Dr. Sara Cerra – Nanochemistry – Best Researcher Award

Sapienza University of Rome Italy

Author Profile

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. Sara Cerra earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences in 2022 from Sapienza University of Rome. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), where she continues her groundbreaking research in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization.

🔬 Research Focus & Expertise

Dr. Cerra’s research is dedicated to the synthesis and characterization of noble metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanohybrids. She specializes in their surface functionalization using both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ligands, enabling structure-property correlation studies and improving their physicochemical properties. Her research has applications in optoelectronics, sensing, nanomedicine, and biotechnology. During her Ph.D. and postdoctoral work, she pioneered the surface functionalization of colloidal nanoparticles, revealing critical insights into their surface properties. One of her major achievements includes the synthesis of nanoparticles with mixed functionalization, enhancing their colloidal stability. Additionally, she explored the design of bifunctional organic and organometallic ligands, leading to the creation of covalent nanoparticle networks with unique optoelectronic properties.

🏆 Recognitions & Awards

Dr. Cerra has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to nanomaterials research. In 2022, she received the prestigious “FareRicerca” award. Furthermore, her paper, “Hydrophilic Gold Nanoparticles as Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Carriers: Synthesis and Interface Properties,” was honored with the “Top Cited Article 2021-2022” recognition by the journal Part. Part. Syst. Charact..

🏛 Professional Memberships

Dr. Cerra is an active member of the Inorganic Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI) since 2019. Through her membership, she continues to engage with the scientific community, contributing to advancements in nanoscience and material chemistry.

🚀 Impact & Future Contributions

Dr. Sara Cerra’s innovative research in nanoparticles and nanohybrids is paving the way for new materials with advanced applications in healthcare, electronics, and sustainable technologies. Her contributions to nanomedicine, optoelectronics, and sensing technologies highlight her role as a pioneer in the field of functional nanomaterials.

Notable Publications📖

📖Ag-Decorated Titania Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications

Authors: Martina Mercurio, Farid Hajareh Haghighi, Francesca Ubaldi, Sara Cerra, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Roberto Matassa, Chiara Battocchio, Martina Marsotto, Cinzia De Angelis, Sara Della Monaca et al.
Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials
Year: 2024

📖Biochar/Biopolymer Composites for Potential In Situ Groundwater Remediation

Authors: Marco Petrangeli Papini, Sara Cerra, Damiano Feriaud, Ida Pettiti, Laura Lorini, Ilaria Fratoddi
Journal: Materials
Year: 2024

📖Micro and Nanostructured Carbon-Phenolic Ablators Modified by PVP Addition

Authors: Laura Paglia, Rita Bottacchiari, Flavio Cognigni, Sara Cerra, Virgilio Genova, Marco Rossi, Ilaria Fratoddi, Francesco Marra, Giovanni Pulci
Journal: Materials & Design
Year: 2024

📖Biochar/Biopolymer Composites for In-Situ Groundwater Remediation

Authors: Marco Petrangeli Papini, Sara Cerra, Damiano Feriaud, Ida Pettiti, Laura Lorini, Ilaria Fratoddi
Journal: Preprint
Year: 2024

📖Nanoscale Solutions: The Transformative Applications of Functionalized Nanomaterials in Environmental Remediation

Authors: Sara Cerra, Ilaria Fratoddi
Journal: Applied Nano
Year: 2024

Prof. Dr. Yingjie Wu – colloidal motor – Best Researcher Award

Harbin Institute of Technology – China

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓Educational Background

Yingjie Wu began his academic journey at Linyi University, China, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bioscience (2004-2008). He then advanced his studies at Northeast Forestry University, China, earning a Master’s degree in Forest Tree Genetics and Breeding (2008-2011). Seeking to expand his expertise, he joined Harbin Institute of Technology, China, where he completed his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2011-2015). During his studies, Yingjie also gained international experience as a Visiting Student at the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Germany (2013-2014), focusing on Interface Chemistry.

💼Work Experience

Yingjie Wu started his professional career as a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2016-2017). After that, he returned to Harbin Institute of Technology, where he has held various prestigious positions. He was promoted to Associate Professor in December 2017 and became a Professor in January 2024, continuing his impactful work at the institution.

🧑‍🏫Academic Contributions

Yingjie is an active member of several influential committees, demonstrating his leadership in the field. He is a member of the Youth Committee of Colloid and Interfacial Chemistry under the Chinese Chemical Society. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Nano-Oncology Professional Youth Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association. His expertise extends to national advisory roles as a member of the National Materials and Devices Scientists Think Tank, specifically in the Electronic Information Materials and Devices Expert Committee.

🔬Research Interests

Yingjie Wu’s research focuses on the cutting-edge areas of self-assembling systems, micro/nano motors, and nanomaterials for controlled drug delivery applications. These areas of research are crucial for the development of new technologies, particularly in nanotechnology and biomedicine, with significant implications for drug delivery systems and medical advancements.

Notable Publications📑

📑Influence of the neck length of urease-powered flask-like colloidal motors on their kinematic behavior

Authors: Zhou, Chang; Wu, Yingjie; Si, Tieyan; Yang, Mingcheng; He, Qiang
Journal: Soft Matter
Year: 2025

📑High-efficiency electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia via boron-doped hydroxyl oxide cobalt induced electron delocalization

Authors: Guo, Jing; Wang, Qi; Chen, Chunxia; Sun, Tantan; Liu, Song
Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Year: 2024

📑Optimizing the Activation Energy of Reactive Intermediates on Single-Atom Electrocatalysts: Challenges and Opportunities

Authors: Shi, Lei; Zhang, Qihan; Yang, Shucheng; Wu, Yingjie; Liu, Song
Journal: Small Methods
Year: 2024