I received my B.Sc. in Chemistry in 2018 from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Not long after, I packed my bags (and sunscreen) and moved all the way to Australia to join the Polyzos group at the University of Melbourne for my Master’s. My research focused on developing a photoredox-catalysed alkene hydroalkylation protocol via reductive activation of alkenes. The project gave me a deep dive into the world of photoredox catalysis and sparked a real fascination with how light can drive chemical transformations. Doing a Master’s abroad was as much a personal adventure as a scientific one. I had to adapt to a new academic environment, a new culture, and let’s be honest, a very different climate. Along the way, I grew a lot—both as a chemist and a person—and made some lifelong friends (and a serious coffee addiction).

As I begin my PhD, I am excited to further develop my expertise in synthetic chemistry and photocatalysis, and to explore how academic research can be translated into real-world pharmaceutical applications. I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to work at the interface of academia and industry, gaining hands-on experience in an industrial setting where laboratory research is directly applied.

Outside the lab, I try to keep things balanced with a mix of creativity and movement. I’ve been playing the piano for several years (Rajmáninov forever) and I find joy in both the discipline and expression it offers. Salsa dancing is another love of mine and I dance whenever I get the chance. I also enjoy hiking, especially when it ends with a great view and an even better meal! These activities help me stay balanced, energized, and ready to tackle new challenges.

Title: Photocatalytic cycloadditions

Summary: The main objective of this individual research project is the development of new methods for photocatalytic cycloadditions using heterocycles as main starting materials (UAM, Spain). In the second step (Sanofi, Germany), the synthetic methodologies studied by the DC will be applied to the development of new and attractive labelling process.

Work package: 2

Academic host institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain)

Academic main supervisor: Jose Antonio Fernández Salas

Academic co-supervisor: José Alemán

Industrial host institution: Sanofi-Aventis (Germany)

Industrial main supervisor: María Méndez Pérez