Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natasa Knezevic | “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia | Serbia

Dr. Natasa Knezevic is a Serbian researcher and emerging scientist in the field of environmental and chemical engineering, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. She is affiliated with the “VINCA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, where she serves as a Research Assistant. Her academic and research expertise encompasses instrumental analysis, organic synthesis and material characterization, adsorption processes on bio-based materials, composites, and the development of green methods for sustainable waste management. Dr. Knežević holds dual master’s degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and in Environmental Engineering from the University of Belgrade. She has also gained international experience as a visiting researcher at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and participated in multiple applied science and environmental innovation projects. Her scientific output includes over 12 peer-reviewed publications, around 150 citations, and an h-index of 6, reflecting her growing influence in the field of environmental materials and green technologies. She has received numerous honors, including the Panta S. Tutundžić Award for academic excellence, the Best Technological Innovation Award (2021) from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia, and recognition for the Best Start-Up Ideas initiative by Coca-Cola Youth Support. Alongside her scientific career, she is an active volunteer, team leader, and ambassador at the University of Belgrade’s Center for Career Development. Fluent in Serbian, English, and Russian, Dr. Knežević combines technical proficiency in tools like SuperPro Designer, OriginPro, ChemDraw, and Python with strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, making her a dynamic and versatile young researcher in environmental innovation and sustainable engineering.

Profiles: Scopus Orcid 

Featured Publications

Abduarahman, M. A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Knezevic, N., Banjanac, K., Milosevic, M., Velickovic, Z., & Marinkovic, A. (2024). MgAl-layered double hydroxide-coated bio-silica as an adsorbent for anionic pollutants removal: A case study of the implementation of sustainable technologies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(21), 11837.

Brzić, S., Knezevic, N., Kovacevic, T., Vuksanovic, M., Marinkovic, A., & Grzetic, J. (2024). Furoic acid-based (non)energetic plasticizers for solid composite propellants production. Scientific Technical Review, 74(1), 50–57.

Cujic, M., Knezevic, N., Zivković, F., & Jankovic Mandic, L. (2025). Radiation technology in polymer waste recycling and upcycling: Mechanisms, applications, and prospects. Metallurgical and Materials Data.

Cujic, M., Knezevic, N., Zivković, F., & Jankovic Mandic, L. (2025). Radiation technology in the light of polymer waste recycling. Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Congress of South-East Europe.

Embirsh, H. S. A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Mladenovic, I. O., Knezevic, N., Milosevic, M., Mijatov, S., Jancic Heinemann, R., & Marinković, A. (2024). Unsaturated polyester resin-based composites: A case study of lignin valorisation. Chemosphere, 352, 142144.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic, M., & Marinkovic, A. (2025). Enhanced mechanical strength and controlled biodegradability of bio-membranes synthesized from waste hemp fibers. Metallurgical and Materials Data.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic, M., & Marinkovic, A. (2025). Mechanical and biodegradability properties of synthesized bio-membranes from waste hemp fibers. Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Congress of South-East Europe.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic,, M. M., Banjanac, K., Pantic, K., Velickovic, Z., Cvijetic, I., Marinkovic, A., & Miloševic, M. (2024). Cationic waste hemp fibers-based membrane: Case study of anionic pollutants removal through environmentally friendly processes. Journal of Environmental Management, 361, 123174.

Savic, A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Savic, M., Knezevic, N., SaponjiC, A., IliC, S., & Egelja, A. (2025). Modified silica particles coated with Cu–Al layered double hydroxide for phosphate and arsenate removal in water treatment. Molecules, 30(10), 2138.

Fatima-Ezzahrae Jabri | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Dr. Fatima-Ezzahrae Jabri  | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Dr. Fatima-Ezzahrae Jabri | National School of Applied Sciences Morocco | Belgium

