Zohreh Hamnabard | Nanoscale Photonics Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard | Nanoscale Photonics Research | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard , NSTRI , Iran

Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard is a distinguished Iranian materials scientist specializing in ceramics, glass-ceramics, and nuclear materials. With over two decades of experience in both academic and industrial research, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of materials science in Iran. Currently, she serves as a faculty member at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI) and has played pivotal roles in research, teaching, and scientific development across the country.

Profile 

Scopus 

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hamnabard began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Materials Engineering (Ceramics) from Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in 1995. She went on to complete her M.Sc. and Ph.D. with a deep focus on glass-ceramic systems. Her graduate theses explored acid-resistant glass coatings and the mechanical properties of SiO₂–Al₂O₃–MgO-based glass-ceramics, showcasing her early commitment to applied research and material development.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Over the years, Dr. Hamnabard has held several key academic and industrial positions, including Lab Manager at Concrete Chemistry Co., Research Expert at both RIPI and Power Research Institute, and Director of the Ceramic Research Group at NSTRI. She has also served as a university lecturer at major institutions such as Tehran University, Imam Khomeini International University, and Azad University, fostering the next generation of material engineers and scientists.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her core research has spanned glass-ceramics, nuclear waste immobilization, metal matrix composites, and glass sealants for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Noteworthy projects include the preparation of high-density SiC for fusion reactors, fluoromica machinable glass-ceramics, and hydrothermal synthesis of Li₂TiO₃ ceramics. Dr. Hamnabard has also contributed to architectural conservation through the production of tiles for heritage structures like the Soltanieh dome.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Hamnabard’s impact is deeply rooted in multidisciplinary collaboration, blending materials science with energy, biomedicine, and heritage preservation. Her work has contributed to national strategic initiatives, especially in the nuclear energy sector, and she has played an essential role in translating research into industrial applications. Her involvement in ICTP Trieste’s international programs on vitrification for nuclear waste highlights her global scientific engagement.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, including in international journals such as Materials Research Express, Solid State Ionics, and the Journal of Nuclear Research and Applications, Dr. Hamnabard has established a credible academic footprint. She is a co-author of pioneering studies on AZ91-B₄C composites, glass-ceramic interfaces, and porous silica glasses for nuclear waste immobilization. She also holds two patents, demonstrating her innovative capabilities.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Hamnabard exhibits a comprehensive range of research competencies, including material synthesis, hydrothermal processing, microstructure analysis, crystallization behavior, and nuclear material characterization. She has hands-on experience with techniques such as 3D printing of ceramics, LIBS analysis, and thermal treatments, making her a highly versatile researcher.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

With nearly two decades of teaching, Dr. Hamnabard has mentored numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students on topics such as bioactive glasses, glass-ceramic composites, and advanced ceramics. Her dedication to student development is evident through her supervision of research projects that address both fundamental science and industrial challenges.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While the profile does not list specific awards, Dr. Hamnabard’s appointments—such as Director of the Ceramic Research Group, Research Fellow at IROST, and reviewer for top scientific journals—reflect a high degree of peer recognition. Her participation in international scientific schools further underscores her academic credibility and global reputation.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hamnabard’s legacy lies in her contribution to the advancement of nuclear materials and glass-ceramics research in Iran. Her focus on sustainable material design, strategic energy applications, and scientific mentorship positions her as a leader in applied materials science. Looking ahead, her work in nuclear waste management and next-generation glass-ceramics is poised to play a critical role in energy sustainability and environmental safety.

Top Publications

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoporous Silica Glasses for Nuclear Waste Immobilization

  • Authors: Z. Hamnabard, M. R. Taghavi Nik, M. M. Mohebi, A. Yadollahi
    Journal: Journal of Nuclear Research and Applications
    Year: 2023

The Statistical Analysis of Tensile & Compression Properties of the As-Cast AZ91-X%B₄C Composites

  • Authors: H. Mohammadi, M. Emamy, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: International Journal of Metalcasting
    Year: 2020

The Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Properties osilica glassesf AZ91 metal matrix composites-x%B₄C Metal Matrix Composites in As-Cast and Extruded Conditions

  • Authors: H. Mohammadi, M. Emamy, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: Materials Research Express
    Year: 2019

Sintering Behavior of Lithium Meta-Titanate Nanocrystallites

  • Authors: A. R. Abbasian, M. R. Rahimipour, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering
    Year: 2019 (Accepted March 1, 2019)

