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.

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”

Ms. Havva Mehralitabar | Biophysics | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Havva Mehralitabar, Tarbiat modares university, Iran

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah, born on December 2, 1985, is a distinguished biophysicist specializing in molecular dynamics simulations, peptide design, and nanotechnology. Currently a researcher at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran, she has made significant contributions to cancer research, bacterial and viral infections, and peptide-based therapeutic designs. With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Mehralitabar’s Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tarbiat Modares University centered on self-assembling peptide nanofibers, laying the groundwork for her innovative approaches in neural stem cell differentiation. Her work is marked by numerous high-impact publications and collaborations in computational biology and molecular simulations. As a researcher and educator, she has excelled in both wet lab and computational biology skills, mentoring students and contributing to interdisciplinary scientific advancements.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Women Researcher Award

Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award based on her impressive academic background, diverse research experience, and contributions to science. With a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tarbiat Modares University and a focus on molecular dynamics, she has worked on pioneering projects in cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and nanotechnology. Her research skills, particularly in computational biology and molecular dynamics simulations, are extensive, covering critical areas like protein modeling, molecular docking, and bioactive peptide design.

Education

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah’s academic journey is marked by excellence and dedication to biophysics and molecular biology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics (2013-2018) from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, where her thesis on self-assembling alkylated peptide nanofibers provided a unique perspective on neural differentiation. Before this, she completed her M.Sc. in Biophysics (2009-2012) at the Institute for Advanced Studies of Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, where she investigated the thermodynamic interactions between Doxorubicin and DNA. Dr. Mehralitabar also holds a B.Sc. in Plant Biology (2004-2008) from Alzahra University, Tehran. Her research focus spans molecular dynamics simulations and computational biology, and she has developed deep expertise in both theoretical and practical applications of biophysics, laying a strong foundation for her groundbreaking research in peptide-based therapeutic designs and biomolecular structures.

Experience

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah has accumulated extensive research experience across various scientific domains. She is currently a researcher (2020-2023) at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, focusing on in silico studies of lactoferrin mechanisms in cancer and bacterial infections. Prior to this, she served as a consultant (2018-2020) at Hakim Sabzevari University, guiding M.Sc. students in molecular dynamics simulations. As an adjunct professor (2019-2022), she taught advanced courses in system biology and molecular docking methods, further shaping young scientists. Her experience in both wet labs and computational biology makes her a versatile scientist, skilled in molecular simulations, peptide design, and biophysics research. Through multiple collaborations and supervisory roles, Dr. Mehralitabar has played a key role in advancing research in the field of molecular biology and nanotechnology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah’s contributions to biophysics have earned her numerous awards and recognitions. Notably, she secured 6th place in the National Ph.D. Entrance Exam (2013) out of 120 participants, showcasing her academic prowess. She has also served as a reviewer for the esteemed Journal of Computer in Biology and Medicine (2020-2022), underlining her expertise in computational biology. During her academic tenure, Dr. Mehralitabar received several honors for her innovative research in molecular dynamics simulations and peptide nanotechnology, including recognition from Tarbiat Modares University for her exceptional Ph.D. thesis on alkylated-peptide nanofibers. Additionally, her active participation in conferences and workshops has led to several poster presentations, contributing to her standing as a thought leader in her field. Her relentless pursuit of scientific excellence continues to make a significant impact on the biophysics research community.

Research Focus

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah’s research primarily revolves around molecular dynamics simulations, peptide design, and nanotechnology. Her work focuses on exploring the interactions between peptides and biological molecules to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. One of her most notable projects includes in silico studies of lactoferrin mechanisms, aiming to address cancer, bacterial, and viral infections. She also specializes in self-assembling peptides for neural stem cell differentiation, demonstrating the potential of biomaterials in regenerative medicine. Dr. Mehralitabar’s research extends into the structural dynamics of proteins, molecular docking, and simulations to understand how molecular structures influence biological functions. With extensive expertise in computational biology and hands-on molecular biology techniques, her work integrates theoretical approaches with practical lab results, making strides in drug design and biomolecular engineering.

Publication Top Notes

A combination of bioactive and nonbioactive alkyl-peptides form a more stable nanofiber structure for differentiating neural stem cells: a molecular dynamics simulation survey
Citations: 9
Abiraterone and D4, 3-keto Abiraterone binding to CYP17A1, a structural comparison study by molecular dynamic simulation
Citations: 3
The role of Wnt palmitoleylated loop conserved disulfide bonds in Wnt-frizzled complex structural dynamics: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Citations: 1
The physicochemical properties role of a functionalized alkyl-peptide in nanofibre formation and neural progenitor cells viability and survival
Citations: 1
In vitro study of the expression of autophagy genes ATG101, mTOR and AMPK in breast cancer with treatment of lactoferrin and in silico study of their communication networks and …

Dr. Fatima Ezzahra BELHARCHA | Corrosion | Best Researcher Award