Profile | Physics and Astronomy | University of Exeter

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I hold a PhD in Physics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, obtained in June 2019, as well as an MSc in Materials Science and a BSc in Physics from the same university. In 2022, I obtained a second PhD in Engineering and Materials from Coventry University, UK.

During my research, I developed the cross-correlogram method, a mathematical method to find possible Seismic Electric Signal (SES) activities in geo-electric data collected during cooperation with EMSEV (Electromagnetic Studies of Earthquakes and Volcanoes) and the Bishkek Research Station of the Russian Academy of Science. Matlab was extensively used, alongside its Signal Processing toolbox. In addition, I implemented and maintained a virtual private network (VPN) for geo-electric data transfer from various (7) countryside stations to a main computer at the University of Athens. Moreover, I developed a theoretical model in order to understand the behaviour of the earthquakes that follow a main event (aftershocks) and how their magnitude can be connected to the magnitude of the mainshock. The model was then applied to real experimental data (Global CMT catalogue). I have also obtained a certificate in GIS and I am qualified to use the ArcMap software.

I have considerable experience in time-series analysis. In particular, I have worked on Random Telegraph Signals (RTS), dichotomous signals, noise reduction using the Huang-Hilbert transform, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), electromagnetic field emissions (EM), seismic waves and pro-seismic electric signals, both discrete-time and continuous.

Furthermore, I am interested in understanding and optimising the behaviour of materials in the nanoscale, by studying the doping and defect processes and controlling the diffusion, specifically for energy-related applications. This study is vital for the development of two-dimensional (2D), MXene-based energy storage devices.

MXenes are a few atoms thick, exhibiting metallic conductivities. The examination and optimisation of the nanostructure of such smart materials, will improve their efficiency for energy storage and power capacity, and increase their safety.

In more detail, I have examined the use of MXenes as anode electrodes in ion batteries. Electronic structure calculations and other computational methods were used. More commonly, I have performed first-principles calculations (plane-wave) within the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT, including GGA, HSE, Hubbard U techniques) as implemented in the CASTEP package, using High-Performance Computing (HPC) facilities. Other methods include Molecular Dynamics (DFT-MD), Transition State Search (TSS) to find ion activation energies (both NEB and LST/QST calculations), and the Bond Valence Sum method (BVS) which is used to validate the plausibility of crystal structures.

I have taken part in the DIMS (Defects and Impurities Setup) project, an algorithm developed in order to automate the process of adding defects in a structure when it comes to the study of large crystallographic structures using the CASTEP package, where it is of grave importance to minimize the run-time as well as the potential for human error, especially in the cases where the number of jobs a user has to run surpasses the thousands.

Relative Experience

2022-present: Lecturer in Physics, University of Exeter

2020-2022: Teaching Associate, Coventry University

2020-2022: Laboratory Instructor, Coventry University

2013-2019: Research Assistant, Department of Physics, National University of Athens

Education

2020-2022: PhD in Engineering and Materials, Coventry University

2015-2019: PhD in Physics, National University of Athens

2011-2013: MSc in Materials Science, National University of Athens

2006-2011, BSc in Physics, National University of Athens

Awards

2022: Outstanding PGR Award, Coventry University, Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials