Academic researcher , Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) , Germany
Professor Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan is an internationally recognized expert in technical electrochemistry, with over two decades of academic and research experience spanning Ukraine and Germany. She holds the position of academic researcher at the Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden), while also leading the Department of Technical Electrochemistry at NTU “KhPI” in Ukraine. With a strong background in corrosion science, metallic glasses, and electrochemical coatings, Dr. Shtefan’s work is pivotal in advancing sustainable materials for energy, biomedical, and industrial applications. Her career includes prestigious fellowships, leadership in DFG-funded projects, and contributions to international collaborations. As a Ukrainian refugee scholar, she has also been a recipient of multiple mobility and support grants. Her prolific research output includes journal articles, book chapters, and a patent, reflecting both scientific depth and practical impact.
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🎓 Education
Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan began her academic journey at NTU “KhPI” in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where she earned her Bachelor’s (1999) and Master’s (2001) degrees in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Technical Electrochemistry. Her early research focused on hydrogenation in carbon steels and electrochemical impedance. She pursued her PhD (2000–2005), investigating radical ion salt synthesis and earned her Doctor of Engineering Sciences (2019) with a dissertation on molybdenum- and tungsten-based electrochemical coatings. Throughout her academic development, she has demonstrated a sustained commitment to corrosion science, surface chemistry, and the development of functional materials. Her graduate and postgraduate studies were supervised by renowned electrochemists and included training in potentimetric titration, microstructure analysis, and electrochemical process control. These qualifications laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary research that bridges electrochemistry, materials science, and industrial applications.
💼 Experience
Prof. Shtefan’s career trajectory spans teaching, research, leadership, and international collaboration. She has served as Assistant, Associate Professor, and later Full Professor at the Department of Technical Electrochemistry, NTU “KhPI” (2004–2024), where she led courses on corrosion, rare metals, catalysis, and nanomaterials. In 2024, she became Head of the Department. Internationally, she has held guest scientist roles at IFW Dresden under VolkswagenStiftung and DFG-funded projects, focusing on corrosion-resistant materials and biocompatibility of metallic glasses. Since 2023, she has been involved in advanced electrochemical projects in Germany, including the design of nanostructured electrodes for green hydrogen evolution. Her industrial experience includes internships in Spain and with Ukrainian R&D institutions. She also led a budget project focused on anti-corrosion strategies for nuclear power applications. Her diverse roles reflect an ability to integrate research, education, and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.
🔍 Research Focus
Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan’s research revolves around corrosion science, electrochemical surface treatment, and the development of functional coatings for advanced industrial applications. Her specialization includes the nanostructuring of metallic glasses, electrochemical dealloying, and environmentally friendly surface protection technologies. Her work aims to improve the longevity and performance of materials exposed to aggressive environments, such as in nuclear reactors, biomedical implants, and hydrogen production. She has explored the interplay between microstructure and corrosion behavior using advanced surface and spectroscopic techniques. Current research projects involve developing sustainable coatings using molybdenum, tungsten, and chromium oxide composites, with implications for both biocompatibility and high-temperature corrosion resistance. Her interdisciplinary approach blends electrochemistry, metallurgy, and nanotechnology, and she has secured national and international grants. Through numerous collaborations and publications, she contributes to the transition toward corrosion-resistant, eco-conscious, and high-performance engineering materials.
📚 Publication top Notes