Roxana Milescu

Provided expert consultancy services, delivering high-quality reports and strategic recommendations for industry partners. Advised organizations on sustainability strategies, promoting best practices in environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.

Created the journal title, defined its aims and scope, and designed the cover/logo. Established an International Advisory Board and reviewed research papers, actively soliciting manuscripts.

Managed a £1.2 million research project, spearheading strategic collaborations with industry leaders. Oversaw financial operations, supply chain, and developed SOPs for analytical instruments. Orchestrated and delivered complex projects across multiple university research groups and external clients.

Pioneered downstream processes for lactic acid extraction from potato waste, designing and implementing a pilot plant. Replaced toxic solvents with safer alternatives and ensured GMP compliance.

Developed patented deep eutectic solvent methods for bio-active compound extraction from food waste. Optimized extraction protocols to maximize yield and purity of target compounds.

Advanced sustainable alternatives for toxic solvents in various applications including coatings, filtration membranes, and nanomaterials. Applied EU and UK REACH Compliance to the project.

Provided bespoke sustainability consultancy to industry partners, supporting the adoption of Cyrene™, a novel bio-based solvent. Advised clients across multiple sectors globally, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and regulatory alignment. Authored detailed REACH analysis and technical documentation for regulatory approval.

Conducted a one-month research project focusing on sustainable extraction of natural bio-active compounds from orange peel and tea leaves. Investigated environmentally green solvents and solvent mixtures to enhance extraction efficiency.

Focused on enhancing biomass digestibility through microwave hydrothermal pre-treatment to support bio-energy generation. Conducted research in collaboration with Iona Capital and the University of York’s Biology Department to optimize bio-energy processes.

Delivered hands-on laboratory demonstrations and supervision for undergraduate Chemistry students, ensuring safe practices and effective understanding of experimental techniques. Supported academic staff in preparing practical sessions and providing constructive feedback on lab reports.

Conducted research on the adsorption of toxic gases (NH₃, H₂S, SO₂) using bio-based mesoporous carbon materials. Explored materials derived from starch, alginic acid, and pectin for sustainable gas purification and environmental remediation solutions.

Assisted the chemical engineering team in a leading pharmaceutical company during undergraduate studies. Gained expertise in drug formulation and characterization, ensuring compliance with GMP and GLP standards.

Activities and societies: Published 2 research papers. Successfully executed a collaborative project with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Obtained an M.Sc. in Chemistry with a thesis titled 'Adsorption of small polarisable molecules using mesoporous carbonaceous materials'. The project focused on the adsorption of CO using bio-based materials in powder and monolith forms.

Activities and societies: Published 9 research papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Recognized with the prestigious distinction of Most Downloaded Article by ChemSusChem, Wiley, for innovative research on polymer chemistry applications of bio-based Cyrene and its derivative Cygnet 0.0 as safer alternatives to polar aprotic solvents. Utilized PubChem, ChemSpider, EU and UK REACH, CAMEO Chemicals, ALOHA, and Marplot for chemical analysis and risk prediction.

Completed a PhD in Chemistry with a thesis titled 'Applications of the novel bio-derived solvent Cyrene™ in polymer chemistry'. The research focused on the applications of a bio-based solvent in coatings removal, filtration membranes, extractions, carbon nanotubes dispersion, and wire coatings. This PhD was funded by Circa Group.

Activities and societies: Secured the first job in a pharmaceutical company, demonstrating early professional success and application of academic knowledge.

Completed a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering with a thesis titled 'Thermotropic liquid crystals'. This foundational degree provided expertise in drug formulation and characterization in compliance with GMP and GLP standards.