Valentina Ferraro is a Researcher at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Her academic profile shows active engagement in research with numerous publications spanning from 2018 to 2024. Dr. Ferraro's research focuses on the synthesis, structural characterization, and photophysical properties of coordination compounds, particularly luminescent metal complexes. Her work prominently features manganese(II), zinc(II), and copper(I) complexes with various organic ligands including phosphoramides, benzothiadiazoles, and phosphaphenanthrenes. A significant portion of her research involves single-crystal X-ray structure determination and DFT calculations to understand the relationship between molecular structure and luminescent properties. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory in inorganic photophysics, with particular emphasis on designing novel luminescent materials. Her work demonstrates expertise in crystallography, coordination chemistry, and computational methods. The publications show collaboration primarily with Jesús Castro and Marco Bortoluzzi, indicating a stable research group focused on developing new luminescent complexes with potential applications in materials science.
Marius Pelmus is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Seton Hall University. He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Seton Hall University (2020), with prior degrees including a Master's in Chemistry (2018), and earlier degrees in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest (BS, 2010; MS, 2012). His research focuses on hybrid organic-inorganic catalytic materials, particularly fluorinated phthalocyanines and photosensitizers, with applications in spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and photocatalytic systems. He has contributed to advancements in photodynamic coatings, electrochromic materials, and material characterization using techniques like X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Pelmus has received grants from the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium and the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey, and has been recognized with awards including the Dean’s Outstanding Publication Award (2025). His professional interests span superstable catalytic materials, spectroelectrochemistry, and the integration of organic/inorganic chemistry techniques. He has supervised undergraduate and graduate students in research projects aligned with industrial standards (ALCOA/GMP SOPs). He teaches courses ranging from General Chemistry to specialized topics in organic and inorganic chemistry. Recent grants include funding for undergraduate research (2025) and NASA-aligned projects on photocatalytic surfaces. His work also involves collaborations with industry and presentations at major conferences like the Gordon Research Conferences and the International Conference on Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines. Awards include multiple ExecuStar Exceptional Awards (2021–2022) and leadership fellowships. His lab focuses on synthesizing and analyzing functionalized phthalocyanines for applications in environmental remediation, energy storage, and biomedical coatings. He actively participates in academic service roles, including judging seminar series and organizing competitions like the Petersheim Academic Exposition.
Erik Keller is a researcher at the Biobased Chemistry & Refinery Research Centre Biobased Economy at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands. He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen (1998) under Prof. Ben Feringa. His work focuses on sustainable green chemistry implementations, including the upcycling of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) monomers/oligomers for pharmaceutical, food, and polymer applications. He previously led R&D roles at Syncom BV and Lab Ofichem, specializing in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical synthesis, and process development. Research interests span catalytic enantioselective reactions, sustainable polymer recycling, and bio-based chemical synthesis. Recent work emphasizes flow photochemistry and analytical methods for PHA characterization (e.g., NMR/GC-MS monomer analysis). He has contributed to patents on cannabinoid extraction and PEA purification, reflecting his expertise in pharmaceutical applications. Education : PhD Organic Chemistry (1998), University of Groningen Key Contributions : Development of modular photoreactors for continuous flow processes Advances in enantioselective organozinc chemistry Standardization of PHA monomer ratio analysis Publications highlight both foundational organic chemistry (e.g., cycloadditions, Michael additions) and applied research in biobased materials. His work aligns with UN SDG 9 (Industry) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption).
Dr. Eng. Bożena Pilarek is a faculty member at the Faculty of Production Engineering of the Wrocław University of Economics , affiliated with the Department of Inorganic Chemistry . Her work bridges inorganic chemistry , solid-state physicochemistry , and materials science , focusing on oxide materials with applications in optoelectronics and photocatalysis. Key research areas include: Phase relationships in niobium(V) and lanthanide compounds Thermodynamic and luminescent properties of materials Phase diagram modeling using the CALPHAD method Structural, vibrational, and magnetic analyses of high-temperature systems Her recent publications explore niobates , solid solutions , and doped materials for laser and optoelectronic applications. She collaborates with domestic and international research centers, contributes to the IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series, and authors scientific reports for technical universities. At the university, she teaches inorganic and physical chemistry alongside physics , integrating laboratory practice with current research findings.
