Dr. Fatima Ezzahra BELHARCHA | Corrosion | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fatima Ezzahra BELHARCHA, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco

Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha, born on October 21, 1989, in Marrakech, Morocco, is a distinguished researcher in physical chemistry with a specialization in corrosion inhibition and environmental chemistry. She holds a State Doctorate from Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco, achieved in 2023, following her Master’s degree in Functional Materials and her Bachelor’s in Physical Chemistry of Materials from Caddy Ayyad University. Fatima has actively contributed to preserving cultural heritage through corrosion resistance research, focusing on archaeological conservation. As a patent-holder and a skilled advisor in intellectual property, she offers valuable expertise to SB ENERGIE and serves as an administrator at the Ibn Tofail University’s Center for Analysis and Technology Transfer. Fatima’s commitment to academia and environmental preservation is evident in her ongoing research and teaching efforts, particularly in materials science and conservation.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha demonstrates remarkable depth in research and innovation within the fields of physical chemistry and materials science, specifically focusing on corrosion protection for historical artifacts and the conservation of iron-wood composites. Her expertise is evidenced through multiple patents aimed at advanced formulations for corrosion inhibition, highlighting her innovative contributions to this niche area in materials preservation. Additionally, Dr. Belharcha has co-authored published research on electrochemical behavior and corrosion resistance, providing insights that blend practical conservation needs with scientific rigor. Her patents, including those for anticorrosion and antifungal compositions, underscore her commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage, while her hands-on roles in academic and professional capacities demonstrate her strong project management and technical expertise.

Education

Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha’s academic journey is marked by her extensive studies in physical chemistry and materials science. She earned her State Doctorate Diploma in 2023 from Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, with a focus on Physical Chemistry and Environment. Prior to this, she completed a Technical Master in Functional Materials in 2014 and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Chemistry of Materials in 2012 from Caddy Ayyad University, Marrakech. Her foundational education began with a Deust in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Chemistry in 2011, and she graduated with a Baccalaureate in Experimental Science in 2008. Fatima’s academic background is underpinned by a dedication to understanding environmental conservation through materials science, preparing her for a career centered on impactful research and technological innovation in material corrosion protection.

Experience

Fatima has been an administrator at the Center for Analysis and Technology Transfer at Ibn Tofail University since 2016, where she manages various academic responsibilities, including roles as a Patent Filing Focal Point and as the DRX and FTIR specialist. Her efforts extend to project management, entrepreneurship incubation, and technological expertise transfer. Since 2018, she has contributed as a member of the National Network of Expert-Valuators and has offered her intellectual property and R&D advisory expertise to SB ENERGIE. Recently, she has served as an advisor and researcher with the Centre Technique de Plasturgie et de Caoutchouc. With her cross-functional roles, Fatima brings extensive experience in overseeing critical analysis projects, incubating innovative solutions, and driving intellectual property development in corrosion protection for historical preservation.

Awards and Honors

Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha has earned notable recognition in physical chemistry and materials science, with several patents registered in corrosion inhibition formulations. Her most significant patents include unique anticorrosion and antifungal compositions tailored for the preservation of metal-wood archaeological artifacts. These patents showcase her innovation in developing eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors using polyethylene glycol. She has also presented her research internationally, such as at the Virtual Conference on Chemistry and its Applications in 2020 and at a conference in 2022, focusing on corrosion resistance in archaeological conservation. Her pioneering contributions are recognized nationally, where she has played a vital role in intellectual property advisement and materials conservation, bridging academia and industry.

Research Focus

Fatima’s research is centered on corrosion inhibition and materials conservation, particularly for archaeological and historical artifacts. Her work investigates electrochemical behaviors and corrosion-resistant treatments for metal-wood composites, utilizing polyethylene glycol-based formulations that offer antifungal and visual quality-indicator properties. These formulations play a crucial role in preserving artifacts from corrosion in neutral media. In collaboration with the Centre Technique de Plasturgie et de Caoutchouc and SB ENERGIE, she is also exploring biofongicides and corrosion inhibitors for industrial applications. Fatima’s research aims to advance sustainable conservation techniques, providing essential solutions for heritage preservation while reducing environmental impact.

Publication Top Notes

Title: “Long-term electrochemical and biological study of archaeological iron-wood composite impregnated with 10% PEG-200 solution”
Title: “Electrochemical Behavior and Corrosion Resistance of Steel in Waterlogged Archaeological Wood Impregnation Solutions: Effect of Operating Parameters and Corrosion Products”

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebtesam Yousef, Assistant Professor of Faculty of Science, Egypt

Ebtesam Ahmed Yousef Abd elhaleem is an Assistant Professor at the Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Egypt. Born on December 26, 1974, in Sohag, Egypt, she has made significant contributions to the field of invertebrate zoology, particularly marine ostracods. With an extensive background in taxonomy and biological studies, she has published numerous research papers on the biodiversity and ecology of marine species in the Red Sea. Fluent in Arabic, English, and German, she brings a diverse set of skills, including expertise in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and statistical software like SPSS. She is committed to advancing zoological research and educating future generations of scientists.

Professional Profile

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ebtesam Ahmed Yousef Abd elhaleem is a strong candidate for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award.’ Her extensive research on ostracods, contributions to marine biodiversity, and commitment to academic excellence through teaching and journal refereeing make her highly suitable for the award. Her work aligns with the objectives of the award, recognizing researchers who contribute significantly to their field while promoting academic growth and innovation.

Education

Ebtesam completed her undergraduate degree in Zoology at Sohag Faculty of Science, Assiut University in 1996. She then progressed to obtain her Master’s degree in 2003, focusing on taxonomic and morphological studies of marine ostracods from the Red Sea. Her Ph.D., awarded by Sohag University in 2008, expanded on these studies, delving deeper into the biological traits of ostracod species from the Red Sea. Her research contributed significantly to the understanding of marine biodiversity and invertebrate taxonomy. Ebtesam’s expertise in zoology, particularly in studying ostracods, has positioned her as a key academic in this field.

Experience

Ebtesam has a broad academic career, starting as a demonstrator in 1997 before moving into research and teaching roles. She has been an Assistant Professor at Sohag University since 2018, where she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including invertebrate taxonomy, vertebrate anatomy, and general physiology. Her research focuses on marine crustaceans, specifically ostracods, contributing new knowledge on species diversity in Egypt’s Red Sea. Additionally, Ebtesam is a peer reviewer for several scientific journals, such as Invertebrate Reproduction & Development Journal and BMC Zoology Journal. Her teaching and research excellence continue to inspire her students and peers.

Awards and Honors

Ebtesam has received numerous accolades for her academic contributions. Among her most notable achievements is her promotion to Assistant Professor in 2018, reflecting her strong academic standing and dedication to zoological research. She has also been recognized for her scientific papers on the taxonomy and biology of marine ostracods, with several of her publications being featured in high-impact journals. Ebtesam’s research has not only garnered respect within academic circles but has also contributed to the greater understanding of marine biodiversity in the Red Sea region.

Research Focus

Ebtesam’s research primarily revolves around marine biodiversity, focusing on the taxonomy and ecology of ostracods, a group of small crustaceans found in marine environments. Her studies on the Red Sea ostracods have provided new insights into species diversity, ecological roles, and adaptation to marine habitats. She is particularly interested in how environmental factors affect ostracod populations and their ecological significance. Through her research, she aims to contribute to global conservation efforts by highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems in Egypt and beyond.