Leverhulme International Professor in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Professor Tomislav Friščić holds a Leverhulme International Chair in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, is an expert in solid-state chemistry and the applications and fundamental understanding of solid-state reactivity.
Michael was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He obtained his MSc degree in Chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), Northern Ireland. Continuing at QUB his PhD work was focused on the simulation of mechanochemical reactions and was supervised by Professor Stuart L. James and Professor Jorge Kohanoff. In 2017, Michael moved to the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina as a postdoctoral researcher with Dr.Mario G. Del Pópolo working on the simulation of liquid-liquid interfaces and pore opening in biological membranes. He first joined the Friščić group at McGill University in November 2020, in collaboration with Professor Audrey Moores, to perform experimental studies on experimental mechanosynthesis and theoretical studies on liquid additives in mechanochemistry. In November 2022, Michael joined the group at the University of Birmingham where he is working to develop theoretical approaches to better understand solid-state reactivity. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and having a few beers or a whiskey with friends.
Lori was born and raised in Aix-les-Bains, France. She obtained her Bachelor and Master degrees from Montpellier University, France. During her PhD at IMT Mines Albi and Paul Sabatier University, France, she studied organic mechanosynthesis under the supervision of Dr Michel Baron, Dr Rachel Calvet, and Dr Michel Baltas. Lori first joined the Friščić lab at McGill University in January 2020 for a Postdoc to study the synthesis of pharmaceutical components by resonant acoustic mixing. In December 2022, she moved to the University of Birmingham as a research fellow in pharmaceutical and organic mechanochemistry. In her spare time, she likes skiing and spending time with friends.
Born and raised in Syria, Okba obtained a pharmacy degree from Damascus University,Syria and was within the top 10 graduates. Following his pharmacy degree, while working as a formulation scientist at PharmaQuest International Centre, he obtained his first master’s degree in pharmaceutical science from Damascus university.
After moving to the UK, he obtained a second MSc by research in formulation design and analysis from the University of Reading with distinction. In 2019, he finished his PhD studies at Cardiff University researching various aspects of solid-state chemistry including crystallography, crystallisation, pharmaceutical cocrystals, polymorphism and structure solution from PXRD data. After his PhD, he worked at materials science department in GSK where he used various techniques for particle size, solid-state, thermal, structural and hygroscopic characterisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and their final products. Currently, he is a research fellow in experimental solid-state chemistry and mechanochemistry at the University of Birmingham.
Alex is from Brighton and Hove and obtained his Masters degree in Chemistry in 2014 from the University of Nottingham. His Masters project focussed on the synthesis of anthracene based molecular handcuffs in the pursuit of a system capable of controllable dimerisation. Alex began his PhD in 2018 at the University of Nottingham working for Professor Neil Champness, but in 2020 the group moved to the University of Birmingham. His PhD work centered around the pillar[n]arene macrocycle and implemented the porous molecule in larger supramolecular systems. With the target applications of neonicotinoid capturing and MOF adhesion. After transitioning from RA, Alex is now a post-doc in the group with research centred around the development of new methods for mechanochemistry. Outside of work Alex, is a multi-instrumentalist who enjoys playing music with his band, and hanging out with his cats Vera and Ralph.
Mohammad was born in Iran. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. He then continued working at the same university towards his PhD degree under the supervision of Professor Xavier Ottenwaelder. His work focused on developing biomimetic copper-catalysed reactions for the oxidation and amination of phenols. He then joined the group of Professor Hanadi Sleiman at McGill University as an NSERC postdoctoral fellow where he studied DNA-based supramolecular assemblies containing metal-binding sites and their interaction with transition metals. Upon completion of the postdoctoral research, he worked as medicinal and synthetic organic chemist at NuChem Sciences – Sygnature Discovery North America in Montreal. In 2024, Mohammad moved to the UK and joined the Friščić group as a Research Fellow. His research interests include synthetic organic chemistry, metal catalysis, and mechanochemistry. In his free time, Mohammad enjoys reading, and going on long walks.
Fu-Qiang was born and raised in Hubei, China. He received his BSc in Chemistry from Ocean University of China in 2019, and later that year, he started his PhD in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry at Xiamen University under the supervision of Professor Jun Cheng. His doctoral research concentrated on ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of catalytic processes under in situ and operando conditions. He completed his PhD in Chemistry in 2024. In the same year, he joined the Friščić group at the University of Birmingham as a Research Fellow, where his work focuses on the development and application of theoretical methods to evaluate potential energy landscapes of solid-state materials, exploring their structures and their potential roles in mechanochemical reactions to understand solids and their reactivity. In his spare time, he enjoys watching films and taking leisurely walks.