Kinga Suwińska is a Professor at the School of Exact Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw. Her research focuses on chemical sciences, with emphasis on organic and physical chemistry, crystal structure analysis, synthesis methodologies, and molecular structure studies. She holds an h-index of 13 and has published 76 works, contributing significantly to areas like inorganic chemistry and x-ray crystallography. Research Interests: Dr. Suwińska’s work explores advanced synthesis techniques, crystallographic analysis, and material characterization. Her studies often involve structural investigations of complexes, inclusion compounds, and solid-state chemistry, leveraging tools like X-ray diffraction to understand molecular arrangements. These efforts bridge theoretical and applied aspects of chemistry, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications. Labs/Teams: Consultations are held Tuesdays 1:15–2:45 PM in Lab 218 (Building 24) or via Microsoft Teams. Her lab focuses on chemical synthesis and structural analysis, fostering collaborative research in materials science.
Delphine Cabaret is a Professor of Physics at Sorbonne University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, working at the Institute of Mineralogy, Physics of Materials and Cosmochemistry (IMPMC). She is affiliated with Section CNU 28 and maintains her office at Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, Paris. Her research focuses on core-level excitation spectroscopies including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray Raman scattering (XRS), and related techniques. She investigates electronic structural properties of paramagnetic 3d impurities in large gap insulators, structural properties of oxide glasses and minerals, and the impact of quantum thermal fluctuations of nuclei on spectroscopic measurements. Her work involves both experimental studies at synchrotron facilities and theoretical modeling. Prof. Cabaret's recent publications demonstrate her expertise in analyzing temperature effects on multipole contributions in core-level spectroscopies, X-ray Raman scattering applications, and high-pressure studies of spin crossover phenomena. Her research bridges experimental spectroscopy with advanced computational methods to understand materials at the atomic level. Best poster award at XAFS-2018 conference Best poster award at XAFS-X conference (Chicago, 1998) She actively supervises research and has presented her work at numerous international conferences. Her teaching responsibilities include coordinating the Master's program in Materials Science and Nano-objects (Nanomat), teaching crystallography and diffraction techniques, and developing educational resources including a SPOC (Small Private Online Course) on geometric crystallography.
Donald W. Brenner is a Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor and Department Head in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University . He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the State University of New York (1982) and Penn State University (1987), respectively, followed by a research staff role at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. His career at NC State spans three decades, focusing on computational materials science and atomic-scale modeling. B.S. in Chemistry, State University of New York (1982) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University (1987) Brenner's research centers on computational materials modeling for extreme environments, particularly high entropy ceramics , tribology , and shock dynamics . His work employs density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and multi-scale simulations to study materials like diamond clusters, nanotubes, and self-assembled monolayers. Recent publications emphasize defect properties, hardness optimization, and machine-learned interatomic potentials for ternary and high-entropy systems. Scientific honors include the 2002 Feynman Prize (nanotechnology), 2013 Alcoa Foundation Award , and 2016 Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal . He is also an editor of the Handbook of Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology (CRC Press, 2002-2012). His research group develops reactive empirical bond order (REBO) potentials and explores tribochemical processes, shock-induced chemistry, and nanoscale device engineering.
