People

Vyshakh Manayath Panakkal
I was born and brought up in Kerala, the southern part of India and obtained my master’s degree at the University of Rennes 1, France. I worked on ring-opening polymerization using an organometallic catalyst with an industrial collaboration at the Institute des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes. For my PhD, I am excited to synthesize polymer nanoparticles with potential biomedical applications using polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). Besides academics, I enjoy cooking and landscape photography.

Tuba Ayca Tunca Arin
I was born and grew up in Istanbul, Turkey. I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry, at Bogazici University. In my sophomore year, I started my research about polymers thanks to Prof. Amitav Sanyal in the Sanyal research group. During my master’s, I synthesized dual-functional polymer-coated responsive magnetic materials for cancer therapeutics under his supervision. In October 2022, I joined the Sedlacek polymer and biomaterial synthesis group for my Ph.D. Currently, my research focuses on the synthesis of highly functional polymer materials for biomedical applications. Outside of chemistry, I enjoy cooking, spending my time with cats & dogs and I have a sea-shell collection.

Niccolò Lusiani
I grew up in Tuscany, Italy, and received my master`s degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Pisa. As an undergraduate student, I worked under the supervision of Prof. Elisa Martinelli on the synthesis and characterization of phosphorus-based anti-fouling polymers. This experience, combined with the desire to do research that could have potentially positive implications on human health and treatments, led me to try to pursue a career somewhere at the interface of polymer science and biomedicine. Currently, as a PhD student at Charles University, my research gladly revolves around biomedical polymers, poly(oxazine)s and poly(oxazoline)s, with a focus on their bioconjugation chemistry. Aside from polymer chemistry in my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, reading and cycling.

Martin Orságh
I grew up in Martin, Slovakia, and earned my master’s degree in Macromolecular Chemistry at Charles University. During my undergraduate studies, I have been working on the development of novel multiresponsive drug-delivery systems. Now a PhD candidate at Charles University, my research focuses on advanced photopolymerization techniques, with a particular emphasis on radical and cationic RAFT polymerizations, and the use of these polymers as MRI contrast agents. Outside of my research, I enjoy reading, biking and collecting minerals.

Ondrej Kopilec
Coming from north Slovakia where I grew up. I studied chemistry at Charles University, with a focus on advanced polymer materials – in this research group. My bachelor’s studies focused on the antifouling properties of polyacrylamides, while my master’s studies focused on dynamic covalent networks. I really liked it, so I decided to continue for PhD, with the same topic. Outside the lab, you can find me outdoors – climbing, skiing, or cycling. And I´m also a beekeeper.

Saeed Salamatgharamaleki
I was born and raised in Tabriz, Iran. I received my master’s degree in Materials Science and Nanoengineering from Sabanci University in Istanbul, Turkey. During my master’s, I worked on the synthesis and functionalization of responsive poly(2-oxazoline) polymers as latent curing agents in the field of composite manufacturing. Currently, a PhD student at Charles university, My research focuses on the synthesis highly functional poly(2-oxazoline) polymers as nanocatalysts  for tandem reactions. Aside from my research, I enjoy reading, playing volleyball, and painting in my free time.

Anna Zajíčková
I was born and grew up in Havlíčkův Brod, a small town in the middle of the Czech Republic, and I completed my high school studies in Humpolec. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the ingredients of cosmetics products. Nowadays, as a bachelor student in the PSB group, I am working on the synthesis of fluorinated derivatives of hyaluronic acid as 19F MRI tracers at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine. In the future, I would like to continue with the research on hyaluronic acid and create new formulas for skin disease treatments using this macromolecular carbohydrate. Aside from the chemistry life, I am an accordionist, and I love bringing joy to other people with my accordion and voice. I also enjoy working in a local-brand organic cosmetic store and running.