Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

MMD team

Members of the Multifunctional Materials Design research group

MMD research group 20220615_2.jpg — MMD research group 30/06/2022

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Research group members:

More information about research group members

Prof. Jaana Vapaavuori

D.Sc. (Applied physics), Assistant Professor in Functional Materials, MMD research group leader

Background: Prof. Vapaavuori received her PhD in Applied Physics in 2013 under supervision of Prof. Arri Priimägi and Prof. Matti Kaivola. During years 2014-2019, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at multiple locations in Canada, the most important being the groups of Prof. Geraldine Bazuin and Prof. Christian Pellerin at University of Montreal, as well as groups of Prof. Emily Cranston and Prof. Jose Moran-Mirabal at McMaster University. During her postdoctoral career she was recipient of many highly-competitive fellowships, such as Excellent International Postdoctoral Fellow of Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologies.
Research area: Multifunctional materials with emphasis on sustainability and circular economy aspects. Prof. Vapaavuori’s research interests involve developing new designed materials for light-controllable nanostructures, liquid crystals, multifunctional porous materials, biomaterial-based light management layers for photovoltaics and sustainable material solutions for electrochemical devices.
Accomplishments: She leads the Multifunctional Materials Design Group, established in 2019. She has received multiple recognitions, such as Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (Canada), the Young Researcher of the Year 2020 award of Finnish Foundation of Technology Promotion, ERC Starting grant of European Research Council, and she is also the leader of a Nordic Network beyond e-Textiles. ‬
Hobbies: Jaana enjoys both practicing and following performances of contemporary – especially improvisation-based – dance. She is also a passionate gardener as well as wild mushroom and plant collector 😊
Contact information: [email protected]

Postdoctoral researchers

Fevzihan Basarir

Dr., Marie Curie Fellow (Senior Researcher)

Background: Dr. Basarir is working as Marie Curie Fellow in the ‘Multifunctional Materials Design’ research group. He is a materials chemist specialized in nanomaterials and their applications in electronic devices. After graduating from Chemical Engineering Department of Middle East Technical University, he obtained his MSc degree in polymer science and PhD degree in nanotechnology from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea. After obtaining his PhD degree, he joined Materials Institute of TUBITAK Marmara Research Center. During this period, he was involved in 11 national and international projects as project manager, work package leader or researcher. He is one of the founders of ‘Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Bioelectronics Center of Excellence’ which was supported by the Turkish Ministry of Development.
Dr. Basarir has experience of working in different R&D positions in textile, plastic, and chemical industry. Based on his R&D efforts, he has commercialized several key products. Dr. Basarir has published 3 patents, 28 SCI articles and 2 book chapters.
Research area: His current project is aiming to create a wearable sensor system that could be used for continuous monitoring of hypothermia in elderly people. Ageing makes an individual susceptible to hypothermia, as one’s body loses heat faster than it can be produced, and this may lead to a dangerously low body temperature. His solution would enable care for the elderly in private homes with the help of wearable sensors based on cellulose hydrogel and metallic nanowires, which measure ECG signal, skin temperature and muscle activities. The average age of the Europe’s population is growing year by year, constantly increasing the need for healthcare innovations in elderly care.
Hobbies: reading, movies, swimming
Contact information: [email protected]

Swarnalok De

D.Sc., Postdoctoral Researcher

Background: Dr. De obtained M.Sc. degree in Microbial Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur, India). He was selected to Erasmus Mundus BRAVE-Program (Plant Virology in the new era – Breeding for resistance) and did his PhD on plant virology as a student of the Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences (DPPS) at the University of Helsinki in 2014-2019 (Plant-Virus Interactions group). The major focus of his doctoral research was to understand the molecular mechanisms behind different roles potyviral silencing suppressor HCPro plays during PVA infection cycle. 
In 2020 Dr. De received a one-year postdoctoral grant from The Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation and joined the ‘Multifunctional Materials Design’ research group to study material science aspects of potato virus A nanoparticles.
Research area: Producing functional nano-structures with potato virus A particles via various self-assembly techniques (virus nanotechnology).
Accomplishments: researchportal.helsinki.fi ; ORCID
Hobbies: traveling, music, trying different foods, watching movies etc.
Contact information: [email protected]

