FMEST PhD student awarded prestigious scholarship | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology

The Czesław M. Rodkiewicz Scholarship Foundation supports young Poles in their pursuit of education and development of their talents. The Foundation, established by Czesław M. Rodkiewicz, aims to financially support students with outstanding academic achievements and activity in socio-cultural life. The scholarship is awarded annually on the basis of academic performance, involvement in community activities and the potential for future benefit to society.

Balbina-Makurat Kasprolewicz won this year's scholarship competition for her paper ‘Effect of plasma electrolytic oxidation parameters on the properties of porous oxide films on titanium substrates for biomedical applications’. The scholarship is only awarded to two people each year, which emphasises the prestige, importance and is a great recognition of our PhD student's research career.

'Receiving this scholarship is a great honour and joy for me. This award not only recognises my scientific work to date, but also motivates me to continue my efforts and research. It also makes me realise the importance of teamwork and openness to collaboration. Conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering and medicine is extremely complex, and the knowledge of specialists from different fields is invaluable in analysing the results. I am extremely grateful to everyone who supports me on this path,’ said the winner.

Balbina Makurat-Kasprolewicz graduated with an engineering degree in two fields: Nanotechnology (2020, Gdansk Tech) and Materials Engineering (2021, Gdansk Tech), and a Master's degree in Chemical Technology (2021, Gdansk Tech). Since 2021, she has been a PhD student at the Gdansk Tech Doctoral School in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering, and since October 2023, she has been working as a research and teaching assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Medical Engineering. She is a member of the organising committee of the IMPLANTS conference, coordinates the activities of the Scientific Club ‘Materials in Medicine’ and directs the Prelude project from the National Science Centre titled: ‘Development of bifunctional layers with osteoinductive and anti-oncogenic properties on metallic implants dedicated to bone reconstruction after tumour resection obtained by two-step micro-arc oxidation with ultrasound’. Her research focuses on surface modifications of biomaterials used in medicine. She is currently analysing the effects of plasma electrolytic oxidation parameters on the properties of titanium and its alloy, with a focus on biocompatibility and physicochemical, mechanical and tribological properties. Her research aims to improve safety and efficacy in today's implantology, key factors affecting patient comfort and quality of care.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Balbina!