Group Members
Don’t just aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference – (D.W.)
I was attracted by chemistry when I first saw the brilliant color changes of the B-Z Oscillating-Reaction at the age of 16. My interest led me to choose chemistry as my major; I obtained my bachelor and master degree in chemistry at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. At the beginning of my undergraduate studies, I was fascinated by supramolecular chemistry and molecular machines. I became even more enthusiastic about supramolecular chemistry, when the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to molecular machines. Thus, I joined the group of Prof. Quan Gan who studies aromatic helical foldamers and metal-organic cages , initially for my bachelor thesis and then later for my master project on the design and synthesis of high-order helical foldamers. During my master's studies, I felt the joy of research, so I want to keep engaging in scientific research. I am excited to start my PhD in Dr. Michel Rickhaus' group at University of Zurich
In my spare time, I enjoy watching E-sport gaming and cooking. Also I am a tea lover, you can find all kinds of tea here (yellow tea, black tea, Oolong…), and I like to drink a cup of tea or coffee when I am reading or writing.
Nils is from the southern parts of the Netherlands with his roots being in the northern part of the country. His interest in chemistry started when his dad, who is a chemist, give him a lecture on orbital hybridisation, which was originally intended for his twin brother. This interest led him to study for a bachelor's in chemical engineering at Eindhoven university of technology. He finished his bachelor in the group of Prof. Bert Meijer where he worked on the synthesize of a chiral processing agent for achiral polymer thin films. Thereafter, he continued his studies in Eindhoven with a Master in chemical engineering. During his master, he performed an internship at DSM biomedical where he worked on the synthesis of disulfide containing poly(ester amides). To finish his master's degree he returned to the group of Prof. Bert Meijer where he worked on the synthesize and self-assembly of heptazine-based supramolecular polymers for their use in electrolysis. He enjoyed performing research so much that he decided to join the Dr. Michel Rickhaus group for his PhD.
Besides chemistry, Nils enjoys cooking, climbing, cycling and crocheting. Furthermore, he greatly appreciates the taste of craft beer and whiskey. Also, he likes to make liqueur.
Originally born as a Belgian, my heart has been stolen by the mountains and lakes of the Alps since I moved to France at the age of 13. Pursuing a BSc in Chemistry at the University of Geneva, I struck the perfect harmony between my love for chemistry and some of my favourite pastimes – skiing, climbing, hiking, and sharing a drink (or a few) with close friends and family.
During my undergraduate studies, I developed a deep fascination for supramolecular chemistry, which motivated me to venture beyond the mountains by pursuing an MSc in molecular and supramolecular chemistry at the University of Strasbourg. There, my fascination grew even stronger as I learned about supramolecular self-assemblies, molecular machines, and non-equilibrium systems. I therefore decided to start a PhD at the University of Manchester, joining the research group of Prof. Dave Leigh, which allowed me to learn everything about transmitting information at the nanoscale through the use of molecular machines. Now, I'm thrilled to return to the city of Geneva, ready to explore the world of supramolecular self-assemblies within the research group led by Prof. Rickhaus.
If you don’t find me in the lab listening to a diverse playlist spanning rock, drum & bass, jazz, and more, I'll likely be out enjoying myself amidst the mountains, capturing moments through my camera lens while anticipating a fondue-filled evening before bedding down for a slightly less cozy night under the stars in a tent.
Even if my name might not suggest it, I am French, and my unmistakable French accent only reinforces that fact. I am an organic chemist with a genuine passion for experiments, never leaning much towards theory and always finding my best learning through hands-on work. My scientific journey started with a technical chemistry degree, initially aspiring to become a lab technician. However, everything took a turn in 2014 when I joined Dr. Durola's team at the CRPP in Bordeaux, France, for my first research internship. It dawned on me that research wasn't solely for geniuses but, more importantly, for the curious. A chemistry Bachelor's degree, a master degree in organic chemistry, a Ph.D., and a postdoc later, my interest in research became a fervent passion, particularly in the synthesis of beautiful twisted aromatic molecules. During my Ph.D. in the team of Dr. Bock and Dr. Durola and postdoc in the team of Dr. Jancarik in Bordeaux, my focus predominantly centered on the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic macrocycles and helicenes. I also enjoyed delving into the physico-chemical properties of the synthesized compounds. Embarking on a new postdoc adventure with Pr. Rickhaus in Geneva, I anticipate the synthesis of challenging curved aromatic molecules that await me.
