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, funded by ERC-StG KI-NET.

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, funded by the Complex Systems Chemistry (CSC) Graduate School and the Grand Est region.

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 away from equilibrium, funded by the ERC-StG KI-NET.

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 exploring non-equilibrium processes powered by catalytic ratchet mechanisms, funded by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC).

Caterina Baccini

I come from Italy where I got both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry at the University of Parma. There, I found my passion for organic and physical chemistry. Now I am doing my PhD in Italy and I am here in Strasbourg for six months as visiting PhD student. In my free time I love cooking, hiking and hanging out with my friends.

Research: I investigate fluorescent supramolecular systems.

Sani Yahaya

I come from Nigeria, where I earned my bachelor’s degree from Federal University Dutse. In my journey of academic pursuit, I am currently a Master’s student at the CSC Graduate School – University of Strasbourg. My academic journey has been enriched by valuable experiences in Catalysis and Prebiotic Chemistry, having worked with the Dydio and Moran Groups, respectively. Seeking to broaden my understanding of chemistry, I have joined the Ragazzon Group to hone my skills in this dynamic field. In addition to reading and writing, I also enjoy traveling and playing table tennis and basketball.

Research: Synthesis and investigation of photoactive molecules.

Malak Jaber (ملاك جابر)

I come from a very beautiful village called Aabey in Lebanon and have earned my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Lebanese University. I traveled to Strasbourg and was awarded a scholarship from the CSC graduate school. During my time there, I became captivated by systems chemistry and did M1 internship on peptide-based coacervates with Dr. Guillermo Monreal Santiago at Prof. Hermans Lab. During my first M2 internship, I studied potential prebiotic ether lipids under the supervision of Dr. Claudia Bonfio. With a curiosity to explore different fields, I joined Giulio’s Lab to investigate the complexities of endergonic processes. Beyond academia, I find joy in drawing, singing, and cooking.

Research: I investigate minimal chemical ratchets.

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.