 | Cited by: Crossref 📊 | DOI: 10.4081/hls.2024.12272

💉👧 Effects of the Community-Based Health Planning and Services on Anemia and Acute Malnutrition Amongst Under-Fives in Ghana: A Comparative Study
Year: 2023 | Cited by: Crossref 📊 | DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2169

🏥🤰 Effect of Healthcare Quality Initiative on Maternal Healthcare Service Utilization: A Case Study of the SPRING Ghana Project
Year: 2022 | Cited by: Crossref 📊 | DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.2183