Loreta Angela Muscarella

Dr. Loreta Muscarella is an Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Science's Photo Conversion Materials department. She holds a PhD in Physics from AMOLF, Netherlands (2022), and a Master's in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry from Sapienza University (2017). Her research focuses on perovskite-based materials, exploring their optoelectronic properties under external stimuli like pressure and light. Her work aims to develop smart materials for wearable devices, sensors, and energy harvesters using lead-free and metal-free perovskites. She has received grants such as the NWO Open Competition Domain Science and the Distinguished Women Scientists Fund. She teaches courses in Sustainable Energy and Life-Cycle Analysis.

Education:

• PhD in Physics, AMOLF, Netherlands (2022)
• M.Sc. Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Sapienza University (2017)
• B.Sc. Sapienza University (cum laude)

Research Interests: Her group investigates perovskite materials' responses to pressure, light, and temperature using spectroscopy and compositional engineering. Key areas include:

• Lead-free/metal-free perovskites for piezoelectric and optoelectronic applications
• Mechanochemistry and phase stability in hybrid perovskites
• Development of multi-functional energy harvesters

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Women Scientist Fund Laureate (2023)
• Christiaan Huygens Science Prize Honorable Mention (2023)
• NWO Grant for Perovskite-Based Photocatalysts (2022)

Grants and Funding: Includes projects on indoor pollution photocatalysts and sustainable materials. Her work aligns with UN SDGs for clean energy and environmental sustainability.

Labs/Teams: Research group embedded in the Photoconversion Materials section, collaborating with Utrecht University and AMOLF.