Dr. Peter Mayer serves as a Researcher at the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. His primary responsibilities include coordinating the X-ray structural analysis laboratory and radiation protection program for the department, with office location in Building F, Room D2.025, and X-ray laboratory operations in Room D0.018. His educational background includes: Diploma thesis (1994) at TH Karlsruhe under Prof. P. Klüfers Ph.D. thesis (1997) at TH Karlsruhe under Prof. P. Klüfers Post-doctoral fellowship (1998) at SKW Trostberg Joined LMU Munich (1999) working with Prof. P. Klüfers Dr. Mayer's research focuses on X-ray crystal structure analysis , with expertise in utilizing advanced equipment including the STOE IPDS area detector, Oxford Diffraction XCalibur diffractometer with CCD detector, and Nonius KappaCCD with rotating anode generator. His work supports both internal researchers and external collaborators through comprehensive structural analysis services. He maintains specialized knowledge in low-temperature measurements using Oxford Cryosystems cooling equipment and radiation dosimetry monitoring protocols. As an educator, Dr. Mayer coordinates the Advanced Chemical Practical Course for Chemistry Teacher Training Students (LAF), supervising student research projects across various chemistry research groups. He organizes the practical components of the program, coordinates student placements with research groups, and participates in the evaluation of student performance including practical work, reports, and presentations. His teaching responsibilities include instruction in X-ray structure analysis techniques and spectroscopic methods. His laboratory management portfolio includes: Coordination of measurement operations for internal and external clients Maintenance and servicing of X-ray diffraction equipment Management of the X-ray structure archive Implementation of radiation protection protocols and annual training Dosimetry monitoring in collaboration with GSF Research Center for Environment and Health Provision of structural analysis services on a cost-recovery basis
R.N. Bhadane is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , Åbo Akademi University , with affiliations to the Pharmaceutical Science Laboratory (PSL) and Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory (SBL) . Bhadane holds a PhD in Pharmacy and has 8 years of undergraduate teaching experience. Research focuses span drug design, molecular dynamics simulations, protein science, and nanotechnology. Expertise: Virtual screening, chemoinformatics, protein-ligand dynamics, nanoparticle fabrication, and sustainable development goals. Collaborations: Extensive work with the Finnish National Protein Crystallography Consortium and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Research Themes: Bhadane’s work integrates computational and experimental approaches, including in silico drug discovery, glycomimetics, and sustainable healthcare solutions. Key areas involve SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations, siRNA delivery systems, and HDAC-2 modulation in diabetes-related renal injury. Recent Publications: 2024 studies on aptamer-DNAzyme frameworks for gastric cancer, SGLT2 inhibitors, and HDAC-2 in diabetic nephropathy; 2022 work on Omicron variant binding energy calculations and virus-mimetic nanoparticles for siRNA delivery.
Joao Elias Figueiredo Soares Rodrigues is a Research Fellow at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, specializing in high-pressure synthesis and characterization of energy materials for thermoelectric applications. His work leverages X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and collaborations with Ehime University to explore structural, electronic, and magnetic properties under extreme conditions. Research Focus: Enhancing thermoelectric conversion efficiency (currently ~5%) to reduce energy waste, using nano-polycrystalline diamond (NPD) anvils in diamond anvil cells (DACs) for HP-XAS experiments. Expertise: High-pressure techniques, synchrotron-based XAS, and multi-modal detection (XRD, Raman, XRF). Facility: Conducts experiments at ESRF's BM23 beamline, utilizing the Extremely Brilliant Source for micro-sized beam analysis. His research addresses global energy challenges by transforming wasted heat into electrical energy through thermoelectric devices, with applications in sustainable energy systems.
Patrick Baesjou is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Science (Utrecht University) with expertise in Soft Condensed Matter research. His career spans three decades, focusing on catalytic mechanisms , nanostructured materials , and electronic paper technologies . Key research areas: Copper-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of phenols Self-assembly of nanocrystals and supraparticles Development of high-performance e-paper displays Ligand density optimization in nanomaterials Recent work includes anatase TiO2 nanorod synthesis (2022), whispering gallery mode lasing in supraparticles (2018), and ligand-engineered titanium dioxide nanorods (2020). Publications reveal strong interdisciplinarity, bridging Inorganic Chemistry , Materials Science , and Condensed Matter Physics , with emerging applications in optoelectronics and photonic materials . Collaborations include leading researchers in nanomaterials (Vanmaekelbergh, van Blaaderen) and electronic display technologies (Lenssen, Schuurbiers).
Nunzio Tuccitto is an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Catania. His research focuses on molecular communication systems for wave-denied environments, hazardous gas detection, and big-data processing for mass spectrometry. He supervises PhD students and leads major EU-funded projects like ERMES. Education : PhD in Chemistry (2007), University of Catania Research Interests : Designing nanomaterials for molecular communication, developing carbon-based sensors for warfare agents/explosives, and advancing machine learning methods for multisensor data. His work bridges physical chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Recent Research Trends : 2020s publications emphasize quantum dots for biological fluid communication, lemon waste-derived nanomaterials, and environmental pollutant monitoring via drones. Key themes include signal reliability, biocompatibility, and sustainable synthesis techniques. Scientific Awards ACM NanoCom 2024 Best Work-In-Progress Paper Italian Chemical Society 2021 Distinguished Oral Presentation Royal Society of Chemistry's Beynon Prize (2009-2010) FAMELAB-2018 Catania Winner Advising & Grants : Supervises 3 PhD students. Coordinates €3.7M EU ERMES project (2025-2028) and leads multiple national/international grants totaling €26M. Collaborates with institutions in Poland, Belgium, Canada, and Germany. Labs & Teams : Member of the Department Board, vice-coordinator of Materials Science PhD school, and leads 60 researchers in SiciliAn Micronanotech Center's Environment WP.
