Belkis Valdman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belkis Valdman
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Valdman at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
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| Born | 5 May 1942 Turkey
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| Died | 1 August 2011 (aged 69) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Alma mater | Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro |
| Occupation | Chemical engineer, academic |
Belkis Valdman (born May 5, 1942 – died August 1, 2011) was a brilliant chemical engineer and professor. She was born in Turkey but became a Brazilian citizen. Belkis Valdman was known for her important work in how chemical processes are controlled and measured. She also helped many students get into university.
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Belkis Valdman's Early Life and Studies
Belkis Valdman was born in Turkey on May 5, 1942. Her parents were Moise and Esterina Dwek. She had two siblings. In 1967, she became a Brazilian citizen.
Belkis studied chemical engineering at the National School of Chemistry. This school is now part of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). She graduated in 1966. The next year, she started teaching there.
She continued her studies, earning a master's degree in chemical engineering from UFRJ in 1968. In 1969, she got another master's degree from the University of Manchester in England. She then earned her PhD in chemical engineering from the same university in 1976. Later, in 1993, she did more advanced research (post-doctoral studies) in bioprocesses at the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain.
Her Career at the University
Belkis Valdman held many important jobs at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). She was the director of the School of Chemistry. Later, she became the pro-rector of graduation. This means she helped manage all the undergraduate courses at the university. She was also a member of the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels.
Valdman started teaching at UFRJ in 1968. She became a full professor in 1992. During her time there, she took on many leadership roles.
- She led the post-graduate studies at the School of Chemistry from 1988 to 1990.
- She was the head of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1983 to 1989.
- She directed the School of Chemistry from 2002 to 2006.
- She was a member of the University Council from 2003 to 2011.
- From 2007 to 2011, she was the pro-rector of undergraduate studies.
During her time as pro-rector, she greatly increased the chances for more students to study at UFRJ. She strongly supported using the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (National High School Exam) for university selection. This helped students from all over Brazil and from different backgrounds get into the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
What She Researched
Belkis Valdman's research focused on several key areas:
- How to create models and simulations for chemical processes and control systems.
- Developing digital systems that combine simulation, control, and optimization of processes.
- Creating biosensors to monitor and detect different components.
- Designing special sensors to monitor and control bioprocesses.
Awards and Special Recognition
Belkis Valdman received several awards and honors for her work:
- 1981 - She became a member of the Instrumentation and Automation Commission of the Brazilian Petroleum Institute.
- 1990 - She was named a Pesquisador IB by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). This is a recognition for researchers.
- 1985 and 1991 - She received the Prêmio Bristol de Instrumentação do Instituto Brasileiro de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis (IBP) award.
- 2007 - The Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro honored Valdman. This was for her great contributions to the state of Rio de Janeiro and to Brazil.
Her Personal Life
Belkis Valdman passed away on August 1, 2011, at São Lucas Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. She was buried the next day at the Jewish cemetery.
