I was born and grew up in Greece, where I spent my childhood exploring nature, summers by the sea and the rest of the year on trips to the mountains. Those early experiences awakened my curiosity about the natural world and subsequently inspired me to pursue a BSc in Agricultural Science and Engineering, where, paradoxically, I worked on my thesis not with plants, but with other photosynthetic organisms—phytoplankton, commonly known as microalgae. Fascinated by their complexity in their interactions within their communities, as well as with other organisms, I undertook an MSc in Oceanography and Management of the Marine Environment. Over time, I became particularly interested in the practical applications of research on microalgae, and how it can support the development of more sustainable practices.
In October 2024, I joined the NorthWestBio case study programme at the University of Glasgow. My PhD project focuses on understanding the effect different light colours on growth of microalgae using indoor industrial photobioreactors equipped with LED technology. By investigating the molecular processes behind the physiological responses, I aim to identify the underlying light-dependent mechanisms, which can help optimize microalgae-based production of high-value products.