Maria Norbertade Pinho | Separation Processes | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Maria Norbertade Pinho | Separation Processes | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico/Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

Prof. Maria Norberta de Pinho is a distinguished chemical engineer specializing in membrane technology, mass transfer, and separation processes. She earned her Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Porto (1970), followed by an M.Sc. (1974) and Ph.D. (1976) from the University of Florida, USA. A Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon (1977-2015), she is now a Jubilated Professor and Researcher at CeFEMA.Her research focuses on membrane synthesis, biocompatible polymers, wastewater treatment, and food processes. She has supervised 30+ Master’s and 20 Doctoral theses, published 148+ papers, and holds two European and U.S. patents. She has collaborated with institutions like MIT, Columbia University, and RWTH Aachen and has been a key evaluator for European Commission-funded projects.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Academic Journey

Prof. Maria Norberta de Pinho has an extensive academic background in chemical and physical-chemical sciences. She earned her Physical-Chemical Sciences degree from the University of Coimbra in 1966, followed by a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Porto in 1970. She pursued advanced studies in the United States, obtaining an M.Sc. (1974) and Ph.D. (1976) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida. Further solidifying her expertise, she achieved Habilitation in Chemical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, in 1996. 📚🔬

 

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Maria Norberta de Pinho specializes in membrane science and technology, with a focus on membrane synthesis, characterization, and applications. Her research explores polymeric and hybrid membranes for water treatment, hemocompatible materials, bioactive compound recovery, and wastewater reuse. She contributes to nanostructured materials, including MOF/silica membranes, and investigates water dynamics in porous structures. Her work also extends to food and bioprocess technology, particularly in wine industry wastewater valorization. Through her studies, she advances sustainable separation processes, biotechnology, and environmental engineering. 🌍💧🧪

 

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Membrane technologies for recovery of bioactive compounds 📖 
2️⃣ Synthesis and characterization of MOF/silica cellulose acetate based membranes: Removal of uremic toxins in haemodialysis spent dialysate 🧪 (Desalination, 2023, 4 citations)
3️⃣ Winery wastewater treatment for biomolecules recovery and water reuse purposes ♻️ (Book Chapter, 2 citations, No year)
4️⃣ Bactericide Activity of Cellulose Acetate/Silver Nanoparticles Asymmetric Membranes 🦠 (Membranes, 2023, 9 citations)
5️⃣ Water Molecular Dynamics in Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Cellulose Acetate–Silica Membranes 💧 (Membranes, 2022, 2 citations)
6️⃣ Tailoring the Selective Permeation Properties of Cellulose Acetate/Silica Hybrid Membranes 🏗️ (Membranes, 2022, 1 citation)
7️⃣ Membrane-based Operations for Polyphenols and Polysaccharides Fractionation 🍷 (Food and Bioprocess Technology, 2022, 13 citations)
8️⃣ Overview of Membrane Science and Technology in Portugal 🇵🇹 (Membranes, 2022, 1 citation)
9️⃣ Membrane Bioreactor for Synthesis and Fractionation of Oligosaccharides 🏭 (Membranes, 2022, 10 citations)
🔟 The role of pressure-driven membrane processes in wine industry wastewater valorization 🍇 (Book Chapter, 4 citations)

 

 

HirphaAdugna Areti | Process Enineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hirpha Adugna Areti | Process Enineering | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Hirpha Adugna Areti, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Born on January 21, 1992, in Ethiopia, Hirpha Adugna Areti serves as the Chief Technical Assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Haramaya University. He holds a BSc and an MSc in Chemical Engineering, with a focus on process engineering (2024). Hirpha is passionate about environmental and chemical engineering, specializing in sustainable approaches for water treatment and waste management. He has published multiple high-impact research papers and is a reviewer for esteemed journals like Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery and Heliyon. His certifications include a Nanodegree in Data Analysis from Udacity. 📊🧪

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Professional Experience

Since October 25, 2018, Hirpha Adugna Areti has worked at Haramaya University, first as a Senior Technical Assistant and now as Chief Technical Assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering. His role includes supervising chemical engineering labs, ensuring equipment functionality, and maintaining safety standards. Hirpha provides technical support during laboratory sessions, guides students through experiments, and manages lab inventory. He also assists in research projects, focusing on water treatment, air pollution control, and waste management. Additionally, he prepares lecture notes, trains students in lab protocols, and mentors junior staff, enhancing practical learning for graduate and undergraduate students. 🧪🌱📖

 

 

Educational Journey

Hirpha Adugna Areti has built a strong academic foundation in Ethiopia. He earned a Grade 8 Ministry Certificate in 2009 from Gago Osole Primary School and a Grade 10 Matric Certificate in 2011 from Abuna Gindeberet Secondary School. In 2013, he completed his Grade 12 University Entrance Certificate at Gindeberet Preparatory School. Hirpha graduated with a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Haramaya University in 2018 and is pursuing an MSc from the same institution, expected in February 2024. Additionally, he will complete the Higher Diploma Program in July 2024, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. 🌟📘🧪

 

 

Certifications and Awards

Hirpha Adugna Areti has received several prestigious awards and certifications for his contributions and professional development. He holds reviewing certificates from the editors of Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery and Heliyon, showcasing his expertise in academic peer review. Additionally, he completed a Nanodegree Program in “Data Analysis Fundamentals” from Udacity. Hirpha earned the Higher Diploma Program (HDP) certification from Haramaya University and was honored with the International Analytical Chemistry Award, reflecting his excellence in the field. These achievements highlight his dedication to academic and professional growth. 🌟📊🧪

 

 

Research Focus Areas

Mr. Hirpha Adugna Areti specializes in chemical and environmental engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable practices and innovative technologies. His research emphasizes the development of bio-based adsorbents for water treatment, particularly using agricultural by-products like banana peels and corn cobs for removing heavy metals such as Cr (VI). He also explores the valorization of agricultural waste in the food sector and the use of biowaste as catalysts for environmental applications. His work contributes to advancing green chemistry, circular economy, and eco-friendly solutions for global challenges. ♻️⚗️🌿

 Publication Top Notes

  • Response surface method based parametric optimization of Cr (VI) removal from tannery wastewater 🌊📘 (Cited by: 12, Year: 2024)
  • Adsorptive performances and valorization of green synthesized biochar–based activated carbon 🌿⚗️ (Cited by: 4, Year: 2024)
  • Innovative Uses of Agricultural By-Products in the Food and Beverage Sector: A Review 🥗🌾 (Cited by: 1, Year: 2024)
  • Biowastes as Sustainable Catalysts for Water Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview ♻️💧 (Year: 2025)
  • Food Chemistry Advances 🍽️🔬 (Year: 2024)