Petri Murto

Ph.D., Academy Research Fellow

Background: Doctoral degree (double degree; 2019): PhD in Chemistry (Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers and Small Molecules for Organic Light-Emitting Devices and Photodetectors) at Flinders University; PhD in Materials Science (Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers and Small Molecules for Organic Light-Emitting Devices and Photodetectors) at Chalmers University of Technology
Research area: Organic chemistry, Synthetic chemistry, Semiconductors, Organic radicals, Optoelectronics | Research project: RADICHEM2 (Organic RADIcals as electroCHEMical and photoCHEMical energy materials)
Accomplishments: ORCID
Hobbies:
Contact information: [email protected]

Pedro Silva. Photo by Maija Vaara & Mithila Mohan / Aalto University — Photo: Maija Vaara & Mithila Mohan / Aalto University

Pedro E. S. Silva

Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher

Background: Ph.D. Silva received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Physics (2008 and 2010 respectively) and a Ph.D. in Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (2018) at the University of Aveiro. He continued as a postdoc at the NOVA University Lisbon in 2018-2021. Starting from June 1st, 2021 Silva has been conducting his research as a postdoc in the MMD research group at Aalto University.
Research area: Structural, functional and smart materials (with a focus on the bioinspired design of macro- and microscopic structures with helical architectures)
Accomplishments: ORCID
Hobbies: When not in the lab, Pedro likes to play music, running and long walks.
Contact information: [email protected] ; https://pedrosilva.page/

Doctoral researchers

Hamidreza Daghigh Shirazi

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: He obtained his M.Sc. degree in Functional Materials from Aalto University. During his M.Sc. studies, Hamidreza joined Prof. Simo-Pekka Hannula's lab, gaining experience in a wide range of topics, from synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures for solar-cell applications to additive manufacturing, and did his M.Sc. thesis on filter media for Outotec company. During his doctoral studies, his research has aimed to improve the efficiency and lifetime of solar cells by using bio-based materials. In the meanwhile, he has supervised B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses of Aalto University students, and currently, Hamidreza takes inspiration from nature to conduct his research on the fabrication of multifunctional materials.
Research area: research.aalto.fi
Accomplishments: M.Sc. Daghigh Shirazi was selected to receive FinnCERES Biomaterial Economy funding for his doctoral research at Aalto School of Chemical Engineering, Finland. In 2024, he was awarded a mobility grant by Walter Ahlström Foundation to conduct research in EPFL, Switzerland. Earlier in 2021, he received FinnCERES GoGlobal funding for conducting research on nanocellulose films at RISE, Sweden. His publications and work outcomes can be found at: Google Scholar
Hobbies: playing musical instruments, badminton, and choir singing
Contact information: [email protected]

Reima Herrala

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Herrala obtained his Master’s degree in Functional Materials at Aalto University. Areas that he is most familiar with are electrochemistry and microfabrication.
Research area: M.Sc. Herrala’s current research project is EARMetal which combines hydrometallurgy and functional surfaces. The aim is to use noble metals directly from industrial waste streams to functionalize surfaces.
Hobbies: cooking
Contact information: [email protected]

Matteo Iannacchero

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Iannacchero completed his Master’s Degree in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Milan (Italy) in 2021. His thesis about biopolymers and materials such as nanocellulose, gelatin and collagen, was carried out in collaboration with Uppsala University (Sweden) thanks to the Erasmus programme.
Research area: M.Sc. Iannacchero’s current project AI-yarn combines lab experiments and machine learning techniques to improve final properties of functional fibers for e-textiles by optimizing their starting conditions.
Hobbies: trekking, psychology books, animes, board games, videogames and role-playing games
Contact information: [email protected]

Anna May Inzenhofer

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: B.Sc. in Life Sciences (University of Konstanz), M.Sc. in Chemistry (University of Amsterdam)
Research area: Biomass-derived electrodes for electrodeposition of low concentration metals from industrial side streams to be used for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction. This project is a collaboration between MMD and Prof. Lundström’s Hydrometallurgy & Corrosion group and is funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture to boost the number of doctorates in the field of circular bio-economy (CIMANET).
Contact information: [email protected]

Geyandraprasath Karunakaran

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: Finished my bachelor’s in chemical engineering at Anna University (2021) India, in my bachelor’s I worked on the extraction of various forms of cellulose from agricultural waste (coffee husk) and did my master’s degree in chemical engineering & Bioengineering at University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia, during master’s I worked in the preparation of polymeric nanofibers and used in drug delivery applications.
Research area: My current work is to prepare squeezable/moldable bio-degradable sound absorbent materials that can be used for ear plugs.
Accomplishments: Google Scholar
Hobbies: volleyball, trekking, anime, cooking
Contact information: [email protected]

