AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Angelika Kmita’s journey into the world of materials science and nanotechnology began at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland. Her early academic foundation was rooted in the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, where she obtained her Master’s degree in 2008. Specializing in foundry engineering, she cultivated a deep understanding of materials processing, metal casting, and advanced metallurgical techniques. This period of her education laid the groundwork for her future research interests, particularly in nanoparticle synthesis and functional materials.
Fuelled by her passion for scientific discovery, she continued her academic endeavors at AGH University, earning a Ph.D. in Engineering in 2014. Her doctoral research likely delved into complex aspects of foundry engineering, merging traditional metallurgical principles with cutting-edge advancements in materials science. This period marked her transition from a keen student to an independent researcher, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
Professional Endeavors 🏛️
Following her Ph.D., Angelika Kmita remained at AGH University of Science and Technology, furthering her research in the interdisciplinary domain of nanotechnology. Over the years, she transitioned from a research scholar to an Associate Professor at the Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, a role she has held since April 2022.
Her professional trajectory has been deeply intertwined with material synthesis, with a special focus on ferrite nanoparticles, ferrofluids, and hydro- and aerogels. These materials hold significant potential in various applications, including biomedicine, environmental protection, and industrial manufacturing. As an academic, she has not only contributed to fundamental research but also played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and industrial application.
Apart from her research commitments, she has been actively involved in scientific and industrial projects, having participated in ten initiatives that span across different domains. This involvement underscores her commitment to innovation and the practical implementation of scientific advancements.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Angelika Kmita’s research portfolio is a testament to her expertise in the field of materials science. Her work encompasses several key areas, each of which has contributed to the scientific understanding of functional materials.
She has made notable strides in the synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles, particularly focusing on controlling their morphology and size. These nanoparticles are crucial for applications ranging from magnetic storage devices to biomedical uses, such as targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia treatments.
Her research extends to ferrofluids, colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles that have broad applications in sealing, damping, and medical imaging. Additionally, she has explored hydro- and aerogels, materials known for their lightweight structure and high porosity, making them ideal for environmental applications, including water purification and pollutant absorption.
One of her groundbreaking contributions is in magnetic hyperthermia, where she examines the heating properties of aqueous nanoparticle solutions. This technique has promising applications in cancer therapy, where localized heating can selectively destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Her expertise also spans rheological properties of liquid phases, ensuring a better understanding of how different nanofluids behave under various conditions. Moreover, she has extensively studied thermal analysis of nanoparticles and nanocomposites, a crucial aspect in determining material stability and functionality.
Beyond fundamental research, Angelika Kmita has worked on the modification of water glass with metal oxide nanoparticles, a field that has implications for industrial applications such as coatings, adhesives, and foundry molding materials. Her work also intersects with environmental protection, particularly in addressing foundry industry-related pollution and waste management challenges.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Angelika Kmita’s contributions to science have been widely recognized, both within Poland and internationally. With 59 scientific publications across various countries including the USA, Germany, Croatia, and Lithuania, her work has gained significant attention in the global research community. She has also co-authored three monographs, further expanding the knowledge base in her field.
Her achievements extend beyond academic publications, as she is also a co-author of three patents, highlighting her ability to translate scientific findings into tangible innovations.
With a Web of Science h-index of 15 and nearly 500 citations, her research impact continues to grow. This metric reflects not only the breadth of her work but also its significance in advancing scientific knowledge and industrial applications.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Angelika Kmita’s research has had a profound impact on both academia and industry. Her work on nanoparticles and functional materials has influenced numerous scientific domains, from biomedical engineering to environmental sustainability. By developing novel materials and enhancing their practical applications, she has contributed to advancements in medical treatments, industrial processing, and environmental conservation.
Her involvement in industrial projects has also fostered collaborations between academia and industry, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs are effectively implemented in real-world scenarios. Through her contributions, she has helped optimize foundry processes, improve material performance, and develop sustainable solutions for various engineering challenges.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀
As an established researcher and academic leader, Angelika Kmita continues to push the boundaries of materials science. Her ongoing investigations into nanomaterials and their applications will likely lead to further breakthroughs in medicine, manufacturing, and sustainable engineering.
Looking ahead, her legacy will be shaped by her commitment to mentoring young scientists, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and pioneering innovative solutions to complex material science challenges. With the rapid evolution of nanotechnology, her expertise in ferrite nanoparticles, ferrofluids, and aerogels will remain highly relevant, driving new developments in fields ranging from energy storage to biomedicine.
Her role at AGH University of Science and Technology ensures that she will continue to influence the next generation of researchers, guiding them towards impactful scientific contributions. Through her continued work in both academia and industry, Angelika Kmita is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the fields of nanotechnology, environmental protection, and advanced material synthesis.
📝Notable Publications
Eco-Friendly Inorganic Binders: A Key Alternative for Reducing Harmful Emissions in Molding and Core-Making Technologies
Author(s): A. Kmita, Rafał S. Dańko, Mariusz Holtzer, Jarosław Jakubski, Sara Tapola
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024
Aqueous Dispersion of Manganese–Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Protected by PEG as a T2 MRI Temperature Contrast Agent
Author(s): Dorota Lachowicz, Angelika Kmita, Marta Gajewska, Z. Jan Celinski, Janusz H. Hankiewicz
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2023
Influence of Crystal Structure and Composition on Optical and Electronic Properties of Pyridinium-Based Bismuth Iodide Complexes
Author(s): Gisya Abdi, Marlena Gryl, Andrzej Sławek, Vijayakumar C. Nair, Konrad T. Szaciłowski
Journal: Dalton Transactions
Year: 2023
Development of Inorganic Binder Systems to Minimise Emissions in Ferrous Foundries
Author(s): Rafał S. Dańko, Angelika Kmita, Mariusz Holtzer, Dirk Lehmhus, Sara Tapola
Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies
Year: 2023
Aerogels Based on Cationically Modified Chitosan and Poly(vinyl alcohol) for Efficient Capturing of Viruses
Author(s): Dorota Lachowicz, Angelika Kmita, Roma Wirecka, Krzysztof Pyrc, A. Bernasik
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2023