Maciej Gierada

Dr. Eng. Maciej Gierada is a Research and Teaching Assistant at the Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. His work focuses on computational catalysis and theoretical chemistry, with a strong emphasis on quantum chemical methods.

• Education: Eng (2013), MSc Eng (2014), Dr. Eng (2018) in Light Organic Technology/Catalysis
• International Experience: Moscow State University (student exchange), Sorbonne Université and Collège de France (research internships), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (research internship)

His research explores catalyst design for olefin metathesis and ethylene polymerization using quantum chemistry. Key projects include

• "New ordered nanoporous catalysts for olefin metathesis" (2016-2019)
• "Reduction mechanism of Phillips catalyst" (2016)

His publications cover topics like

• Surface silanol roles in metathesis catalysts
• Mechanistic studies of ethylene polymerization
• Acidity descriptors for amorphous oxides
• Water effects on organosilane anchoring

Scientific awards include

• First place at USSKN 2014 (International Section)
• Team award by Cracow University of Technology Rector (2017)
• National young author award (2017)

He also contributes to science communication and pedagogical development through a 2.5-year Center of Pedagogy and Psychology program at Cracow University of Technology.