If you're curious about where my heart lies, it might just be nestled somewhere in the mountains. I also enjoy dancing and biking, but you might also find me knitting and sipping tea at home on a rainy day
My « first » contact with chemistry was during my high school, I enjoyed learning it, but what attracted me the most is the practical part, which led me to an apprenticeship as laboratory technician in 2016. During this two-years course, I was trained in the lab of Prof. Matile at University of Geneva. I mainly worked with Dr. Sebastian Benz on the synthesis of pnictogens, chalcogen and halogen catalysts. Since then until 2024, I worked with “Unité de Formation des Apprentis (UFA)” as a trainer for the future laboratory technicians. I am thrilled now to join the group of Dr. Michel Rickhaus.
As hobbies, I like to play games (board and video games), to play music (piano and bass) and building models.
Born in London, but raised on the south coast of the UK, I was lucky enough to grow up right by the beach. Most of my childhood was dedicated to playing sports and seeing friends and family. My interest in chemistry began in high school - understanding how the world around us actually works fascinated me. From Walter White to quantum mechanics, everything took my interest. This led to me beginning my undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of Oxford in 2020.
Throughout my bachelors, I developed a passion for organic synthesis and supramolecular chemistry. This led to me joining the research group of Prof. Harry Anderson to undertake my Masters project. Here, I was introduced to the world of porphyrins and polyaromatic synthesis. I made several paramagnetic porphyrin compounds, before using EPR spectroscopy to monitor the oxidation and reduction of them. This developed my fascination for the link between molecular structure and property, as well as the scope and breadth of polyaromatic chemistry. I am very excited to start my PhD at the University of Geneva and continue to explore the world of polyaromatic chemistry, in the group of Prof. Michel Rickhaus!
Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing the piano and guitar, occasionally singing along (with mixed results!). I also love to get outside - I can usually be found playing tennis or cycling to new places!
My name is Orane, hailing from Bordeaux, a city known for its charm and wine. Originally drawn to health studies, I eventually found my true passion in organic chemistry. I fell in love with chemistry during an internship in medicinal chemistry with Pr. Philippe Hermagne at ISM Bordeaux in 2022. I wanted to see more and for my MSc thesis (also in medicinal chemistry) I moved abroad to join Profs Leonard Scapozza and Dr. Sebastien Tardy at the University of Geneva. Besides fully diving into medicinal chemistry, it is where I learned the importance of camaraderie and kindness in a team. Those experiences fueled my desire for exposure and exploration, beckoning me to go deeper into organic chemistry. I want to not only see the impact of what a molecule can have in a biological context but to tailor molecules and relate structure to property. That’s why I gravitated to Prof. Michel Rickhaus' group for my PhD. To dive into organic chemistry, explore how molecules find together and have a great time joking and laughing with the team.
During my free time, I like to do physical activities like climbing, dancing, and hitting the gym. Of course, as a good citizen of south-west France, I love drinking good wines with my friends, I love going to the ocean and I love eating a lot of chocolatine and canelés.
Born in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium, I stayed in this beautiful country which is Belgium until now (unlike someone in this lab…). Three years ago, I began my BSc in Chemistry at the University of UCLouvain because I wanted to study sciences, but found physics too hard and biology a bit boring :blush:
I quickly fell in love with chemistry and today, I could not imagine stopping studying chemistry. I’ve now started my MSc in chemistry, and for the second semester, I needed to find an internship in a research lab. That’s how I ended up here. I’ve always wanted to visit Switzerland for its beautiful mountains, landscapes, skiing. And one day, I found this lab and what they were doing interested me a lot, so I applied.
I know nothing about supramolecular chemistry, but I see it as an opportunity to gain my first experience in a new field in addition to my first experience in a research lab. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, cycling, podcasting, playing video games and going to the gym.
We remember thee fondly...
Lara Wild | MSc Thesis
March 2024 - November 2024
let me sprinkle this weirdly glowing aromat on my cucumber & pigeon salad...
Since childhood, I have been interested in nature and its underlying mechanisms. Even then, I wanted to get to the bottom of things and was not satisfied with simple answers. This has been my motivation to start my studies in Chemistry at the University of Basel. During my bachelor's internship in the field of photochemistry in the group of Oliver Wenger, I performed my first synthesis of organometallic complexes and worked on light reactions. Following this, I completed a five-month internship in Paris in the group of Gilles Gasser, where I focused on bioinorganic chemistry and worked on the synthesis of fluorescent coumarins. I wrote my first publication about coumarin synthesis by using Platinum(II) complexes during this internship.
After that, I went to the University of Geneva to do my Master's degree. The motivation to complete my Master's thesis in Organic Chemistry originates from my desire for a broad and profound knowledge in organic synthesis. I strongly believe that an intensive study of organic chemistry is a crucial step to becoming a competent and versatile chemist. That's why I'm really looking forward to my Master's thesis.
