Team members

Of Basque and Swiss German origin, I carry within me the blend of two strong cultures. I began with studies in cell biology, a background that gave me a scientific foundation and a keen eye for careful observation. Yet it was toward an entirely different horizon that my journey took a turn: that of languages and translation. This new direction led me to New York, where I worked at a post-production studio specializing in audiovisual translation – dubbing and subtitling. Back in Geneva, I explored a new field, the world of ready-to-wear fashion, before joining the University of Geneva, where I currently work within the CHIAM Department secretariat. This unconventional path reflects a constant curiosity and an ability to adapt to very different environments. A lover of wide-open spaces, I split my time between two playgrounds: the Basque coast, for the waves and the pull of the sea, and the Alps, for the trails, the peaks, and the slopes in winter.

I grew up in Siena (Italy). I have been always interested on science and on trying to understand how the things around me work. My curiosity drove me toward a chemistry technical school in Siena (Instituto Tecnico Statale Tito Sarrocchi) where, thanks to excellent teachers, I understood that science was the path I wanted to take.

After my “diploma di maturità” in Siena, I decided to study physics at the University of Pisa (Italy). I enjoyed to study physics and made many good friends with whom I shared my passion for science and physics. My thesis work was focused on crystal growth and solid-state lasers.

In 2001, I started my PhD at the EPFL in Lausanne (Switzerland) in the “Laboratory of Molecular Physical Chemistry” where I developed interest on surface science and surface chemistry. During my thesis, I studied reactivity on nickel of vibrationally excited methane molecules. Nice publications came out of my work and I obtained my doctorate in 2005. My work had received a positive feedback from the EPFL jury and I am still proud about it.

In 2006 I was employed as senior scientist in the “Laboratory of Colloid and Surface Chemistry” at Geneva University, where I further extended my expertise in surface science, colloid science and surface sensitive techniques such as Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Reflectometry, Ellipsometry and Atomic Force Microscopy. As starting from middle 2021, I have been assigned to the group of Ross Milton, where I hope I can bring my knowledge as surface scientist at profit.

I was born and raised in Geneva in a family of Portuguese origin. From an early age, I developed a strong interest in foreign languages, which led me to learn six languages and cultivate a deep appreciation for multicultural environments.

Passionate about technology, process improvement, and organization, I naturally pursued a career in administration and business support. Over the years, I worked for major public institutions, including the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), the Canton of Geneva's Department of Public Education (DIP), and the University of Geneva (UNIGE), where I currently contribute my expertise to support academic activities and public service.

Having lived in China for two years, I developed a lasting interest in Chinese language, culture, and technological innovation. I am particularly interested in leveraging digital tools and automation to improve administrative processes. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new software features, reading about emerging technologies, and following Korean webtoons.

I initially joined the University of Geneva on July 1, 2022, within the Faculty of Medicine. I then worked for the Faculty of Science, specifically within the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, for a short period of time. In February 2026, I joined the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry within the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Since then, I have been supporting the department's administrative and operational activities.

I obtained my technician certificate (organic chemistry) in 1990 at Firmenich (perfume and flavour company).

I then followed different paths, first working in the food industry and then pharmaceuticals, and finally I worked for about 15 years in a research center of an American company based in Geneva (Battelle Memorial Institute), where I specialized in analytical chemistry research.

Since 2009 I worked as a technician at the University of Geneva at the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry.

I am originally from a small town near Foggia, in southern Italy, but I moved to Turin at a young age, where I completed my B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and my M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry.

What has always fascinated me is the elegant way in which nature performs chemistry through biology, and this curiosity naturally led me towards biocatalysis and protein engineering during my PhD, where I had the chance to explore these processes up close.

My scientific path has been shaped by movement and collaboration across Europe. Before starting my PhD, I spent a research internship at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, and during my PhD I had the opportunity to work in different research environments across Aachen (Germany), Groningen (the Netherlands), and Toulouse (France).

As a fresh postdoc in the Milton group, I am now focusing on nitrogenase, an extraordinary enzyme that performs some of nature’s most challenging chemistry under remarkably mild conditions. Drawing on my background in protein engineering, microbiology, and biocatalysis, I aim to help develop new approaches to understand and engineer nitrogenase-based systems.

Outside the lab, I enjoy travelling, playing and listening to music, preferably live, and taking some downtime with a good movie or a videogame.

I was born and grew up in Geneva, Switzerland, where I developed a love for science from a young age. I stayed in my hometown for my studies, completing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry at the University of Geneva. During my studies, I had the opportunity to explore different fields: I completed several internships in bioorganic chemistry and later focused my Master’s thesis in physical and analytical chemistry.

