Born: 5 May 1942 (Turkey)
Died: 1 August 2011
Biography:
Belkis Valdman (5 May 1942 – 1 August 2011) was a Turkish-born naturalized Brazilian researcher, teacher, and academic chemical engineer who made significant contributions to the field of instrumentation and process control in chemical engineering.
Born on 5 May 1942 in Turkey, Belkis Valdman was the daughter of Moise Dwek and Esterina Duek (née Saragossy). She was one of three children in her family and later became a naturalized Brazilian citizen in 1967. Valdman’s passion for chemistry led her to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the National School of Chemistry of the University of Brazil, now known as the School of Chemistry at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). She graduated in 1966 and began teaching at UFRJ in March of the following year.
Valdman’s thirst for knowledge in her field led her to further her education. In 1968, she obtained a master’s degree in chemical engineering from UFRJ, followed by another master’s degree from the University of Manchester in 1969. Her dedication to research and academia paid off when she earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Manchester in 1976. Valdman’s commitment to expanding her expertise also prompted her to conduct post-doctoral studies in the area of bioprocesses at the Universidade Autônoma de Barcelona in 1993.
Throughout her career, Valdman held various prominent positions within the academic realm. She served as the director of the Escola de Química (School of Chemistry) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and subsequently became the pro-rector of graduation there. Additionally, Valdman was a member of the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas, and Biofuels. Her contributions to the field of chemical engineering were highly recognized, and she became a full professor at UFRJ in 1992. Valdman dedicated herself to the university, serving as the coordinator of post-graduate studies at the School of Chemistry from 1988 to 1990, the head of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1983 to 1989, and the director of the School of Chemistry from 2002 to 2006.
Valdman’s commitment to education extended beyond her roles within UFRJ. She was a member of the University Council from 2003 to 2011 and served as the pro-rector of undergraduate studies from 2007 to 2011. During her tenure as pro-rector, Valdman played an integral role in expanding opportunities for a more diverse group of students to study at the university. She was a strong advocate for the introduction of the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (National High School Exam) as a form of selection for undergraduate courses. Her support for this initiative aimed to provide equal opportunities for candidates from all over the country and from any social class to become students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Valdman’s areas of research focused on modeling and simulation of processes and control systems, integrated digital systems for simulation, control and optimization of processes, development of biosensors for monitoring and detection components, and the development of special sensors for monitoring and control of bioprocesses. Her research work made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering and instrumentation.
Awards and recognition were bestowed upon Valdman throughout her career. In 1981, she became a member of the Instrumentation and Automation Commission of the Brazilian Petroleum Institute. In 1990, Valdman was honored as a Pesquisador IB by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). She received further recognition in both 1985 and 1991 for her outstanding contributions to her field.
Belkis Valdman’s dedication to chemical engineering, research, and education left a lasting impact on her field. Her passion for her work, commitment to expanding opportunities for students, and significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering will always be remembered.
Awards:
– Member of the Instrumentation and Automation Commission of the Brazilian Petroleum Institute (1981)
– Pesquisador IB by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (1990)
– Outstanding contributions to the field of chemical engineering (1985, 1991)