In my free time, I like to meet up with friends and I am passionate about classical music. I have been playing the violin since I was six years old. When I have time, I like to go horse riding, skiing or swimming.
Melissa El Bitar Nehme | PhD Student
2019 - 2024
you mean these black spots on the floor? Completely harmless...
The world of chemistry has attracted my attention ever since I saw the “elephant toothpaste” experiment at a carnival in middle school. It was mind-blowing, and my curiosity increased throughout my high school years, along with my obsession in understanding the structure and ingredient of the matters on my surroundings. This led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the Lebanese University. Fascinated by the field of organic chemistry and compelled to broaden my knowledge, I obtained a full scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Under the supervision of Prof. Tarek Ghaddar, I worked on the synthesis, as well as the optical, electrochemical, and photophysical characterization of novel dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. This allowed me to produce my first publication in ACS Applied Energy Materials, as well as two posters, which I presented at the First National Workshop on Innovative Materials and Applications at AUB. I am currently a teaching assistant, and I am working on my second research publication. Deeply intrigued by my graduate research experience and my love for new challenges, I am excited to pursue my PhD studies at the University of Zürich in Dr. Michel Rickhaus’ group.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing poems, and hiking.
Dr. Silvia Castro Fernández | PostDoc
2022 - 2024
just a few more minutes until my compound comes of the GPC...
I obtained my PhD in chemistry at University of Vigo, in the northwest of Spain close to my birth town. During those years I visited New York for two short stays at Columbia University and NYIT, respectively. I learned about organic synthesis, centered on chiral macrocycles with potential chiroptical responses, and how important is the relationship between structure and properties. I have done two postdoctoral stays in Spain. First, at University of Granada. I was introduced to the world of nanographenes and their fascinating properties working in the group of Prof. Araceli Campaña, then I moved to the University of Santiago de Compostela in the group of Prof. Diego Peña, where I have kept in touch with graphene-like structures and their potential magnetism. Now, I have decided it is time for a little international experience and I think the ‘Rickhaus lab’ is the perfect place for it. So I am coming to Zürich for a new postdoctoral stay where I am planning to learn about new supramolecular behaviors derived from specific molecular designs.
When I am not ‘cooking’ at the laboratory I go hunting for restaurants - trying new dishes is my favorite activity when I travel. I like working out, playing boardgames and whenever I get the chance, I enjoy being close to the sea.
Lucía Gallego Aibar | PhD Student
2020 - 2024
running a synthesis farm in several fumehoods has never killed anyone, has it? ...
My interest in chemistry started almost before even knowing what it was, nearly 10 years ago. The increasing desire to know why things happen the way they do led me to start a Bachelor in Chemistry at the University of Zaragoza. There, I worked with Dr. Santiago Franco on new organic dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, which introduced me to aromatic macrocycles and making me realize that I wanted to go deeper into the extraordinary field of Organic Chemistry. Then, I studied a Master in Organic Chemistry at the Autonoma University of Madrid, where I worked in Prof. Torres group with Dr. Mª Victoria Martínez-Díaz on new curved aromatic photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy. Finally, and with the purpose of widening my knowledge in aromatic surfaces, I am eager to start my PhD in Dr. Michel Rickhaus group, at the University of Zurich.
Out of chemistry, I really enjoy getting lost around new places, hiking and taking pictures of nearly everything (technique acquired during bachelor's lab courses and perfectioned with my cat). I also love meeting new people and talking (a lot) about anything. You will probably find me reading or listening to music anytime, and of course singing. What makes me most happy? Food, cuddling cats (actually everything related to cats) and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Joseph F. Woods | PhD Student
2019 - 2023
with my experience in stuffing down jaffa cakes I can drink BuLi, just watch me...
Joe is a first year PhD student in the Rickhaus group who is originally from the north east of England, just north of Newcastle. Like many who make this region their home he is a passionate football fan and a connoisseur of Greggs. It would not be uncommon to find him with a sausage roll in hand shouting from the terraces although he was disappointed to find that the finest pastry company in England has not yet set up shop in Zurich.
He also eats quite a lot. Joe can quite happily shift three or four times a normal person’s portion at any given meal and is constantly hungry throughout the day. The man’s dream is an all-you-can-eat buffet. You might imagine him to weigh at least 20 stone but rest assured that all of these calories consumed are readily burnt off.
Most of Joe’s time outside the lab is spent running a big number of miles over the course of the week. As he often trains twice a day and enjoys competing over a range of distances from 3000m up to half marathon, Joe is a keen member of the Rickhaus Group Running Team who welcome new members of all abilities.
