Yana Mourdjeva | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Yana Mourdjeva | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with Hydro- and Aerodynamics Centre – BAS | Bulgaria

Mrs. Yana Mourdjeva is a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment, and Technologies with the Center for Hydro- and Aerodynamics “Acad. A. Balevski” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IMSETHC-BAS), serving in the Laboratory of Transmission Electron Microscopy (LMTC). She holds a Master’s degree in Machine Engineering from the Technical University of Sofia and a Ph.D. in Material Science and Technology of Machine Building Materials from IMSETHC-BAS. Her research focuses on materials science, characterization of metals and alloys, transmission electron microscopy, hydrogen embrittlement, nanomaterials, and superplasticity. With an h-index of 5, she has authored 18 scientific publications, including 8 with impact factors, and her work has received 64 citations. In recent years, she has actively contributed to projects funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund and the EU Next Generation initiative, exploring advanced aluminum composites, amorphous alloys, and hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms. She has participated in international Erasmus collaborations at the Metallurgy Institute in Krakow, Poland, further enhancing her expertise in materials characterization. Her research outcomes have appeared in reputed journals such as Metals and Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, strengthening the field’s understanding of microstructural evolution and performance of metallic materials.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Dyakova, V., Yanachkov, B., Valuiska, K., Mourdjeva, Y., Krastev, R., Simeonova, T., Kolev, K., Lazarova, R., & Katzarov, I. (2025). The impact of hydrogen charging time on microstructural alterations in pipeline low-carbon ferrite–pearlite steel. Metals. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.

Lazarova, R., & Mourdjeva, Y. (2025, May 7). Microstructural explanation of the mechanical properties of Al–GNPs composites with Al₄C₃ produced by powder metallurgy method and extrusion. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(43s).

Lazarova, R., Anestiev, L., Mourdjeva, Y., Valuiska, K., & Petkov, V. (2025, March 5). Microstructural evolution, strengthening mechanisms, and fracture behavior of aluminum composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets and in situ–formed nano-carbides. Metals, 15(3).

Dyakova, V., Mourdjeva, Y., Simeonova, T., Krastev, R., Atanasov, I., Drenchev, L., & Kavardjikov, V. (2024). Microstructural analysis of 40X steel after strain-controlled fatigue. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (Bulgaria).

Yanachkov, B., Mourdjeva, Y., Valuiska, K., Dyakova, V., Kolev, K., Kaleicheva, J., Lazarova, R., & Katzarov, I. (2024). Effect of hydrogen content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanism of low-carbon lath martensite steel. Metals, 14.

Dyakova, V., Cherneva, S., Mourdjeva, Y., & Kostova, Y. (2024, June 30). Influence of the content of Ni as minority alloying element on the microstructure and mechanical properties of amorphous and ultrafine crystalline Al–Cu–Mg–Ni alloys. Proceedings of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Dyakova, V., Mourdjeva, Y., Spasova, H., Stefanov, G., & Kostova, Y. (2023). Effect of Cu as minority alloying element on glass forming ability and crystallization behavior of rapidly solidified Al–Si–Ni ribbons. Vide. Tehnologija. Resursi – Environment, Technology, Resources.

Dyakova, V., Mourdjeva, Y., Marinkov, N., Stefanov, G., Kostova, Y., & Gyurov, S. (2023). Effect of Ni as minority alloying element on glass forming ability and crystallization behavior of rapidly solidified Al–Cu–Mg–Ni ribbons. Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 58(5).

Kolev, M., Lazarova, R., Petkov, V., Mourdjeva, Y., & Nihtianova, D. (2023). Investigating the effects of graphene nanoplatelets and Al₄C₃ on the tribological performance of aluminum-based nanocomposites. Metals, 13.

Mourdjeva, Y., Karashanova, D., Nihtianova, D., & Lazarova, R. (2023). Microstructural characteristics of Al₄C₃ phase and the interfaces in Al/graphene nanoplatelet composites and their effect on the mechanical properties. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance.

Lazarova, R., Mourdjeva, Y., Nihtianova, D., Stefanov, G., & Petkov, V. (2022). Fabrication and characterization of aluminum–graphene nanoplatelets–nano-sized Al₄C₃ composite. Metals, 12(12).

