The Group
The Skabara group is a friendly, ever-growing group of enthusiastic scientists who have joined the university from around the world. Click the links below to find out more information about our group members.
Postdocs
Dr Oleksandr (Alex) Kanibolotskyy
Oleksandr.Kanibolotskyy@glasgow.ac.uk
I obtained a Masters degree in Biochemistry from Donetsk State University (USSR) and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Institute of Physical Organic and Coal Chemistry (IPOCC) at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Donetsk). While working in IPOCC in the field of physical organic chemistry, I had a visiting position in the Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Organic Materials, Angers, France, and I have also worked in Prof Peter Skabara’s Group for over a decade across various time intervals. I’ve been involved in a series of projects on organic electronics and photonics while working on the design and synthesis of organic conductors and semiconductors for applications in photovoltaics, field effect transistors, distributed feedback lasers and down-converters for ultra-parallel visible light communications. Being a synthetic chemist, I have a passion for materials science, which stems from an understanding of the fundamental structure-property relationship in π-functional materials. Out of working hours I enjoy cycling and spending time with my family.
Dr Joseph Cameron
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8622-8353
I have been working in the Skabara group since 2011. I first completed my EPSRC/Merck funded PhD in the group studying materials based on novel electron-deficient acceptor units and their application in organic solar cells and organic field-effect transistors. Since 2015, I have worked as a research associate on a diverse range of projects including developing novel hole transport materials, synthesis, characterisation and application of photocross-linkable materials, modification of PDMS for selective adhesion and I am now working on the synthesis of novel materials for molecular wires. I look after the glovebox facility and I am interested in the fabrication and characterisation of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). I mainly enjoy spending my spare time with my family as the father of two young children, but I also have a keen interest in many sports, especially football.
Dr Lyudmyla Kanibolotska
Lyuda.Kanibolotsky@glasgow.ac.uk
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6922-9140
I am from Donetsk, Ukraine where I studied Chemistry at the Donetsk State University. I obtained my PhD in Physical Chemistry from the same university where I worked as a Senior Researcher and afterwards as a Senior Lecturer for many years. I am currently a Research Associate in the group of Professor Pete Skabara. I’m interested in research which relates to materials science: the chemistry of conjugated polymers and oligomers; advanced materials based on conjugated polymers and oligomers for electronics and optoelectronics (particularly, poly- and oligofluorenes for light-emitting devices), and also oxidation of organic compounds by molecular oxygen, particularly the mechanism of one electron transfer.
Dr Anastasiia Klimash
Anastasiia.Klimash@glasgow.ac.uk
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2585-4016
I completed a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at the Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology in Dnipro (Ukraine) followed by a Master's degree in Fine Chemistry from the University of Le Mans (France). I got my PhD degree in 2019 here in the group of Prof Pete Skabara where I was developing new thermally-activated delayed fluorescence materials for organic light-emitting diodes. After this, I did a one-year postdoc in the group of Dr Hugo Bronstein at the University of Cambridge working on the synthesis of singlet fission materials for photovoltaic applications. Now I am back in Glasgow and will be working as a postdoc in the Skabara group designing novel organic conjugated electroactive materials. In my spare time, I like drawing and watching seagulls going on a rampage through the city. I am also a big fan of capybaras.
Dr Alex Loch
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7475-2529
I completed a dual bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Science (with a major in Chemistry) at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, followed by an honours degree in Chemistry studying the use of poly(dendrimers) for the fluorescence-based detection of explosive vapours. I then undertook my PhD at the Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics – UQ, in which I investigated the use of luminescent materials for the rapid and sensitive detection of low volatility illicit street drugs. Now, I am working on the Hetero-print project within the Adams and Skabara groups. My scientific interests involve organic synthesis, organic optoelectronics, and designing custom laboratory equipment. Outside of the laboratory I have a passion for car modification and auto electronics.
Dr Andrea Pinto
I am from Barcelona, where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the Universitat de Barcelona followed by a Master’s degree in Chemistry of Applied Materials. In that period I started to work in the Laura Rodriguez group where I decided to undertake my PhD in Nanoscience in which I investigated the use of the luminescent supramolecular assemblies of gold(I) complexes on materials and biological chemistry. Now, I am working as a postdoc in the Skabara group synthesizing new thermally-activated delayed fluorescence materials for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In my spare time, I like going to hike and visiting the different places here in Scotland.
Dr Elif Celebi
I obtained my graduate degree from Selcuk University, Konya, Turkiye in 2009 and then MSc Gebze Institute of Technology, in 2013 and PhD degree from Yildiz Technical University, Turkiye in 2018. I completed my PhD on the synthesis of graft conjugated polymers, and I now continue my research on the application of conjugated polymers to optoectronic devices during my postdoctoral studies. I joined the Skabara group in July 2022. My research topic involves the synthesis and application of solution-processable materials for OLED devices and their characterisation.