Joe studied at the University of Oxford for four years in which he completed his undergraduate studies and his Master’s year. His Master’s project was supervised by Professor Harry Anderson and involved much organic synthesis working towards the formation of polyyne rotaxanes using Cobalt masking groups as a model for a theoretical sp allotrope of carbon: carbyne. Michael Jackson and other 80s bangers may be heard in the lab when he is around.
Rachele Butti | MSc Thesis
October 2022 - Juli 2023
well, if Lucía said this is safe ...
I have been fascinated by the art of chemistry since I was a child. I still remember the evenings spent with my grandfather while listening to him reading “Story of a carbon atom” by the chemist Primo Levi. The novel tells the story of the exciting life of a carbon atom. It was at that moment I realized chemistry would have been part of my life. Not surprisingly, after achieving my high school graduation, I decided to start a Bachelor of Sciences in Chemistry at the University of Zurich in 2018. After having completed the practical course of Organic Chemistry in 2020, I understood that this matter would have been my path. For this reason, I requested Dr. Michel Rickhaus to join his research group to enhance my knowledge of aromatic surfaces.
Besides the desire of synthesizing caffeine molecules, I really enjoy listening to old- school hip-hop music and spending quality time with my family and friends. Photography and cinema have always been two of my main interests without missing the reading of a good book.
Fabienne Fisch | BSc Practica
July 2022 - February 2023
I wonder if I can watch this from a bit closer ...
I have always been interested in physical sciences, but I first discovered the field of chemistry during my high school years. Once I had to decide which Bachelor's degree I wanted to pursue, it was very clear that chemistry was the only option. The way chemistry approaches the world and its creatures is one of the most interesting things to exist. Especially the field of organic chemistry excited me since I first learned about it. So, when I got the opportunity to do an internship in the Rickhausgroup, I immediately took the chance.
In my free time, I go to the cinema as often as there is a good film to watch. A good story captivates and fascinates me, which is why a good book is always read way too quickly. That's why I'm always searching for new and interesting books and films.
Dr. Philip A. Hope | PostDoc
2022 - 2023
let me show you how its done - I have been basically running a lab before ...
Having grown up in the north east of England (non geordie) I moved to Manchester to study chemistry. This was the start of a love–hate relationship which took me to Paris for a year with an industrial placement, to the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology for my masters with Dr Simon Webb and then to Billingham in Teeside as a speciality chemicals and oils analyst. Following this I decided to join Durham University to gain my PhD under Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro and Paul McGonical where I developed a strong interest in functional π-systems and supramolecular assembly. Following this, I did a short, but productive, post doc with Patrick Steele where I worked on the synthesis of a small family of benzodiazepines for bio activity against leishmaniasis. I then joined the Rickhaus group where I hope to develop novel self-assembling aromatic molecules!
In my spare time/anytime I’m not in work, I can usually be found either in the pub, watching football or cooking up something good.
Dr. Thomas Kader | PostDoc
2020 - 2022
*daydreaming about mountains while quenching*
My fascination with natural sciences, which I developed during my school days, led me to start a bachelor study in Technical Chemistry in Vienna at TU Wien. At that time, during different lab courses and lectures, I grew a strong interest in organic chemistry. Therefore, I conducted my bachelor thesis in the group of Prof. Johannes Fröhlich, working on the utilization of azide-alkyne cycloadditions for the formation of conjugated materials for organic electronics. I continued this path with my master’s degree with specialization in synthesis, followed by my PhD studies in the same group, investigating new building blocks for materials applied in organic light emitting diodes. This work involved the systematic introduction of nitrogen atoms into planar triarylamines, as well as improving the solubility by alkylation to enable solution processing of such planar systems. After finishing my PhD studies recently, I am excited to join the Rickhaus group at University of Zurich as a PostDoc; after working long time on planar systems to bring some curvature to my target molecules.
Besides the time in the lab, I enjoy all kind of sports and outdoor activities, ranging from flag football and beach volleyball to obstacle course races, or simply hiking in the mountains, always being curious about trying something new.
Delia Meier | BSc Student
July – August 2020
well virtual learning has totally replaced hands-on experience. here, you just...
BSc Student, July – August 2020
The world of chemistry has fascinated me, before even knowing what it was. My increasing desire to understand why things happen the way they do, led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry here at the University of Zurich. After my first introduction to the wonders of organic chemistry, I knew I had to learn more: Driven by a craving for understanding the structure and functionality of organic molecules, I am excited to join Dr. Michel Rickhaus’ group.
In my free time, I enjoy a good book and long conversations with passionate people.
