Juliana Eccher | Physics of Condensed Matter | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Juliana Eccher | Physics of Condensed Matter | Best Researcher Award 

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil

Prof. Juliana Eccher is a distinguished physicist specialising in liquid crystals, organic electronics, and optoelectronic devices. She earned her PhD in Physics from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil in 2014 under the supervision of Ivan Helmuth Bechtold, following her MSc (2010) and dual undergraduate degrees in Licenciatura (2006) and Bacharelado (2008) in Physics, also from UFSC. She holds a CNPq Research Productivity scholarship (Level C) and has been deeply involved in research and education in exact and earth sciences since. Prof. Eccher has published over 27 academic documents, which have together amassed approximately 575 citations, and her h-index stands at 12. Her work focuses on the synthesis, characterisation and application of discotic and columnar liquid crystals, organic semiconductors, doped nanocomposites including metallic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, and thin-film alignment techniques for advanced optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices. She has led and participated in multiple funded research projects domestically and internationally, including Projects in organic charge transfer, solar cell applications, and photophysics of luminescent liquid crystals. Her contributions also include supervising graduate and postgraduate students, coordinating extension and outreach activities, and regularly reviewing for international journals. Proficient in laboratory techniques for structural, optical, and electronic characterisation, she integrates research with teaching and community engagement to advance both scientific knowledge and application in sustainable technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Stadtlober, C. H., Olegario, J. E. S., Mezalira, D. Z., Bock, H., Franca, L. G., Monkman, A. P., & Eccher, J. (2025). Homeotropic alignment and delayed fluorescence of thin films of a columnar liquid crystal doped with multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Liquid Crystals. Advance online publication.

Liguori, D., Kern, B. S., Eising, R., Mezalira, D. Z., Nome, R. C., Ely, F., Gallardo, H., Bock, H., Bechtold, I. H., & Eccher, J. (2025). Surface plasmon-dependent photoluminescence in a columnar liquid crystal doped with metallic nanoparticles. Liquid Crystals. Advance online publication.

Avila, L. B., Chulkin, P., Serrano, P. A., Dreyer, J. P., Berteau-Rainville, M., Orgiu, E., Franca, L. D. L., Zimmermann, L. M., Bock, H., Faria, G. C., … (2024). Perylene-based columnar liquid crystal: Revealing resistive switching for nonvolatile memory devices. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 413, 124757.

Alves, A. L., Bernardino, S. V., Stadtlober, C. H., Girotto, E., Farias, G., do Nascimento, R. M., Curcio, S. F., Cazati, T., Dotto, M. E. R., Eccher, J., … (2023). Charge carrier transport in perylene-based and pyrene-based columnar liquid crystals. Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 19, 128.

Silva, F. N., Luciano, H. M., Stadtlober, C. H., Farias, G., Durola, F., Eccher, J., Bechtold, I. H., Bock, H., Gallardo, H., & Vieira, A. A. (2023). Dissymmetric triaryltriazines: Small mass columnar glasses. Chemistry – A European Journal, 29(46), e202301319.