Dr Balaji Purushothaman
balaji.purushothaman@glasgow.ac.uk
I completed my Master's degree in Polymers from the University of Madras, Chennai, India. After a couple of years working in the industry, I decided to pursue my PhD degree. In 2004, I was admitted to the doctoral program in chemistry at the University of Kentucky and in the spring of 2005, I joined Prof. John Anthony’s Group. My research work was directed towards the synthesis of heteroacenes and partially halogenated acenes for use in OTFTs and solar cells. One of my most significant achievements during my doctoral studies was synthesising the first crystalline nonacene derivatives ever reported in the literature. After successfully graduating, I worked as a postdoctoral fellow in printed solar cells at the University of Melbourne for the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium (VICOSC). I then joined Prof. Iain McCulloch’s group at Imperial College London where I worked as a Research Associate for a couple of years for the ArtESun Project. I then moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to work as Postdoctoral Fellow in Prof. Iain McCulloch’s group at KAUST Solar Centre working on the synthesis of conjugated organic materials for use in transistor and photocatalysis. Currently, I am working as a Programme Grant Coordinator/Research Associate for the Hetero-Print Project in Prof. Peter Skabara’s Group. In addition to conducting research work, my role also involves organising and planning research meetings across the partner Universities, coordinating project resources.
Dr Lukas Biesen
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0813-5634
I am from Oberhausen, Germany, and studied chemistry at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf from 2013 to 2018. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in 2016 and my Master’s degree in 2018. In 2022, I finished my PhD under the supervision of Prof T. J. J. Müller at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf where I synthesized and investigated aroyl-S,N-ketene acetals, a new class of versatile and unique AIEgens. In August 2023, I started my postdoctoral stay at the University of Glasgow under the supervision of Prof. Peter Skabara. This postdoc position was funded by the Walter Benjamin Scholarship of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and addresses the generation and investigation of novel tetraphenylethene-based oligofluorene macromolecules for OLED applications. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the cinema as I am a big Star Wars and movie fan, I enjoy exploring the rich cultural life in Glasgow, I play the Spanish guitar and like to participate in science slams.
PhD Students
Eman Hussien
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8130-2777
I completed a BSc in Applied Chemistry from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2007. After that, I worked as a school science teacher for two years. In 2017, I started an internship to study the self-assembly of peptides and peptoids under the supervision of Dr. Aaron Lau at the University of Strathclyde followed by a short internship in Prof Peter Skabara's group at the University of Glasgow. Currently, I am studying as a PhD student in the Skabara research group working on the electrochemical evaluation of organic semiconductors for device applications. Outside of work I am a mother of three children, who I spend most of my time with.
Hao Yang
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3215-5659
I did my BSc in Chemistry at the University of Sheffield, followed by a MSc in Nanoscience at the University of Strathclyde. During my master’s final project, I was working on the synthesis of a donor material for organic solar cells in the Skabara group. It was then that I realised my passion for continuing with research in chemistry. Now I am a PhD student in the Skabara group and I am working on the Hetero-Print Programme. My personal interests outside of the lab are music (Joy Division, Slowdive and New Order), movies (Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson and Lars Von Trier) and basketball (Boston Celtics).
Michael Johnson
Originally from the Scottish Highlands, I completed my masters degree at Glasgow University, with a year's academic placement in Germany. Over the course of my placement I synthesised functionalised monomers from aromatic compounds at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. My role in the Skabara group is to synthesise monomers for incorporation into semiconducting polymers, and to investigate their behaviours as hole transport materials for OLED and photovoltaic cells. In my spare time I enjoy introducing school and community groups to chemistry as part of our outreach activities, and playing my keyboard.
Peter Martin
I am from Ardrossan in the south west of Scotland. I completed my BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at the University of the West of Scotland, receiving the UWS Court Medal for 3 out of the 4 years of my studies. My dissertation was based on the synthesis of a DPP based MOF, which sparked an interest in organic synthesis, and working with organic semiconductors. For my PhD project with the Skabara group, I will be exploring the synthesis of a new Sulphur-based Fullerene. My personal interests are playing musical instruments (the bagpipes and guitar). I play for a successful, local football team, and enjoy going to the gym.
Wendy Onabule
I was born in Nigeria but grew up in Glasgow, Scotland. I completed my undergraduate masters degree with a year's academic placement in the Netherlands at the University of Glasgow. I then decided to pursue a PhD here too with the Skabara group. My project is based on the synthesis of star shaped Oligofluorene truxenes. In my spare time I help out with outreach programs within the university and enjoy watching movies.
Christopher Riggs
I completed my BSc (Hons) at the University of Aberdeen in 2013 where my honours project investigated the synthesis of novel hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites of alkali metal halides trapping organic molecules in the A cation interstitial sites, under the supervision of Professor Bill Harrison. This was followed by a MSc in Analytical Chemistry where I investigated the presence of heavy metal contaminants in cetaceans from UK waters with Dr Eva Krupp, as well as assisting with the development of an open source software for dereplication in novel natural product discovery with Dr Rainer Ebel. For the past 3 years I have been a teacher of Chemistry at Alness Academy in the Highlands. My current work in the Skabara group involves the design and synthesis of novel molecules with the goal of achieving thermally activated delayed fluorescence for use in OLED devices.