I like to learn, but I also like to share my knowledge. That’s why, throughout my academic journey, I’ve given private lessons to students of any age. I also had the chance to supervise high school students during lab classes.

Once graduated, I was hired by Bracco Geneva, a medical research company, to work on ultrasound imaging contrast agents and medical device development, bridging chemistry with practical healthcare applications. In this company, I had the opportunity to work closely with groups located in Italy and in the United States. This experience enabled me to improve my organizational and teamwork skills. This also gave me valuable insight into the connection between research and its practical applications, while also strengthening my skills in a professional setting.

Now, as a PhD student in the Milton Group, I’m excited to work in an international research environment and contribute to innovative projects. This opportunity allows me to dive deeper into my interests in bioinorganic chemistry while learning from a diverse and dynamic team.

Outside chemistry, I’ve been playing the piano since the age of 8 and have improved my skills at the Geneva Conservatory of Music. Beyond my passion for the piano, I’m very interested in other artistic fields, such as drawing and photography, which offer me new perspectives. I also love going for hikes and discovering new places.

I was born in Chennai, India, and completed my schooling there, where I studied the natural sciences in high school. My interest in chemistry led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in the subject at Shiv Nadar University, Noida.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked in a crystallography lab identifying organic ferroelectric materials. This experience sparked my interest in materials chemistry and structure determination methods. To further my scientific training and pursue a career in research, I moved to Germany to complete a master’s degree in chemistry at FAU Erlangen. There, I transitioned from materials chemistry to bioinorganic chemistry and conducted my master’s thesis on Fe-S proteins involved in electron transfer within alkane oxidation pathways. This work solidified my interest in the field and confirmed my desire to pursue a PhD in a related area.

Now, having joined the Milton Group to conduct my PhD, I am excited to deepen my understanding of bioinorganic chemistry and carry out research on the nitrogenase enzyme. I am also looking forward to working with a diverse set of colleagues, who come from a variety of scientific backgrounds and cultures, and I hope to learn a lot from them.

Outside of academia, I am an ardent football fan — especially of Liverpool. I also enjoy music, playing board games and video games, reading, and cooking. Additionally, I am eager to explore and experience life in a new city!

I was born and grew up in Holzminden, a small town close to Hannover in the center of Germany. Even though being relatively unknown, the city is famous for its two big companies (one being one of the biggest chemistry companies in Germany), which brought me in touch with chemistry already in my young years. The influence of my great chemistry teacher finally led me to the decision to study chemistry.

Being incredibly passionate for football, I chose to move to Bremen for my Bachelor’s degree, allowing me to combine my love for my favorite football club with my studies. For my Master’s, I moved to Göttingen, where I first encountered the field of electrochemistry and became hyped about this quite unexplored physicochemical method. Consequently, I started my Master’s thesis as well as my PhD thesis in the field of homogeneous organometallic electrochemistry, studying the transformation of electrical energy into chemical energy.

Now, after spending an additional year as a postdoc in Göttingen, I developed interest in electroenzymatic chemistry and I am starting my second postdoc in the group of Ross Milton. Trying to avoid the constant rain in Göttingen, I’ve realized that Geneva is equally (if not more) rainy. Nonetheless, I am happy to personally expand my skillset in a more biochemical environment and — as I am becoming the group’s synthetic chemist — to provide synthesized compounds, if needed.

Besides having a big interest into all means of natural science, I am very enthusiastic about practicing a lot of sports, in particular football, running, skiing and volleyball but I am also open for anything else. I also enjoy going out for a “Feierabendbier” or just getting lost in binge-watching all kinds of movies and series.

I grew up in Italy in a small town called Riva del Garda, near Trento. My curiosity for science began at a young age when I received a small chemistry experiment kit as a Christmas gift.

Driven by my passion for chemistry, I moved to Pavia, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemical Sciences, specializing in analytical chemistry, with a thesis focused on identifying and characterizing new polymorphs of an active ingredient.

During my studies, I developed a strong interest in biochemistry, which led me to a research internship at LMU in Munich after completing my master’s degree. There, I had the opportunity to work with biomolecules, gaining experience in biophysical methods for DNA analysis and biochemical techniques for protein expression and purification. This experience confirmed my interest in biochemical research and motivated me to pursue a PhD.

Now, as a PhD student in the Milton group, I am excited to deepen my knowledge of bioinorganic chemistry through research on nitrogenases and to contribute to innovative projects in an international scientific environment.

Outside the lab, I enjoy sports like running and hiking — and, as a true Italian, I never miss the chance to enjoy an aperitivo. I’m also looking forward to discovering everything this new city has to offer.

I was born in Geneva, but left the city as often as offered to me to travel and study abroad. When I stay in Geneva, I love enjoying the lakeside in summer, and the nearest mountains in winter for some ski sessions. If you’re looking for me, and can’t find me in the lab, I’m probably either playing volleyball, or tasting some new weird beers with friends.

