kaoutra hjouji | Chemical Ecology | Best Researcher Award
Dr kaoutra hjouji, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz, Morocco
Dr. Kaoutar Hjouji is an emerging researcher in chemistry, renowned for her innovative work in plant valorization, corrosion inhibition, and sustainable material applications. Currently a PhD student at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco, she combines theoretical knowledge and experimental practice with a deep commitment to sustainability and green chemistry. Her international exposure includes research internships at leading Portuguese universities, and she has actively contributed to scientific conferences and technical workshops. Dr. Hjouji has published in reputed journals, covering topics such as essential oil bioactivity, nanotechnology applications, and the extraction of natural corrosion inhibitors. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates analytical chemistry, pharmacology, environmental sciences, and materials engineering. Recognized with best poster presentation awards, Dr. Hjouji continues to be an inspiring figure for young researchers in the chemical sciences.
Publication Profile
Education
Dr. Kaoutar Hjouji has a robust academic background rooted in chemistry. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the Faculty of Sciences, Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco. Her doctoral thesis focuses on the valorization of wild Moroccan plants through biological, pharmacological, and physicochemical evaluations. She holds a Master’s in Chemistry from Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, where she explored metal protection systems and their environmental impact. Her Bachelor’s degree and Diploma of Higher Education (DEUG) in Chemical Sciences were both earned at the same university where she is currently pursuing her doctorate. Her educational journey began with a Baccalaureate in Physical Sciences from Sidi Brahim High School. Her formal education has been complemented by several scientific trainings, including metrology, scientific database navigation, and plagiarism prevention, enhancing her research acumen and academic rigour.
Experience
Dr. Hjouji’s experience spans laboratory research, teaching, and international collaborations. She held internships in Portugal at the University of Algarve’s Pharmaceutical Technology Lab and the University of Aveiro’s Organic Chemistry Lab. She has also interned with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates and the Autonomous Water and Electricity Distribution Company of Fez. Between 2020 and 2023, she taught middle school physics and served as a lecturer and lab supervisor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. Her roles involved supervising practical sessions and teaching modules in Atomistics, Thermodynamic Chemistry, Chemistry I, and Complex Systems in Solution. Her experience also includes active organization and participation in scientific events such as CI3E 2021 and GRE1-2024. These diverse experiences demonstrate her ability to integrate field applications, academic teaching, and advanced laboratory research.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Hjouji has been honored with two Best Poster Presentation Awards:
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At the 1st Regional Meeting on Innovation & Research in Agriculture (April 2021, Khénifra, Morocco), for her work on poisonous plants and their applications.
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At the 4th Edition of the International Virtual Congress on Water and Environment Studies (CI3E’2021), for her research on the biological activity of caper fruit extracts.
She has also received several participation certificates from recognized technical and academic training sessions in Morocco and Portugal. These include workshops on metrology, scientific writing, and plagiarism prevention. Additionally, she has played significant roles in organizing conferences and scientific seminars, highlighting her commitment to research dissemination and community engagement. Her academic journey is further enriched by her roles as a lab instructor and scientific event organizer, marking her as a multifaceted and community-driven scholar.
Research Focus
Dr. Kaoutar Hjouji’s research focuses on green chemistry, pharmacognosy, corrosion inhibition, and valorization of plant-based biomaterials. Her PhD research centers around exploring wild Moroccan plants for their biological, pharmacological, and physicochemical properties, contributing to the development of eco-friendly solutions in healthcare and industry. She is particularly recognized for her work on Datura stramonium and Cannabis sativa, employing extraction methods like Soxhlet and hydrodistillation to analyze bioactive compounds. Her scientific pursuits extend to corrosion inhibition, where she investigates natural plant extracts as sustainable inhibitors for mild steel in acidic environments. Her interdisciplinary research also touches on drug delivery systems, microbial activity, antioxidant properties, and GC-MS molecular docking analyses. Dr. Hjouji combines traditional knowledge with modern techniques like FTIR, XRD, HPLC, and LC-MS to promote sustainable applications across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science.
Publication Top Notes