Xiaoshan Xu is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln . He is affiliated with the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience , focusing on advanced materials research. Research Interests : Multiferroic materials, magnetic anisotropy, spintronics, nanoscience, and thin film engineering. His work explores the interplay between ferroelectricity, magnetism, and electronic structure in complex oxides. Publications : Over 15 articles (2003–2019) highlight his contributions to multiferroic systems, organic spin valves, and cluster magnetism. Key trends include voltage-controlled spin states and strain-dependent magnetic properties. Notable Collaborations : Extensive collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and international institutions on topics like magnetoelectric coupling and quantum materials. Teaching : Courses such as PHYS 231: Electric and Electronic Circuits demonstrate his commitment to physics education.
Lina Rogström is an Associate Professor and Docent at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She is actively involved in advanced materials research, particularly through collaborations with MAX IV Laboratory and participation in the FunMat-II and Nanostructured Materials (NANO) research environments. Research Interests: Her work focuses on the development and characterization of hard, wear-resistant coatings for industrial cutting tools. These coatings, typically 1–10 µm thick, are crucial for enhancing tool longevity and performance under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure during metal machining. She investigates the structural and mechanical behavior of coatings such as TiAlN and AlTiN under operational conditions, aiming to reduce reliance on cooling fluids and enable higher cutting speeds. To achieve this, she employs a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental techniques like in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, high-energy XRD, XANES, and EXAFS to study phase evolution, stress development, and microstructural changes in real time during machining or high-temperature exposure. This enables a deeper understanding of coating degradation mechanisms and guides the design of next-generation materials. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2023–2024) reflect a strong focus on in-operando and in-situ characterization of nitride-based thin films. These studies, published in high-impact journals like Acta Materialia and Physical Review Materials , reveal detailed insights into phase stability, age hardening, texture evolution, and strain development under thermal and mechanical loads. The research bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications in manufacturing. Scientific Affiliations: FunMat-II MAX IV Laboratory Nanostructured Materials (NANO) group Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University Advising and Grants: While no formal students or grants are listed in the provided text, her extensive collaborative work suggests active supervision and involvement in funded research projects, likely supported by Swedish research councils or industry partnerships. She frequently collaborates with leading experts such as Magnus Odén, Per Eklund, and Martin Magnuson. Laboratories and Teams: Lina Rogström conducts her research using advanced characterization facilities, particularly synchrotron-based techniques at MAX IV. She is part of a larger materials science team focused on nanostructured thin films and functional materials, contributing to both fundamental science and industrial innovation in surface engineering.
Allen Landers is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at Auburn University, holding the Howard Earl and Carolyn Taylor Carr Endowed Professorship. He specializes in experimental atomic and molecular physics, focusing on multi-particle imaging methods to study electronic/nuclear dynamics in atoms/molecules. His research has been published in Science , Nature , and Physical Review , supported by DOE and NSF grants. Education: Ph.D., Physics, Kansas State University, 1999 B.S., Mathematics and Physics, Kansas State University, 1993 Research Interests: Core hole localization, photoelectron angular distributions, dissociative dynamics of molecules (e.g., water, ammonia, hydrocarbons), momentum imaging techniques, and interdisciplinary outreach programs for K-12 STEM education. Outreach & Teaching: Leads initiatives to broaden science fair participation in high-needs schools. Teaches across undergraduate and graduate physics curricula. Recognized with awards for teaching (2006) and outreach (2014, 2013). Professional Roles: Member of APS Division of Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics (DAMOP) Education Committee. Serves as proposal reviewer for DOE/NSF/NASA and referee for top physics journals. Labs/Teams: Leads experimental AMO research in Auburn’s atomic physics group, collaborating with global teams on synchrotron-based COLTRIMS reaction microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy.
