Alexandra Ter Halle | Environmental Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Alexandra Ter Halle | Environmental Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Laboratoire Softmat | France

Alexandra ter Halle is a distinguished French researcher specializing in the environmental fate and impact of microplastics and nanoplastics. She holds a PhD from Université Lyon 1 (2000) and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from Université Blaise Pascal (2008). Since 2004, she has been a Chargée de Recherche at CNRS, currently affiliated with the IMRCP laboratory in Toulouse. Over her career, she has authored 90 peer-reviewed publications, secured 6 patents (PCT extensions), delivered numerous invited talks, and supervised over 50 students, postdocs, and visiting researchers. Her work focuses on the characterization, degradation, and ecological implications of plastic debris in marine and freshwater environments, including pioneering studies on the nanoplastic fraction of marine litter. Ter Halle has led and coordinated multiple national and international research projects, including the Expédition 7ème Continent and programs funded by ANR, Air Liquide Foundation, and European initiatives. She actively contributes to scientific advisory boards, such as the Fondation de la Mer and GDR “Plastique Environnement et Santé.” Her research has garnered significant recognition, reflected in an h-index of 36, over 6,607 citations, and coverage by 5,162 documents, underscoring her influence in the field of environmental science and marine pollution.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

(2026). Py-GC-MS/MS quantification of microplastics in vertebrate tissues: Addressing false positives of polyethylene. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

(2025). Concentration gradient of plastic debris larger than 500 μm detected across the Southwest Indian Ocean. Scientific Reports.

(2025). A membrane cascade for size-based separation and concentration of nanoplastics in environmental waters. Separation and Purification Technology.

(2025). Modeling fouling kinetics for experiments with transmission varying during filtration. Journal of Membrane Science.

(2025). Unveiling marine plastic degraders through DNA-stable isotope probing. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Halimatuddahliana Nasution – Advanced materials on polymers technology – Best Researcher Award 

Prof Dr. Halimatuddahliana Nasution - Advanced materials on polymers technology - Best Researcher Award 

Universitas Sumatera Utara - Indonesia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Dr. Ir. Halimatuddahliana, ST, M.Sc's journey into academia began with a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering, culminating in a Bachelor's degree from Universitas Sumatera Utara in 1997. This was followed by a pursuit of higher education, earning a Master's in Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2002. Building upon this, their academic journey reached its pinnacle with the attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the same institution in 2006. These formative years laid the groundwork for what would become a distinguished career in the field of polymer composites and bioplastics.

Professional Endeavors

Upon completing their education, Prof. Dr. Halimatuddahliana embarked on a journey into the professional realm of academia. Their career trajectory saw them take on roles as a University Lecturer and eventually rise to the esteemed position of Head of Chemical Industrial Process Laboratory at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This role not only entails academic responsibilities but also involves leading research endeavors, mentoring students, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their field.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Halimatuddahliana's research focus lies at the intersection of polymer composites, biocomposites, and bioplastics. Their work spans a diverse range of projects, from the development of smart packaging based on polylactic acid to the utilization of natural extracts for enhancing the properties of biodegradable materials. Their contributions to the field include the synthesis and characterization of novel materials, such as biodegradable hydrogels and super wood composites, which have potential applications in various industries including packaging, construction, and biomedical engineering.

Accolades and Recognition

The significant contributions of Prof. Dr. Halimatuddahliana have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by their numerous achievements and accolades. They have successfully secured several research grants, demonstrating both the quality and impact of their work. Moreover, their patents reflect their innovative approach to solving real-world problems in materials science and engineering. Additionally, their citation index and H-index attest to the influence and recognition they have garnered within the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Dr. Halimatuddahliana's research has had a profound impact on the field of polymer composites and bioplastics, both nationally and internationally. Their work has contributed to the development of sustainable materials with applications ranging from food packaging to structural components. Furthermore, their involvement in professional organizations such as the Asian Polymer Association signifies their commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration, further amplifying their influence within the academic community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Prof. Dr. Halimatuddahliana continues to advance their research and mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers, their legacy in the field is bound to endure. Their dedication to sustainable materials and innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges sets a precedent for future generations of researchers to follow. With ongoing research endeavors and a commitment to excellence, they are poised to make even greater contributions to the field in the years to come, leaving a lasting impact on academia and society as a whole.

Citations

A total of 854 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.