Antoni Mir Pons | Material Science and Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Antoni Mir Pons | Material Science and Engineering | Young Scientist Award

PhD | University of the Balearic Islands | Spain

Mr. Antoni Mir Pons develops research in the field of civil and structural engineering, with a particular focus on the study and application of iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA) for strengthening existing reinforced concrete structures. His scientific contributions reflect an advanced understanding of materials behavior under semi-cyclic loads and their influence on recovery stresses, which is essential for improving the resilience and sustainability of infrastructures. Currently engaged at the University of the Balearic Islands within the UIB Construct research group, Antoni’s work explores the mechanical performance and practical integration of Fe-SMA as an innovative reinforcement technology. He has presented significant findings at leading international conferences such as the fib PhD Symposium in Civil Engineering and the SMAR Conference in Italy, contributing to global knowledge on structural rehabilitation using smart materials. His previous collaborations with the AMADE group at the University of Girona involved theoretical and experimental studies on reinforced concrete structures strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates, evaluating cracking behavior and proposing refinements to Eurocode and fib Model Code formulations. Antoni’s research also integrates climate resilience aspects, as seen in his participation in projects such as RESTART, focused on mitigating deterioration risks in existing concrete infrastructures under changing environmental conditions. Awarded for his outstanding Master’s Thesis on Fe-SMA reinforcement technology, Antoni continues to bridge experimental engineering with sustainable innovation, contributing to the evolution of active reinforcement systems that reduce environmental impact and extend the lifespan of civil structures. His ongoing doctoral research deepens this line of inquiry, enhancing the understanding of semi-cyclic load effects and establishing a strong foundation for future advancements in structural engineering.

Profile: Scopus
Fearuted Publications:

Experimental study on recovery stress losses in Fe-SMA rebars under semi-cyclic loads considering different activation temperatures and multiple activations. (2025). Construction and Building Materials.

Dr. Neetu Verma – Materials Science and Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Neetu Verma - Materials Science and Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar - India

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS
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👩‍🔬 SUMMARY

Dr. Neetu Verma is currently serving as Head and Associate Professor, demonstrating a rich academic and research background in materials science, particularly focused on glass composites and radiation shielding. With consistent contributions in high-impact areas like photonic materials and nanocomposites, her profile reflects excellence in research, leadership, and mentorship. Recognized nationally for her innovation in teaching and active involvement in academic bodies, she blends scholarly rigor with practical engagement, shaping both the academic curriculum and scientific inquiry. Through funded projects and invited talks, she is contributing meaningfully to the advancement of optical and radiation shielding materials.

🎓 EDUCATION

Dr. Neetu Verma possesses a strong academic foundation in physics and materials science, equipping her for a specialized research focus in glass materials and nanotechnology. Her academic training laid the groundwork for her significant achievements in research and teaching. With this background, she has successfully mentored numerous students, contributed to scientific forums, and played an integral role in institutional academic development. Her educational journey reflects both depth and interdisciplinary application in glass science, nuclear shielding, and rare earth doping, forming the basis for her continued innovations in photonic and shielding materials.

🏫 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

With vast teaching and research experience, Dr. Neetu Verma has held leadership roles that extend beyond departmental boundaries. As Head and Associate Professor, she oversees academic development, fosters research collaborations, and facilitates innovative teaching methodologies. She serves as a coordinator for national-level Olympiads and examinations, ensuring academic excellence in physics education. Her mentorship in faculty development, student personality programs, and national camps further amplifies her contribution. With roles in research administration and technical committees, her experience is a blend of educational leadership and scientific advancement.

🔬 RESEARCH INTEREST 

Research interests include the development of radiation shielding glasses, thermal and optical investigation of rare earth-doped glasses, and the synthesis of borate-based nanocomposites. Emphasis lies in studying aluminum oxide and irradiation effects on borate glasses and exploring non-linear optical behaviors. Focus is also directed toward nano-glass ceramics and enhancing glass material performance under radiation environments. These interests contribute to solving real-world challenges in optical technologies and nuclear safety, aligning her research with advanced applications in photonics, fiber-optics, and shielding environments.