Bonnie grew up in Scotland and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh followed by a PhD at the University of Manchester. Her PhD work was focused on the crystallography of flexible MOFs, utilising in situ variable temperature and gas adsorption studies to monitor phase changes on a series of fluorinated MOFs. She joined the Friscic group in 2024 and currently investigates the mechanochemical synthesis of MOFs.
Anže was born and raised in Slovenia. He obtained his PhD at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at University of Ljubljana under the supervision of Prof. Marjan Jereb in 2022. In 2023 he joined Professor Timo Repo’s Catalysis and Green Chemistry research group at the University of Helsinki in Finland as a Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation postdoctoral researcher and later under the EU Horizon REMHub project. He joined Friščić group in 2025. His research interests include green transformations of halogenated and chalcogenated organic molecules and sustainable solvometallurgical recycling of noble metals and rare earths. In his free time Anže enjoys doing sports, sauna, going to theatre, singing Karaoke and meeting with friends.
Dr Francesco Basoccu is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Originally from Italy, he works in the field of organic chemistry, focusing on the design and development of new organic molecules and in scaling-up organic reactions by using mechanochemistry and Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM).
Outside the lab, Francesco enjoys playing football, catching up with friends over an Aperol Spritz, and exploring Birmingham and its surroundings. He brings a touch of Italian creativity and enthusiasm to both his research and everyday life.
Sarah completed her BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at the University of Glasgow in 2015, undertaking her final year project under the supervision of Professor Ross Forgan, working on the introduction of alkyne-functionalised ligands into Zr and Hf metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Following this, Sarah continued in the group carrying out her PhD as part of the Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation DTC, studying the kinetics and processes of crystallisation of Zr and Y MOFs. Sarah joined the Champness group in 2019 as a postdoctoral researcher working on complex-containing MOFs for single crystal X-ray study of reactions within the framework. And completed her postdoc in 2024, where she then went onto the Friščić group working as a research associate.
Kathleen was born in the UK, but her family originated from Ireland (Dublin). Kathleen joined the Friščić group January 2023 as Operations Officer. Kathleen has worked at the University of Birmingham for 20 years (12 years in Primary Care as a Research Administrator/PA and 8 years in Metallurgy & Materials as a Project Officer). Kathleen enjoys reading, gardening, walking and days out.
Linda was born and raised in Lebanon. In 2015, she completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry followed by a master’s degree in physical chemistry at the American University of Beirut in 2018. During her MSc, Linda worked on polymeric systems used in drug delivery and fluorescence sensing. In 2020, Linda moved to Montreal to start her PhD in the Friscic’s group at McGill University. Currently, she is a visiting research student at the University of Birmingham, working on Developing Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) as a method for fundamental studies and synthesis. In her free time, Linda enjoys cooking, reading, and watching documentaries.
Louis is originally from the suburbs of Boston, MA. He got his first taste of chemistry when he used a gummy bear to make fireworks in junior high and plated a penny with zinc in high school. His love for chemistry and a need for a change of scenery drove him to McGill University where he graduated with a BSc in Chemistry and Pharmacology. He originally worked in (bio)chemical kinetics of nanomaterials but quickly realized that he enjoyed making the nanomaterials more. He first joined the group in 2013. Currently, he is a PhD student, co-supervised with Professor Louis Cuccia working on the synthesis of chiral cage structures. When he's not in the lab shaking up something awesome with nickel, olefins, or ruthenium, he is probably playing chess, reading, planning his next (bow)fishing trip, or trying to learn a new language.
Tom was born in South Wales and was stuck there until 2020 when he moved to Birmingham to complete his MSci at University of Birmingham. His masters project involved using green solvents for hydrometallurgical recycling of LIB cathode materials. He met Professor Friščić through his Green Chemistry lecture course and now is researching solventless mechanochemical methods towards synthesizing complex metal oxides. He loves playing badminton, chess, video games, board games and watching One Piece.
Anna is a PhD student in the Friščić group. Her interest lies with synthesis of small organic carbon and oxygen based molecules and noncovalent derivatization of small organic compounds. Outside of work, Anna’s interests include reading and fibre arts.
