Assistant professor Gkelis Spyridon

Country: Greece

University: University of Thessaloniki

Activity at Home University: Assistant Professor in the School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Research field: Bioinformatics and Biodiversity of photosynthetic organisms

Spyros Gkelis is the head of the Cyanolab research group where he and his team investigate the diversity and genomics of aquatic microorganisms, how species interact with each other and with the abiotic environment, what drives their secondary metabolite production. In addition to doing research he teaches undergraduate/Master’s courses in Biodiversity, Phycology, Bioinformatics, Applied Microbiology, Aquacultures and serves in the board of several MSc Programs.

Activity at CNBCh UW: Present seminar and develop joint  experimental project on thermophilic cyanobacteria with Prof. Iwona Jasser.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
Ecology and Toxicity of Cyanobacteria

Date of stay:
24 August – 4 September 2020

Prof. Krzysztof Kuczera

Country:
USA, University of Kansas

University:
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

Activity at Home University:
Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Molecular Biosciences.

Research field:
Computational chemistry and biochemistry.

Research interest and experience:
The research goal is to determine detailed microscopic effects of the environment on peptide structure, dynamics and interactions with proteins. Our studies employ molecular dynamics, replica-exchange and free energy simulations, as well as kinetic network modeling, to provide microscopic insights into influence of temperature, pH, viscosity and presence of co-solvents on peptide folding pathways. Our work involves extensive collaborations with experimental groups.

Teaching activities:
Courses in general chemistry, physical chemistry, quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics and advanced biochemistry. I am especially interested in creating opportunities for students to experience molecular and data modeling, introducing active learning elements into the classroom and developing approaches for improving diversity and equity in science education.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Present seminar and develop joint simulation-experimental project with Prof. Robert Szoszkiewicz.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
Laboratory of Physicochemistry of Materials

Date of stay:
3-10 January, 2020

prof. Svetlana Rogaceva

University:
Research associate of  Saratov Branch of All-Russian Institute of Genetics & Selection of Industrial Microorganisms (1988-1998); Associate Professor in Saratov Military Institute of Biological and Chemical Safety (1998-2009); Head of the Chair “Nature & Technosphere Safety” in Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov (2009 –2018). Present workplace: Head of the Chair of Natural Sciences of Saratov Medical University “REAVIZ”, Professor of the Chair “Nature & Technosphere Safety” of Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Russia.

Areas of professional interest are related to biochemistry, biophysics, ecological biotechnologies, as
– Microbial enzymes, catalyzing the process of nitrile transformation into amide and acid; microbial biosensor systems for acrylamide and acrylonitrile determination in water (1988-2001).
– Nonspecific effect of physiologically active and toxic compounds in combination with electromagnetic radiation of low intensity on biological systems and their models (2001-2015).
– Solid-surface fluorescence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heteroaromatic compounds for using in сhemical sensors (2013-present).

Teaching activities: lectures and workshops for students of Yuri Gagarin State Technical University: “Fundamentals of biochemistry”, “Fundamentals of microbiology and biotechnology”, “Xenobiotics”, “Biological indication and biological testing”, “Chemistry and biology for engineers-ecologists”, “Environmental protection and technologies of its rehabilitation”, lectures and workshops for students of Saratov Medical University “REAVIZ” in “Bioorganic chemistry”.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Preparation of luminescent experiments with some organic components of soils, especially using the method of solid surface fluorescence on the diacetate cellulose matrices. Delivering a lecture on biosensors and chemical sensors of toxic compounds.

 CNBCh UW Research Group:
Biochemistry, Ecology and Environmental Protection, Head: Uni.Prof. Małgorzata Suska-Malawska

Date of stay:
7 – 22 October 2019

prof. Tamas Pajkossy

University:
Research associate of Institutes of the the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (1978-2019); present workplace: Department of Interfaces, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary

Areas of professional interest are related to electrochemistry as:
– connection of electrode kinetics and electrode geometry in general (1983-) and connection of electrochemistry and fractal geometry in particular (1983-1990)
– double layer properties of metal electrodes, with and without adsorption effects (1994-)
– perturbation methods and related instrumentation (1981- ); dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (2015-) – and as a byproduct of these studies: development of various test instruments for the Hungarian lamp industry (1977-2005)

Teaching activities: various courses on electrochemical and physico-chemical instrumentation for chemical engineering students of TU Budapest

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Preparation of electrochemical experiments – mostly of dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, DEIS – to study the electrochemical double layer on noble metals. Delivering a lecture on a novel method of data evaluation of DEIS.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
New Materials Electrochemistry

Date of stay:
2 – 13 September 2019

prof. dr. Andrzej Lasia

University:
Département de chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

Activity at Home University:
Professeur titulaire until 2012 and now Retired professor. Scientific collaborations with colleagues in the Department and outside.