🏅 AWARD AND HONOR 

Recipient of numerous awards, including the Best Oral Presentation at ICSTAR-2025 and the Dinabandhu Sahu Memorial Award for innovation in physics teaching. Honored as the Brand Ambassador of IAPT for five years since October 2023. She has also received the Excellence in Research Award from KMV and chaired sessions at international engineering conferences. Additional recognitions include best poster awards, multiple appreciation certificates for e-content development, and her active participation in science education reforms. These accolades highlight her dual strength in research innovation and impactful pedagogy.

🧪 RESEARCH SKILL

Dr. Verma’s research skills span structural, thermal, and optical characterizations, with specialized proficiency in synthesizing rare-earth doped glasses and glass nanocomposites. Skilled in advanced analytical techniques and experimental modeling, she investigates non-linear optical behaviors and terahertz properties. Her expertise includes handling radiation interaction with materials, developing glass for photonic and shielding applications, and leading large-scale government-funded projects. These capabilities support innovative research outputs that intersect fundamental physics with technological applications, reinforcing her as a subject matter expert in functional glass development.

📚 PUBLICATIONS TOP NOTED

Dr. Verma has contributed numerous high-quality publications in national and international journals related to materials science, glass technology, and photonic applications. While specific titles are not listed, her work on germanium oxide nanocomposites, borate glasses, and rare earth doping is frequently cited. These publications have informed ongoing studies in radiation shielding and optical material development. Her papers reflect robust experimental design, interdisciplinary relevance, and strong theoretical grounding, establishing her as a notable contributor in solid-state and glass materials research.

Title: Spectroscopic, thermal and structural investigations of Dy³⁺ activated zinc borotellurite glasses and nano-glass-ceramics for white light generation
Authors: S Kaur, O.P. Pandey, C.K. Jayasankar, N. Chopra
Journal: Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids 521, 119472

Title: Optical, Physical and Structural Properties of Er³⁺ Doped Low‐Phonon Energy Vitreous Matrix: ZnO‐B₂O₃‐TeO₂
Authors: N. Chopra, S. Kaur, M. Kaur, S. Singla, R. Marwaha, G. Sharma, M.S. Heer
Journal: physica status solidi (a) 215 (13), 1700934

Title: Enhanced photoluminescence in Dy³⁺/Au co-doped bismuth borosilicate glass
Authors: S. Singla, S. Kaur, N. Mahendru, O.P. Pandey, N. Chopra, G. Sharma
Journal: Optical Materials 126, 112236

Title: UV–vis spectroscopic Investigation on γ-irradiated alkali aluminoborate glasses
Authors: N. Chopra, N.P. Singh, S. Baccaro, G. Sharma
Journal: Physica B: Condensed Matter 407 (8), 1209-1213

Title: Effect of gamma irradiation on physical, optical, spectroscopic and structural properties of Er³⁺-doped vitreous zinc borotellurite
Authors: S. Kaur, O.P. Pandey, C.K. Jayasankar, N. Chopra
Journal: Journal of Luminescence 235, 118031

Title: Exploring thermal, optical, structural and luminescent properties of gamma irradiated Dy³⁺ doped tellurite glasses: photon shielding properties
Authors: S. Kaur, O.P. Pandey, C.K. Jayasankar, N. Verma
Journal: Radiation Physics and Chemistry 199, 110375

Title: Analysis of gold nanoparticles dispersed bismuth borate glass: effect of size and concentration
Authors: S. Singla, Abhishek, N. Bansal, N. Chopra, G. Sharma
Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics 34 (6), 526

🔍 CONCLUSION 

Through a blend of academic leadership, high-impact research, and national educational engagement, Dr. Verma has emerged as a key figure in advanced material science. Her contributions reflect both scholarly innovation and societal relevance, especially in the domains of radiation shielding and photonic glass applications. Recognized by peers and institutions alike, she continues to mentor, inspire, and lead scientific advancements in physics and materials engineering. Her sustained involvement in national educational initiatives and professional bodies further reflects a commitment to shaping the future of science education in India.