Laleh Kalankesh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Laleh Kalankesh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award 

Medical science university | Iran

Dr. Laleh R. Kalankesh is an accomplished environmental health engineer and academic whose research integrates environmental engineering, public health, and environmental epidemiology, with a strong emphasis on water quality, pollution control, and human health risk assessment. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, where she is actively involved in teaching, mentoring postgraduate students, and leading multidisciplinary research projects addressing critical environmental and health challenges in Iran and comparable arid and semi-arid regions. Dr. Kalankesh earned her PhD in Environmental Health Engineering from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, where her doctoral research focused on monitoring disinfection by-products (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water distribution networks. Her work also advanced membrane technology by developing graphene oxide–modified polyamide nanofiltration membranes to enhance the removal of DBPs and total organic carbon (TOC). This research built on her earlier MSc and BSc training in environmental health engineering, with a strong foundation in nanoparticle applications for wastewater treatment and heavy metal removal. Her research portfolio spans water and wastewater treatment, membrane processes, nanomaterials, air pollution, and environmental epidemiology. She has made notable contributions to understanding DBP formation and health risks, desalination using microbial desalination cells, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and the application of nanoparticles and composites as bactericides and adsorbents. In parallel, her epidemiological studies examine the health impacts of air pollution, meteorological factors, and socio-environmental inequalities, including contributions to large-scale Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies published in leading journals such as The Lancet Planetary Health and The Lancet Global Health. Dr. Kalankesh has authored 45 peer-reviewed publications, holds an h-index of 21, and is recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists (2025). She has served as principal investigator on numerous nationally funded research projects and is an active peer reviewer for international journals. Her innovative capacity is further reflected in a patented portable device for sterilizing fruits and vegetables. Through her interdisciplinary research and academic leadership, Dr. Kalankesh continues to contribute significantly to advancing environmental health science and evidence-based policy for sustainable development and public health protection.

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Featured Publications

Stella Girousi | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Stella Girousi | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award 

Prof Dr. Stella Girousi | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, where she has been a faculty member since 1999. She earned her PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 1996 and specializes in developing innovative electroanalytical methods, particularly voltammetric techniques and biosensors. Her research focuses on environmental, biological, and food analysis, including the detection of nucleic acids, proteins, and genotoxic compounds, as well as drug-DNA interactions and DNA methylation using advanced nanomaterials and screen-printing technologies. Prof. Girousi has published extensively in high-impact journals, significantly advancing the fields of analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, pharmacology, and biotechnology.

Author Profile 
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Education

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi’s academic journey in chemistry began with a strong passion for understanding the molecular world and the invisible mechanisms shaping biological, environmental, and technological processes. She pursued advanced studies in analytical chemistry, where she cultivated her skills in chemical analysis and innovative laboratory techniques. During her doctoral studies, she focused her research on developing methods of electroanalysis, setting the foundation for her future expertise in voltammetric techniques and biosensor applications. Her early academic pursuits reflect a balance of rigorous scientific training and curiosity-driven research, which later enabled her to contribute to the advancement of electroanalytical chemistry on both theoretical and applied fronts. These formative years established her reputation as a diligent scholar with a drive for innovation in chemical sciences.

Experience

As a long-standing member of the academic staff at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Prof. Girousi has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. Her professional path is characterized by dedication to teaching, mentorship, and leadership in research initiatives. She has guided numerous students and young researchers, providing them with strong foundations in analytical chemistry and inspiring them to engage with real-world problems through scientific inquiry. Beyond her teaching contributions, Prof. Girousi has also taken part in significant institutional collaborations and interdisciplinary projects, enhancing the reputation of her department and strengthening links between academia, industry, and international research communities. Her academic career demonstrates a commitment to the dual roles of education and scientific innovation, nurturing the next generation while expanding the frontiers of knowledge.

Research Focus

Prof. Girousi’s research contributions have had a transformative impact on the field of electroanalytical chemistry. Her work revolves around the development of advanced voltammetric techniques for the determination of metals, utilizing mercury, carbon, and mercury/bismuth thin film electrodes. A cornerstone of her research is the creation and optimization of enzymic and electrochemical DNA biosensors, which serve as highly sensitive tools for detecting nucleic acids, proteins, and genotoxic compounds.

Her investigations into drug-DNA interactions and DNA methylation have opened pathways for understanding critical biological processes, with applications in pharmacology, disease diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Furthermore, Prof. Girousi has been at the forefront of integrating nanomaterials and screen-printing technology into biosensor development, ensuring greater sensitivity, miniaturization, and cost-effectiveness. By bridging electrochemistry with biotechnology, her work not only enhances analytical capabilities but also addresses urgent challenges in environmental monitoring, food safety, and healthcare innovation.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Girousi’s career has been marked by recognition from both the academic and scientific communities. Her extensive publication record in leading international journals underscores her influence and credibility in the domain of analytical chemistry. She is also associated with scientific platforms such as ORCID, Scopus, and SciProfiles, which further highlight the visibility and global reach of her research contributions. Beyond formal acknowledgments, her recognition is evident in the trust placed in her expertise by peers, students, and collaborators. Her standing as a professor at one of Greece’s most prestigious universities reflects her stature as both an educator and a pioneering researcher.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Prof. Girousi’s work extends well beyond the laboratory. Her contributions to biosensor technology and electroanalytical chemistry have shaped methodologies used in environmental protection, food quality assurance, and medical diagnostics. By introducing new approaches to detecting trace metals and biologically active molecules, she has provided tools that are both practical and highly reliable. These innovations not only benefit scientists and industries but also contribute to improving public health and environmental sustainability. Her mentorship has produced a generation of researchers who carry forward her values of precision, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, thereby multiplying the reach of her influence.

Publications 

Study of interactions between DNA-ethidium bromide (EB) and DNA-acridine orange (AO), in solution, using hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE).

Author: IC Gherghi, ST Girousi, AN Voulgaropoulos, R Tzimou-Tsitouridou
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2003

pH: principles and measurement.

Author: S Karastogianni, S Girousi, S Sotiropoulos
Journal: Encyclopedia of food and health
Year: 2016

An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide, Gold Nanoparticles and Molecular Imprinted Over‐oxidized Polypyrrole for Amoxicillin Determination.

Author: H Essousi, H Barhoumi, S Karastogianni, ST Girousi
Journal: Electroanalysis
Year: 2020

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi stands as a distinguished figure in the field of analytical chemistry, combining academic excellence, research innovation, and dedicated mentorship. Her pioneering work in voltammetric techniques and biosensor development has significantly advanced applications across environmental science, biotechnology, food safety, and medical diagnostics. Beyond her scientific achievements, she has shaped generations of scholars through her teaching and guidance, leaving a strong educational legacy. With her continued commitment to innovation and collaboration, Prof. Girousi remains a driving force in shaping the future of analytical chemistry, ensuring her influence will resonate in both scientific progress and societal benefit for years to come.