Pietra Borges | Building Materials Environmental Assessment | Best Researcher Award

Ms Pietra Borges | Building Materials Environmental Assessment | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate, PUCRS, Brazil

Pietra Borges is a Brazilian civil engineer and researcher specializing in materials engineering and sustainable construction. She holds a Civil Engineering degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) and a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering and Technology. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at PUCRS and an international research stay at NOVA University in Lisbon. With a strong academic background, she has contributed significantly to research on recycled aggregates, carbon capture, and durability of concrete. She is an active collaborator at UNILA, a PhD scholar, and CEO of Casa da Pantalhas, promoting sustainable interior design. Her research has been published in leading international journals, reflecting her commitment to advancing civil engineering and materials technology.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Orcid

EDUCATION

🎓 Civil Engineering (2015-2019) – PUCRS (Final Grade: 8.08/10)
🎓 Master’s in Materials Engineering and Technology (2020-2022) – PUCRS (Federal Scholarship) under Prof. Dr. Jairo Andrade
🎓 PhD in Materials Engineering and Technology (2022-Present) – PUCRS (Federal Scholarship)
🎓 International PhD Researcher (2023-2024) – NOVA University, Lisbon (Federal Scholarship) under Prof. Dr. Carlos Manuel Chastre Rodrigues
📚 Additional Studies: Public Policy at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (2022-Present)

EXPERIENCE

🔹 Research Collaborator at UNILA in the project “Carbon Capture in Civil Construction Industry” (2022-Present)
🔹 PhD Researcher with Scholarship at PUCRS (2022-Present)
🔹 CEO & Founder of Casa da Pantalhas, a sustainable interior design brand (2015-Present)
🔹 Paper Reviewer for the Latin American Congress of Building Pathologies (2021)
🔹 Scientific Research Intern at PUCRS – Center of Interdisciplinary Studies in Civil Engineering (CISCI) (2017-2019)
🔹 Class Monitor – Construction Materials II (2017) & Structural Concrete II (2018) at PUCRS

AWARDS & HONORS

🏆 Federal Research Scholarship for Master’s and PhD at PUCRS
🏆 International PhD Scholarship for research at NOVA University, Lisbon
🏆 Scientific Research Grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations, Brazil
🏆 Recognized Reviewer for the Latin American Congress of Building Pathologies
🏆 PUCRS Academic Distinction for research in recycled materials and carbon capture

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔬 Sustainable construction materials and recycling in concrete
🌱 Carbon capture in cement-based materials
🏗️ Durability and microstructural behavior of recycled aggregate concrete
♻️ Green building technologies and eco-friendly materials
🧪 Self-healing concrete and nano-modifications for enhanced performance

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

📄 Physical-mechanical properties and microstructure changes in mortars with chemically treated coir fibers – Journal of Materials Research and Technology
📄 Mortars with recycled aggregate of construction and demolition waste: mechanical properties and carbon uptake – Construction and Building Materials
📄 Durability of concrete incorporating recycled coarse aggregates: carbonation and service life prediction under chloride-induced corrosion – Construction and Building Materials
📄 Relationship between mechanical properties and carbonation of concretes with construction and demolition waste – Case Studies in Construction Materials
📄 Influence of recycled aggregate replacement and fly ash content in pervious concrete mixtures – Journal of Cleaner Production
📄 Evaluation of Tire Rubber Surface Pre-Treatment and Silica Fume on Concrete Properties – Journal of Cleaner Production
📄 Evaluation of Healing Conditions in Strength Recovery in Self-Healing Concretes – Civil Engineering Research Journal
📄 Analysis of Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of High-Performance Concretes Containing Nanosilica and Silica Fume – Revista Matéria

CONCLUSION

Pietra Borges is a dedicated researcher and engineer passionate about sustainable materials and innovation in civil engineering. Her expertise in recycled aggregates, carbon capture, and self-healing concrete contributes to the advancement of eco-friendly construction practices. With multiple academic achievements, research collaborations, and leadership in sustainability, she continues to make a significant impact in the field.

Jurgita Malaiskiene | Building Materials based on waste | Best Paper Award

Dr Jurgita Malaiskiene | Building Materials based on waste | Best Paper Award

Chief researcher, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania

Jurgita Malaiškienė is a distinguished researcher affiliated with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in Lithuania. With a robust academic background, she specializes in materials science, focusing on the innovative use of industrial waste in construction. Her work aims to enhance the sustainability of building materials and improve the durability of concrete. An advocate for environmental stewardship, Jurgita actively engages in projects that promote recycling and the utilization of by-products in civil engineering. Her research has garnered significant attention, leading to numerous publications and collaborations with experts in the field.

