Prof. Dr. Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierla | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Director of Doctoral School, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering at Politehnica University of Bucharest | Romania

Prof. Dr. Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierlă is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of biotechnical systems engineering, environmental sciences, and applied chemistry. With extensive expertise in nanotechnology, wastewater treatment, and biotechnology, she has contributed significantly to advancing sustainable environmental solutions. Currently serving as Director of the Doctoral School of Biotechnical Systems Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, she is recognized for her leadership in research, teaching, and innovation. Her career reflects a strong commitment to education, international collaboration, and scientific excellence, earning her numerous distinctions and awards in her field.

Professional Profiles

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă pursued her academic training at the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, specializing in chemistry, biotechnical systems, and environmental engineering. She earned her PhD in Chemistry, focusing on nanostructured composites with biomedical applications. Later, she completed postdoctoral studies on hybrid nanomaterials with biomedical potential and conducted research in bionanotechnology applications for wastewater treatment. Her earlier academic journey included a Master’s degree in nanostructured composites and an Engineering diploma in environmental protection within the chemical and petrochemical industries. This rigorous academic foundation provided her with a solid background in chemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, enabling her to integrate science with practical environmental solutions.

Professional Experience

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă has over two decades of academic and research experience at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest. She advanced through roles as Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, PhD Supervisor, and now serves as Director of the Doctoral School of Biotechnical Systems Engineering. She also contributes nationally as a member of the National Council for the Certification of Titles, Diplomas, and University Certificates (CNATDCU). In these roles, she has guided doctoral students, conducted impactful research, and designed innovative solutions in biotechnology and environmental engineering. Her teaching expertise spans environmental analysis, biotechnology, ecological protection, and sustainable industries.

Research Interest

Her research interests lie at the intersection of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering. She is particularly passionate about developing nanostructured and hybrid materials for wastewater treatment and biomedical applications. Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă explores sustainable technologies for depollution, with a focus on photocatalysis, bioengineering, and eco-friendly nanomaterials. Her work also covers environmental quality analysis, food biotechnology, and advanced separation techniques. By integrating cutting-edge nanotechnology with ecological approaches, she contributes to solving pressing global challenges such as water pollution, industrial waste management, and public health. Her interdisciplinary perspective makes her research highly relevant for both academia and industry.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă has been honored with numerous national and international awards recognizing her innovation and scientific contributions. She has received multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at EUROINVENT exhibitions for groundbreaking wastewater treatment technologies and nanotechnology applications. Her research achievements have also been acknowledged by leading academic institutions and professional associations, including awards from UMF Carol-Davila, INMA Institute, and international scientific bodies. She has received diplomas of excellence for her role as a postdoctoral researcher, coordinator of award-winning student projects, and distinguished speaker at scientific conferences. These recognitions highlight her outstanding dedication to advancing environmental and biotechnical sciences.

Research Skills

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă possesses advanced research skills in nanomaterials synthesis, wastewater treatment technologies, and biochemical processes in environmental engineering. She is highly experienced in spectrophotometric analyses (UV-Vis, FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, and morphological characterization using TEM and SEM. Her expertise extends to separation and purification technologies, as well as modern analytical techniques applied to food products and environmental quality. She demonstrates strong project management abilities, having led several nationally funded research projects. Additionally, her proficiency in multiple programming languages and scientific software supports her analytical work, while her leadership in research teams underscores her capacity to mentor and inspire innovation.

Publications

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă is the author and co-author of several specialty books, scientific articles, and research studies. Her publications cover topics in biochemistry, ecology, nanotechnology, and environmental protection. Notable works include books on environmental biotechnology, ecological protection, and analytical techniques for water quality assessment. She has presented her findings at numerous international conferences, earning recognition for oral communications and research excellence. Her contributions to peer-reviewed journals emphasize the practical applications of nanotechnology and biotechnology in sustainable environmental solutions. Through her publications, she disseminates knowledge that bridges theory with practice, inspiring future research in science, technology, and environmental innovation.

Novel adsorbent based on banana peel waste for removal of heavy metal ions from synthetic solutions. (2021). Materials.

Magnetite oxide nanomaterial used for lead ions removal from industrial wastewater. (2021). Materials.

BIOGAS – A solution for treating animal waste resulting from zootechnical activities. (2024). UPB Scientific Bulletin, Series B: Chemistry and Materials Science.

Biodegradation of anionic and cationic surfactants using bacterial strains from activated sludge. (2021). International Journal of Conservation Science.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierlă exemplifies academic excellence, research innovation, and professional leadership in environmental engineering and biotechnology. Her career reflects a harmonious balance between teaching, research, and practical application, with a focus on addressing environmental challenges through nanotechnology and sustainable solutions. Recognized internationally for her pioneering contributions, she continues to mentor future generations of scientists while advancing cutting-edge research. Her work has a lasting impact on environmental protection, biotechnical systems, and sustainable industries, making her a respected figure in the global scientific community.