I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Jagiellonian University and earned Master’s degree in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Gothenburg. I carried out my Master’s thesis during a one-year internship at AstraZeneca, where I worked on the synthesis of PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras), specifically exploring modifications in the E3 ligase binder. Most recently, I joined KlahnLab for an internship working on the development of a FRET probe to study phagocytosis in neutrophils. Both internships were enriching and helped me grow not only technically, but also in my ability to work independently and think critically.

During my PhD, I expect to deepen my understanding of photocatalytic reaction mechanisms and broaden my skills in reaction optimization and continuous flow chemistry. I am particularly interested in how light-driven processes can be tuned for predictable selectivity, an area I believe is crucial for sustainable synthesis. While I am still exploring whether I want to stay in academia or shift to industry, I believe this project will provide me with a strong foundation and skill set that will be valuable in either path.

Outside the lab, I enjoy playing volleyball and watching good shows to relax. During my stay in Sweden, I joined a third division volleyball team, and we finished the season in second place!

I am excited to begin this new chapter and to collaborate with researchers at both Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) and Seqens (France).

Title: Photocatalytic processes for benzimidazole for the late-stage functionalisation

Summary: The main objective of this individual research project is the development of photocatalytic methodologies for the direct C-H functionalization of heterocycles driven by light (UAM, Spain). These atom-economic processes are in high demand for a variety of applications, including the synthesis of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and materials. One of the keys of this objective will be the development of a process with a known and predictable selectivity. In the second step, the photocatalytic methodologies will be investigated under continuous flow conditions at Seqens (France).

Work package: 3

Academic host institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain)

Academic main supervisor: Silvia Cabrera

Industrial host institution: Seqens (France)

Industrial main supervisor: Julien Boutet

Industrial co-supervisor: Damla Torun