Can you say a few words about yourself ?
I am from Athens, Greece, where I spent most of my life. I studied Applied Biology and Biotechnology at the Agricultural University of Athens, where I became fascinated by the intersection of science and nature. I decided that my next step would be the Master’s Program in Environment and Development of Mountain Regions at Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (MIRC) in the region of Metsovo in Pindus- northern Greece, for the protection and integrated development of the mountainous environment and the regional European cultures, which has a wide range of specializations with a scientific and environmental background connected to the society and people in the mountainous areas. Nature is where I feel most inspired and creative. My studies and experience further fueled my curiosity for environmental research.
Did you choose your profession or did it choose you ?
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I had the opportunity to undertake diverse research projects and I have developed a deep appreciation for the intricate interactions between organisms and their environments. In many ways, becoming a scientist, working in the unpredictable demands of fieldwork with the precision required in the laboratory, followed a direction that developed through my studies and experience.
What attracted you to join LAPI ?
LAPI is a team that offers many different paths and opportunities for growth, covering most of my scientific interests. The work encompasses multiple fields, from environmental research to laboratory science, while maintaining strong specialization in each area. I am deeply impressed by the people at LAPI, not only for the quality of their work but also for their patience and perseverance.
Can you speak about the projects you are currently working on and others in the past?
I am currently involved in a wide range of laboratory and fieldwork activities, contributing in multiple procedures as needed. Some of the activities include ambient collection of bioaerosol samples, and processing of ambient samples using flow cytometry, DNA extraction, PCR, ion chromatography and other related analyses. In the past, I participated in and carried out several projects as part of my Master’s studies, involving the study of the levels of different types of pollen from different plant species in Greece and Switzerland, emphasis on mountainous areas. An experience to remember was participating in fieldwork with the ETH Plant Ecology group, contributing to forest regeneration project and assisting with various activities, around Switzerland.
What have been some of your biggest challenges?
One of my biggest challenges has been working on multidisciplinary tasks in LAPI that span physics, chemical engineering, chemistry, and biology, while cultivating an out-of-the-box approach, developing the ability to think holistically and creatively across these fields
What have been some of your biggest successes?
I consider my biggest success to be my willingness to keep moving forward, even when some steps have been difficult. Each step has been part of learning and growth.
What do you enjoy doing outside of science and research?
I love spending time in the mountains or by the sea, swimming, playing music and writing songs. I also enjoy travelling in a way that the more places you see, the better you come to know yourself and other people, always as part of the community and ecosystem.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
No place feels like paradise if you are alone—people are what give meaning to places and moments. That said, if I had to choose, Epirus in northwestern Greece holds a very special place in my heart. It feels magical, with its unique natural beauty, and the people who bring the landscape to life.
A free thought to end?
From little seeds grow mighty trees- roots in the ground and head to the sky!