Marike Langhans

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background and research area: After graduating from high school, I first completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter and worked in this profession before I decided to study wood. The Bachelor's degree (University of Hamburg) aroused my interest in wood chemistry. I further deepened my interest in lignocellulose chemistry during my Master's degree, which I completed with my thesis on dyeing Ioncell textile fibres with pigments. In the next few years, I will pursue a PhD to study biomaterials and especially biowaste-based porous acoustic materials.
Contact information: [email protected]

Zahraalsadat Madani

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: Fiber and polymer engineering
Research area: M.Sc. Madani’s research interests include polymer engineering, bio-based materials, smart textiles, and artificial muscles. She is a PhD student working in the ‘Beyond e-Textiles' project, and her current research is focused on developing novel yarn actuators for smart textile applications.
Contact information: [email protected]

Mithila Mohan

MA, Project Employee

Background: MA in Textile Design (Aalto University), Weaving and Material Designer, Freelance Surface and Print Designer
Research area: Polymer Actuators, Textile integration of polymer actuators through weaving. Specializing in weave structures and material studies focusing on designing 3D woven textiles.
Accomplishments: Third Prize, The 14th Istanbul 2021 iTHiB International Fabric Design Contest, Turkey * Finalist in Dorothy Waxman Competition, 2019, New York * Exhibited ‘Language of Weaves’ at Talking Textiles, New York * Exhibited ‘Woven Memories’ at Röhsska Museum, Gothenburg, Sweden *
Exhibited ‘Floral Disperse’ as a part of apprenticeship at Fabric Workshop and Museum, Philadelphia
Hobbies: Free time is mostly spent amongst plants and flowers, inadvertent adventures with her bike, playing with dogs, painting, reading and occasionally transferring thoughts to written verses. Love for old textiles, books and furniture leads to endless meandering through flea markets and vintage stores. Also, a committed devotee of luxurious naps and good coffee.
Contact information: [email protected]

Maryam Mousavi. Photo by Maija Vaara & Mithila Mohan / Aalto University — Photo: Maija Vaara & Mithila Mohan / Aalto University

Seyede Maryam Mousavi

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Mousavi started her PhD programme at Aalto University in May 2021. Previously she got her Bachelor's degree from Zanjan University (Iran) in 2017 and completed her Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University (Iran) in 2019. Her Master’s programme was devoted to fabrication and lifetime improvement of perovskite (MAPbI3- based) solar cells. After the fabrication of efficient devices, solar cells lifetime improvement was achieved by using a solid-solid phase change material inside the absorber layer.
Research area: M.Sc. Mousavi’s research interests mainly consist of photovoltaics, optoelectrical devices, as well as advanced materials. Her PhD programme focuses on fabrication of efficient and durable perovskite solar cells through interlayer engineering and aims at understanding how photoswitchable molecules can help the UV and thermal stability of perovskite solar cell devices.
Accomplishments: In 2021 M.Sc. Mousavi received a personal grant from Fortum and Neste Foundation to conduct and continue her research in perovskite solar cells research area. In addition to submitting two manuscripts, in 2019 she participated in writing a comprehensive review about the stability of perovskite solar cells (DOI: 10.1039/C8TA10444A).
Hobbies: In her free time Maryam enjoys being silly with her friends and sisters, as well as cooking and dancing.
Contact information: [email protected] ; LinkedIn

Divya Shaju

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Divya began her PhD studies with the Multifunctional Materials Design (MMD) research group in October 2024. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in physics at Mahatma Gandhi University (2021) and master’s degree in physics at Cochin University of Science and Technology (2023). Her master’s project titled “Growth and characterization of tin-based perovskite thin films for photovoltaic applications” was done at Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) in Indian Institute of Science (IISc) under the supervision of Dr. Aditya Sadhanala. After her graduation, she joined Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science as a project assistant, working on a project in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Research area: Development of solar cell substrates and encapsulation strategies for enhancing perovskite solar cell lifetime.
Hobbies: movies, music, reading
Contact information: [email protected]

Elizaveta Sovdagarova

M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background:
Research area: research project 'ModelCom'
Accomplishments:
Hobbies:
Contact information: [email protected]

