Affiliation

Nicolaus Copernicus University Toruń, Poland

Biography

MAGDALENA GIERSZEWSKA, PhD Dr. Magdalena Gierszewska conducts research in the field of chemical sciences, focusing on interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of polymer chemistry, materials science, and environmental protection. Since beginning her professional career, she has been affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, currently holding the position of assistant professor. Her research interests primarily revolve around biopolymers, particularly chitosan and its derivatives, and their application in functional and composite materials. One of her key research areas involves designing and characterizing biodegradable packaging materials. Dr. Gierszewska explores the modification of physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, and biological properties of chitosan and other natural polymers, aiming to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This research is implemented under the project “Biodegradable Packaging Materials” funded by the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” program (2022–2025). Another important field of her research includes polymer–cement composites with photocatalytic properties. Within the INCOOP microgrant, she investigated the impact of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) additives on the mechanical and photocatalytic properties of materials designed for the heterogeneous degradation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in air. These studies aim to develop construction materials capable of purifying the air, particularly in urban environments affected by traffic pollution. Her scientific work also includes applied chemistry innovation. In 2022, she co-authored a patent titled “Chitosan-based composition and the method of its preparation,” reflecting her contribution to developing novel, functional, bio-based materials.

MAGDALENA GIERSZEWSKA, PhD Dr. Magdalena Gierszewska conducts research in the field of chemical sciences, focusing on interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of polymer chemistry, materials science, and environmental protection. Since beginning her professional career, she has been affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, currently holding the position of assistant professor. Her research interests primarily revolve around biopolymers, particularly chitosan and its derivatives, and their application in functional and composite materials. One of her key research areas involves designing and characterizing biodegradable packaging materials. Dr. Gierszewska explores the modification of physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, and biological properties of chitosan and other natural polymers, aiming to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This research is implemented under the project “Biodegradable Packaging Materials” funded by the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” program (2022–2025). Another important field of her research includes polymer–cement composites with photocatalytic properties. Within the INCOOP microgrant, she investigated the impact of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) additives on the mechanical and photocatalytic properties of materials designed for the heterogeneous degradation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in air. These studies aim to develop construction materials capable of purifying the air, particularly in urban environments affected by traffic pollution. Her scientific work also includes applied chemistry innovation. In 2022, she co-authored a patent titled “Chitosan-based composition and the method of its preparation,” reflecting her contribution to developing novel, functional, bio-based materials. Dr. Gierszewska has participated in numerous training programs and scientific internships in Poland and abroad to develop her academic and teaching skills further. These include research stays at NOVA University of Lisbon (Portugal), the University of Sfax (Tunisia), and the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Iași (Romania). She also completed certified training in TRIZ methodology. In addition to research, Dr. Gierszewska is active in organizing scientific events and promoting science. Since 2016, she has chaired the scientific and organizing committees of the international conference “Progress on Chemistry and Application of Chitin and its Derivatives,” and in 2023 became editor-in-chief of the journal of the same name. She serves as Vice-President of the Polish Chitin Society and is an expert for the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). She has supervised over 20 bachelor’s and master’s theses and acted as auxiliary supervisor in a PhD project. Her scientific achievements have been recognized with Rector’s Team Awards from NCU (2012, 2016, 2019, 2021) and distinctions for poster and oral presentations at international conferences.