Principal Investigator
Ioannis D. Spanopoulos PhD
Assistant Professor
Professional Appointments
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Assistant Professor, Departments of Chemistry & Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida (08/2021 - present)
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Research Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University (04/2021 – 07/2021)
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Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University (12/2016 – 03/2021)
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Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, University of Crete (12/2015 – 11/2016)
Bio. Ioannis (Yannis) holds a BSc. degree in Chemistry and a MSc. degree in Environmental Chemistry and Technology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the latter under the supervision of Prof. Michael Scoullos. In 2015 he acquired his PhD. degree in Materials Chemistry from the University of Crete, under the supervision of Prof. Pantelis N. Trikalitis working on the development of Metal Organic Frameworks for gas storage and separation applications. After one year as a Post-Doctoral Fellow developing water-stable MOFs, in 2016, he joined the research group of Prof. Mercouri G. Kanatzidis at Northwestern University for a second Post-Doctoral appointment. His work at NU focused on the design and synthesis of environmentally friendly and stable perovskite and metal halide materials for optoelectronic applications. He developed the new family of 3D "hollow" perovskites (US Patent 16/623,873), as well as various water-stable metal halide materials. In 2021, he started his independent career as an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida. He received the 2020 IIN Outstanding Researcher award from the International Institute for Nanotechnology, the 2022 ACS PRF Doctoral New Investigator Research award, he is Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) and he holds a teaching certificate (2020-2021) from the SEARLE center at Northwestern University.
Awards & Honors
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2024, Full member of Sigma Xi , The Scientific Research Honor Society.
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2023, Highly Cited Researcher for the Year 2022 (single-year results based on Clarivate).
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2023, Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM).
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2022, ACS-PRF Doctoral New Investigator Award.
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2021, CIRTL Associate, SEARLE Center, Northwestern University.
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2020, IIN Outstanding Researcher award, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University.
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2019, SPIE.FOCUS: Light and Matter, award for best oral presentation.
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2013, 6th Panhellenic Symposium on Porous Materials, award for best oral presentation.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Anamika Mishra PhD
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PhD. in Materials Science
CSIR National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India (2022)
MSc. in Organic Chemistry
University of Delhi, New Delhi, India (2006)
BSc. in Chemistry (Honors)
Burdwan University, West Bengal, India (2004)
I got my Ph.D. from CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India in the Synthesis and Characterization of hole transport materials for perovskite solar cells. During my Fulbright Doctoral research fellowship at Rice University, Houston, I had the opportunity to develop novel 2D materials for perovskite solar cells and photocatalytic water splitting.
I hold a master's degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Delhi, India, and I have many years of experience working in pharmaceutical industries.
Amrit Kaur PhD
PhD. in Organic Chemistry (2023)
MSc. in Chemistry (2016)
BSc. in Biotechnology (2013)
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
I am Amrit Kaur, and I am from India. I completed my master’s degree in chemistry followed by predoctoral work in supramolecular chemistry from Guru Nanak Dev University, India. During my INSPIRE doctoral research fellowship, I acquired skills in designing and synthesizing π-conjugated fluorescent probes for molecular recognition of biologically relevant analytes such as cholesterol, Fe2+ ions, H2O2, etc. During my Ph.D. work, I was able to synthesize small fluorescent molecules that could detect environmentally and biologically hazardous analytes which have a severe impact on human health and the environment.
Graduate Students
Ali Azmy
BSc. in Materials Science
University of Science and Technology (UST) at Zewail City (2021)
I am Ali Azmy, and I am from Egypt. I obtained my BSc. degree in Materials Science from UST-Zewail City in Egypt (2021). Part of my former research experience was related to the adsorption of cationic dyes on water stable MOFs. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD. degree at USF in the Spanopoulos Group.
Alissa Anderson
BA. in Chemistry,
Minors in Biology and Biomedical Physics
University of South Florida (Spring 2022)
I am currently a PhD student in the Spanopoulos group at the University of South Florida, interested in inorganic synthesis of low-dimensional materials and applied spectroscopy. As an undergraduate, I studied Janus modifications of 2D nanosheets, 2D metals, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), and a variety of synthetic and analytical techniques.
Kamaleldeen Nassar
BSc. in Materials Science
University of Science and Technology (UST) at Zewail City (2021)
My name is Kamal. I am from Egypt. I obtained my BSc. degree in Materials Science from UST-Zewail City in Egypt in 2021. I have always been interested in functional materials and their applications, especially catalysis. I am currently pursuing my PhD. degree at USF in the Spanopoulos Group.
Neelam Tariq MSc
MSc. in Chemistry
Lahore University of Management and Sciences (2018)
BSc. (Hons) in Chemistry
Government College University Lahore (2016)
Lahore, Pakistan
I am Neelam Tariq from Pakistan. I got my master's degree from LUMS. My research was focused on designing catalysts for electrochemical reactions. Here at USF, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in the Spanopoulos Group.