Maija Vaara

M.Ed., Project Employee

Background: Craft teacher and maker, freelancer writer and layout designer
Research area: Polymer actuators
Accomplishments: Armahimmat varšišomaset – Vienalaisten naisten kansanpukuja ja elämäntarinoita (book about folk costumes and life stories of Viena women)
Hobbies: hiking, pottery, reading, photography
Contact information: [email protected]

Marie Vihmar

MA, Visiting Doctoral Researcher

Background: I have graduated BA in cultural heritage and restoration of Textiles and MA in textile design from the Estonian Academy of arts and now doing a PhD in research group focused on soft and material-level robotics at the University of Tartu. Before joining the PhD program, I worked mainly on projects related to design (including a year in Brooklyn Fashion+ Design accelerator in New York City). I have been teaching in the Estonian Academy of Arts and organizing material-oriented exhibitions compiling science and design/art-based projects.
Research area: I am an interdisciplinary researcher working with (textile) materials physically and conceptually. My primary interest lies in the intersection of design, material research and cultural heritage. I am currently pursuing a PhD focused on embodied intelligence and how it reflects in robot embodiments. As a designer, I am interested in creating material design artefacts as well as critical concepts for speculative technologies. I am participating in exhibitions and lectures about the sustainability and influence of new materials influence the field of design and technology.
Accomplishments: Published articles:
-Vihmar, M., Valdur, K., Banerji, S., & Must, I. (2023). How to measure embodied intelligence? IOP Conference Series Materials Science and Engineering, 1292(1), 012002 (DOI)
-M. Vihmar and I. Must, "Wood-Based Hygromorphic Robots Mastered in Ten Minutes, Fostering Ideation Through Tangible Coding," 2024 IEEE 7th International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), San Diego, CA, USA, 2024, pp. 839-844 (DOI)
Hobbies: If I´m not busy with Herman (my 4-old son), I also really enjoy running, yoga and books.
Contact information: [email protected] ; LinkedIn; Instagram

Project Coordinator

Giulnara Launonen

M.S.Sc., Project Coordinator

Background: - Master of Social Sciences in Cultural Policy (Major in Social and Public Policy), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), 2015-2019;
- Specialist degree in Crisis Management (Qualification: Economist, General Manager), Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University "LETI" (St. Petersburg, Russia), 2004-2009.
Professional area and interests: project coordination, PR & communications, digital marketing, developing digital materials, social media, event management; sustainable development, circular economy; technology and innovations; intercultural relations
Hobbies: travelling, music, movies, yoga, reading, cooking, photography
Contact information: [email protected] ; LinkedIn

Jaana Vapaavuori, D.Sc. (Applied physics), Assistant Professor in Functional Materials, MMD research group leader

Yazan Al Haj, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Al Haj received his B.Sc. degree (2016) in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Sharjah (UOS), UAE. In 2019, he obtained his M.Sc. degree in the field of Energy Storage and Conversion Engineering from Chonbuk National University (CBNU), South Korea.
Research area: M.Sc. Al Haj’s research interests focus on the synthesis and development of cellulose-based nanocomposites and their application in energy conversion, energy storage, and luminescence fields. Currently he is developing nanocellulose-based hydrogels/aerogels extracted from common biowaste for supercapacitors and batteries. In addition, he is working on the synthesis of transparent and luminescent nanocellulose-based films.
Accomplishments: Google Scholar ‬
Hobbies: traveling, playing and watching football, working out, and video games
Contact information: [email protected]

Fevzihan Basarir, Dr., Marie Curie Fellow (Senior Researcher)

Ligen Cha, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Environmental Engineering (China)
Research area: M.Sc. Cha’s current research is related to wastewater treatment and resources recovery.
Accomplishments:
-Cha L, Wu Y, Fang P. Preparation of Fe crosslinked-oxidized-sodium-alginate modified electrode and its detection of lead [J]. Applied Chemical Industry (Chinese), 2018, 47(2):416
-Wu Y, Cha L, Fan Y, et al. Activated Biochar Prepared by Pomelo Peel Using H3PO4 for the Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium: Performance and Mechanism [J]. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2017, 228(10):405.
Hobbies: riding bike, reading
Contact information: [email protected]