Neeraj Kumari – Material Science – Women Researcher Award

Dr. Neeraj Kumari - Material Science - Women Researcher Award 

K R Mangalam University, Gurugram - India

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Neeraj Kumari’s academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation in chemistry, particularly in Material Science. She pursued her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry under the supervision of Professor Ramesh Chandra and co-supervision of Professor Monika Datta, where she focused on the application of naturally occurring clay minerals for the synthesis of nanopigments as colorants. Her early academic achievements include a Master’s degree in Chemistry (specializing in Inorganic Chemistry) from Guru Jambheshwar Science & Technology University, Hisar, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Her dedication to science education is further demonstrated by her B.Ed. degree, highlighting her commitment to academic excellence and pedagogy.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Neeraj Kumari is currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Inorganic Chemistry) in the Department of School of Basic and Applied Science. Since January 2019, she has played a significant role in shaping the academic curriculum, developing syllabi, quizzes, and study materials to enhance student learning. Beyond teaching, she has actively contributed to faculty development by organizing Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), such as "Modern Scientific Technologies – Ways to Enhance Research Skills" in 2022 and "Recent Advancements in Science and Technology" in 2021. Her involvement in organizing workshops, including one on "Adulteration of Food Items," highlights her commitment to applied research and public awareness.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kumari's research primarily revolves around Material Science, with a special focus on nanopigments, inorganic materials, and analytical chemistry. Her groundbreaking work in nanopigment synthesis has implications for various industries, including coatings, dyes, and sustainable materials. She has been actively guiding B.Sc. and M.Sc. Chemistry students in their dissertation work, fostering the next generation of scientists. Additionally, she has been a key member of the university’s Science Research Committee, contributing to policy decisions and research advancement.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Neeraj Kumari’s influence extends beyond research and teaching. She has been instrumental in developing student research capabilities through mentorship and guidance. As an NSS Coordinator, she actively engages students in social service initiatives, bridging the gap between science and community welfare. Her role as the Coordinator of the APJ Abdul Kalam Science Club reflects her commitment to promoting scientific inquiry among young minds.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Kumari’s research contributions in Material Science have been recognized through high-impact journal publications and conference presentations. Her work has received numerous citations, reinforcing her role as a key contributor to the field. She has delivered lectures at various international FDPs, including topics like “A Novel Approach to Design Nanopigments” and “Project-Based Learning: Challenges and Opportunities.” Her expertise in Material Science has also been acknowledged through her role as an external member of the Science Research Committee.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Neeraj Kumari’s legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to education, research, and societal development. Her numerous awards and accolades, including the Dr. Upadhyayula V. Rao Memorial Award (2017) and the Professor V. Panda Rango Rao Award (2015) for best oral presentations, underscore her excellence in research. She has also qualified CSIR-JRF and CSIR-UGC NET in Chemical Sciences, establishing herself as a leading scholar in her field.

Moving forward, Dr. Kumari aims to expand her research in Material Science, focusing on the development of environmentally sustainable materials, advanced nanostructures, and their applications in various industries. Her dedication to fostering scientific curiosity, mentoring students, and advancing material research ensures that her impact will continue to grow, leaving a lasting legacy in the academic and scientific community.

📝Notable Publication


📝Basics of Clay Minerals and Their Characteristics Properties

Authors: N. Kumari, M. Chandra

Journal: Clay and Clay Minerals

Year: 2021

Citations: Not specified


📝Sustainable Development Goals for addressing environmental challenges

Authors: N. Mohan, C. Robinson, J. Vodwal, L. Kumari

Book: Green Chemistry Approaches to Environmental Sustainability

Year: 2023

Citations: 26


📝Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of semicarbazide based Schiff bases and their Pb (II), Zr (IV) and U (VI) complexes

Authors: C. Mohan, V. Kumar, N. Kumari, S. Kumari, J. Yadav, T. Gandass, S. Yadav

Journal: Advanced Journal of Chemistry, Section B

Year: 2020

Citations: 26


📝An investigative study on the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of clay-based PVC polymer composite films

Authors: N. Kumari, C. Mohan, A. Negi

Journal: Polymers

Year: 2023

Citations: 22


📝Synthesis of acid activated and silicotungstic acid (STA) intercalated montmorillonite clay as green catalyst

Authors: C. M. N. Kumari

Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings

Year: 2022

Citations: 13


📝Fluoride distribution, contamination, toxicological effects and remedial measures: a review

Authors: M. K. S. Y. Anoop Yadav, Neeraj Kumari, Rajesh Kumar

Journal: Sustainable Water Resources Management

Year: 2023

Citations: 12


📝Environmentally benign approach to formulate nanoclay/starch hydrogel for controlled release of zinc and its application in seed coating of Oryza Sativa plant

Authors: P. Kumari, N. Kumari, C. Mohan, C. Chinglenthoiba, K. T. T. Amesho

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Year: 2024

Citations: 11


📝Effect of various types of clay minerals on mechanical and thermal properties of PMMA polymer composite films

Authors: N. K. S. D. Chandra Mohan

Journal: MRS Advances

Year: 2022

Citations: 11