Dr Maja Petrovic | Wastewater | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maja Petrovic, University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Serbia

Maja Petrovic, PhD, is an esteemed Serbian environmental engineer specializing in environmental and occupational safety. Born on December 22, 1980, she is married and holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Novi Sad, where she has also earned her Master’s degree. As an Associate Professor at the same institution, Dr. Petrovic leads research and educational initiatives in environmental monitoring and safety. She has extensive experience in ISO auditing and is a recognized expert in managing accredited laboratories. Her diverse roles span from teaching and research to consulting on international projects, reflecting her commitment to advancing environmental and occupational health standards globally.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Research Experience:
   • Maja Petrovic has a robust research background in environmental engineering, evidenced by her involvement in numerous projects from 2008 to present. Her work includes significant projects such as the implementation of new analytical methods for water quality and waste management, as well as international collaborations (e.g., RECETOX, IPA Project).
2. Diverse Expertise and Multidisciplinary Approach:
   • Her research spans various aspects of environmental engineering, including wastewater management, landfill monitoring, and air pollution. This diversity indicates a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and a multidisciplinary approach to solving them.
3. Strong Educational Foundation:
   • She holds a Master’s and PhD in Environmental Engineering from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad. Her additional qualifications, including various ISO certifications, enhance her expertise and practical knowledge in environmental management systems.
4. Leadership and Management:
   • As the head of an accredited laboratory, she has demonstrated leadership and management skills. Her role includes coordinating quality management and overseeing the entire laboratory process, highlighting her capability in maintaining high standards and efficiency.
5. Significant Contributions to Publications:
   • Petrovic has authored or co-authored multiple research papers in reputable journals, reflecting a strong record of scholarly contributions. Her publications cover a range of topics from health risk assessments to environmental monitoring, underscoring her research impact.
6. Professional Engagement and Recognition:
   • Membership in professional bodies and her role on editorial boards indicate active engagement in her field. Her involvement in these roles shows a commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Impact and Outreach:
   • While her research is comprehensive, enhancing the dissemination of findings to a wider audience, including policymakers and the general public, could increase the broader impact of her work.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
   • Although she has worked on multidisciplinary projects, further collaboration with fields outside environmental engineering could provide new perspectives and innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.
3. Research Funding and Grants:
   • Details regarding her success in obtaining research funding or grants are not provided. Securing significant research grants or funding could bolster her research capabilities and further establish her reputation.
4. Quantifiable Outcomes and Metrics:
   • Providing more specific metrics or quantifiable outcomes of her projects could strengthen her application. For example, including data on the impact of her research on policy changes or environmental improvements would be beneficial.
5. Teaching and Mentorship Contributions:
   • While her role in education is mentioned, highlighting specific achievements in teaching or mentorship, such as the number of students mentored or innovative teaching methods, could add depth to her profile.

Education

Dr. Maja Petrovic completed her Master of Science in Environmental Engineering in 2007 and a PhD in the same field in 2017, both from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad. Her additional qualifications include certifications as an EMS Auditor, OH&S Management Systems Auditor, QMS Auditor, and CSR Lead Auditor from LRQA and Intertek. She is also a technical evaluator for ISO 17025, certified by the Accreditation Body of Serbia. This extensive educational background supports her role as an Associate Professor and head of the accredited Laboratory for Environmental and Occupational Monitoring at the University of Novi Sad.

Experience

Dr. Maja Petrovic’s career spans over a decade of academic and practical expertise in environmental engineering. Starting as a research scholarship holder at the University of Novi Sad, she advanced to roles including Teaching Assistant, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor. Her current role also involves managing an accredited laboratory for environmental monitoring. Additionally, Dr. Petrovic serves as an external lead auditor for ISO standards and a trainer for various professional organizations. Her involvement in numerous international and local projects highlights her significant contributions to environmental and occupational safety, making her a key figure in her field.

Research Focus

Dr. Maja Petrovic’s research focuses on environmental monitoring, waste management, and occupational health. Her work involves the development and implementation of analytical methods for assessing pollution and improving environmental safety. Notable projects include the analysis of landfill leachate, air pollution studies, and wastewater quality assessments. Her research also addresses emerging pollutants and their impact on both environmental and human health. By integrating new technologies and methodologies, Dr. Petrovic aims to enhance environmental protection and occupational safety, contributing valuable insights and solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Publication Top Notes

• From Inequitable to Sustainable E-Waste Processing for Reduction of Impact on Human Health and the Environment
• Health risk assessment of PAHs, PCBs and OCPs in atmospheric air of municipal solid waste landfill in Novi Sad, Serbia
• Selection of optimal parameters for future research monitoring programmes on MSW landfill in Novi Sad, Serbia
• Biological and chemical oxygen demand as indicators of organic pollution of leachate and piezometric water from semi controlled, non sanitary landfill in Novi Sad, Serbia
• Decomposition of pharmaceutical micropollutant–diclofenac by photocatalytic nanopowder mixtures in aqueous media: effect of optimization parameters, identification of …
• Decomposition of pharmaceutical micropollutant–diclofenac by photocatalytic nanopowder mixtures in aqueous media: effect of optimization parameters, identification of …
• Determination of pollutaRisk assessment approach for prioritizing Danube basin-specific pollutants: a case study in the Novi Sad regionnt parameters in landfill leachate water of Vojvodina region

Conclusion

Maja Petrovic is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive research experience, educational background, leadership roles, and contributions to scientific literature showcase her significant impact in the field of environmental engineering. To enhance her application, she might focus on expanding her research’s broader impact, seeking interdisciplinary collaborations, and providing more detailed metrics on her research outcomes. Overall, her achievements position her as a strong contender for the award, reflecting a high level of expertise and dedication to advancing environmental engineering.