Research field:
Fundamental electrochemistry and electrocatalysis, theory and applications of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, porous electrodes, hydrogen adsorption, absorption, and evolution.

Research interests and experience:
Development and characterization of new materials for hydrogen evolution, hydrogen absorption in palladium and its alloys and AB₅ materials, kinetics of hydrogen underpotential deposition on noble metals.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Lectures (30 h) on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and its applications.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
New Materials Electrochemistry

Date of stay:
2 – 13 September 2019

dr Lu Yang

University:
National Research Council Canada

Country:
Kanada

Activity at Home University:
Dr. Lu Yang is a senior research officer at National Research Council of Canada (NRC, Ottawa, Canada), leading research in applications of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and multicollector (MC-ICP-MS). A member of the IUPAC Subcommittee on Stable Isotope Reference Material Assessment under the Inorganic Division, and the Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights. She is a NRC’s representative at the Isotope Ratio Analysis Working Group of CCQM (Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance) of the BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures). She is an Editorial Board member of JAAS and Spectroscopy.

Research field:
Her research focuses on the development of the most accurate and precise methodologies for the determination, speciation and isotopic analysis of trace elements using ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS. The isotopic measurements for mercury, germanium, indium, iridium, osmium, hafnium and lead from her lab have been adopted by IUPAC as the best available isotopic composition measurements in the 2013, 2017 and 2019, and the standard atomic weights of mercury, germanium, iridium and hafnium are based on her lab results.  She has published over 125 peer reviewed publications and a book chapter, with H-index of 33.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Dr Lu Yang will present one lecture during her stay: Applications of MC-ICPMS for high accuracy and precision isotope ratio measurements at NRC

CNBCh UW Research Group:
Analytical Expert Centre

Date of stay:
September  2–7, 2019

dr Rafal Gutaker

University:
Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York City, USA

Country:
USA

Activity at Home University:
I am a Postdoctoral Associate at the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University. I lead research projects on comparative genomics of crop plants and method development for plant ancient DNA.

Research field:
Ancient DNA revolutionized the field of evolutionary biology for humans and ignited that revolution for other model and non-model organism. Plant ancient DNA can help us better understand the origins of crops, their dispersal and evolution in different environmental conditions. This is very important because our food security relies heavily on the diversity of our crops and their ability to evolve in response to changing climate.

Research interests and experience:
Throughout my academic career I was driven by passion for history, evolution and plant biology. I completed my PhD at the University of Warwick working on ancient genomics. Since 2014, I have worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology developing laboratory protocols and computational approaches to compare ancient and modern genomes of plants. In 2017, I became a postdoctoral associate at New York University to lead research on the effects of the environment on crop evolution.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
I will present a lecture on the developments in ancient DNA techniques and their utility in studying crop genomes. I will also consult the research groups at CnBCh and CeNT about the operations of new generation sequencing core facilities.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
Analytical Expert Centre

Date of stay:
25 July –3 August 2019

prof. Delia Haynes

University:
Stellenbosch University

Country:
South Africa

Activity at Home University:
Prof Haynes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Polymer Science at Stellenbosch University. She lectures inorganic chemistry, and is part of a group of researchers who work in supramolecular chemistry.

Research field:
Research in the Haynes group is in the general area of crystal engineering, or solid-state supramolecular chemistry. We  work on organic multi-component crystals (salts and co-crystals), and aim to understand and use intermolecular interactions to design molecular materials with interesting and useful physical properties. In particular we study porous organic salts, and also investigate organic radicals as building blocks for molecule-based magnetic and conducting solids. Research focuses on the interplay between solid-state structure and function, as well as the effect crystallisation method has on the structure and properties of the resulting material.

