PhD researcher at KU Leuven, Belgium
Julieta Garcia Chirino is a driven and results-oriented chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from KU Leuven, Belgium, and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has established herself in the field of environmental engineering through her expertise in sustainable technologies, membrane synthesis, water treatment, and waste valorization. Her career demonstrates a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative research and real-world applications, including collaborations with industry. Julieta brings forward-thinking ideas to circular economy initiatives, heavy metal remediation, and the development of environmentally friendly engineering solutions.
Profile
ORCID
EDUCATION
Julieta’s academic journey reflects a deep engagement with environmental sustainability. She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Science, specializing in Chemical Engineering, from the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven (2020–2025). Her doctoral research focused on hybrid wastewater treatment technologies through waste valorization for heavy metal removal. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained her Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Engineering Institute at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (2016–2019), where she built a solid foundation in membrane-based separation processes and industrial waste applications. Her academic background is reinforced by complementary technical training and interdisciplinary coursework in chemistry and environmental risk management.
EXPERIENCE
With a strong professional background in both academic and industrial environments, Julieta has cultivated valuable experience in project management, research coordination, and environmental planning. At KU Leuven, she led laboratory efforts, designed experiments, and supervised five master’s students in research and thesis work. Previously, she worked as a project manager assistant at the Engineering Institute of UNAM, where she coordinated proposals and procurement for a biogas pilot plant, and oversaw strategic project planning. Earlier in her career, she served as an administrative assistant managing evaluations for academic promotions and projects. Throughout, she has demonstrated proficiency in organizing complex projects, conducting environmental assessments, and implementing life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability of engineering processes.
RESEARCH INTEREST
Julieta’s research interests center around environmental engineering, particularly the development of sustainable separation technologies. She is deeply invested in membrane synthesis and characterization, waste valorization using industrial byproducts, and heavy metals remediation from contaminated water sources. Her work bridges laboratory innovation and practical application, integrating life cycle assessments and hazard evaluations into material development. Additional areas of focus include inorganic chemistry, analytical methods, and the exploration of circular economy models in environmental remediation. Her research continuously seeks to contribute to the advancement of green engineering and the reduction of industrial pollution.
AWARD
Julieta Garcia Chirino’s commitment to sustainable environmental engineering has led to her nomination for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary work in wastewater treatment and waste-to-resource technologies exemplifies innovation and societal impact. She has served on the editorial board of the Process Newsletter and has been recognized for her role in mentoring emerging researchers. Her selection as a candidate for this award reflects her leadership in both research and collaboration, notably through her active involvement in scientific manuscript reviews and her strong publication record.
PUBLICATION
Julieta has published three peer-reviewed articles in recognized international journals, contributing to the fields of membrane technology and environmental remediation. Her 2021 article, “Hybrid Membrane Systems for Wastewater Valorization,” published in Journal of Membrane Science, has been cited by 18 scholarly articles. In 2022, she authored “Utilization of Steel Slag in Heavy Metal Removal” in the Chemical Engineering Journal, cited by 12 works. Most recently, in 2023, she published “Circular Economy Approaches in Wastewater Treatment” in Environmental Technology & Innovation, with 9 citations. These publications have significantly enhanced academic and industrial understanding of sustainable separation technologies.
CONCLUSION
Julieta Garcia Chirino exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful. Her academic excellence, hands-on research, mentorship, publication record, and sustainable focus collectively establish her as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work is not only scientifically rigorous but also socially relevant, aligning perfectly with the criteria of excellence in research.