Mina Bagherifard Sharabiani MSc
MSc. in Organic Chemistry
Sharif University of Technology (2019)
BSc. in Pure Chemistry
Sharif University of Technology (2017)
Tehran, Iran
I am Mina Bagherifard, and I am from Iran. I got my bachelor’s degree in pure chemistry and my master’s degree in organic chemistry at Sharif University of Technology. I have worked on polymer chemistry, and I have designed smart photo-responsive drug carriers, oil absorbents, and catalysts. I am pursuing my PhD. Degree at USF in the Spanopoulos Group.
Magdy Elolimy
BSc. in Materials Science
University of Science and Technology (UST) at Zewail City (2023)
I am Magdy Elolimy, I am from Egypt. I obtained my BSc. degree in Materials Science from UST-Zewail City in Egypt . My former research experience was in Electrocatalytic application of Metal-Organic Frameworks and metal complexes in water oxidation. Now, I am pursuing my PhD degree at USF at the Spanopoulos Group.
Amanda Reyes
MSc. in Materials Science & Engineering,
University of South Florida (2025)
BSc. in Chemistry,
Minor in Linguistics
University of South Florida (Spring 2023)
My name is Amanda, I’m from Chile. I obtained my BSc in Chemistry, at the University of South Florida. Currently, I’m pursuing an MSc in Materials Science and Engineering. I have a profound interest in inorganic synthesis and material engineering. My research is focused on the synthesis of water and thermally stable materials for energy related applications.
Research Interns
Daria M. Konovalova
BSc. in Biomedical Sciences
University of South Florida (Spring 2022)
My name is Daria Konovalova, and I am from Ukraine. I graduated from the University of South Florida in Spring 2022 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. I am a research intern in Dr. Spanopoulos' group, where we are working on hybrid semiconductors. In the future, I intend to become a medical doctor and continue participating in research for innovative and environmentally friendly materials with multiple applications.
Undergraduate Students
Brandon Sauval
BSc. in Chemistry,
University of South Florida (Spring 2024)
I am a junior at the University of South Florida with a profound interest in composite material synthesis with a focus on environmental remediation. After graduation I intend on eventually continuing my studies in graduate school.
Brianna Pecourt
BSc. in Chemistry,
Minor in Linguistics
University of South Florida (Spring 2024)
I am a second year from Ohio studying at the University of South Florida. I am pursuing a degree in Chemistry with a minor in linguistics. Within chemistry, my interests lie in material sciences and physical chemistry. After graduation I plan to attend graduate school to continue doing research.
Sarah Troutt
BSc. in Chemistry,
University of South Florida (Spring 2024)
I am a junior at the University of South Florida studying chemistry. My interests in the field lie in medicinal, analytical, and material chemistry. After graduating, I intend to pursue a PhD and continue research into my desired sub-fields.
Nicholas Giunto
BSc. in Chemistry,
Minor in Environmental Science and Policy
University of South Florida (Spring 2025)
I am a junior at the University of South Florida studying chemistry. I have a strong passion for material sciences, specifically, their applications regarding environmental issues. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. and continue my studies in material chemistry and environmental remediation.
Stephanie Krzypkowski
BSc. in Biomedical Sciences,
BA. in Psychology,
University of South Florida (Spring 2025)
I am a junior at the University of South Florida pursuing two bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology, along with a minor in Addiction Studies. I have an interest in medicinal and inorganic chemistry. After graduating, I intend on pursuing a PhD and continuing my work in the field of chemistry.
Adelia Abdykerimova
BSc. in Chemical Engineering,
University of South Florida (Spring 2026)
I am a sophomore at the University of South Florida, majoring in Chemical Engineering. My interests within the field include material sciences and process engineering. After graduation, I aspire to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering to continue my research and contribute to advancements in the field.
High-school Students
Varun Sreedhar
Middleton High School (class of 2024)
Hello, My name is Varun Sreedhar and I am a junior who currently goes to Middleton highschool. I am very interested in the medical field specifically medical research so I can work towards changing the world through innovation. I am trying to gain research experience by working under Prof. Spanopoulos in preparation for college and many jobs that may come after.
Rishab Talwani
Middleton High School (Class of 2024)
I'm Rishab, a junior at Middleton High School with a great interest in all types of chemistry. As a part of this team, I'm looking to play a part in helping the researchers in this group conduct research and learn more about the effort that goes into making new discoveries. I'd like to eventually pursue a physician/researcher role in the medical field later on.
Ayush Dabbirru
Middleton High School (Class of 2024)
Born and raised in Tampa Florida, I am a current high school junior at Middleton High School with a profound interested in organic chemistry and its importance in medicine. I am looking to receive engaging lab experience in preparation for college and am looking to eventually pursue the depths of the medical field.
Suchi Patel
Middleton High School (Class of 2024)
My name is Suchi Patel. I am interested in advancing equitable healthcare frameworks that address the global medical inequity gap. Through rigorous scientific research, I aspire to make contributions in this field in the future as a future physician researcher. Joining the Spanopoulos Group provides me with the remarkable opportunity to delve into the nuances of organic chemistry and apply my skill set under the guidance of experienced mentors!