Team

Giulio Ragazzon
Principal investigator of the Laboratory of Driven Chemical Processes.

My research interests evolved from photochemistry to molecular machines, self-assembling systems and nanomaterials, as reflected by the interests of my mentors: Credi, Aida, Prins & Prato. I am recipient of multiple awards, including the European Young Chemist Award.
You can get to know more about me in this Angewandte Chemie article, or from my full CV available here.

Shaymaa Al Shehimy ( شيماء الشحيمي )
PhD with Dr. Chevallier & Dr. Bucher – ENS Lyon

I come from Lebanon where I obtained my Bachelor and Master1 degrees in Chemistry at the Lebanese University in Beirut. My journey in France began in 2018, where I obtained my Master 2 degree in Rennes. I then moved to Lyon to pursue my Ph.D., working on the synthesis and characterization of redox-triggered molecular magnetic switches based on metalloporphyrins.

I like to go sightseeing and photography, and I enjoy cooking.

Research: I investigate minimal chemical ratchets.

Shuntaro Amano (天野俊太郎)
PhD with Prof. David Leigh – University of Manchester

I am from Japan where I obtained my Bachelor degree in chemistry at the University of Tokyo. There, I joined the group of Prof. Mitsuhiko Shionoya and worked on the artificial switchable DNA base pairs. I then did my Master and PhD at the University of Manchester in the group of Prof. David Leigh. I worked on the synthesis and analysis of autonomous molecular machines. During PhD, my interest developed into more general non-equilibrium synthetic systems reminiscent of biology. This is why I moved to Strasbourg to join the group of Prof. Thomas Hermans as a postdoctoral researcher, working on a dissipative self-assembly system. To pursue my interests further, I joined Giulio’s group in December 2023.

In my free time, I like reading books, sightseeing, and going to museums.

Research: I investigate ratchet mechanisms driven by light and chemical energy.

Federico Nicoli
PhD with Prof. Alberto Credi – University of Bologna

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a thesis in Plant Physiology under the supervision of Prof. Giulia Di Lorenzo at Sapienza University, I pursued a degree in Chemistry under the guidance of Prof. Patrizia Gentili. My master’s thesis focused on the inhibition activity of synthetic (2-hydroxyimino) aldehydes towards oxidoreductase enzymes. Under the guidance of Prof. Alberto Credi, I completed my PhD in Chemistry focusing on the synthesis and investigation of reaction networks in dynamic mechanically interlocked molecules incorporating photochromic moieties.

In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with cooking, reading, and learning new things from the most disparate fields.

Research: I investigate transport phenomena across chemical compartments arising from ratchet mechanisms driven by chemical and light energy.

Fabiana Ciocchetti

I was born in Alatri, a small town in the center of Italy. I took my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Roma Tor Vergata. Then, I moved to Padova where I took my Master’s degree, under the supervision of Leonard J. Prins. There, I discovered my passion for supramolecular chemistry. Now, I’m in Giulio’s group to grow this passion. 

How do I spend my free time? I’m a lover of good wine, travel, and rock and roll. 

Research: I investigate supramolecular systems, which are often redox-active.

Ahmad Bachir ( أحمد بشير )

I was born and raised in Tripoli, Lebanon, and received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Lebanese university. During my undergraduate studies, I became interested in physical chemistry; later, I received a scholarship from the CSC graduate school in Strasbourg, where I studied supramolecular and system chemistry.

In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking Mediterranean food, and playing and watching football.

Research: I investigate soft electroactive materials based on interlocked structures.

Thitiporn Sangchai ( ฐิติพร แสงไชย )

I was born in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. My passion for chemistry began during high school. It paved my way and led me to my undergraduate studies at the department of chemistry at Mahidol University. Then, I continued and completed my Master’s degree in France at the Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Rennes 1. Currently, I am now on a mission with Giulio’s group to get closer to my career dream.

