Sandra Kaabel

Sandra Kaabel is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Individual Fellow at Aalto University (2021–present) and previously held postdoctoral positions at McGill University (2019–2021) and Tallinn University of Technology (2017–2019). She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Tallinn University of Technology in 2019 under the supervision of Prof. Riina Aav and Prof. Kari Rissanen. Her research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, crystal engineering, and the design of functional materials, particularly hemicucurbiturils for anion recognition and environmental applications. She has received prestigious awards, including the Marie Curie Fellowship and multiple best article awards, and has contributed to projects funded by the Estonian Research Council and others. Her work spans collaborations with institutions worldwide, emphasizing green chemistry and sustainable materials.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology (2014–2019)
• M.Sc. in Chemistry (cum laude), Tallinn University of Technology (2012–2014)
• B.Sc. in Natural Sciences, Tallinn University of Technology (2009–2012)

Research Interests: Dr. Kaabel specializes in the synthesis and application of supramolecular systems, including hemicucurbiturils for anion sensing, mechanochemical synthesis, enzymatic degradation of polymers, and environmentally friendly catalytic processes. Her work bridges chemistry and materials science, with applications in environmental remediation and sustainable materials.

Grants & Projects:

• Adaptable Supramolecular Chirality Sensors (2019–2023, €1.2M)
• Role of Actinomycete Metalloproteins in Lignin Depolymerization (2017–2022, €750K)

Awards:

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2021)
• Best Research Article, Tallinn University of Technology (2019, 2017)
• IUCr Young Scientist Award (2016)