Group Members
Marcin Majewski
Research associate (adiunkt)
MSc 2014 University of Wrocław
PhD 2019 University of Wrocław
Marcin obtained his PhD for the synthesis and investigation of polyaromatic compounds with non-trivial geometries, such as macrocyclic hydrocarbons, followed by post-doc research concentrated on a novel, pi-extended pyrroles. Both projects were a result of over eight years of collaboration with prof. Marcin Stępień, Wrocław. He then went on to design porphyrin-based nano-architectures in the H. L. Anderson Group, Oxford, where he spent two years as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow. He is currently exploring new possibilities of using templates to create large, polyaromatic macrocycles. Outside of the lab, Marcin likes to get involved in scientific outreach, as well as explore architecture while travelling on city breaks (he's a licensed city guide of Wrocław).
Arseni Borissov
NCN OPUS post-doctoral fellow
MSc 2014 University of Edinburgh
PhD 2019 University of Oxford
Arseni obtained a PhD for his research on new anion receptors for molecular recognition and organocatalysis (advisors: Paul D. Beer and Martin D. Smith). Currently working on the synthesis of diradicaloid nanocarbons, with additional focus on helicenes and photoswitchable molecules. Likes to run uphill and ski downhill. Finds black metal music relaxing.
Wai Shing Wong
NCN OPUS post-doctoral fellow
PhD 2018 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Wai Shing received his PhD degree for his work on the synthesis and properties of saddle-shaped fenestrindane derivatives (advisor: Hak-Fun Chow). He is currently developing synthetic approaches toward novel nanobelts and organic oligoradicals. Wai Shing loves horror movies and horror games.
Rakesh Kumar
BEETHOVEN post-doctoral fellow
MSc 2013 Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
PhD 2020 CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur
Rakesh received his PhD for his work on the synthesis and derivatization of N-heterocyclic compounds through C–H bond functionalization (advisor: Dr. Upendra Sharma). He is currently working on the synthesis of electric-field responsive framework materials in a collaborative project with the Volkmer group at Augsburg.
Bibek Prajapati
NCN OPUS graduate student
MSc 2018 Uniwersytet Wrocławski
Bibek received his MSc degree for his work on linear oligophenylenes and attempted synthesis of cyclic nanohoop structures (with Prof. Marcin Stępień). He is currently developing new open-shell nanocarbon molecules. Bibek is interested in cultural diversity, different languages, religions, and history.
Agata Wiencierz
NCN OPUS graduate student
MSc 2021 Department of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw
Agata received her MSc degree for her work on the synthesis of polylactide depolymerization catalysts (with Prof. Jolanta Ejfler). She is currently synthesizing new types of open-shell nanocarbons. After hours, she likes learning languages (apart from English and Polish, she knows French and Italian, and now is focused on Korean).
Katarzyna Ślusarek
NCN OPUS graduate student
MSc 2021 Department of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw
Kasia received her MSc degree for her work on the synthesis, properties and reactivity of Selena-2,7-naphthiporphyrins (with dr hab. Bartosz Szyszko). Kasia is currently synthesizing new oligopyrrole-naphthalenimide hybrids.
Piotr Semanyszyn
NCN OPUS graduate student
MSc 2022 Department of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw
Piotr obtained his MSc degree for work on the synthesis of expanded meso-substituted azuliporphyrinogens (with Dr. Natasza Sprutta). He is currently working on the synthesis of new open-shell nanocarbons.
Tendai Kwenda
undergraduate student
2022-present
Collins Ngetich
undergraduate student
2022-present
Szymon Leśniewski
undergraduate student
2022-present