Dyakova, V., Stefanov, G., Penkov, I., Kovacheva, D., Marinkov, N., Mourdjeva, Y., & Gyurov, S. (2022). Influence of Zn on glass forming ability and crystallization behaviour of rapidly solidified Al–Cu–Mg (Zn) alloys. Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 57(3).

Dyakova, V., Stefanov, G., Kovacheva, D., Mourdjeva, Y., Marinkov, N., Penkov, I., & Georgiev, J. (2022). Influence of Zr and Zn as minority alloying elements on glass forming ability and crystallization behavior of rapidly solidified Al–Cu–Mg ribbons. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2449.

Lazarova, R., Mourdjeva, Y., Petkov, V., Marinov, M., Dimitrova, R., & Shuleva, D. (2022, December). Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum–graphene composites produced by powder metallurgical method. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 31(12).

Devki Talwar | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Devki Talwar | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

University of North Florida | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Prof. Dr. Devki Talwar’s academic journey began in India, where he completed his B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at Agra University in 1968. His academic path continued at Agra University, where he earned his M.Sc. in Physics (Electronics) in 1970. He then pursued a Ph.D. at Allahabad University, where his dissertation focused on the lattice dynamics of perfect and imperfect zinc-blende type crystals. His PhD work was guided by distinguished professors, including Prof. A.A. Maradudin, Prof. L.S. Kothari, and Prof. Bal K. Agrawal.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Prof. Talwar’s professional career spans decades of teaching, research, and leadership. Starting as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in 1982, he later moved to the University of Houston and then to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he made significant strides as a faculty member. He served as Chairman of the Department of Physics at IUP from 2007 to 2014 and continued as a Professor there until his retirement in 2018. In August 2018, Prof. Talwar joined the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, where he continues to contribute to the field of physics.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Talwar’s research centers on the experimental identification and characterization of impurities in nanostructured and photonic materials. His expertise spans infrared, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy to study the electronic and optoelectronic properties of Group III-nitride and IV-IV materials, with a focus on their potential for device applications. His theoretical work includes lattice dynamics, thermodynamic properties, and the band structure of semiconductors, quantum wells, and superlattices. His innovative work in semiconductor materials and their applications has positioned him as a leading figure in his field.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout his career, Prof. Talwar has garnered numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to science. He was honored with the IUP Distinguished Faculty Award for Research and the prestigious title of University Professor, the highest honor at IUP. Additionally, he was recognized as an NRC Senior Research Fellow and invited to distinguished events such as the Science Conclave with Nobel Laureates at IIIT, Allahabad. His career achievements are also marked by his recognition as an Outstanding Researcher by IUP's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in 2012.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Prof. Talwar’s impact is evident not only through his groundbreaking research but also in his mentorship of students. His leadership in the NSF-supported Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) program at IUP led to the success of numerous students, many of whom went on to complete their PhDs at top institutions. Prof. Talwar’s work has also made a significant contribution to the understanding of semiconductor materials, influencing both academic research and practical applications in the field of optoelectronics.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

As Prof. Talwar continues his academic endeavors at UNF, his legacy is solidified through his extensive body of work, including numerous book chapters and research grants. His ongoing contributions to the development of novel materials and his involvement in key editorial boards further ensure that his influence will continue to shape the future of semiconductor physics and materials science for years to come. Prof. Talwar’s dedication to both research and education has left a lasting imprint on the scientific community.

Publications


  • 📄Analyzing Structural Optical and Phonon Characteristics of Plasma-Assisted Molecular-Beam Epitaxy-Grown InN/Al₂O₃ Epifilms
    Authors: Devki N. Talwar, Li Chyong Chen, Kuei Hsien Chen, Zhe Chuan Feng
    Journal: Nanomaterials
    Year: 2025


  • 📄Impact of Acoustic and Optical Phonons on the Anisotropic Heat Conduction in Novel C-Based Superlattices
    Authors: Devki N. Talwar, Piotr Becla
    Journal: Materials
    Year: 2024


  • 📄Simulations of Infrared Reflectivity and Transmission Phonon Spectra for Undoped and Doped GeC/Si (001)
    Authors: Devki N. Talwar, Jason T. Haraldsen
    Journal: Nanomaterials
    Year: 2024


