Introduce yourself to the ‘Meet the Students’ page to discover the PhD talents driving the PRISMAS project forward. Get to know these bright minds from diverse Swedish universities, each making innovative strides in synchrotron methods and applications.
Students Gothenburg University
Wan WEI
University of Gothenburg, Sweden
I am a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg. My research focuses on investigating aerosol surface processes and chemistry using APXPS. I will work with Alexander Klyushin to develop a new cryo-surface holder at the SPECIES beamline to facilitate studies in this field.
Email: wan.wei@gu.se
Students Karlstad University
Athulya Mayadevi
Karlstad University, Sweden
Topology of Ultra Thin Metal Films on Semiconductors
I’m Athulya, a PhD student in Physics at the Department of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University. I have a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Physics. My current research focuses on the atomic-scale morphology and electronic band properties of metal films on technologically and scientifically relevant substrates. By combining techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for real-space imaging and angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) for electronic structure mapping, I explore the growth mechanisms, electronic band properties, phase transitions, and other quantum size effects of the systems under study.
Email: athulya.mayadevi@kau.se
Shahna Mysin Kadakkotteeri
Karlstad University, Sweden
Soft X-ray spectroscopy study of molecular semiconductors for durable organic photovoltaics
Hi, I’m Shahna Mysin. I hold a BS/MS dual degree with a major in physics and a minor in chemistry, with experience in materials science and spectroscopy. Currently, I am a doctoral student in physics at the Department of Engineering and Physics at Karlstad University. My research focuses on understanding how the sample environment affects the photodegradation of organic semiconductor (OSC) materials, with the goal of improving device lifetime using soft X-ray spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS), and Resonant Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ResPES).
Email: shahna.mysin.k@kau.se
Students from Luleå University of Technology
Almoataz Algazzar
Luleå University, Sweden
Synchrotron-assited Investigation of Polymers Multi-scale Structure during Tribo-test
I am conducting interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding the relationship between polymer structure and tribological behavior. My work includes the development of a novel in situ tribo-SWAXS system for advanced polymer characterization. My academic background is Mechanical Engineering (BSc., Egypt) and Industrial Engineering (Erasmus+ MSc, Italy and Spain).
Email:
almoataz.algazzar@ltu.se
Students from Lund University
Nishant Patel
Lund University, Sweden
Operando X-ray spectroscopy of semiconductor nanostructure devices
My expertise lies in Chemistry and Material Science, with a focus on in-situ X-ray Absorption spectroscopy of zeolites for the conversion of lighter alkanes. I’m currently involved in the PRISMAS project, which centers on Operando X-ray characterization of semiconductor nanostructure devices.
Email: nishant.patel@sljus.lu.se
Antonios Myridakis
Lund University, Sweden
I am a highly motivated young researcher who wishes to study fungi and their interactions with soil and other microorganisms. For my PhD project I will investigate how peatland ditching affects the mobilization of dissolved organic carbon and iron to surface waters, with an emphasis on the role on fungal communities on this process.
Email: antonios.myridakis@biol.lu.se
Gayathri Yuvaraj
Lund University, Sweden
Development and applications of quantum refinement for time-resolved crystallography
My expertise lies in computational chemistry, with a focus on developing and applying advanced computational methods to bridge the gap between theory and experiment. I work with time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography, which is basically science’s way of saying: crystals don’t like sitting still, and their data gets really messy. My job? To untangle that mess. I do this by combining quantum mechanics (the ultimate rulebook of atoms) with crystallographic data, so we can actually see what molecules are up to in real time. Think of me as a molecular detective, solving structural mysteries at the quantum level.
Email: gayathri.yuvaraj@compchem.lu.se
Evelina Gorjatšova
Lund University, Sweden
Closing the Loop: Chemical Speciation using XAS a Key for Safe Secondary Use of Materials
My background is in chemistry, specializing in analytical chemistry during my master’s in Amsterdam. I am a PhD student at Lund University in the division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology. My project is focused on investigating chemical forms of trace metals in the residual waste streams and in products from secondary materials using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Email: evelina.gorjatsova@design.lth.se
Nitisha Narendra Gurav
Lund University, Sweden
With a background in Pharmacy and Biotechnology, specialising in protein purification, I am a doctoral student at the Department of Experimental Medical Science. My research employs time-resolved X-ray crystallography to elucidate the mechanism of Urocanate reductase, potentially uncovering a new therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes treatment.