Profile

ORCID

SCOPUS

Strengths for the Award

Jurgita Malaiškienė exemplifies excellence in the field of materials science, with a strong focus on sustainability in construction. Her impressive h-index of 11 and 490 citations reflect the significant impact of her research, particularly in utilizing industrial waste to enhance concrete durability. Her recent publications, including studies on the influence of silica fly ash and electronic waste glass, demonstrate her innovative approach and commitment to addressing environmental challenges. Jurgita’s active engagement in collaborative projects further strengthens her profile, as she effectively bridges academia and industry. Additionally, her contributions to open-access research promote knowledge sharing and accessibility in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

While Jurgita has a solid foundation in publication and citation metrics, expanding her presence in international conferences and workshops could enhance her visibility and influence. Increasing the diversity of her research topics, such as exploring new materials or technologies, could also broaden her impact. Additionally, establishing mentorship programs for emerging researchers would enrich her contributions to the academic community and foster the next generation of scientists.

Education

Jurgita Malaiškienė earned her Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, where she developed a keen interest in material properties and sustainable construction practices. She subsequently pursued a Ph.D. in Construction Materials, focusing on the durability and performance of concrete incorporating industrial by-products. Her education emphasized both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering, equipping her with the knowledge to address contemporary challenges in the field. Through her academic journey, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of material science and engineering principles, which she applies in her research to innovate and improve construction methodologies.

Experience

Jurgita Malaiškienė has extensive experience in both academic and research settings. Currently, she is a researcher and lecturer at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, where she teaches courses on construction materials and sustainability. Over the years, she has participated in various national and international research projects aimed at developing eco-friendly construction solutions. Her role often involves collaboration with industry stakeholders, contributing to applied research that bridges the gap between academia and practice. Jurgita has also served on several committees focused on advancing civil engineering education and research in Lithuania. Her dedication to mentorship and guidance has helped shape the next generation of engineers.

Awards and Honors 

Jurgita Malaiškienė’s contributions to the field of civil engineering have been recognized through various awards and honors. She received the Young Researcher Award from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences for her innovative work on sustainable materials. Additionally, her research projects have been funded by national grants aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in construction. Jurgita has been invited to present her findings at numerous international conferences, where she has received accolades for her insightful contributions to discussions on recycling and waste management in civil engineering. Her commitment to excellence in research and education continues to inspire her peers and students alike.

Research Focus

Jurgita Malaiškienė’s research primarily focuses on the utilization of industrial waste materials in construction, particularly in the context of concrete durability and sustainability. She explores the effects of various by-products, such as fly ash, slag, and recycled glass, on the mechanical properties and longevity of cementitious materials. Her work aims to innovate recycling methods that enhance the performance of construction materials while minimizing environmental impact. Jurgita also investigates the microstructural changes that occur when integrating waste materials into concrete mixtures, aiming to develop more resilient and eco-friendly building solutions. Through her research, she contributes significantly to advancing sustainable practices within the civil engineering sector.

Publication Top Notes

  • The Influence of Silica Fly Ash and Wood Bottom Ash on Cement Hydration and Durability of Concrete 🌿
  • Possibilities to Recycle Thermal Power Plant By-Products in Refractory Castables ♻️
  • Impact of Electronic Waste Glass on the Properties of Cementitious Materials 💻
  • Lightweight composite materials made of paper sludge and corn starch 📄
  • A Study on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Portland Cement Incorporating Aluminosilicate Waste 🔍
  • Influence of Industrial Waste Pozzolanic Additives on the Structure and Properties of Expanded Glass Granules Cement-Based Composite 🏗️
  • The Metakaolin Waste Effect on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Concrete ⚙️
  • Effect of Low Oxidation Graphene Oxide on Physical and Mechanical Properties of MCC Type Refractory Castable 🧪
  • Analysis of the Structure and Durability of Refractory Castables Impregnated with Sodium Silicate Glass 🧱
  • Bio-colonization layered concrete panel for greening vertical surfaces: A field study 🌱

Conclusion

Jurgita Malaiškienė is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work in sustainable construction materials, coupled with her robust publication record and collaborative spirit, positions her as a leader in her field. By addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing her international presence and mentoring, she can continue to advance her research and contribute significantly to the global scientific community. Recognizing her achievements through this award would not only honor her contributions but also inspire others in the field.