UCB Teachers:
Dr. Eng. Rodica David, MBA
Course Coordinator
Rodica David is currently working at the Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu (Romania) within the Research, Development, and Project Management Department, a position held since January 2024. Prior to this, she was a researcher at the same university, for 3 years, being the head of the research institute for almost one year. By training, she is a physicist, with a PhD in Engineering, also holding a Romanian – Canadian MBA (hosted by Bucharest University of Economic Studies Bucharest, in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales HEC Montreal, with a specialization in International Finance).
Her expertise and professional contributions have been useful to a diverse group of organizations, including businesses in the private sector, government institutions and public bodies, as well as non-governmental organizations. Her work has also contributed to strengthening cooperation between different stakeholders and supporting the development of innovative solutions.
ORCID: 0000-0001-6995-5989
Prof. Dr. Eng. Luminița Georgeta Popescu
I am a Professor and researcher at Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu, Romania, with extensive experience in energy and environmental engineering, circular economy, resource efficiency and sustainable development. My research focuses on turning environmental challenges into opportunities, particularly by exploring how industrial and energy-sector waste can become valuable secondary raw materials. I am especially interested in waste valorisation, recycling, energy efficiency and practical circular economy solutions that connect academia, industry and sustainable development. Through my teaching and research, I aim to bring the Circular Economy closer to real-world applications and to inspire new ways of thinking about resources: from waste to value, from linear consumption to circular solutions.
ORCID: 0000-0003-0423-1968
Selected references:
Popescu, L.G. (2022). The Use of Waste from Energy Industry of Gorj County, an Example of Good Practice in Applying of the Circular Economy.
Popescu, L.G. (2020). The Use of Waste from Energy Industry – New Opportunities within Green Deal Context.
Prof. Univ. Dr. Eng.
Luminița – Georgeta Popescu
Dr. Eng. Emil-Cătălin Șchiopu
Senior Lecturer
Emil-Catalin Schiopu is currently a Senior Lecturer at Constantin Brancusi University of Târgu Jiu, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Energy, Environment and Agrotourism, a position he has held since October 2013. Previously, he held teaching positions in higher and pre-university education, accumulating over 20 years of experience in education and environmental protection. He holds a PhD in Mining, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, with a doctoral thesis focused on reducing atmospheric pollutants resulting from mining and energy activities in the Rovinari area, and has completed master’s studies in environmental protection, energy production, and food industry technologies. His managerial experience includes coordinating a bachelor’s degree programme, managing the Department of Quality Assurance, and serving on the governing bodies of the Faculty of Engineering and the department. His professional experience is further complemented by his work as a court-appointed technical expert in Ecology and Environmental Protection, as well as expertise in preparing environmental protection studies and using GIS tools and computer applications.
ORCID: 0000-0003-1427-8604
Lucica Anghelescu is a university lecturer at “Constantin Brâncuși” University in Târgu Jiu, where she has been active since 1994. She holds a PhD in the field of Mining, Petroleum, and Gases, with a thesis focused on the valorization of waste from the energy industry.
Her expertise covers areas such as energy, environmental protection, waste valorization, and the circular economy. She is co-author of four invention patents and has participated as a technical expert or trainer in numerous national and international projects, including LIFE, ERA-MIN, and POCU projects.
Her social and organizational skills, combined with advanced IT competences, recommend her for research, teaching, and professional training activities in the fields of engineering and sustainability.
ORCID 0000-0001-9286-8269
Dr. Eng. Lucica Anghelescu
Senior Lecturer
Ana-Maria Homescu
Ana-Maria Homescu is an international English language teacher and specialized educator, currently working as an Educational Specialist within the ACE²-EU Alliance. She teaches English, French and Japanese in after-school programmes and has a strong interest in neuroscience and innovative education, having completed a neuroscience course at Harvard University. She graduated in Law from Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu in 2023 and completed a Master’s Degree in Law in 2025. She is currently a third-year student in the Faculty of Letters, specialising in English and Romanian Language and Literature.
UFV Teacher:
Vicente Ruiz Aguarón is a Professor and Project Coordinator at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain). He is involved in international higher education initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, digital learning and educational transformation. He currently contributes to several European cooperation projects, supporting the design and implementation of educational programmes, MOOCs and collaborative activities among partner universities. His work also involves strengthening institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange between higher education institutions. He supports the development of innovative teaching approaches that respond to emerging labour-market needs and evolving digital competencies. His professional activities promote the integration of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation into higher education, with a particular focus on enhancing student engagement and employability, innovative teaching methodologies and digital learning.
Prof. Vicente Ruiz Aguarón
LIK Teacher:
Assoc. Professor
Raimondas Šadzevičius
Raimondas Šadzevičius is an Assoc. Professor at Lietuvos Inžinerijos Kolegija (LIK)/ Higher Education Institution (HEI) and Vytautas Magnus university (VMU) in Lithuania and Professor at Warsaw University of Life Sciences-(SGGW) in Poland. He has significant experience in EU Project Management at both national and European level. He has worked as a researcher-teacher in 2 EU-funded projects in the fields of education (Programme Erasmus+ key action 2 “Strategic Partnership” – the project: Innovative Higher Education In Sustainable Timber Construction (“TimberEDU”) and project: Sustainable, High-Performance Hybrid Timber Building Construction (“HiHTC”).
He has significant experience in the development and delivery of educational programmes with a particular focus on innovative teaching methodologies and digital learning. Scientific research interests: research of local rational renewable materials and design of sustainable structures, technical state evaluation of hydraulic structures and buildings for agricultural purposes.
ORCID: 0000-0002-7616-6598
External stakeholders:
COMPLEXUL ENERGETIC OLTENIA
COMPLEXUL ENERGETIC OLTENIA – Powering Romania. Supporting Energy Security.
For decades, Complexul Energetic Oltenia has played a vital role in Romania’s energy system, providing dependable electricity and contributing to the stability and security of the National Power System.
Energy security depends on having reliable generation capacity available whenever the country needs it. Wind and solar power naturally fluctuate with weather conditions, while hydropower production can be affected by seasonal changes and periods of drought. Against this changing energy landscape, Complexul Energetic Oltenia has historically provided an important source of stable and controllable electricity generation.
MACOFIL S. A.
MACOFIL S.A. – Building Quality. Creating Lasting Value.
With more than 30 years of experience in the construction materials industry, MACOFIL S.A. combines tradition, expertise and continuous investment to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions for the construction sector.
Based in Târgu Jiu, Romania, MACOFIL has built its reputation on the region’s valuable natural resources, including high-quality clay and refractory clay, complemented by modern manufacturing technologies and a strong commitment to quality.
A Complete Range of Construction Materials
MACOFIL manufactures and supplies an extensive portfolio of products designed to meet the requirements of residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects.
CRILELMAR
CRILELMAR – Innovation, Sustainability and Quality Made in Romania
Since 2001, CRILELMAR has been designing and manufacturing plastic products in Romania, building more than two decades of experience around innovation, quality and responsible production.
From the beginning, the company recognized the potential of plastic as a versatile and continuously evolving material and invested in the technologies and expertise required to process it efficiently. Today, CRILELMAR has established itself as one of Romania’s leading companies in its sector, combining extensive manufacturing capabilities with a strong commitment to sustainability.
INFINITY was created as a brand that reflects this journey – celebrating CRILELMAR’s tradition, experience, reliability and continuous pursuit of excellence.
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