Email:
nitisha_narendra.gurav@med.lu.se
Hariprasad Parayil Kalapurackal
Lund University, Sweden
Time-resolved APXPS for the investigation of atomic layer deposition
Hej! I’m Hari, a PhD student at the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research in the Department of Physics at Lund University. I have a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Physics and have previously worked with polymers, nanoparticles, and thin films. My goal is to blend my interdisciplinary research interests with my physics studies. Currently, I’m focusing on using time-resolved ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) to investigate atomic layer deposition.
Email:
hariprasad.p@sljus.lu.se
Harihara Subramanian Ramesh
Lund University, Sweden
Hi! I’m Hari, a PhD student at the Division of Industrial Production in the Department of Industrial and Mechanical Sciences, LTH at Lund University. I have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Sustainable Systems Engineering with a focus on sustainable materials. My goal is to study, using X-ray diffraction, the effects of thermal and oxidative degradation on the performance of coated ultrahard cutting tool materials (cubic boron nitride, cBN). These new materials will push towards more sustainable machining applications, replacing traditional materials like cemented carbide which contains critical raw materials like W (Tungsten) and Co (Cobalt).
Email:
harihara_subramanian.ramesh@iprod.lth.se
Nguyen Khai Hoang Nguyen
Lund University, Sweden
Multiscale dynamics of nano-cellulose materials using unique Rheo-SWAXS techniques at MAX IV
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Email:
nguyen.khai_hoang_nguyen@chem.lu.se
Shah Zareen
Lund University, Sweden
Event-averaged and time-resolved ambient-pressure XPS as a new tool to study catalysis
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Email:
shah.zareen@sljus.lu.se
Xiaopian Tian
Lund University, Sweden
Liquid-liquid phase separation mediated by phosphorylated intrinsically disordered proteins
I’m a PhD student at Lund University, and my background is computational structural biology and computational chemistry. My future project will focus on the intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), coarse-grained simulation and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.
Email:
xiaopian.tian@compchem.lu.se
Yashar Ahmadyar
Lund University, Sweden
I am a PhD student in Medical Radiation Physics at Lund University and MAX IV Laboratory, where I focus on developing advanced X-ray imaging techniques for biomedical research. My current project aims to enhance high-resolution 3D visualization of biological tissues by combining energy-dispersive X-ray phase-contrast tomography with conventional histology. Before moving to Sweden, I completed my academic training in Iran with a background in medical radiation physics, where I developed a solid foundation in both imaging science and clinical applications.
Email:
yashar.ahmadyar_razlighi@med.lu.se
Yazareth Peña Rodriguez
Lund University, Sweden
Aerosol particle surface characterization in-situ for enhanced atmospheric science
I am a PhD student at the department of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology at Lund University. The overarching theme of my research project is real-time physicochemical aerosol measurement of relevance for public health and climate. Secondary organic aerosol will be investigated through surface specific X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy at MAX IV by means of the Aerosol Sample Delivery System (ASDS). An aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) will be used to complement the surface measurement with particle bulk physicochemical characterisation.
Email:
yazareth.pena_rodriguez@design.lth.se
Students from Malmö University
Debarati Ghosh
Malmö University, Sweden
Structure and dynamics of solid-sate formulations of biologics
With a strong foundation in Pharmaceutics and extensive experience as a formulation scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. at the Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, focusing on the characterization and dynamics of solid-state formulation of biologics, where I shall study the interactions of proteins and probiotics with excipients and residual water in solid-state formulations. This work is part of the esteemed PRISMAS programme (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND) through which I aim to enhance the development of more effective medicines by applying the knowledge and skills I will gain during my studies.