Annie is a PhD student from Kent, who joined the group in 2024 to work on a joint project with the University of Birmingham and DSTL to degrade chemical warfare and nerve agents using resonant acoustic mixing (RAM). Having completed her MSci at Imperial College London, she then took a gap year to travel South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and work part time. Her hobbies include sport, writing and acting.
Cezary was born in Poland and moved to the UK at the age of 10. He completed his MSc at Heriot-Watt University in 2021 and worked for some time at Pion Inc. undertaking projects which measured physical properties of new APIs, as well as the dissolution and flux of their formulations. He joined the Friščić group at the start of 2024 where he will be working on a joint DSTL project to degrade pharmaceutically active compounds as well as chemical and biological warfare agents using Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM). In his spare time, he enjoys bouldering, playing video games, and doing anything that might take his interest.
Joe started in the Friščić group in 2016 as an undergraduate, and started his MSc with the group in 2018. He is originally from New Jersey, USA. His interests involve the synthesis and characterisation of organic and metal-organic solid state materials.
Craig obtained his MSci in Theoretical Physics from the University of Birmingham, where his master’s project was focused on accelerating Raman calculations. In 2025 he continued his studies in Birmingham, with his PhD co-supervised by Professor Tomislav Friščić and Professor Andrew Morris. His research focuses on modelling the structure and reactions of materials, with an interest in metal-organic systems. In his spare time, he enjoys training as a decathlete, going to live music events, and spending time with friends.
Originally from the UK, Aadam grew up in Saudi Arabia before returning to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Birmingham in 2024. His Masters project focused on the synthesis of fluorine doped lithium nitride-hydride species for the catalytic production of ammonia. He is now working on a PhD project, co-supervised by Dr Jason Stafford, to further the development of next generation materials using mechanochemical processes.
Jamie grew up in the Scottish Highlands, before moving to Edinburgh to study an Integrated Masters in Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University. During his undergraduate degree, he completed an industrial placement with Johnson Matthey, working on the synthesis of mixed metal oxides by mechanochemistry for heterogenous catalysis. He is now working at the University of Birmingham on a PhD project in collaboration with Johnson Matthey, attempting to learn more about mechanochemical inorganic synthesis.
Toni was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She obtained her Bachelor of Science from McGill University. She joined the Friščić in 2020 where her research focused on solid-state self-assembly of substituted porphyrin systems as well as halogen bonded cocrystals. In September 2023 she moved to the University of Birmingham to pursue a PhD with the Friščić group. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and spending time with friends.
From Ontario, Imogen joined the group in 2019 after an undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor. She's currently a PhD Student working at McGill University in the Bohle group's lab on crystal engineering, synthesis, and structural studies with organoantimony compounds. Outside the lab, Imogen is typically DJ’ing/producing, cooking something extremely spicy, or looking for a quiet spot to watch the moon from.
Ruđer was born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia. He obtained his BSc in Chemistry and MSc in Inorganic and structural chemistry at the University of Zagreb, both under the supervision of Professor Dominik Cinčić. His research primarily focuses on crystal engineering and chemical crystallography. Ruđer joined the Friščić group in May 2024, initially as a visiting research student and later continued as a PhD student. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and taking long naps.
Born in Lithuania, Jogirdas grew up in various parts of the United States before moving to Montreal to study at McGill University. Since joining the Friščić group in 2018, Jogi completed his BSc in Chemistry (2020) and stayed on as a PhD student, working on several different projects involving halogen bonded cocrystals, and solid-state luminescence. In his spare time, he enjoys supporting Liverpool FC, folk dancing, cooking and playing chess.
Raised in Victoria BC, Tristan completed his BSc in Chemistry at the University of Victoria in 2016. Under the co-supervision with Prof. Barrett, Tristan's research focuses on photoresponsive crystalline materials, with emphasis on halogen bonding. In his spare time, he enjoys brewing beer, watching sports, and reading nonsense on Twitter.
Zizi joined the group in 2016 from Croatia. She has very diverse research interests, including the study of motion of balls, surface science of floors, social interaction and behaviour. She is particularly fond of group picnics in Park Jeanne-Mance. She is responsible for morale in the Frišcic group.