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Monoclinic Cubic Li₂TiO₃ Hybrid Nanocomposite Microspheres

  • Authors: A. R. Abbasian, M. R. Rahimipour, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: International Journal of New Chemistry
    Year: 2019

Suneela Arif | Nanoscale Photonics Research | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Biophotonics Research

Assist. Prof. Dr. Suneela Arif | Nanoscale Photonics Research | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Prof, Hazara University Mansehra Pakistan, Pakistan

Dr. Suneela Arif is an Assistant Professor at Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan, in the Department of Physics and Materials Science. She holds a PhD in Physics from Hazara University, where her research focused on half-metallicity in III-V semiconductors. Dr. Arif has over 15 years of academic and research experience in experimental and theoretical physics, specializing in materials science. Her teaching experience spans undergraduate to PhD levels, with a focus on subjects like Solid State Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Nanotechnology, and Spintronics. She has supervised numerous graduate and PhD students, contributing significantly to their research in materials science and computational physics. Dr. Arif’s work has made notable contributions in areas such as spintronics, semiconductor materials, and electronic structure theory. She is committed to advancing research and education in physics and materials science in Pakistan.

Profile

Education

 Dr. Suneela Arif completed her F.Sc. (Pre-Medical/Pre-Engineering) at B.I.S.E Abbottabad, followed by a BSc in Physics and Mathematics at Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. She obtained her M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan, and went on to complete her PhD in Physics at Hazara University, focusing on the experimental and theoretical investigation of half-metallicity in transition metal-substituted III-V semiconductors. Dr. Arif also undertook a research internship at the National Internship Program, where she gained practical experience in materials engineering and physics. Her academic journey continued with her joining Hazara University as a Lecturer and later as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics. Dr. Arif’s extensive educational background and expertise in materials science have made her a leading figure in the academic community.

Experience

Dr. Suneela Arif has over 15 years of research and teaching experience. She started her academic career as a Lecturer at Hazara University, where she taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in subjects such as Solid State Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Nanotechnology, and Electrodynamics. In 2016, she was promoted to Assistant Professor, continuing her work in teaching and research. Her research covers a wide range of topics, including spintronics, nanotechnology, materials science, and the electronic structure of complex oxides. Dr. Arif has supervised numerous M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. students, contributing significantly to the academic community. She has expertise in various materials characterization techniques, thin film deposition, and computational materials science. Dr. Arif has also led experimental and theoretical research projects funded by institutions, focusing on piezoelectric nanogenerators, ferroelectric materials, and half-metallicity in semiconductors.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Suneela Arif has received several honors and awards throughout her academic and research career. In recognition of her contributions to the field of physics and materials science, she was awarded a National Internship Program under the Government of Pakistan, where she gained valuable hands-on research experience. Her work has been supported by numerous research grants for experimental and theoretical studies in materials science. Dr. Arif has also been instrumental in leading research projects in spintronics, nanotechnology, and materials characterization. She is highly regarded for her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and has been acknowledged by her peers in the academic community for her contributions to both education and research. Dr. Arif’s ongoing dedication to the development of cutting-edge research in physics and materials science continues to earn her recognition both nationally and internationally.

Research Focus 

Dr. Suneela Arif’s research focuses on experimental and theoretical materials science, particularly in the areas of spintronics, ferroelectric and multiferroic materials, nanotechnology, and optoelectronics. Her research includes the synthesis and characterization of complex materials such as thin films, nanowires, and nanoparticles, with an emphasis on applications in energy harvesting, magnetic and electronic devices, and sensors. She has a deep interest in the electronic structure and properties of complex oxides and their potential for use in next-generation technologies. Dr. Arif is also heavily involved in computational materials science, utilizing techniques like Density Functional Theory (DFT) and first-principle calculations to investigate the properties of materials at the atomic level. Her work has explored the role of piezoelectric, thermoelectric, and spintronic materials, as well as their potential applications in memory devices, sensors, and energy-efficient technologies. Dr. Arif’s research has contributed significantly to advancements in these interdisciplinary fields.

Publications 

  1. Electric field and strain mediated zinc blende ZnSe: exploring its potential as a controlled stimulus responsive optical and optoelectronic material 📝🔬
  2. Electric field engineering and modulation of CuBr: a potential material for optoelectronic device applications 📝🔌📱