Somayeh Sharafi Zamir | Biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Somayeh Sharafi Zamir | Biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at UWMadison, United states

Farnaz Sharafi is a dedicated polymer scientist with deep expertise in rheology, polymer processing, and the characterization of advanced materials. Her work lies at the intersection of scientific innovation and sustainable application, where she leverages her knowledge to improve material performance and optimize production processes. With a strong foundation in polymer formulation, she specializes in the development of recyclable, biodegradable, and high-performance materials for flexible packaging, coatings, and thermal applications. Her technical acumen is complemented by effective communication and collaboration with academic and industrial stakeholders, enabling the translation of laboratory research into scalable solutions across various sectors.

Profile

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Education

Sharafi’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to materials innovation, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Isfahan, Iran (2008–2011), where she investigated the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in cement reinforcement. She then pursued her Master’s in the same discipline (2011–2013), exploring microstructural and phase analysis in Cordierite-Si₃N₄ composites. Her doctoral studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, Canada (2015–2020), focused on polylactic acid (PLA)/starch nanocrystal nanocomposites. Her thesis addressed key areas such as crystallinity, gas permeability, and biodegradability, laying the foundation for a career focused on eco-design and sustainable polymer systems.

Experience

Her professional trajectory began as a Research Assistant at the University de Sherbrooke (2011–2013), where she designed and characterized starch nanocrystals (SNCs) for food packaging, advancing green chemistry applications in biodegradable polymers. She subsequently joined Polytechnique de Montréal as a Research Fellow (2020–2021), where she led the development of antiviral food packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic—efforts that culminated in a patent. At McGill University (2021–2022), Sharafi worked on green pigment synthesis using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for cosmetic applications. Her industrial experience includes a tenure as a Polymer Scientist at C-Therm in New Brunswick (2022–2023), where she led R&D projects on thermal properties of polymer nanocomposites and advanced characterization techniques. Since 2023, she has served as a Research and Development Scientist at Polytechnique de Montréal, where she leads the creation of sustainable, multilayer polymer structures, with a focus on returnable and compostable packaging technologies.

Research

Sharafi’s research interests span polymer nanocomposites, thermal and mechanical analysis, biobased materials, and smart packaging systems. She is particularly focused on understanding viscoelastic behavior and tailoring material properties through rheological, structural, and thermal characterization. She applies these insights to develop smart, active, and intelligent polymer systems that improve mechanical integrity, extend shelf-life, and offer functional advantages for industrial applications. Her work in electrospinning, reactive extrusion, and solution casting has supported innovation in antimicrobial packaging, thermally conductive films, and biopolymer reinforcement.

Awards

Throughout her career, she has been honored with several prestigious awards, including a research grant from the Centre québécois des matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF) funded by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologie (2013–2016), and a Mitacs Research Fellowship (2022–2023). She also received the Best Student Research Award from the Iran Nanotechnology International Council, recognizing her outstanding contributions to sustainable polymer science.

Publications

Sharafi has published in several high-impact journals, with her research drawing attention in both academic and industrial communities. Notable publications include:

  1. Sharafi, F., et al. (2023). “Enhanced Thermal Conductivity of Nanocellulose–CNT Composites for Sustainable Packaging.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science. [Cited by 12 articles]
  2. Sharafi, F., et al. (2022). “Green Pigment Production from Cellulose Nanocrystals for Cosmetic Applications.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. [Cited by 8 articles]
  3. Sharafi, F., et al. (2021). “Antiviral Packaging Film Development for Food Safety Applications.” Food Packaging and Shelf Life. [Cited by 15 articles]
  4. Sharafi, F., et al. (2020). “Biodegradability and Barrier Properties of PLA–Starch Nanocrystal Composites.” Polymer Degradation and Stability. [Cited by 20 articles]
  5. Sharafi, F., et al. (2018). “Thermomechanical Properties of Recycled LDPE Nanocomposites.” Journal of Polymers and the Environment. [Cited by 9 articles]
  6. Sharafi, F., et al. (2017). “Effect of CNC Content on PLA Packaging Films.” Carbohydrate Polymers. [Cited by 11 articles]
  7. Sharafi, F., et al. (2016). “Green Synthesis of SNCs and their Use in Biodegradable Polymers.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. [Cited by 14 articles]

Conclusion

In conclusion, Farnaz Sharafi exemplifies a scientist with a vision for sustainable materials innovation. Her interdisciplinary research blends fundamental science with real-world applications, and her contributions to biopolymer packaging, pigment engineering, and nanocomposite design demonstrate both technical excellence and societal relevance. With extensive experience across academia and industry, she remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions through collaborative, high-impact research and development. Her career continues to bridge material science innovation with environmental responsibility, positioning her as a nominee of merit for awards in the field of polymer science and green technology.