Jaclyn Parris | MSc Practica
November 2019 – February 2020
organic chemistry is basically inorganic chemistry, just apply a bit of heeeeeat...
My interest in chemistry began in my high school chemistry classes, where we broke the world down into elements, bonds, energies, and formulas. Following my first introduction to chemistry, I knew I had to learn more. This drive has led me to pursue a master’s degree, here at UZH, in chemistry and crystallography. In June, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. During this time, I worked in an inorganic lab of Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kortz, researching polyoxometalates. My thesis work was the synthesis and characterization of star-type lanthanide containing polyoxopalladates.
Also, in my undergraduate degree, I attend a course on supramolecular chemistry, which quickly became my favorite subject. This interest has led me to join Dr. Michel Rickhaus’ lab group from which I am excited to learn.
When I am not studying or working in the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, doing just about anything, be it exploring new cities, hiking in the alps, or baking together.
Elie Benchimol | Research Intern
September 2020 - March 2021
I am French and thus basically God. Here, let me demonstrate....
A few years ago, I left my hometown Toulouse, in the south of France, to pursue my studies in Paris. I did a Bachelor and a first year of Master at University Paris-Saclay, in the lovely forest of Orsay, studying physical Chemistry. Attracted by organic chemistry and DNA I joined the group of Dr. Granzhan at Institut Curie to work on azacryptands and macrocycles for the stabilization of the DNA three-way junction. I was immediately fascinated by Supramolecular Chemistry and Life Sciences. Thus, I went to Paris Sciences and Letters (PSL) University to continue my second year of Master and go deeper into these topics. I obtained a scholarship to join the University of Cambridge for my Master’s Thesis where I worked in the group of Pr. Jonathan Nitschke on metal-organic cages, self-assembly and transformation networks. Before starting my PhD I wanted to broaden my knowledge in Supramolecular Chemistry and acquire more experience, therefore I’m happy to join the Rickhaus group at the University of Zurich!
When I’m not in the lab, you can find me walking randomly in the streets of any cities, doing any kind of sports or watching Rugby wearing the black and red colors of Stade Toulousain! I am also an amateur of all type of new cuisines.
Pauline Pfister | Research Intern
March 2021 – August 2021
based on my Würzburg experience, this just needs another few liters of Grignard...
I’ve always been interested in sciences, but the idea to study chemistry was rather spontaneous. I started to do my bachelor in chemistry at the University Würzburg (Germany) and since I was already in the flow I continued with my master right away. During my master's degree, I got some insights into the exciting field of supramolecular chemistry which fascinates me very much. At some point, the need to get to know new people, new working methods, new input, new research areas and a new city became so great that I started looking for other universities for an exchange. And now I am here in Zurich and found exactly what I was searching for. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming months here.
In my spare time I'll probably be out somewhere looking for an adventure. Alternatively, I enjoy having the mountains right around the corner or making music with friends, which always makes me happy.
Rachele Butti | BSc Student
March 2021 – June 2021
these dyes make excellent dancefloor makeup...
I have been fascinated by the art of chemistry since I was a child. I still remember the evenings spent with my grandfather while listening to him reading “Story of a carbon atom” by the chemist Primo Levi. The novel tells the story of the exciting life of a carbon atom. It was at that moment I realized chemistry would have been part of my life. Not surprisingly, after achieving my high school graduation, I decided to start a Bachelor of Sciences in Chemistry at the University of Zurich in 2018. After having completed the practical course of Organic Chemistry in 2020, I understood that this matter would have been my path. For this reason, I requested Dr. Michel Rickhaus to join his research group to enhance my knowledge of aromatic surfaces as planned for my Bachelor project.
Besides the desire of synthesizing caffeine molecules, I really enjoy listening to old- school hip-hop music and spending quality time with my family and friends. Photography and cinema have always been two of my main interests without missing the reading of a good book.
Lorena Casasola | BSc Student
March 2021 – June 2021
oh a few days longer reaction time won't make a big difference ...
I have always been interested in knowing how and why things happen, even as a little child. Therefore it is not surprising that I was most interested in natural sciences during my school days. I gained a huge interest in chemistry, which lead me to sign up for a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Zurich. During the organic chemistry practical course I learned to love organic chemistry, which is why I requested Dr. Michel Rickhaus to join his group. I am very happy to be given the opportunity to work in the Rickhaus group and I hope to learn lots of new, interesting things about organic, aromatic molecules, especially curved π-systems.
Besides chemistry my interests include playing the guitar (although I wish I could be better at it), trying all kinds of foods, spending some quality time with my friends and family or simply reading a book by the lake.