Pier was born and raised in Rotterdam, where he finished his high school. Hereafter, he received his BSc at the Vrij University of Amsterdam in Pharmaceutical Sciences. During his bachelor degree, chemistry piqued his interest, leading him get a MSc from the University of Amsterdam in Chemistry, researching S,O-ligands for C-H functionalization of substituted arenes under Dr Tati Fernández-Ibáñez. Thereafter, he started his PhD within Professor Chris Slootweg's research group, researching hydrogen storage in metal borohydrides using mechanochemistry. To further investigate these reactions in Resonance Acoustic Mixing, he gained a travel grant from the University of Amsterdam to join the Frišcic group for 4 months.
|
Name |
Date |
Current Position |
|
Farshid Effaty |
2020-2024 |
Postdoc at Universi |
|
Cameron Lennox |
2018-2024 |
Postdoc at Rochester university |
|
Yong Teoh |
2020-2022 |
|
|
Blaine Fiss, Ph.D. |
2016 - 2022 |
Postdoc at Western University |
|
Ghada Ayoub, Ph.D. |
2014 - 2020 |
Senior scientist at Eurofins Alphora |
|
Ivana Brekalo, Ph.D. |
2013 - 2019 |
Postdoc at Ruđer Bošković Institute |
|
Patrick J. Julien, Ph.D. |
2013 - 2019 |
Postdoc in Burn's-Group, University of Notre Dame |
|
Igor Huskić, Ph.D. |
2013 - 2019 |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry evaluator at Therapeutic Goods Administration, Canberra |
|
Davin Tan, Ph.D. |
2013 - 2017 |
|
|
Cristina Mottillo, Ph.D. |
2013 - 2017 |
Postdoc in Friščić - Group, McGill University and CEO of ACSYNAM |
|
Name |
Date |
Current Position |
|
Dr Tristan Borchers |
2020-2024 |
Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of Birmingham |
|
Professor Thomas Auvray |
2021-2024 |
Assistant Professor at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières |
|
Dr Mario Perez Venegas |
2020-2023 |
Scientist at Rubi Laboratories |
|
Dr Nikola Biliškov |
2021-2022 |
Senior research associate at the institute Ruđer Bošković Institute |
|
Dr Dylan Shields |
2020 - 2022 |
Visiting Scholar at the University of Cincinnati |
|
Dr Luzia Germann |
2020 - 2021 |
Polymorphism and Solid-State Expert at Novartis |
|
Dr Sandra Kaabal |
2019 - 2021 |
Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University |
|
Dr Filip Topic |
2017 - 2021 |
Process Engineer at IQM Quantum Computers |
|
Dr Hatem Titi |
2017 - 2022 |
X-Ray Facility Manager at McGill University |
|
Dr Mihails Arhangelski |
2016 - 2019 |
Assistant Prof. at the Chemistry Faculty, University of Warsaw. |
|
Asha Shelam, MSc |
2017 - 2019 |
Research Assistant |
|
Dr Athina Fidelli |
2017 - 2019 |
Postdoctoral Fellow at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. |
|
Dr Athanassios D. Katsenis |
2016 - 2019 |
Postdoctoral Fellow at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. |
|
Dr Fabien Hammer |
2016 - 2019 |
|
|
Dr Dayaker Gandrath |
2015 - 2018 |
Research Scientist, Intellisyn Pharma Inc, Montreal |
|
Dr Shaghayegh Ostadjoo |
2017 - 2018 |
|
|
Dr Steven P. Kelley |
2017 |
|
|
Dr Leigh-Anne Loots |
2016 - 2017 |
Instrumentation Laboratory Manager in Barbour Group, University of Stellenbosch. |
|
Dr Huizhi Bao |
2014 - 2016 |
|
|
Dr Krunoslav Užarević |
2014 - 2015 |
Head of Laboratory for Green Synthesis |
|
Dr José G. Hernández |
2013 - 2015 |
Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen |
|
Dr Vjekoslav Štrukil |
2012 - 2013 |
Research Assistant at Ruđer Bošković Institute |
|
Dr Mathieu Frenette |
2012 - 2013 |
Assistant Professor at Université du Québec à Montréal |
|
Name |
Date |
Current Position |
|
Jacob Tripp |