Hamidreza Daghigh Shirazi, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Daghigh Shirazi started his PhD studies in the Multifunctional Materials Design (MMD) research group in September 2020. He obtained his B.Sc. degree in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from the University of Tehran, which was followed by a M.Sc. degree with a major in Functional Materials from Aalto University. During his M.Sc. studies, Hamidreza had the privilege of working in the Advanced Functional Materials (AFM) group under the supervision of Prof. Simo-Pekka Hannula, gaining experience in a wide range of topics, from synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures for solar-cell applications to additive manufacturing, and doing his M.Sc. thesis in an industry-related project focusing on filter media at the request of Outotec Oyj. Currently, Hamidreza is conducting research on improving the efficiency and lifetime of solar cells and other optoeletronics by biopolymer-based light management layers, and in the meanwhile, he has supervised B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses of Aalto University students.
Research area: https://research.aalto.fi/en/persons/hamidreza-daghigh-shirazi
Accomplishments: M.Sc. Daghigh Shirazi was selected to receive FinnCERES Biomaterial economy funding for his doctoral research at Aalto CHEM (School of Chemical Engineering). He published his first PhD article in the esteemed journal of 'ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces' in March 2021. His publications and work outcomes can be found at: Google Scholar.
Hobbies: playing musical instruments, volleyball, 3D-printing, comedy show
Contact information: [email protected]

Swarnalok De, D.Sc., Postdoctoral Researcher

Background: Dr. De obtained M.Sc. degree in Microbial Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur, India). He was selected to Erasmus Mundus BRAVE-Program (Plant Virology in the new era – Breeding for resistance) and did his PhD on plant virology as a student of the Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences (DPPS) at the University of Helsinki in 2014-2019 (Plant-Virus Interactions group). The major focus of his doctoral research was to understand the molecular mechanisms behind different roles potyviral silencing suppressor HCPro plays during PVA infection cycle. 
In 2020 Dr. De received a one-year postdoctoral grant from The Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation and joined the ‘Multifunctional Materials Design’ research group to study material science aspects of potato virus A nanoparticles.
Research area: Producing functional nano-structures with potato virus A particles via various self-assembly techniques (virus nanotechnology).
Accomplishments: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/de-swarnalok/publications/ ; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9705-9946
Hobbies: traveling, music, trying different foods, watching movies etc.
Contact information: [email protected]

Yujiao Dong, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: MSc degree (Major in Functional Materials); MSc thesis focused on the microcrystalline cellulose applied in controlled drug delivery.
Research area: Functional Materials; Photo-active materials; Aerogel materials
Accomplishments: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yujiao-Dong
Contact information: [email protected]; LinkedIn

Reima Herrala, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Matteo Iannacchero, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Iannacchero completed his Master’s Degree in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Milan (Italy) in 2021. His thesis about biopolymers and materials such as nanocellulose, gelatin and collagen, was carried out in collaboration with Uppsala University (Sweden) thanks to the Erasmus programme.
Research area: M.Sc. Iannacchero’s current project AIyarn combines lab experiments and machine learning techniques to improve final properties of functional fibers for e-textiles by optimizing their starting conditions.
Hobbies: trekking, psychology books, animes, board games, videogames and role-playing games.
Contact information: [email protected]

Marike Langhans, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Giulnara Launonen, M.S.Sc., Project Coordinator

Background: - Master of Social Sciences in Cultural Policy (Major in Social and Public Policy), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), 2015-2019;
- Specialist degree in Crisis Management (Qualification: Economist, General Manager), Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University "LETI" (St. Petersburg, Russia), 2004-2009.
Professional area and interests: project coordination, PR & communications, digital marketing, developing digital materials, social media, event management; sustainable development, circular economy; technology and innovations; intercultural relations..
Hobbies: travelling, music, movies, yoga, reading, photography..
Contact information: [email protected]; LinkedIn

Zahra Madani, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: Fiber and polymer engineering
Research area: M.Sc. Madani’s research interests include polymer engineering, bio-based materials, smart textiles, and artificial muscles. She is a PhD student working on the ‘Beyond e-Textiles' project, and her current research is focused on developing novel yarn actuators for smart textile applications.
Contact information: [email protected]

