Coatings 2023 Early Career Investigator Award: Announcement and Interview with the Winner

1.

What is your current research and why did you choose this research field?

My current research is focused on the mechanical behavior of prosthetic devices for replacing missing tissues. I chose this theme because an increasing number of people need a maxillofacial prosthetic structure that should last long and provide adequate function. As a dentist focused on oral rehabilitations, this subject perfectly aligns with what I am observing clinically and what I am doing in the lab with my students.

2.

What research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

I believe that 3D printable biomaterials will merge individualized healthcare with affordable treatments. In this scenario, printing complex structures must be semi-automated with AI systems that will assist us in planning and applying them in daily practice.

3.

Have you ever encountered any difficulties when you conduct research? How did you overcome them?

Yes, I always encounter difficulties. They are part of the research process and should be treated as such. When you work in a team that truly shares experiences and commitment, then you can together rethink the methods, strategy, or protocol that are being used. Sometimes, a coffee with a colleague can be extremely insightful.

4.

What qualities do you Think young scientists need?

Passion, imagination, and adaptability are essential qualities. Being passionate about your work fuels motivation. Imagination sparks new questions, perspectives, and ideas. As young researchers, we must continually adapt to emerging technologies, methods, and evolving ways of thinking.

5.

When and how did you access Coatings? What prompted you to submit your work to Coatings?

While reading articles about coated dental materials, I came across the journal for the first time. I’ve always enjoyed exploring open access journals with multidisciplinary topics to find translational ideas or explanations that could aid me. Upon discovering the journal, my team and I completed one of our studies on glaze-coated dental ceramics and promptly submitted it. We chose Coatings as the platform to disseminate our results because of its broad scope and open access publishing model, which is indexed in reliable databases.

6.

We are an open access journal. How do you think open access impacts readers and authors?

Peer-reviewed open access journals have a very positive impact on science. Universal accessibility should be one of the pillars of science, and although we are still far from achieving that, open access journals are a step in the right direction. For authors, this impact is two-fold: they are ensured a prompt source of literature and data to aid in writing, as well as gaining increased visibility when publishing.

7.

Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life?

For me, the secret is to have joy while working. It’s crucial not to overthink aspects that we can’t control. I’ve learned, and I’m still learning, how not to let a rejection letter or an unsuccessful experiment affect my mood. It’s also important to know when to stop and ask for help from more experienced colleagues. Doing so can prevent getting stuck and expending all your energy on one experiment, and it can provide you with additional fuel to explore extra methods or topics. Similarly, offering help to new colleagues is beneficial; after all, we often learn much more when we teach.