M.Sc. Eng. Katarzyna Starzak completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology with a specialization in Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Protection at Cracow University of Technology. She then pursued graduate studies in Chemical Technology with a specialization in Polymer Technology. Both her theses were conducted under the supervision of Dr. hab. Eng. Joanna Ortyl, Prof. at Cracow University of Technology. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Cracow University of Technology, conducting research in the discipline of Chemical Engineering.
Her scientific interests include photochemistry, polymer chemistry, and 3D printing technology. During her academic career, she has participated in numerous research projects, including prestigious programs such as LIDER XIII, TEAM TECH, TANGO 2, and “Proof of Concept.” These projects focus on developing innovative photoinitiating systems, studying radical, cationic, and frontal photopolymerization processes, and creating resins dedicated to dental applications. An important aspect of her work is also advancing 3D printing technology tailored to advanced polymer materials.
Within the framework of research projects, M.Sc. Eng. Starzak has gained extensive experience in characterizing new chemical compounds, including photoinitiating catalytic systems and photosensitizers. She has conducted advanced spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, as well as kinetic analyses of photopolymerization processes using the developed materials. Her scientific work covers topics such as the application of UV-Vis light to initiate polymerization processes and the development of materials dedicated to 3D printing technologies.
M.Sc. Eng. Starzak actively participates in scientific conferences, both national and international, where she presents her research findings in the form of presentations and posters. She stands out with numerous achievements, including prestigious awards for innovative inventions. She has received medals at international invention exhibitions such as the International Warsaw Invention Show, Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition, and ARCA in Croatia. One of her outstanding accomplishments was the development of innovative photoinitiating systems that have been applied in 3D printing and the dental industry.
In her daily work, M.Sc. Eng. Starzak combines fundamental research with practical applications. Currently, she focuses on developing photocurable resins and initiating systems dedicated to advanced dentistry and 3D printing technology. Her research includes optimizing printing parameters and developing materials with unique mechanical and chemical properties. An important aspect of her work is also the development of biomaterials dedicated to applications in biotechnology and the visualization of cellular structures.
M.Sc. Eng. Katarzyna Starzak combines an interdisciplinary scientific approach with a passion for chemistry and technological innovation. Her scientific achievements to date and her commitment to the development of photochemical technologies provide a solid foundation for her continued research career, particularly in the field of industrial and biomedical applications.
Scientific achievements:
Summary of the achievements:
As of December 12, 2024, MSc Eng. Katarzyna Starzak has served as a contributor to seven scientific projects funded by FNP, NCN, NCBiR, and MEiN. She is the co-author of four scientific articles, three of which were published in journals listed in JCR, as well as five chapters in scientific monographs. She has delivered 19 oral and poster presentations, including 11 at international conferences and eight at national-level events. Her achievements have been recognized internationally, earning her 12 team awards at prestigious invention exhibitions and competitions.
M.Sc. Eng. Starzak is a recipient of numerous academic scholarships, including the Ministry of Education and Science Scholarship for Outstanding Achievements (awarded twice), the Rector’s Scholarship at Cracow University of Technology (awarded over three years), and the Scientific Scholarship from the Cracow University of Technology’s Internal Fund (awarded three times).
She actively promotes science as the Chair of the Applied Photochemistry Society, organizing chemical demonstrations during events such as the Małopolska Night of Scientists, the Festival of Science and Art in Krakow, and the “Day of Invention.” She is also involved in education through organizing workshops and chemical demonstrations at events like the Night of Mathematics.
| Criteria of Achievements (* as of 12.12.2024) | Number |
| Scientific publications in journals in the Journal Citation Reports (JRC) database | 4 |
| Monographs, scientific publications in international or national journals other than those included in the Journal Citation Reports (JRC) database | 5 |
| Cumulative Impact Factor according to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) list by the year of publication | 19,8 |
| Number of citations of publications according to the Scopus database | 34 |
| Hirch index (H-index) according to the Scopus database | 2 |
| Number of conference presentations at international conferences | 4 |
| Number of poster presentations at international conferences | 9 |
| Number of conference presentations at national conferences | 2 |
| Number of poster presentations at national conferences | 7 |
| Participation as a contractor in research projects | 7 |
| International and national awards for scientific activity | 3 |
| Number of awards at international exhibitions | 12 |
| Number of Type of Scholarships Awarded | 3 |
Role in the Project:
Research project contractor – SPECIALIST FOR SPECTROSCOPIC, KINETIC AND 3D PRINTING STUDIES
- Conducting fundamental spectroscopic studies of developed photoinitiators and photosensitizers (measurements of absorbance and fluorescence). Performing electrochemical analyses of developed photoinitiators and photosensitizers. Investigating the kinetics of photopolymerization processes using developed photoinitiators and photosensitizers. Promoting the solution at conferences and industry fairs, and establishing connections with the industry.