Research interests and experience:
Prof Haynes’ research focusses on crystal engineering with multi-component crystals. She has experience both with thiazyl radicals as building blocks for molecular materials, and with organic salts and co-crystals. Delia was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley in 2010, a visiting professor at the University of Lorraine in 2013, and was the 2015 recipient of the Jan Boeyens medal. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the European Crystallographic Association, and the chair of the Steering Committee for the African Crystallographic Association.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Prof. Haynes will present two lectures during her stay: a research presentation entitled ‚ Towards functional materials from multi-component crystals’, and an introductory lecture on unusual methods of crystallisation, which will discuss mechanochemistry and sublimation as methods to produce novel solid-state materials. She will also consult with members of the crystallography group regarding ongoing collaborative projects.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
Structural and Biochemical Research Laboratory

Date of stay:
July 7–14, 2019

dr Jerzy Krzystek

University:
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab)
Florida State University, Tallahassee

Country:
USA

Activity at Home University:
Research Faculty III at the MagLab (equivalent to Full Research Professor at FSU)

Research field:
Electron Spin/Paramagnetic Resonance at (very) high frequencies and magnetic fields (HFESR/EPR); Far-Infrared Magnetic Spectroscopy (FIRMS).

Research interest and experience:
Coordination chemistry of transition metals from the perspective of (a) catalytic activity, (b) bioinorganic chemistry and (c) single-molecule magnetic properties.

Activity at CNBCh UW:
Lecturing on applications of high magnetic fields in general, with particular emphasis on Dr. Krzystek’s expertise in magnetic resonance as applied to materials science. Delivering a seminar presenting own research in the same area.

CNBCh UW Research Group:
Environmentally Senstive Polymer Materials and Composites

Date of stay:
June 10–15, 2019

prof. Paul Bagus

Country:

USA, University of North Texas

Activity at Home University:

The principle scientific interest of prof. Paul Bagus is to develop and apply theory and computation for the interpretation of core-level spectroscopies including XPS, XAS, and XMCD. These spectroscopies are routinely used non-destructive probes of material composition and properties. The aid of theory is needed for proper interpretation of these spectroscopies in terms of materials properties.  Bagus’ work on chemisorption has involved the use of cluster models to represent the surface electronic structure and, in particular, to describe the chemical interaction of adsorbed atoms and molecules with the surface. A special advantage of the cluster model is that it naturally allows chemical concepts to be used to interpret surface chemical bonding and surface reaction processes. His work related to surface electronic structure has addressed how this structure leads to observable properties. These have included work function changes, surface and nano-particle core-level binding energy shifts, and the nature of the chemisorption bond between adsorbates and substrates. For this latter research, he and his collaborators have developed a theoretical methodology that has allowed them to decompose different contributions to the chemisorption bond. For example, the application of his work to comparisons of the metal carbonyl bond has allowed direct understanding of the chemical reasons that, while p back-donation dominates for 3d transition metals, p back-donation and s donation are of comparable importance for heavier, 5d, transition metals. Understanding of adsorption processes allows for better understanding of heterogeneous activity of surfaces.

Research field:

Theoretical chemistry, quantum mechanics, adsorption, X-ray Adsorption Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoemission Spetctroscopy

Research interest and experience:

Professor Bagus carries out research on electronic structure of molecular and condensed systems, particularly on core-level spectroscopies. His research has been funded by many grants. Professor Bagus has over 350 publications, almost all relating to the electronic structure of matter. He is internationaly recognized as a scientist and a member of national and international committees and societies.

Activity at CNBCh UW:

Project consultation: XPS and NAP-XPS study of adsorption phenomena

CNBCh UW Research Group:

Catalysis and Surface Science headed by phd. Adam Lewera

Date of stay:

25 May – 10 June 2019

prof. James Hoopes

University:

USA, Babson College

Activity at Home University:

„Murata Professor of Ethics in Business” at Babson College. His latest book is Corporate Dreams: Big Business in American Democracy from the Great Depression to the Great Recession. The author of half a dozen other books on American history, Hoopes has received grants from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and other funding agencies. His paper, „Managing a Riot,” won the Paul Hersey Award for the best paper on leadership at the 2000 meeting of the Academy of Management. He has taught in both Europe and Asia.

Academic Interests:

Business History

Academic Degrees:

Ph D, Johns Hopkins University
MA, University of Wisconsin
BA, Bowling Green State University

Date of stay:

1 – 6 April 2019

dr hab. Izabella Brand

Izabella Brand

University:

Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg

Department of Chemistry

Country:

Germany

Activity at Home University:

Researcher in physical Chemistry with focus on electrochemistry and bioelectrochemistry, Wittstock Group

Research field: physical chemistry, electrochemistry, vibrational spectroscopy, surface science, adsorption of biomolecules at solid surfaces

Research interest and experience: Modification of surfaces by functional, organized supramolecular films (in particular films of biomolecules), Electrochemistry of  redox-active and redox-inactive molecules in thin organized films (e.g. amphiphilic organic molecules, amphiphilic metalosurfactants) and films of macromolecules (e.g. enzymes, polymers) adsorbed on electrode surfaces, Studies of the relationship between functions of molecular assemblies and their structure, Application of in situ structure analyzing techniques such as infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy to the electrochemical interface, Application of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study surface composition of films adsorbed of solid surfaces

Activity at CNBCh UW:

Lecturing on x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Discussion of results of a cooperation project on electrochemical and structural studies of model lipid bilayers obtained in the groups of Prof. Sek and Dr. Brand, Preparation of a manuscript on electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopic studies of potential driven changes in models of cell membranes of bacteria.