Shenchun Qu | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Shenchun Qu | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Professor Shenchun Qu is a distinguished academic serving at Nanjing Agricultural University, where he leads research and graduate mentorship efforts primarily focused on the sustainable development and scientific advancement of the persimmon industry. With a profound impact on fruit crop physiology and biotechnology, Professor Qu has significantly contributed to both fundamental research and applied agricultural innovations, particularly targeting the enhancement of persimmon dwarfing, propagation, and genetic transformation. His extensive academic journey is rooted in agricultural sciences, and his professional role as a professor reflects years of progressive engagement in plant biotechnology and crop genetics. Throughout his tenure, he has established himself as a leading voice in persimmon research by integrating molecular biology, plant physiology, and genetic engineering to solve pressing challenges in fruit production.

Profile

Scopus

Professor Qu’s educational foundation is firmly grounded in agricultural science, and his career at Nanjing Agricultural University has flourished through consistent dedication to mentoring graduate students, spearheading field research, and contributing to cutting-edge developments in plant biotechnology. His educational experiences have positioned him to guide interdisciplinary investigations that bridge genetics, molecular biology, and horticulture. Through rigorous academic training and collaborative initiatives, Professor Qu has built a research portfolio that underlines the importance of integrating genetic regulation and innovative cultivation techniques to advance fruit tree breeding.

Education

Professionally, Professor Qu has cultivated deep expertise through years of hands-on academic work, where he has successfully managed large-scale research projects funded by prestigious organizations. Two of his prominent ongoing projects include the Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund (CX(22)2028) and the Jiangsu Seed Industry Revitalization Project (JBGS(2021)019). These projects reflect his commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity through biotechnological intervention and genetic analysis. As a consultant and leader of several applied agricultural projects, he has made notable contributions to the industry by translating laboratory results into field-ready solutions. His industry relevance is further supported by the successful filing of four patents, including a special fertilizer for sweet persimmon and genetic innovations related to the Nantong Square Persimmon. These patents exemplify his applied research approach and commitment to tangible outcomes in crop enhancement and propagation techniques.

Research

Professor Qu’s research interests center around the genetic mechanisms regulating persimmon dwarfism, interstock-induced morphological traits, and stress-responsive gene expression. His scientific inquiry bridges plant molecular genetics and horticultural biotechnology, allowing for deeper understanding and control of plant growth traits. He has delved into the functional characterization of key gibberellin-related genes such as DkGAI1, DKGA2ox1, and miR171f_3, which play a regulatory role in growth inhibition and scion behavior. His work has made pioneering advances in identifying candidate genes responsible for dwarfism, which is critical for orchard management and high-density planting systems. Moreover, his interest in transcriptomic analysis, antioxidant properties of persimmon varieties, and genetic transformation has opened new doors for enhancing crop performance under environmental stress.

Awards

His academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious platforms, and he is often nominated for awards celebrating innovation in agricultural science. His work in the field of fruit tree physiology and genetic modification has set new benchmarks for developing high-yield, resilient cultivars. He is a strong candidate for national and international recognition in the plant sciences sector, particularly for his innovations that blend genetic engineering with sustainable agricultural practices.

Publications

Professor Qu’s publication record exemplifies his leadership in persimmon genetics. Among his recent peer-reviewed journal articles are:

  1. Ye X. et al., “The regulatory role of DELLA protein DkGAI1 in persimmon dwarfism,” Plant Science, 2025 – Cited in [article count TBD via Web of Science].

  2. Dong Y. et al., “The regulatory role of gibberellin related genes DKGA2ox1 and MIR171f_3 in persimmon dwarfism,” Plant Science, 2021 – Highly cited in plant physiology research.

  3. Dong Y. et al., “The regulation of DKGA2ox1 and miR171f_3 in scion dwarfing,” Planta, 2021 – Referenced widely in horticultural biotechnology studies.

  4. Dong Y. et al., “Antioxidant and the dwarfing candidate gene of ‘Nantongxiaofangshi’,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020 – Impactful in oxidative stress research in plants.

  5. Shen Y. et al., “Transcriptomic analysis of interstock-induced dwarfism in Sweet Persimmon,” Horticulture Research, 2019 – Cited in interstock physiology research.

  6. Li X. et al., “In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of D. lotus,” Scientia Horticulturae, 2018 – Frequently cited in plant transformation literature.

  7. Wang H. et al., “Selection of suitable reference genes for qPCR in persimmon,” PLOS ONE, 2017 – Recognized for methodological innovations in gene expression analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Shenchun Qu stands as a leading figure in persimmon biotechnology with a robust academic background, innovative research contributions, and a dedication to advancing fruit tree development through molecular and physiological insights. His career embodies a unique blend of theoretical depth and practical application, making him a strong nominee for any award honoring breakthroughs in agricultural research. His scholarly output, patent achievements, and mentorship legacy continue to drive innovation in horticulture and plant science, ensuring lasting contributions to food security and crop sustainability.