Mithila Mohan, MA, Project Employee

Seyede Maryam Mousavi, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Background: M.Sc. Mousavi started her PhD programme at Aalto University in May 2021. Previously she got her Bachelor's degree from Zanjan University (Iran) in 2017 and completed her Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University (Iran) in 2019. Her Master’s programme was devoted to fabrication and lifetime improvement of perovskite (MAPbI3- based) solar cells. After the fabrication of efficient devices, solar cells lifetime improvement was achieved by using a solid-solid phase change material inside the absorber layer.
Research area: M.Sc. Mousavi’s research interests mainly consist of photovoltaics, optoelectrical devices, as well as advanced materials. Her PhD programme focuses on fabrication of efficient and durable perovskite solar cells through interlayer engineering and aims at understanding how photoswitchable molecules can help the UV and thermal stability of perovskite solar cell devices.
Accomplishments: In 2021 M.Sc. Mousavi received a personal grant from Fortum and Neste Foundation to conduct and continue her research in perovskite solar cells research area. In addition to submitting two manuscripts, in 2019 she participated in writing a comprehensive review about the stability of perovskite solar cells (DOI: 10.1039/C8TA10444A).
Hobbies: In her free time Seyede Maryam enjoys being silly with her friends and sisters, as weel as cooking and dancing.
Contact information: [email protected]; LinkedIn

Pedro E. S. Silva, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher

Background: Ph.D. Silva received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Physics (2008 and 2010 respectively) and a Ph.D. in Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (2018) at the University of Aveiro. He continued as a postdoc at the NOVA University Lisbon in 2018-2021. Starting from June 1st, 2021 Silva has been conducting his research as a postdoc in the MMD research group at Aalto University.
Research area: Structural, functional and smart materials (with a focus on the bioinspired design of macro- and microscopic structures with helical architectures)
Accomplishments: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8783-8740
Hobbies: When not in the lab, Pedro likes to play music, running and long walks.
Contact information: [email protected]; https://pedrosilva.page/

Maija Vaara, M.Ed., Project Employee

Kirsi Yliniemi, D.Sc., University Lecturer, PhD student advisor

Background: D.Sc. in Chemistry (especially electrochemistry); University Lecturer in the field of Materials Science; Docent of Materials Chemistry at the University of Helsinki
Research area: D.Sc. Yliniemi is interested in topics related to circular economy via electrochemistry and functional materials. Her main responsibilities include teaching materials science and functional materials at Aalto CHEM (School of Chemical Engineering) and advising PhD students/postdocs in different research projects, for example, Elmery (Business Finland, PI prof. Mari Lundström) and EARMetal (Academy of Finland, PIs prof. Mari Lundström and prof. Jaana Vapaavuori).
Accomplishments: Scopus Author Index; Currently 46 publications, h-index 14 (Date: 02/08/2021); Educational action of the year 2020 (Aalto CHEM)
Hobbies: cooking and talking with friends about everything under the sun
Contact information: [email protected]

SUMMER INTERNS 2024

Nea Kolmonen (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: addressing the optical losses of perovskite solar cells via nature-inspired patterns

SUMMER INTERNS 2023

Azin Alesafar (MSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: e-textiles and machine learning

Furkan Aydoğan (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: automation of research setup for the triboelectric nanogenerators research; measurements using microprossesors for wearable nanosensors to understand onsets of hypothermia

Mathis Garnier (Visiting student, Research assistant)
Research area: identifying the effects of different parameters on the recovery of gold in chloride solution (EARMetal project)

Mariel Mylly (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: glucose sensing based on the EAR method deposited Pt and Au (EARMetal project)

Rikhard Ranta (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: stability of perovskite solar cells

Makoto Ueki (BA student, Research assistant)
Research area: acoustic modeling of porous biomaterial-based acoustic absorbents

INTERNS 2022-2023

Laura Koskelo (BSc, Research assistant)
Research area: lupin yarns

Magnus Markkanen (MSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: perovskite solar cells

SUMMER INTERNS 2022

Noora Jäntti (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: research project 'Multifunctional superblack wood-based materials'

Laura Koskelo (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: different techniques of card weaving and coils for machine learning

Grégoire Mancel (Visiting student, Research assistant)
Research area: noble metals recovery with FTOs (fluorine-doped tin oxide)

Magnus Markkanen (MSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: perovskite solar cells

More information about summer interns' projects in MMD group in 2022

INTERNS 2021-2022

Noora Jäntti (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: research project 'Multifunctional superblack wood-based materials'

SUMMER INTERNS 2021

Derya Dilara Atas (MSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: research projects 'Highly electroconductive Pectin:CNTs:PDMS for sensor applications' and 'Conductive CNF:AgNWs:PDMS nanocomposite films for optoelectronics'

Noora Jäntti (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: research project 'Multifunctional superblack wood-based materials'

Pinja Kangas (MSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: research project focused on tailoring the morphology of biobased cryogels in order to obtain porous materials with interesting acoustic properties