Email:
debarati.ghosh@mau.se
Pedro Henrique Arantes Moya
Malmö University, Sweden
Misfit strain detection in precipitate hardening alloys by Bragg coherent diffraction imaging
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Email:
Pedro.moya@mau.se
Philip Miguel Kofoed
Malmö University, Sweden
Combining spectroscopy and diffraction for operando studies of complex oxides
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Email:
miguel.kofoed@mau.se
Students from Stockholm University
Iason Andronis
Stockholm University, Sweden
Resolving microsecond nanoscale fluctuations with X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy at MAX IV
I am from Greece and my name is pronounced “Ee-a-son”. I am a PhD student in the Structural Dynamics of Aqueous Solutions group at Fysikum, Stockholm University. My research focuses on the structure and thermodynamics of aqueous solutions under supercooled conditions, with the goal of probing the hypothesized second critical point of water. To achieve this, I primarily use small and wide-angle x-ray scattering, at free-electron lasers and synchrotrons, together with molecular dynamics simulations. Through this integration of experimental and computational approaches, I aim to advance our understanding of critical phenomena and phase transitions in complex liquids.
Email:
iason.andronis@fysik.su.se
Prajakta Manal
Stockholm University, Sweden
A doctoral student at Stockholm University, Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (SUSMATCHEM-MMK group) with an Inorganic Chemistry background, my expertise lies in Materials and Sustainable Chemistry, which involves synthesizing and characterizing materials with microscopic and spectroscopic tools such as FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and FT-IR. Being part of the prestigious PRISMAS program student my research is focused on the synthesis of Lignin-metal nanoparticles and the investigation of their structural and morphological properties as they form, using a Synchrotron light source and small-angle X-ray scattering.
Email:
prajakta.manal@mmk.su.se
Senuri Kumarage
Stockholm University, Sweden
With a solid foundation in biodegradable polymers and nanomaterials synthesis, acquired through my undergraduate and master’s research, I specialize in developing sustainable materials from bio-based sources. My PhD research focuses on utilizing nanocellulose-based materials for water treatment applications, aiming to uncover surface interactions, structural dynamics, and chemistry through in-situ studies using synchrotron techniques, under the guidance of Professor Aji P. Mathew at Stockholm University.
Email:
senuri.kumarage@mmk.su.se
Julian Marius Ludäscher
Stockholm University, Sweden
Structure-based fragment screening targeting Cancer
I am German and did my Bachelor and Master of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Greifswald, Germany, specialising in structural biology. My PhD in Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, focuses on structure-based development of anticancer drugs, including various biochemical methods, but especially structural biology, e.g. high-throughput crystallographic fragment screening at MAX IV, Lund.
Email:
julian.ludascher@dbb.su.se
Hirad Salari
Stockholm University, Sweden
I have B.Sc. and M.Sc. in materials science and engineering from university of Tehran and my area of expertise was on the electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells. Currently, I am a PhD student in the context of PRISMAS program and at the Stockholm University working on fundamental evaluation of electrocatalyst materials for CO2 reduction reaction.
Email:
Hirad.salari@fysik.su.se
Keqin Yin
Stockholm University, Sweden
Spectroscopic and geometric characterization of high-valent dinuclear metalloprotein intermediates
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Email:
Keqing.yin@dbb.su.se
Safiya Ahsan
Stockholm University, Sweden
Nanoscale domain fluctuations in functional materials from X-ray photon correlations
With a master’s degree in Nanotechnology and Physical Chemistry, I am currently a PhD student in Chemical Physics at the Department of Physics, Stockholm University. My research focuses on advancing X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) methods to access faster time scales using highly coherent beams at MAX IV and advanced detectors. I investigate magnetic fluctuations in systems such as thin-film antiferromagnets and high-temperature superconductors. Through this work, I aim to deepen our understanding of complex relaxation behavior in nanoscale systems while continuously expanding my expertise in synchrotron-based techniques and scientific programming.
