Dr. Cerasela Zoica Dinu is making a difference in education and research in West Virginia.

 She is assistant professor of chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University. 

 As a teacher, Dr. Dinu was named innovative engineering educator in 2011 by the National Academy of Engineering. As a researcher, she was honored by her College as Researcher of the Year.

 Among her research topics, Dr. Dinu is leading a study to develop an environmentally friendly coating that could prevent the growth of germs on common surfaces like countertops and walls. If successful, such a coating imbedded in paint could ultimately prevent infections, diseases and death and save society countless dollars on medical care.

 Joining WVU in 2009, the Romanian native enjoys the people of West Virginia. “People are different; the same for students. I find them open, I find them actively engaged. They want to do research with me from their freshman year.”

 Read more about Dr. Dinu and her research in the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of the Neuron.