Ottilia Romana (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: optimizing nylon coils and their actuation (annealing and heating tests; actuation stroke and force; vertical actuation)

Ifrah Sheikh (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: research project devoted to the interaction between different kinds of helical fibers

Riia Vidgren (MSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: multidisciplinary study of soft nylon actuators and their design futures

Julia Vuorinen (BSc student, Research assistant)
Research area: icephobicity of vascular plants growing in the temperate zone

More information about summer interns' projects in MMD group in 2021

STUDENTS 2024-2025

Viivi Mäkelä (MSc thesis worker)

STUDENTS 2023-2024

Sofia Rantala (MSc thesis worker)

STUDENTS 2022-2023

Azin Alesafar (MSc studies-related PRA: e-textiles and machine learning)

Sabanur Mete (MSc studies-related PRA: cellulose-based transparent heaters)

Oona Mollberg (MSc studies-related PRA: creating carnauba wax microspheres in different solvents)

Aki Saarnio (MSc studies-related PRA: carbon nanodots and polymer films)

STUDENTS 2021-2022

More information about student projects 2021-2022

Thomas Boulmier (MSc studies-related PRA)

Mari Heikkinen (MSc studies-related PRA: Design and construction of low-cost Arduino based capacitive pressure sensor)

Xiang Hu (MSc studies-related PRA: Synthesis and purification of copper nanowires)

Pinja Kangas (MSc thesis worker) (Biomaterials/biocomposites: trying to find a biodegradable and bio-based binder for a hemp fibre-based insulation material for the construction industry)

Laura Koskelo (BSc thesis worker) (Fabricating helical structures through card (tablet) weaving) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202206284304]

Noora Kuusivaara (MSc studies-related PRA)

Tuomas Mannerkoski (MSc thesis worker)

Maxime Muller (MSc thesis worker) (ALD synthesis and characterization of crystalline thin films of TiO2 over cellulose-based materials) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202208285158]

Emily Oreste (MSc thesis worker) (Optimization of cellulose and graphene-based carbon aerogels for supercapacitors) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202208285106]

Aravind Srinivasachari (MSc studies-related PRA: Flurophore infused organic substrates for photovoltaic applications)

Riia Vidgren (MSc thesis worker) (Sustainability assessments for novel materials in development: crystalline nanocellulose from biowaste) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202208285183]

STUDENTS 2020-2021

Jenni Ahlstedt (MSc thesis worker) (Exploring the potential of the dip-coating process to control assembly of virus-based nanomaterials thin films on the substrate surfaces) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202109059016]

Derya Dilara Atas (MSc thesis worker) (Fabrication of cellulose-elastomer films for optoelectronics) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202109058991]

Ariane V. Mader(MSc thesis worker) (Fabrication of porous hierarchical multilevel composite thin films by combining different self-assembly processes) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202010255977]

Tuomas Mannerkoski (MSc thesis worker)

Candela Torres Romero (MSc thesis worker) (Light activated TiO2-based microswimmers: synthesis and characterization) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202109058960]

Riia Vidgren

Katarzyna Wojdalska (MSc thesis worker) (Fabrication of wearable pressure and strain sensors) [http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202109058966]

VISITING STUDENTS 2024-2025

Marie Vihmar (PhD student / University of Tartu, Estonia) (TBA)

VISITING STUDENTS 2022-2023

Arijeta Bafti (PhD student / University of Zagreb, Croatia) (Characterization of cellulose aerogel materials as convincing candidates for applications as acoustic insulators)

VISITING STUDENTS 2021-2022

Margarethe Hauck (PhD student / University of Kiel, Germany) (Micro-structured interpenetrating composites)

Linfan Cui, D.Sc., Postdoctoral Researcher

Research projects: EARMetal
Research area: investigating the electrochemically-assisted aqueous reduction process for the metal recovery from industrial process or waste solutions, and further creating functional electrocatalytic surfaces based on the EAR process
More info: Google Scholar

Joice Jaqueline Kaschuk, D.Sc., Postdoctoral Researcher

Research projects: FinnCERES
Research area: cellulosic materials for multifunctional optoelectronics substrates
More info: ResearchGate; LinkedIn

Hoang M. Nguyen, M.Sc., Doctoral Candidate

Research projects: SUPER-WEAR
Research area: development of a novel thin film process combining dip-coating and self-assembly for different materials, ranging from nanoscale to macroscale
More info: Doctoral thesis; ResearchGate