Email:
safiya.ahsan@fysik.su.se
Students from Uppsala University
Ouassim Hocine Hafiani
Uppsala University, Sweden
Radiosensitization for radiation therapy – X-ray induced fragmentation in DNA
Hey! I’m Ouassim, a new PhD student at Uppsala University. My background in radiation and medical physics, plus my experience in clinical radiotherapy, has ignited my passion for projects like PRISMAS. My research focuses on using high-Z biomolecules to boost radiation doses within tumor cells. This has the potential to improve patient outcomes and treatment precision – something I’m truly driven by. I’m thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking work within PRISMAS and at Max IV Laboratory.
Email:
ouassim.hocine@physics.uu.se
Daniel Rainer
Uppsala University, Sweden
Using NanoMAX to understand Additive manufacturing of rare-earth-free permanent magnets
Back home in Austria, I studied Materials Science at Montanuniversität Leoben. As a student worker I gained experience with characterization of steels and coatings. A big part of my work dealt with Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and the corresponding data analysis. In my current PRISMAS project, I am exploring the potential of using laser powder bed fusion to fabricate rare-earth-free permanent magnets. The goal is to deepen the knowledge in controlling the anisotropic properties which is crucial to optimize the magnetic performance and to fabricate a more sustainable alternative to traditional rare-earth magnets. I will mainly work with laser powder bed fusion, microscopy (SEM, EBSD/EDS, TEM) as well as x-ray diffraction and more sophisticated methods such as x-ray nanoprobe imaging and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD).
Email:
daniel.rainer@kemi.uu.se
Varun Raj Damerla
Uppsala University, Sweden
In-situ corrosion in complex alloys
I am a PRISMAS PhD student at Uppsala University in the department of Physics and Astronomy within the division of X-ray Photon Science. My research is based on the study of corrosion of alloys using a combination of in-situ Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (AP-XPS) and electrochemical methods.
Email:
varun.damerla@physics.uu.se
Philip Ullmann
Uppsala University, Sweden
Structure-guided design of antiviral agents targeting coronaviruses
After completing my Master’s at the University of Heidelberg and the EMBL in Molecular Biosciences, I joined the PRISMAS program to study structure determination methods and computational prediction of protein-ligand binding.
My doctoral thesis will be focused on exploring compound interactions in enzymatic binding pockets. I will combine the structural information from the BioMax beamline at MAXIV with the development of computational methods to efficiently iterate through chemical space accelerating Fragment-Based Drug Discovery.
Email:
philip.ullmann@icm.uu.se
German Jose Alejandro Alvarez Carrero
Uppsala University, Sweden
Hej! My name is German and I’m part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Ångström Laboratory, working at the Institute of Solid State Physics. I did my bachelors in Chemistry at the University of Antioquia, Colombia where I worked developing carbonaceous materials as bifunctional electrocatalysts for metal-air batteries. I’m affiliated with the CoSAXS beamline and nowadays my work is mostly focused on in-operando studies of batteries using X-Ray scattering techniques.
Email:
german.alvarez_carrero@angstrom.uu.se
Umida Rayimjonova
Uppsala University, Sweden
Quantum properties of direct-Chemical vapor Deposited two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures
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Email:
umidakhon.rayimjonova@physics.uu.se
Students from Umeå University
Jeenu Jegy
Umeå University, Sweden
How could oxidation state and local structure of chromium affect strategies for phosphorus recovery?
My background is in Physics during my master’s. I am a PhD student at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University. My research focuses on synchrotron-based studies for the determination of oxidation state of chromium that may impact phosphorus recovery from ashes or biochars.
Email:
jeenu.jegy@umu.se
Fatemeh Sabzian Molaei
Umeå University, Sweden
I hold a Master’s degree in Biophysics and am currently a PhD student in Biophysical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University. My research focuses on the structural dynamics of membrane proteins, with a particular emphasis on P-type ATPases.
I use a combination of synchrotron-based time-resolved X-ray solution scattering and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how lipid-protein interactions and drug compounds influence the structure and function of P-type ATPases at the molecular level.
Email:
fatemeh.sabzian@umu.se