USWATUN HASANAH
Stuttgart
Summary
An enthusiastic and diligent researcher with a solid foundation in Process Engineering (Leather), combined with a deep commitment to waste management, recycling, and environmental sustainability. Currently advancing studies in Air Quality, Solid Waste, and Wastewater Process Engineering, with a focus on promoting sustainable, evidence-based research. Over 5 years of experience as a research fellow and research assistant, with expertise in mixed-methods research, utilizing advanced analytical techniques, and employing rigorous experimental design and statistical analysis to produce reliable, impactful findings. Additionally, 2 years of experience in an export-oriented industrial setup in the leather products export sector, providing a practical understanding of industrial processes and effective problem-solving strategies. A results-driven approach, paired with a commitment to excellence, has contributed to both academic and organizational advancements.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Fellow
BCSIR
01.2022 - 08.2023
Key Responsibilities
- Conducted Chemical Safety & Environmental Compliance Testing to ensure leather and footwear products adhered to REACH standards.
- Performed REACH compliance testing, identifying restricted substances, including: Azo dyes, Heavy Metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium VI), Formaldehyde content, Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and other chlorinated compounds, Bisphenols (e.g., BPA), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Fluorinated compounds (PFAS, PFOA, PFOS).
- Conducted Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) testing.
- Performed pH Value & Extractable Heavy Metals testing to confirm that leather was free from excess acidic/alkaline residues that could cause skin irritation.
- Carried out physical and mechanical performance tests to ensure the durability and quality of leather and footwear products: Abrasion Resistance of Leather (SATRA TM193), Flex Resistance Test (SATRA STM 701, Bally Flexometer), Tensile Strength & Elongation Test (SATRA TM43), Tear Strength Test (SATRA TM5), Color Fastness to Rubbing (SATRA TM173), Color Fastness to Water & Perspiration (SATRA STD 442), Color Fastness to Light (SATRA TM160).
- Utilized advanced analytical techniques for material characterization, including: UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), ATR-IR, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).
- Conducted Thermal Analysis using TGA & DSC to assess material decomposition and stability.
- Conducted general and wet chemical methods in various research projects, including nanoparticle synthesis, soil and water sampling, chemical analysis of organic and inorganic compounds, titration, freeze drying, and rotary evaporation.
- Supervised and mentored four bachelor-level students, guiding them through experimental design, data analysis, and thesis writing.
- Participated in developing and submitting research proposals for funding.
Project
- Fabrication of Electromagnetically Shielded Composite from Leather Solid Waste for Wearable Smart Devices
- Development of Activated Charcoal from Bio Waste of Sugarcane Bagasse, Coconut Shell, Banana Tree and Fruit Peel, Pineapple Peel and Potato Peel for the Adsorption and Removal of Pollutants from Chrome Tanning Effluents (Jan 2022 - Jul 2023).
Website
https://bcsir.gov.bd/
Research Assistant
University of Dhaka
10.2017 - 09.2022
Key Responsibilities
- Conducted research on the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles for diverse applications, including wastewater treatment, antimicrobial enhancement, and structural improvement in leather.
- Employed advanced characterization methods, including UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for chemical and structural characterization.
Research Work
- Development of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels and Graphene Oxide (GO) Materials for Dye Wastewater Treatment.
- Incorporation of CuI Nanoparticles in Leather for Enhanced Durability, Conductivity, and Antimicrobial Properties.
- Silver Nanoparticles Assisted with Citric Acid for Antifungal Protection in Finished Leather.
- ZnO and Acid-Activated Kaolinite (AAK) Nanocomposite for Photodegradation of Dye Wastewater.
- MnO₂ Nanoparticles for Structural Enhancement and Looseness Reduction in Leather.
Project
- Synthesis and Application of Graphene Oxide (GO) for Removal of Cationic Dyes from Tannery Effluents (Sep 2019 - Mar 2020)
Website
http://www.matchemdu.edu.bd/
Assistant Manager (Research and Development)
Accenture Footwear & Leather Products Ltd.
04.2019 - 12.2021
Key Responsibilities
- Managed and oversaw all design projects, from concept development to final production.
- Provided technical expertise on materials, components, and manufacturing techniques to optimize cost-efficiency and quality.
- Reviewed and approved CFM samples, implementing best practice recommendations to enhance product consistency.
- Worked closely with AQL and salvage teams to minimize return rates by proactively addressing quality issues.
- Conducted spec sheet, colorway, and material cross-checks, ensuring full alignment with customer specifications.
- Collaborated with QA and production teams to reduce defect rates, performing root cause analysis and implementing process improvements.
Website
https://www.accenture-bd.com/
Technical Trainer
Leathergoods and Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh
10.2016 - 12.2017
Key Responsibilities
- Conducted tailored technical training programs according to the demand of various footwear and leather goods industries.
- Conducted presentations and industrial demonstration for Foreign representatives from Asian Development Bank, UNDP, World Bank and donor's from different countries.