CNBCh UW Research Group:

Laboratory of Surface Science headed by Prof. Dr. Slawomir Sek.

Date of stay:

1^st April – 15 April 2019

professor Horst Vogel

University:

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques (ISIC)

Country:

Switzerland

Activity at Home University:

Professor of Biophysical Chemistry. Investigating cellular signaling using biophysical techniques including micro- and nanotechnologies, single-molecule spectroscopy and microscopy, structural biology (X-ray diffraction and cryo-electron microscopy) and molecular modelling. We concentrate on elucidating the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins such as G protein coupled receptors and channel proteins.

Activity at CNBCh UW:

Lecturing on Cellular biochemical networks (CNBCh) and on Structure and Dynamics of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels (Tri-Bio-Chem programme). Consulting projects on Modelling Structure and Dynamics of Membrane Proteins in the Laboratory of Biomodelling headed by Professor Slawomir Filipek.

CNBCh UW Research Group:

Laboratory of Biomodelling headed by Professor Slawomir Filipek.

Date of stay:

25 February – 2 March 2019

Activities:

professor Ben Luisi

University:
University of Cambridge
Department of Biochemistry

Country:

United Kingdom, Cambridge

Activity at Home University:

Professor of structural biology, studies regulation of RNA metabolism and membrane transporters in bacteria. Elected as EMBO member and Faculty of 1000, multiple laureate of Wellcome Trust grants and holder of ERC Advanced Grant. He established a modern platform for CryoEM and CryoET at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge.He was a PhD student of Max Perutz – Nobel laureate in chemistry in 1962 – in whose laboratory he worked on the structure of hemoglobin in LMB MRC in Cambridge together with Kiyoshi Nagai. He also studied protein-DNA interactions under the direction of Paul Sigler at the Yale University.

Activity at CNBCh UW: Professor, as a consultant of projects „Proteolysis-targeting strategies in bacterial systems for the development of antibiotics” and „Core facility for crystallographic and biophysical research to support the development of medicinal products”, joins the Structural Biology Group headed by Dr. Maria Górna and the Laboratory for Structural and Biochemical Research (LBSBio), headed by Professor Krzysztof Woźniak.

CNBCh UW Research Group: Structural Biology Group, Laboratory for Structural and Biochemical Research (LBSBio)

Date of stay: 4-9 March 2019

Activities:

dr Hanna Silvennoinen

University: Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, Research group of Soil Quality and Climate Change

Country: Norway

Activity at Home University: Dr. Silvennoinen is a biogeochemist interested in carbon and nitrogen cycles and their regulation from micro- to ecosystem scale. She is currently working on multiple projects involving peatlands and organic soils.

Activity at CNBCh UW: Dr. Silvennoinen will work together with researchers at the Department of Plant Ecology and Environmental Conservation on data processing and interpretation of results from GHG concentration essay at Polish peatlands.On the 19th of December, at 1p.m. in Aula B, Dr. Silvennoinen will deliver a seminar: „Climate and peatlands – global challenge from artic to tropic”.

Hobby: hiking, skiing, literature

professor Richard Spontak

University: North Carolina State University, Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Country: USA, Raleigh

Activity at Home University: Dr. Spontak’s research interests include effects of homo/copolymer blending, molecular architecture, monomer sequencing, and solvation on the phase behavior of microstructural polymer systems.

Activity at CNBCh UW: Prof.Spontak is a consultant of the project „Innovative Nanostructured Functional Materials by Combinatorial Methods of Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers”. On the 25th of October, at 4p.m. professor will deliver a seminar:
„Photodynamic: Polymers as Comprehensive Self-Sterilizing Materials: Staying Ahead of a Growing Global Threat” at CNBCh UW. Prof. will also deliver a series of lectures for students at the UW Faculty of Chemistry

Hobby: Literature, History of the Middle-earth