I love learning new skills of any kind, and helping others learn as well. I worked as a chemistry lab assistant in high school, and also gave private lessons to students of any age for the past 6 years. Sharing knowledge and helping people, even at a smaller scale, really matters to me.

I obtained my bachelor at the University of Geneva but went for an Erasmus year at the University of Bologna, Italy during my 3rd year. My biggest interest is probably the analytical side of chemistry, but the challenges of nitrogenase really caught me during my first internship, which is why I decided to stay longer in the Milton group.

Daniel completed his PhD research between 2021 and 2025 (graduation October 2025) and continued as a postdoc from November 2025.

I’m from Kyiv, Ukraine, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in chemistry. At the time, I was especially interested in analytical chemistry. In the summer of 2021, I did an internship at a research institute, which was the first time I became truly fascinated by enzymes.

I decided to pursue my master’s at the University of Geneva, and from the very first semester, I was amazed by the beauty of metalloenzymes. I was happy to join the Milton group for my master’s internship and thesis — first working on chlorophyllide oxidoreductase, one of the nitrogenase-like enzymes, and then continuing with research on nitrogenase itself. Now, I’m excited to keep exploring nitrogenase during my PhD.

I’m genuinely enthusiastic about uncovering the mysteries of metalloenzymes and understanding more about how the world works — and I’ll be even happier if my research can help develop alternative ways to produce ammonia.

I’ve played piano since early childhood, and it’s still a big part of my life outside the lab. I also love reading in my free time, and I’m learning to ski during the winters here in Geneva.

I grew up in the UK, not far from London. When I was young, I received my first science encyclopedia and remember marvelling at how we could utilise chemistry to explain so much of the world around us. I decided to pursue chemistry at university and in 2021, graduated from the University of Warwick (UK) with a Masters in Chemistry with First Class Honours.

As part of my degree, I completed an industrial placement in the Netherlands, working as a polymer science R and D intern. It was here I learnt how much I enjoyed the process of scientific research and after experiencing life in Holland, I knew I wanted to return to Europe to pursue a PhD.

It is of personal importance to me to contribute to research which addresses the global environmental crisis we face. I’m delighted to be working in the Milton Group as unravelling the workings of metalloenzymes such as hydrogenase and nitrogenase holds great potential for future renewable energy production as well as the development of enzymatic fuel cells.

Outside of chemistry, I love to be outdoors, whether that be running, hiking, cycling, or getting lost in a new city. I also love cooking, am an avid baker, and enjoy playing the piano. I’m excited to have the opportunity to explore Geneva over the next few years and am looking forward to collaborating with such a diverse community of international researchers.

Sophie completed her PhD thesis between 2021 and 2026 (graduation April 2026) and continued as a postdoc from May 2026.

I’m originally from a small town in Germany not too far from the capital, Berlin. After having completed my BSc. in Northern Germany (University of Rostock) with a focus on marine microbiology and my MSc. in Northern Bavaria (University of Bayreuth) focusing on protein evolution and electron transfer, I’d decided of going “full south” for my PhD.

During my doctoral studies at the “Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines” (BIP) laboratory in Marseille (Aix-Marseille Université) in France, I have focused on questions related to the origin of life and proton-coupled electron transfer in bioenergetics, foremost a relatively recently discovered mechanism termed “flavin-based electron bifurcation” (short FBEB). During these 4.5 years at the BIP lab, I have tried to characterize multimeric hydrogenases, HydABC(D), from a sulphate-reducing bacterium (Desulfovibrio fructosovorans) and later from a hyperthermophilic bacterium (Thermotoga maritima), which perform the FBEB mechanism to realize the overall reaction.

I have employed different spectroscopic techniques (foremost EPR- and UV/Vis-absorbance spectroscopy, but also fluorescence, CD and DLS) to determine equilibrium redox potentials of the organic (flavins) and metallic cofactors (FeS-clusters), while using chemical reductants/oxidants and electrochemical approaches.

My work has a strong bias on anaerobic systems (enzymes, minerals, complexes) and during this postdoc, I’m trying to apply and enlarge my knowledge of hydrogenases and electron transfer at the Milton lab, while learning new molecular and biophysical methods to study the hydrogen evolution in these enzymes.

While in Marseille at the Mediterranean Sea only the last stretches of the Alps can be seen and experienced, Genève of course is much closer to it. Outside of the lab, I therefore enjoy getting to know the region on hiking trips or via bus/trains/bike. If the weather doesn’t allow that (which happens definitely more often in Genève as in Marseille), I like visiting museums and cultural sites or engage in the active production of art (painting, building, photography etc.) myself.