Dr. Fatima Ezzahrae Jabri is a driven Moroccan Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering with a sharp focus on polymer additive manufacturing and laser sintering technologies. Born in Fez and currently based in Tangier, she is pursuing her doctorate at the National School of Applied Sciences, ENSA Tangier, where she contributes significantly to the Innovative Technologies Laboratory. Her thesis involves a robust experimental and numerical study of the laser additive manufacturing (SLS) process for polymers under the mentorship of Professors Rachid El Alaiji and Aissa Ouballouch. Fatima has exemplified excellence across academic, technical, and international platforms, combining hands-on engineering experience with cutting-edge research. Her global exposure includes a doctoral research stay at HEPH – Condorcet in Belgium, where she worked on non-destructive defect detection in FDM 3D printing. Known for her leadership, problem-solving mindset, and collaborative attitude, Fatima is a model of emerging scientific talent in the MENA region and beyond.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Fatima’s academic journey showcases her unwavering commitment to engineering innovation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design and Analysis (CAM) from the Faculty of Science and Technology in Fez (2016–2019), followed by a Master of Science and Technology in Mechanical and Production Engineering (GMPr, 2019–2021). Currently, she is enrolled in a prestigious Ph.D. program at ENSA Tangier (2021–2025), working within the Innovative Technologies Laboratory. Her international academic portfolio expanded further through her doctoral research mobility at Haute École Condorcet, Belgium (Feb–Apr 2025), focusing on defect characterization using impulse excitation techniques. Throughout her education, Fatima has cultivated technical mastery over simulation, CAD, and quality control tools, backed by real-world engineering experience. Her teaching engagements at ENSA Tangier span critical foundational subjects like Material Resistance and Industrial Design Drawing, revealing her dual passion for learning and knowledge dissemination.

Experience

Dr. Fatima brings over five years of applied mechanical engineering experience, reflected in her roles across Morocco’s major industrial entities. During her internships with TE Connectivity, Marelli, and Sites Tangier, she took charge of CAD design, production optimization, and digital transformation in manufacturing. Her projects involved redesigning FAKRA cable components using CATIA V5 and Abaqus, enhancing SOPs through 5S audits, and transitioning production lines to paperless environments using Power Apps. As Training Manager at GreenLab Fablab Tangier, she organized workshops, assessed needs, and conducted over 14 training sessions on laser cutting, CAD, and fabrication tools. Fatima also contributed to engineering education through final-year project supervision and juror responsibilities. Her multi-role profile—as an engineer, educator, and innovator—makes her a rare talent bridging academia, applied science, and future-forward technology.

Research Interests

Dr. Fatima’s primary research interests lie in polymer additive manufacturing, especially Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). She specializes in optimizing 3D printing processes by integrating defect detection, material behavior analysis, and non-destructive testing. Her recent international project at HEPH–Condorcet involved using impulse excitation techniques to analyze vibration modes and internal defects in polyamide-based FDM parts. Fatima is also pioneering research that connects machine learning and AI to enhance quality prediction in additive manufacturing. Her passion lies in bridging mechanical design with smart digital tools, aiming to elevate manufacturing systems into the era of Industry 4.0. She actively explores composite materials, process-induced defects, surface quality, and thermal behavior of printed parts. Through her teaching and publications, she inspires and enables a new generation of engineers to adopt sustainable, precise, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.

Awards & Recognition

Dr. Fatima’s academic and technical brilliance has been consistently recognized through her international mobility scholarship for doctoral research in Belgium (2025), a highly competitive opportunity awarded based on research merit. As Training Manager at GreenLab Fablab, she led a team that presented the DronEco project during the 7th International Innovation Competition, marking her contribution to real-world problem solving through sustainable design. She has also represented her lab at scientific events like the Design-Innovation-Product-in-Industry DIPI-2022 Workshop. Moreover, her active involvement in programs like INJAZ AL-MAGHRIB’s professional skills development initiative shows her commitment to societal impact. Fatima has played a crucial role as a project supervisor, training coordinator, and jury member at ENSA, enhancing students’ innovation capacity. Her blend of academic performance, leadership in innovation, and contribution to community education makes her a strong nominee for any Rising Researcher or Young Innovator Award.

Publication Top Notes

Characterization of Defects by Non-Destructive Impulse Excitation Technique for 3D Printing FDM Polyamide Materials in Bending Mode

Indirect Effect of Print Surface Bed Temperature on Surface Roughness and Dimensional Accuracy of SLS Polyamide 12 Sintered Parts

Powder Spreading Effects on Laser Powder Bed Fused Parts Quality

A Comprehensive Review of Polymer Materials and Selective Laser Sintering Technology for 3D Printing

A Review on Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printing Technology for Polymer Materials

Conclusion

Dr. Fatima Ezzahrae JABRI exemplifies what a 21st-century researcher and engineer should be—technically adept, globally aware, and socially impactful. Her solid foundation in mechanical design, paired with pioneering research in polymer additive manufacturing, positions her as a leader in transforming industrial practices. She has effectively bridged academic rigor, international collaboration, and real-world application, all before completing her Ph.D. Her dedication to mentoring students, leading scientific initiatives, and contributing to global research makes her a valuable asset to the scientific community. Whether improving defect detection techniques or enhancing material printing quality, Fatima consistently drives innovation with precision and purpose. Her journey so far—and the promise she shows—clearly establishes her as an outstanding candidate for prestigious honors like the “Young Researcher Award”, “Women in Engineering Excellence Award”, or the “Rising Star in Additive Manufacturing Award.”