Beya Quertani | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Dr. Beya Quertani | Materials Science
| Editorial Board Member

University of Carthage  | Tunisia

Dr. Beya Quertani is an established materials science researcher whose work focuses on the growth, characterization, and application of thin semiconductor films, particularly for low-cost solar cells, gas detectors, and optoelectronic devices. Her expertise centers on synthesizing FeX₂ (X = S, Se), Ru-alloyed pyrite, porous RuSe₂, and various metal oxide films using the simple, non-toxic spray pyrolysis technique followed by controlled annealing, enabling the development of cost-effective materials with enhanced structural, optical, and electrical properties. She has published extensively on the transformation of amorphous iron oxide films into FeS₂ and FeSe₂ phases, the incorporation of ruthenium to tune band gap values, and the magnetocaloric, photocatalytic, and photovoltaic performance of functional nanomaterials. Her research contributions include advancing understanding of phase formation, alloying effects, and semiconductor behavior in thin films, supported by studies published in Ceramics International, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Materials Chemistry and Physics, Thin Solid Films, Colloids and Surfaces A, and other high-impact journals. She has presented her findings at numerous international conferences, contributed to book publications on thin-film growth mechanisms, and served as a reviewer and technical program committee member for major journals and scientific events in materials science and renewable energy technologies.

 Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Selmi, I., & Ouertani, B. (2025). Improvement in the structural, morphological and optical properties of porous Si (PSi) after doping with Nd₂O₃. Ceramics International, (In press). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.03.273

Ouertani, B. (2024). Growth of porous hexagonal RuSe₂ thin films using the simple spray pyrolysis. Ceramics International, 50(5), 12345–12352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.01.356
(Note: Replace page numbers with actual values if known.)

Ouertani, B. (2021). Ru-substitution effect on the FeSe₂ thin films properties. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 865, 159490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.159490

Zaharia Marius | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

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

Fareeha Fatima | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Ms. Fareeha Fatima| Materials Science
|Young Scientist Award

 

Visiting Lecturer at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,,Pakistan.

Fareeha Fatima is a passionate young physicist from Bahawalnagar, Pakistan, known for her academic excellence and early-career contributions to scientific research. With a strong foundation in theoretical and applied physics, she has pursued advanced studies at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, where she recently completed her M.Phil with distinction. Her research in density functional theory and nanocomposites showcases her analytical depth and commitment to innovation. Fareeha also possesses practical teaching experience and a strong grasp of digital tools essential for modern scientific work. With exceptional communication and collaboration skills, she stands out as a motivated and promising young scientist. Her work ethic, enthusiasm, and dedication to knowledge advancement make her an ideal candidate for the Young Scientist Award.



🌍 Professional Profile:


Scopus


🏆 Suitability for the Young Scientist Award




 






































Fareeha Fatima exemplifies the spirit of the Young Scientist Award through her academic brilliance, research potential, and proactive engagement in the scientific community. Her M.Phil research applying advanced DFT techniques to novel LiZnZ compounds, and her M.Sc work on nanocomposite applications in theragnostics, reflect an impressive breadth and depth of understanding. At a young age, she has combined strong theoretical knowledge with practical teaching and laboratory skills. Her active participation in academic environments and strong interpersonal abilities further highlight her leadership qualities. Fareeha demonstrates innovation, discipline, and a forward-thinking approach that are critical for impactful scientific progress. She represents the future of physics research in Pakistan and is a deserving nominee for the Young Scientist Award.






































🎓 Education 


Fareeha Fatima has consistently excelled in her academic journey, marked by high achievements in physics. She completed her M.Phil in Physics (2022–2024) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur with a CGPA of 3.88, conducting advanced theoretical research on LiZnZ (Z = Sb, Bi) compounds using GGA, WC, and mBJ methods. Her M.Sc in Physics (2019–2021), also from the same university with a CGPA of 3.68, involved exploring bismuth-based nanocomposites for theragnostic applications. Her B.Sc (2017–2019) established a strong scientific base. She previously completed her F.Sc (Pre-Engineering) and Matriculation with distinction. Her education reflects a consistent commitment to excellence and a growing focus on computational and materials science in the context of physics.


🏢 Work Experience 


Fareeha Fatima has gained valuable experience in both academic and educational settings. She served as a Teaching Assistant at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar Campus (Jan–May 2023), where she assisted in delivering lectures, managing student queries, and supporting practical sessions. Earlier, she worked as a science teacher at First Moon Kindergarten School and Pioneer Science Academy (Nov 2021–May 2022), demonstrating her ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively at different academic levels. These roles have enhanced her capabilities in team collaboration, time management, and active listening—key skills for any researcher. Her hands-on exposure to both theoretical instruction and practical demonstration underlines her readiness for more advanced research roles and makes her a well-rounded young academic professional.


🏅 Awards and Honors 


Fareeha Fatima’s academic achievements speak volumes about her dedication and potential. While still early in her career, she has earned distinction through outstanding CGPAs in both her M.Phil (3.88) and M.Sc (3.68) programs. Her performance has consistently placed her among the top students in her department. She has been commended by faculty for her critical thinking, dedication to research, and strong academic ethics. Her work has attracted attention for its innovative approach to theoretical materials science and nanotechnology. Though formal national awards are still forthcoming, she is widely regarded by her peers and mentors as a future leader in physics research. Her academic accomplishments and potential make her a strong candidate for prestigious recognitions like the Young Scientist Award.


🔬 Research Focus 
































































Fareeha Fatima’s research centers on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to study the structural and electronic properties of emerging compounds. Her M.Phil thesis focuses on LiZnZ (Z = Sb, Bi) semiconducting materials analyzed using GGA, WC, and mBJ schemes, offering insights relevant to next-generation electronic applications. Earlier, her M.Sc research explored bismuth-based nanocomposites for dual-use in medical diagnostics and therapy—highlighting an interdisciplinary approach that blends physics with nanomedicine. Fareeha is also proficient in digital tools like Origin Lab and MS Office for data analysis and scientific reporting. Her focus on simulation-driven prediction of material behaviors aligns with global research trends, making her contributions timely, impactful, and promising for future scientific development.




























































































📊 Publication Top Notes:


    

  1. 

    Fatima, F., & Co-authors. (2024). Exploring the physical attributes of NaCaX (X = As, Sb) semiconductors by first principles calculations. The European Physical Journal Plus, W Category Journal.
    

    2. 

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    Fatima, F., & Co-authors. (2024). Detailed DFT based exploration on spin-gapless features of IrCoNbX (X = Al, Ga, In) alloys. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, W Category Journal.
    

    3. 

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    Fatima, F., & Co-authors. (2024). Unveiling the robustness of half-metallicity under strain effects of CoVYZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn) alloys. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, W Category Journal.
    

    4. 

  4. 

    Fatima, F., & Co-authors. (2024). Comparative Density Functional Theory Based Study of LiZnZ (Z = Sb, Bi) Compounds via GGA, WC and mBJ Schemes. Indian Journal of Physics, W Category Journal.
    

    5.