Xenofon Karagiorgis
I completed my undergraduate studies in Nicosia, Cyprus. I received my major BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Cyprus. Following this, I continued my studies at the University of Strathclyde, where I attained an MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at the University of Glasgow from jointly Electrical Electronics Engineering and Chemistry departments. As a PhD candidate in the laboratory of Prof. Peter Skabara, my research focuses on the fabrication of functional electrospun nanofibers for all fibre-based devices, including pressure sensors and transistors. I am very into exercising and planning to attend a power lift competition. Other than this, I enjoy travelling, playing squash and cooking for friends.
Paramveer Kumar
I attended the University of Oxford where I completed my undergraduate Masters, including a year in Professor H. Anderson’s group, working towards the synthesis of cyclo[16]carbon, a new carbon allotrope. My interest in organic synthesis and organic electronics led me towards a PhD in the Skabara group, where I am working on synthesising and characterising novel organic semiconductors for colour downconversion. In my spare time, I enjoy gaming and playing around with new technology, such as virtual reality.
Alasdair Dennis
I completed my Masters in Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in 2019 and worked on projects centred around self-assembly under Dr. Aaron Lau and hole transport materials under Dr. Aruna Ivaturi. I’ve a keen interest in the study of molecular packing and how it affects charge mobility in organic systems, so my PhD project focuses on different deposition methods for organic semiconductors and their resulting morphologies. I am involved with the “Pint of Science” public engagement festival within the university, volunteer with several different charities around Glasgow and have had previous experience tutoring various age ranges. Outside of my studies, I’m very into electronic music and music production, have a great deal of interest in fitness and like to keep up to date on what’s new in the world of technology.
Qasim Ibraheeme
Born and bred in Coventry, West Midlands, I did my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of Warwick. Having learnt about the capabilities of unconventional semiconductors, I reached out to Prof. Peter Skabara who has produced a lot of impactful research in this area. My PhD topic is about creating a novel hybrid semiconductor system for photonic applications, working with classified quantum dots. The interdisciplinary aspect of the research and collaboration with an industry leading company, Quantum Science Ltd, is what makes this an exciting PhD topic to be working on. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing squash, exploring the scenic places in Scotland and meeting new people.
Luke Ge
In 2020, I completed my Bachelor's degree at Nanjing Technical University. After that, I finished my Master’s degree at the University of Glasgow, working on carbazole-based electrodeposited copolymers for efficient OLEDs in the Skabara group. Currently, I am continuing my PhD study here with the fabrication of OLEDs and electropolymerisation attempts of host and dopant materials. In my spare time, I love to collect different kinds of toys and listen to citypop.
Colin Morrison
In 2023 I completed an integrated MSci degree in Chemical Physics at the University of Glasgow. This gave me the opportunity to work on two projects, one of which was an investigation into ultrasound induced chemical reactions. The other focussed on perovskite solar cell devices, where I developed an interest in the fabrication and behaviour of photovoltaic materials. I worked to characterise and compare the conductivity of 2D layered perovskites, using a variety of organic spacer cations. Carrying out my PhD under the supervision of both Professor Skabara and Dr Sam Bayliss, I will synthesise a variety of TADF materials, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the spin behaviour and underlying mechanics within these molecules.
Undergraduate Students
The Skabara group regularly takes on undergraduate students for final year projects, in addition to summer students wishing to enhance their lab experience. Contact Pete if you are interested in joining the group as an undergraduate student.
Previous students
- Ailsa McMillan (final year project): Novel sulfur-based organic materials for electronic devices
- Ashmi Mishra (BSc project): Gel-based organic electronic materials
- Daksesh Patel (final year project)
- Noah Upton (final year project)
- David Mitchell (BSc project)
- Cameron East (BSc project)
Visiting Researchers
Previous visiting researchers
- Weiting Ma - MSc student, University of Glasgow
- Professor Wang Yao - Visiting academic, Harbin Institute of Technology, China
- Associate Prof. Melek Gul - Visiting academic, Amasya University, Turkey
- Professor Ferda Hacıvelioğlu - Visiting academic, Gebze Technical University, Turkey
- Arthur Rallon - MSc student, University of Nantes, France
- Coraline Cochard - MSc student, University of Nantes, France
- Luis Lozano - PhD student, University of Guanajuato, Mexico
- Wendy Han - MSc student, Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry, University of Glasgow
- Dr Ahmet Battal - Postdoctoral researcher, Mus Al Parslan University, Turkey
- Clement Brouillac - MSc student, University of Nantes, France
Technician
Dr Joseph Steel
I joined the Skabara group in 2023 after completing my PhD and a post doctoral position in Chemical Biology. My job is to ensure the smooth running of the group by maintaining equipment, managing health and safety in the labs and carrying out research myself.