Hola! I’m Siarhei Besarab (@stean / @steanlab), an independent scientist, PhD Candidate (ABD), and certified researcher specializing in Colloid Chemistry and Surface Science. I hold dual Master of Science degrees in Environmental Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. My primary focus lies in surface and interfacial phenomena, particularly within colloid and materials chemistry. Alongside my research, I actively contribute to public science communication as a writer for platforms such as Habr, Substack and Medium. I’m deeply committed to promoting citizen science and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. This website serves as a professional, academically grounded alternative to conventional social media profiles.
Education
- PhD Candidate in Colloid Chemistry, IGIC of the NAS of Belarus (completed all requirements except dissertation defense; dissertation draft submitted) (view official diploma)
- MSc in Environmental Chemistry, University of the NAS of Belarus (view official diploma)
- MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Belarusian State University (view official diploma)
Awards & Honors
- Presidential Scholarship for Talented Young Scientists, Belarus
- Winner, Russian Startup Tour 2016
- Green Award Prize 2025 — for climate analysis, eco-content, and science podcasting
- Multiple national and international research grants and innovation awards
Publications & Patents
- Author of a scientific monograph, 50+ scientific and 200+ popular science publications
- Author/co-author of 12 patents in materials science, environmental technology, and industrial chemistry (adsorbents, filtration systems, mercury removal, catalytic materials)
- Regular expert contributor for Zerkalo.io, dev.by, BELSAT, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Deutsche Welle, Voice of America, and others
Research Interests
- Colloid and surface science: Synthesis, modification, and functionalization of nanomaterials, porous and fibrous filtration media, catalysts, and hybrid composites for environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications. Research on interfacial phenomena, adsorption mechanisms, and surface engineering for advanced materials and separation technologies
- Environmental Chemistry & Industrial Toxicology: Remediation of heavy metals and legacy pollutants, degradation of plastics and persistent contaminants, environmental monitoring, and development of sustainable solutions for air and water purification, waste valorization, and circular economy
- Public and Occupational Health: Radiation and chemical safety, development of antidotal systems, respiratory and personal protective equipment (PPE/RPE), risk assessment, exposure mitigation, and science-based policy for human and ecosystem health
- Green Chemistry & Phytochemistry: Extraction and application of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants, bioinsecticides, biorepellents) from agri-food by-products and natural sources; sustainable synthesis, green solvents, and valorization of biomass for food, pharma, and environmental uses
- Food Science & FoodTech: Novel food sources, food safety, functional foods, nutritional analysis, risk assessment, and development of analytical and biotechnological methods for food quality and security
- Medical Electronics & Biosensing: Design and integration of wearable devices, biosensors, and point-of-care diagnostics for health monitoring, environmental sensing, and personalized medicine
- Data Science & Digital Tools in Chemistry: Application of AI, machine learning, big data analytics, computational modeling, and digital/AR/VR technologies to accelerate research, education, and innovation in chemistry and materials science
- Science Communication & Policy: Science journalism, public outreach, STEM education, citizen science and advocacy for open science, academic freedom, and evidence-based policy in technology, environment, public health, science activism (science in society, chemistry in society)
- Future Studies & Techno-Ethics: Technological forecasting methodologies, transhumanist paradigms (human enhancement, longevity, AI integration), ethical frameworks for emerging technologies, societal impacts of NBIC-convergence (nano-bio-info-cogno), governance models for responsible innovation, and science communication in futurological contexts, regulatory frameworks for human-technology symbiosis, posthuman scenarios, existential risk mitigation
Keywords & Professional Highlights
nanomaterials, functional materials, adsorption, remediation, environmental monitoring, public health, radiation safety, bioactive compounds, green chemistry, food safety, biosensors, wearable devices, machine learning, science communication, sustainability, circular economy, policy, risk assessment, STEM education.
Volunteer & Community Engagement
- Science advocacy, academic freedom, and human rights
- Public lectures, STEM education, Wikipedia contributor, science festivals, hackathons, citizen and public science initiatives
- Environmental expeditions, outdoor education, survival skills instructor
Community & Outreach
For secure communication, use my public PGP key (fingerprint: F9F2 237E C324 7FD0 A8DF D8BD 8F3A 6CC2 5399 44AE), available via via Keybase