Apart from my study life, I am a cooking lover. I relax by watching TV series/ listening to music during my free time.

Research: I investigate small molecules operating away from equilibrium.

Kaiyuan Liang (梁凯圆)

I was born in Shandong, a northern Province in China. I got both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Fudan University majoring in Pharmacy. I developed interest in chemistry during high school and focused on medicinal chemistry and natural products during my University time.

During free time I like reading and writing and watching TV to relax.

Research: I am trying to explore active transport processes powered by chemical energy, using ratchet mechanisms.

Sani Yahaya

I come from Nigeria, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Federal University Dutse. Continuing my academic journey, I enrolled in the integrated program of CSC Graduate School – University of Strasbourg, where I earned my Master’s degree in Chemistry of Complex Systems. Throughout my academic pursuits, I gained valuable experiences in Catalysis and Prebiotic Chemistry while working with the Dydio and Moran Groups, respectively.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, as well as playing table tennis and basketball.

Research: Synthesis and investigation of photoactive molecules.

Adisorn Khantong (อดิศร ขันทอง)

I am originally from Thailand, where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Mahidol University. I then moved to France to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Rennes under the supervision of Dr. Pierre-Antoine Bouit. During my Master’s, I studied the photophysical and redox properties of π-conjugated organophosphorus compounds. After completing my Master’s, I moved to Strasbourg to pursue a Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Giulio Ragazzon.

In my free time, I enjoy playing PC and console games, watching game casting videos, and relaxing by listening to K-Pop music.

Research: Investigation of redox-active systems for their electrochemical and photophysical properties.

Alessandro Turci

I was born in Modena, a small city in Northern Italy, and received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial chemistry from the nearby University of Bologna. During my undergraduate studies, I developed an interest for the topic of supramolecular chemistry, which turned into full-on commitment during my last year as a master’s student. Currently, I am a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Massimo Baroncini and within Alberto Credi’s group in Bologna. I’ll be spending 5 months here at Ragazzon’s Lab as a visiting PhD with the hope of broadening my view and learning new things in the field of supramolecular chemistry.

Other than a chemist, in my free time I am a lover of sci-fi literature (particularly Asimov) and I’m a history nerd.

Research: Study of light-induced self-assembly and disassembly of molecular nanoaggregates.

Yusuke Wakayama (若山悠有佑)

I am from Japan. I got bachelor and master degrees in chemistry (solid state chemistry) at the University of Tokyo. I am in my PhD course under the supervision of Prof. Teppei Yamada at the same university. My research theme is liquid state thermoelectric conversion, especially electrochemical Peltier effect(electricity to temperature difference). Now I’m visiting Ragazzon’s group. It’s only two months but I’m excited to see how it is going.

I like mythologies. As far as I know Greek mythology is the best. I also love to visit art museums.

Research: Supramolecular refrigeration”

Kalliopi Fourli (Καλλιόπη Φουρλή)

I was born and raised in Kavala, a seaside city in northern Greece. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where I completed my thesis on the electrochemistry on valve metals, under the supervision of Prof. Dimitra Sazou. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree at the Complex Systems Chemistry Graduate School in Strasbourg. My academic journey here began with an internship in Guillermo Santiago’s lab, focusing on coacervates, and continues with an internship in Giulio’s lab, exploring photochemistry.

In my free time, I love dancing, baking, playing basketball, reading and making pottery:)

Research:  Photoinduced active transport via dynamic-covalent chemistry

Claire Menouna Ekani
Administrative assistant

I was born in Strasbourg, but left as a baby to live with my family in Cameroon, since my father is Cameroonian. I lived there until 17, and then came back to Strasbourg to study languages. I have been working in ISIS for almost 10 years and have worked with several teams in the institute, which has made it possible to meet people from all over the world and build a great experience with researchers, and most of all, be in touch with a lot of diversity, which I really enjoy.

I am a great fan of sports in general, and basketball in particular.