María Blecua | Medioambiente | Best Researcher Award

Dr. María Blecua | Medioambiente | Best Researcher Award

Fundación CIRCE, Spain

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

Maria Blecua began her academic journey with an internship at the University of Tübingen's Institute of Physiology I during her Erasmus year (15/09/2012 – 15/07/2013). Here, she was involved in the Voltage-Clamp department, conducting experiments on genetically modified oocytes, performing voltage clamp tests, and analyzing data from chemical techniques. She completed her Bachelor's thesis and contributed to two publications.

Professional Endeavors:

Her professional journey kicked off as a Researcher Student in the R&D Electrical Laboratories at Exide Technologies (01/10/2013 – 30/09/2015). During this time, she worked on data analysis for Lead Acid Batteries, collaborated in calibration plans, and contributed to tear-down analyses. Following this, she pursued a Ph.D. in Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (14/02/2016 – 28/02/2020), specializing in Electrochemistry. Her research focused on Lead Acid Batteries for Micro Hybrid Electrical Vehicles, specifically examining the influence of different carbon materials and organic expanders on the performance of negative plates. She manages the environmental laboratory, contributes to H2020 and Spanish public projects, and actively engages in tasks related to Life Cycle Analysis, technology acceptance, and proposal writing.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Her research contributions span a wide range, including the improvement of negative plate performance in Lead Acid Batteries, hydrometallurgy recycling of lithium-ion batteries, Life Cycle Analysis, and the upscaling of recycling processes for solar panels. Her work extends to technology acceptance and proposal writing, showcasing a holistic understanding of the research and development process.

Accolades and Recognition:

She completed her International Ph.D. with distinction, earning a Cum Laude distinction. This recognition underscores the excellence and impact of her research in the field of Electrochemistry.

Impact and Influence:

Her work has made a significant impact on the development and understanding of battery technologies, with a focus on sustainability and recycling processes. As a leader in various projects, Maria has been instrumental in shaping the direction of research and development in her field.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Her legacy lies in her extensive research and leadership roles, contributing to the advancement of battery technologies and recycling processes. Her future contributions are likely to further shape sustainable practices in the energy storage industry, considering her ongoing role at Fundación CIRCE and her expertise in diverse aspects of battery research and development.

Citations

A total of  112 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations             112
  • h-index               5
  • Documents        7

Notable Publications 

Effect on water consumption by metallic impurities into electrolyte of lead-acid batteries

Improvement of the lead acid battery performance by the addition of graphitized carbon nanofibers together with a mix of organic expanders in the negative active material

Graphitized Carbon Nanofibers: new additive for the Negative Active Material of Lead Acid Batteries

Influences of carbon materials and lignosulfonates in the negative active material of lead-acid batteries for microhybrid vehicles

Electrochemical evaluation of lead-carbon electrodes for micro hybrid vehicle applications

SPAK-Sensitive Regulation of Glucose Transporter SGLT1

Down-regulation of the Na+-coupled phosphate transporter NaPi-IIa by AMP-activated protein kinase

 

Brad Farmilo | Ecology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Brad Farmilo | Ecology | Editorial Board Member

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Biological Science at La Trobe University in 2006. Building on this foundation, he pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Science at La Trobe University, completing it in 2009. His early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his future contributions to environmental science and conservation.

Professional Endeavors:

He has accumulated extensive professional experience, particularly in his role as a Senior Scientist at the Arthur Rylah Institute from 2013 to 2023. In this capacity, he led scientific projects focusing on environmental conservation and biodiversity management. His responsibilities included conducting research, implementing ecological monitoring programs, providing expertise for conservation strategies, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, he played a vital role in mentoring and supervising junior scientists and research staff.

Contributions and Research Focus:

His research focus has centered on environmental conservation and biodiversity management. His work has contributed to understanding the effectiveness of weed control in threatened plant communities, the impact of pine plantations on forest fragments, and the changes in plant species density in fragmented forest landscapes. His publications, including articles in reputable journals, showcase the depth and breadth of his contributions to the field.

Accolades and Recognition:

While specific accolades and recognition details are not provided, Dr. Farmilo's publication record, including articles in journals such as Ecological Engineering and Austral Ecology, reflects recognition within the scientific community. The collaborative nature of his work is evident through his involvement in various research projects and his contributions to grant writing and funding acquisition.

Impact and Influence:

His impact is evident through his leadership in conducting field research, collecting and analyzing data on ecological communities, and presenting findings at scientific conferences. His proficiency in statistical analysis software and GIS tools demonstrates his commitment to rigorous and data-driven research. His contributions have provided insights into the complex dynamics of plant communities in fragmented landscapes.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

His legacy is characterized by a wealth of scientific contributions to the understanding of ecological systems and conservation strategies. His mentorship of junior scientists ensures the continuation of his impact in the field. As he moves forward, it is likely that Dr. Farmilo will continue to shape the field of environmental science, contributing valuable insights and fostering the next generation of scientists dedicated to biodiversity conservation and ecological research.

Citations

A total of  74 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations            74
  • h-index               6
  • i10-index            3

Notable Publications 

Changes in plant species density in an experimentally fragmented forest landscape: Are the effects scale‐dependent?
BJ Farmilo, BA Melbourne, JS Camac, JW Morgan
(15) 2014

The golf ball method for rapid assessment of grassland structure
N Schultz, M Keatley, M Antos, N Wong, C Moxham, B Farmilo, ...
(8) 2017