  • 📄Assessment of Optical and Phonon Characteristics in MOCVD-Grown (AlₓGa₁₋ₓ)₀.₅In₀.₅P/n⁺-GaAs Epifilms
    Authors: Devki N. Talwar, Zhechuan Feng
    Journal: Molecules
    Year: 2024


  • 📄Computational Phonon Dispersions, Structural, and Thermodynamical Characteristics of Novel C-Based XC (X = Si, Ge, and Sn) Materials
    Authors: Devki N. Talwar
    Journal: Next Materials
    Year: 2024


 

Wenbing Li | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Assoc Prof Dr. Wenbing Li | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Jiangnan university | China

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Wenbing Li began his academic journey with a focus on materials science, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. at the prestigious Harbin Institute of Technology. Under the guidance of Prof. Jinsong Leng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he honed his expertise in shape memory polymer composites. His academic interests took him overseas in 2017 when he became a joint PhD student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, working under Prof. Yifu Ding, where he expanded his research capabilities and broadened his international academic exposure.

Professional Endeavors 🏛️

Dr. Li officially launched his professional career in 2019 when he joined Jiangnan University as an associate researcher in the College of Textile Science and Engineering. With a solid foundation in the innovative field of shape memory composites, his research has been centered on chemical structure design, improving material properties, and exploring advanced manufacturing techniques for polymer composites. His work in these areas positions him at the cutting edge of materials engineering.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Specializing in shape memory polymer composites, Dr. Li's research addresses crucial aspects of material science, including the design of chemical structures and enhancing the functionality of polymers. His focus on developing innovative solutions has led to his work being published in top-tier journals such as Small, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Journal of Materials Chemistry A. His studies also explore the practical applications of these materials in fields like engineering and biomedicine, making his contributions significant to both academia and industry.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Li's research has been widely recognized in the scientific community, with numerous publications in highly respected journals, including ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Acta Biomaterialia, and Composites Part A. His collaborations with leading researchers and institutions like the University of Colorado have further established his reputation as a rising star in materials science. His achievements have garnered attention for their innovation and potential impact on various industries.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Li's work in the field of shape memory composites has significant implications, particularly in the development of advanced materials for use in technology, biomedicine, and textiles. His focus on enhancing material properties and discovering new applications for shape memory polymers has opened doors for practical applications that could transform industries. His research not only influences the scientific community but also contributes to innovations that could have a lasting impact on the global materials science field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

As Dr. Li continues his academic and research endeavors, his future contributions are poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of polymer composites. His pioneering work in shape memory polymers has already laid the groundwork for future advancements, and his dedication to improving material science is likely to lead to further breakthroughs. With his ongoing research and publications, Dr. Li is set to influence future generations of researchers, creating a lasting impact on both academic and industrial applications of polymer science.

 

Publications


📄Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/Fe3O4 with Near-Infrared Light Active Shape Memory Behavior 

  • Journal: Composites Communications
  • Year: 2024
  • Contributors: Zhiyong Zeng, Junhao Liu, Feng Cao, Hongmei Chen, Kun Qian, Wenbing Li

📄Shape Memory Polymer Micropatterns with Switchable Wetting Properties 

  • Journal: European Polymer Journal
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributors: Junhao Liu, Wanting Wei, Feng Cao, Zhiyong Zeng, Kun Qian, Hongmei Chen, Fenghua Zhang, Wenbing Li

📄Poly(acrylic acid)-Assisted Intrafibrillar Mineralization of Type I Collagen: A Review 

  • Journal: Macromolecular Rapid Communications
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributors: Lei Chen, Zhiyong Zeng, Wenbing Li

📄Ultrathin Flexible Electrospun EVA Nanofiber Composite with Electrothermally-Driven Shape Memory Effect for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding 

  • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Year: 2022
  • Contributors: Wanting Wei, Pengfei Zhang, Feng Cao, Junhao Liu, Kun Qian, Diankun Pan, Yongtao Yao, Wenbing Li

📄Recent Advances and Perspectives of Shape Memory Polymer Fibers 

  • Journal: European Polymer Journal
  • Year: 2022
  • Contributors: Wanting Wei, Junhao Liu, Jian Huang, Feng Cao, Kun Qian, Yongtao Yao, Wenbing Li