- Designed and developed training modules in alignment with industry specifications and competency-based education frameworks.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops in collaboration with industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
- Managed trainee recruitment and assessment.
- Ensured compliance with quality standards in training processes by implementing efficient and industry-focused training methodologies.
Website
https://lfmeab.org/
Education
Master of Science - WASTE
University of Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Germany12.2025
Master of Science - Leather Engineering
University of Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh03-2019
Bachelor of Science - Leather Engineering
University of Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh12-2016
Skills
- Spectroscopy: UV-Vis Spectroscopy, ATR Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR IR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Microscopy: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Particle Size: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS ZSP) for size and Zeta Potential measurement
- Thermal Analysis: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC)
- Statistics and Data Visualization: OriginPro, SigmaPlot
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (Ongoing Learning): Studying methodologies, impact categories, and software tools for sustainability evaluation
- Basic Computer Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Team Collaboration: Experience in working in interdisciplinary teams and contributing to collaborative research efforts
Publications
Book Chapter
- 'Nanomaterials for Leather Production' in Applications of Emerging Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Materials Research Forum LLC', Materials Research Forum LLC, https://mrforum.com/, Dec 10, 2023.
- 'Natural dyes in leather technology,' in Renewable Dyes and Pigments, 1st edition, Chapter 11, Elsevier, Oct 18, 2023.
Research Paper
- Simultaneous reductions of production loss and environmental burden through the treatment of loose leather with non-toxic manganese dioxide nanoparticles, Journal of Cleaner Production, Oct 10, 2021, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652621027505.
Conference Paper
- Modification of Crust Leather by Copper (I) Iodide for Removal of Looseness, 5th Conference of Bangladesh Crystallographic Association, 25-26 January 2019, AF Mujibur Rahman Mathematics Building, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Page-71, Poster No. 38.
- Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles for the Reduction of Looseness of Crust Leather, 5th Conference of Bangladesh Crystallographic Association, 25-26 January 2019, AF Mujibur Rahman Mathematics Building, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Page-52, Poster No. 26.
Poster and Oral Presentation
- Conducting Polymer/Manganese Dioxide Composite-Modified Iron Electrode Fabricated Through Electropolymerization, 4th Conference of Bangladesh Crystallographic Association, 12-13 February 2018, Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Poster No. 22, 12 Feb 2018.
- Capacitive Behaviors of Graphene Oxide/Manganese Dioxide Binary Composite and Its Ternary Composite with Multiwall Carbon-Nanotube, 4th Conference of Bangladesh Crystallographic Association, 12-13 February 2018, Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Poster No. 35, 13 Feb 2018.
Accomplishments
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarship - Environmental Contamination and Toxicology + One Health (ECT+ One Health)
Issued by Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, May 2023.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarship - International Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Engineering (IMETE)
Issued by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, May 2023.
- Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SIGPS) - Environmental Management and Policy Program
Issued by Lund University, April 2023.
- EPOS-DAAD Scholarship - Air Quality Control, Solid Waste and Waste Water Process Engineering
Issued by DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), March 2023.
- National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship
Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh, January 2019.
- Academic Excellence Award (Master’s Program)
Issued by University of Dhaka, September 2019.
- Academic Excellence Award (Bachelor’s Program)
Issued by University of Dhaka, March 2013 – December 2016.
- Education Board Scholarship for Outstanding Marks in HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate Examination) - GPA 5.00/5.00, General Scholarship for Science Group (District Quota) - Achieved 17th overall board position in HSC, ranking among the top 100 students
Issued by Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dinajpur (BISE-Dinajpur), February 2013.
- Education Board Scholarship for Outstanding Marks in SSC (Secondary School Certificate Examination) - GPA 5.00/5.00, Talent Pool Scholarship for Science Group (Medha Quota) – Achieved 7th overall board position in SSC, ranking among the top 10 students
Issued by Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dinajpur (BISE-Dinajpur), February 2010.
Certification
Professional Training Course on ‘Metallography and Crystallography'
Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR).
Issued Nov 2019
Skills: X-ray Diffraction Analysis · Powder X-ray Diffraction · Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Intermediate (B1)
Bengali
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Affiliations
- Material Chemistry Research Lab, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, www.matchemdu.edu.bd
- Bangladesh Crystallographic Association, General Member, www.bangladeshcrystallographicassociation.org
- Bangladesh Chemical Society, Student Member, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Timeline
Research Fellow
BCSIR
01.2022 - 08.2023
Assistant Manager (Research and Development)
Accenture Footwear & Leather Products Ltd.
04.2019 - 12.2021
Research Assistant
University of Dhaka
10.2017 - 09.2022
Technical Trainer
Leathergoods and Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh
10.2016 - 12.2017
Master of Science - WASTE
University of Stuttgart
Master of Science - Leather Engineering
University of Dhaka
Bachelor of Science - Leather Engineering
University of Dhaka
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