I am an Associate Professor specializing in the chemistry of nanomaterials, a role I have held since 2024, following my tenure as an Assistant Professor at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen (2019–2024). My research bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry with applied nanoscale engineering, with the goal of unlocking new functionalities for advanced technologies. My work has led to over 60 publications, three patents, and collaborations with industry partners, including AiLimiQ, where I serve as a scientific advisor.

At the core of my work is the development of synthetic strategies—from molecular design to the engineering of complex ink systems—enabling scalable and functional nanomaterial applications. By integrating precision chemical design, structural control, and self-assembly principles, and by innovating in automated and high-throughput synthetic processes, we accelerate discovery and optimization.

My research is driven by a deep expertise in nanomaterial chemistry, where we pioneer innovations across two interconnected yet distinct directions: semiconductor nanocrystals and hard/superhard nanomaterials for extreme environments.

Together with my team, we design and synthesize semiconductor nanocrystals, spanning from conventional to unconventional systems (e.g., perovskites and antiperovskites), with optical and electronic properties tailored from the visible to the infrared. These materials enable breakthroughs in optoelectronics, energy conversion, sensing, and advanced imaging, where we achieve unprecedented control over their synthesis, structure, and surface chemistry.

Simultaneously, we develop hard and superhard nanomaterials, such as metal borides, engineered for extreme environments. These materials combine exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and conductivity, making them ideal for high-temperature electronics, protective coatings, and high-stress applications.

By integrating automated high-throughput synthesis and precision chemical design, we accelerate the discovery and optimization of nanomaterials that are both scientifically innovative and industrially impactful. Our work pushes the boundaries of material science, creating solutions that redefine performance in energy, electronics, and beyond.

My research has been recognized with awards such as the Nanomaterials 2020 Young Investigator Award, Veni and Vidi NWO grants, OTP NWO grant (2024), MWO-M2 (2024), and an ERC Starting Grant (2025). I am also actively involved in the scientific community, serving as an Early Career Board member for Nano Letters (2022–2025) and as Chair of the Board (2023–2024). Since September 2024, I have been the Program Director of the Nanoscience Master’s program, fostering innovation and excellence in nanoscience research.

Teaching activities: 

- Since 2019, I have dedicated 22–38% of my annual workload to teaching, delivering and coordinating courses across BSc, MSc, and Top Master programs in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, and Nanoscience. These include Engineered Nanomaterials for Industry, Structure at Macro, Meso and Nano Scale, Coordination Chemistry: From Molecules to Materials, Nanomaterials Synthesis and Engineering, preparation of nanomaterials, Chemistry of materials. I also guide advanced modules such as practical synthesis and self-study components in the Top Master Nanoscience. I have supervised more than 20 MSc theses, 6 second/small MSc research projects, >10 BSc theses, and 2 national and  international summer research projects (MIT), in addition to mentoring students on colloquia, research proposals, and review papers.

Selected Academic Output, Service and Engagements

-I delivered over 40 invited talks at international conferences and leading institutions, averaging 3–5 per year. Recent highlights include EMRS, MRS (2023–2025), ICMCTF (2025), ISTA (Austria), IIT (Italy), IUPAC2023, Beilstein Nanotechnology, NANAX10, and NanoGe. Topics focus on the chemical design of nanomaterials, including tin halide perovskites, metal borides, and heterostructures for energy and optoelectronic applications. 

-Programme director Nanoscience Master, Vice-Chair of the Physics Cluster Board (FSE, 2019–present); Board member of the Lorentz Centre Chemistry section and WISE (2023–present); Member of the Board of Examiners for Nanoscience/Physics (2023–2024). Active in curriculum and program committees in Chemistry and Advanced Materials (2020–2023). Organizer of the Zernike and PhD Colloquia (2020–2023); ongoing coordination of seminars in Materials Chemistry.

-Organized/co-organized national and international conferences (CHAINS, Veldhoven, NextGenChem, NanoGe, NGPV). Served on 15+ PhD defense committees (RUG, TU Delft, ETH, EPFL, AMOLF). Outreach includes public lectures and panel participation.

-Editorial and review roles include NWO (M, Rubicon, TTW), ERC, ESF, and major journals (Nature, ACS, RSC). Scientific advisor to Peafowl Plasmonics (since 2020).

-see publications list for research output.