2025 |
|
|
Benjamin Nielsen |
2025 |
|
|
Hannah Glatter |
2024 |
|
|
Lawrence Putt |
2024 |
|
|
Toni Spilfogel |
2020-2022 |
|
|
Yonger Xie |
2020-2022 |
|
|
Austin Richardl |
2020-2022 |
|
|
Merlin Zabrocki |
2020 |
|
|
Sophie McIntyre |
2019 - 2020 |
|
|
Ricky Tran |
2017 - 2018 |
|
|
Ryan Kung |
2016 - 2018 |
Research Trainee |
|
Shaodi (Allen) Li, MSc |
2015 - 2018 |
|
|
Christopher W. Nickels, MSc |
2015 - 2017 |
|
|
Michael Y. Malca, MSc |
2015 - 2017 |
co-supervised with Prof. A. H. Moores |
|
Jan-Constantin Christopherson, MSc |
2015 - 2017 |
co-supervised with Prof. C. J. Barrett |
|
Martin Glavinovic, MSc |
2013 - 2016 |
co-supervised with Prof. J.-P. Lump |
|
Neil A. J. Macdonald, MSc |
2011- 2014 |
co-supervised with Prof. I. S. Butler |
|
Antoine Beauvais-Lacasse, MSc |
2011- 2013 |
co-supervised with Prof. A. H. Moores |
|
Feng Qi, MSc |
2011- 2013 |
co-supervised with Prof. I. S. Butler |
|
Name |
Date |
Current Position |
|
Prof Tamara Hamilton |
2025 |
Visiting Professor from Barry University |
|
Leonarda Vugrin |
2025 |
Visiting PhD student from Dr. Ivan Halasz group (Ruđer Bošković Institute University of Zagreb) |
|
Kirsten Aasen |
2025 |
Visiting PhD student from Prof. Heather Buckley group (University of Victoria) |
|
Theo Bremner |
2025 |
Visiting undergraduate researcher from Prof. Isaiah Speight group (William and Mary |
|
Dillon Button |
2024 |
Jennings Visiting PhD from Prof. Timothy Hanusa group (Vanderbilt) |
|
Katie Floyd |
2024 |
Visiting PhD from Prof. James Batteas group (Texas A&M) |
|
Lidija Posavec |
2024 |
Visiting PhD student from Professor Dominik Cinčić research group (Ruđer Bošković Institute University of Zagreb) |
|
Ruder Susanj |
2024 |
Visiting PhD student from Prof. Dominik Cinčić research group (Ruđer Bošković Institute University of Zagreb) |
|
Francesco Basoccu |
2024 |
Visiting PhD student from Andrea Porcheddu research group (University of Cagliari) |
|
Vinko Nemec |
2023 |
Visiting Post doc from Prof. Dominik Cinčić research group (Ruđer Bošković Institute University of Zagreb) |
|
Cecila Firoe |
2022 |
|
|
Sayuri Hashimoto |
2022 |
|
|
Prof. Mazen Al-Ghoul |
2019-2020 |
Visiting Prof. University of Beirut. |
|
Isaiah R. Speight |
2019 |
Visiting PhD Student from Prof. Timothy P. Hanusa group. |
|
Szymon Sobczak |
2019 |
Visiting PhD Student from Prof. Andrzej Katrusiak group. |
|
Gemma M. Garwell |
2018-2019 |
Visiting M.Sc. student (Cardiff University, UK) |
|
Katarina Lisac |
2018 |
Visiting PhD Student from Prof. Dominik Cinčić group. |
|
Prof. Michel Baltas |
2018 |
Visiting Professor, Universite Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (France). |
|
Poppy Hindle |
2017-2018 |
Visiting M. Sc. student (Cardiff University, UK. |
|
Shalisa Oburn |
2017-2018 |
visiting Ph.D. (University of Iowa Sholarship program. |
|
Sandra Kaabel |
2017-2018 |
visiting Ph.D. (Dora Plus Scholarship program, Aug 2017-Apr 2018). |
|
Michael Brand |
2016-2017 |
Visiting M.Sc. student (Cardiff University, UK). |
|
Prof. Ivani Malvestiti |
2016-2017 |
Visiting Professor. |
|
Prof. Ahmed Fekri |
2016 |
Visiting Professor. |
|
Joshua Crew |
2015-2016 |
Visiting M.Sc. student (Cardiff University, UK). |
|
Athina Fidelli |
2015 |
Visiting Ph.D. student from University of Athens, Greece. |
|
Athanasios Katsenis |
2013 |
Visiting PhD Student from University of Athens, Greece. |
|
Prof. William Jones |
2012 |
Visiting Professor, University of Cambridge (UK). |
|
Daniel Prochowicz |
2012 |
Visiting Ph.D. student from Warsaw University of Technology, Poland. |
