PhD Candidate at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Nikoletta Zoupanou is a dedicated physicist and Ph.D. candidate in Organic Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her research focuses on conformational analysis of bioactive conjugates using NMR spectroscopy, with applications in medicinal chemistry and drug development. She holds an MSc in Biological Inorganic Chemistry and a BSc in Physics, both with outstanding academic performance. As a research fellow, she has contributed to antimicrobial innovation and immunotherapy studies, collaborating with prestigious institutions and pharmaceutical companies. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and contributed to a book chapter on peptide-based vaccines. Nikoletta has presented her research at numerous international conferences and actively participates in laboratory and computational chemistry projects. Her expertise in spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and analytical methods, combined with her strong technical and communication skills, makes her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work demonstrates innovation, impact, and dedication to scientific advancement.
Professional Profile
Education
Nikoletta Zoupanou has an impressive academic background spanning physics, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where her dissertation focuses on the conformational analysis of bioactive conjugates using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. She previously earned an MSc in Biological Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Ioannina, achieving a perfect grade (10/10) for her thesis on spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies of bioactive organotin (IV) complexes of cholic acids. Her academic journey began with a BSc in Physics from the University of Ioannina, where she conducted research on the temperature effects on keratin in normal and fungal nail samples using Raman spectroscopy, again earning an excellent grade (10/10). Her multidisciplinary education has equipped her with a strong foundation in spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and analytical chemistry, contributing to her expertise in cutting-edge scientific research.
Professional Experience
Nikoletta Zoupanou has extensive research experience in organic and inorganic chemistry, with a strong focus on spectroscopy and molecular modeling. She has participated in multiple prestigious research programs, including the CERIC Program at the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, where she contributed to antimicrobial innovations for disease prevention. Additionally, she was involved in the Research-Create-Innovate program, co-funded by the European Union and Greek national funds, where she helped develop new formulations for therapeutic lenses targeting microbial keratitis. She also conducted NMR elucidation studies on polymannose-peptide conjugates for multiple sclerosis immunotherapy, supported by Vianex S.A. pharmaceuticals. Alongside her research, she has worked as a laboratory assistant in organic and computational chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. With expertise in analytical techniques like Raman and NMR spectroscopy, she has made significant contributions to bioactive compound characterization, further establishing herself as a promising researcher in her field.
Research Interest
Nikoletta Zoupanou’s research interests lie at the intersection of organic chemistry, biological inorganic chemistry, and molecular modeling, with a particular focus on bioactive compounds and their interactions. She specializes in conformational analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study bioactive conjugates and their binding mechanisms. Her work extends to computational modeling and spectroscopic studies of organotin complexes, cholic acids, and cyclodextrins, aiming to develop novel therapeutic agents. She is also deeply involved in the structural elucidation of peptide-based vaccines and their role in immunotherapy, particularly for multiple sclerosis. Her research on antimicrobial innovations and therapeutic formulations for medical applications demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach. With expertise in analytical techniques such as Raman and NMR spectroscopy, she explores the structural properties of biomolecules to advance drug design and biomedical applications. Her contributions to medicinal and computational chemistry showcase her dedication to innovative research in pharmaceutical and therapeutic sciences.
Award and Honor
Nikoletta Zoupanou has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to research in organic and biological inorganic chemistry. Her participation in competitive research programs, such as the CERIC Program and Research-Create-Innovative, highlights her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. She has been awarded research fellowships funded by the European Union and Greek national funds, supporting her innovative work on antimicrobial solutions and peptide-based immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis. Additionally, her academic excellence is reflected in her MSc degree with a perfect 10/10 grade, demonstrating her deep expertise in molecular modeling and spectroscopy. Nikoletta has also been an invited presenter at international conferences, including the Athens Conference on Advances in Chemistry and the EUROMAR Conference, where she showcased her groundbreaking research. Her numerous peer-reviewed publications further validate her contributions to scientific advancements, solidifying her reputation as a distinguished researcher in the field of medicinal and computational chemistry.
Research Skill
Nikoletta Zoupanou possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in research, particularly in organic and biological inorganic chemistry. Her expertise includes organic synthesis, molecular modeling, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry, which she applies to drug discovery and biomedical research. She is proficient in NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and crystallographic techniques, enabling her to analyze molecular structures with high precision. Nikoletta has extensive experience in computational methods, such as molecular docking and quantum mechanical calculations, to predict molecular interactions in biological systems. Additionally, she has developed strong biochemical assay techniques to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic compounds. Her ability to integrate experimental and computational approaches allows her to design innovative solutions for antimicrobial resistance and immunotherapy. Nikoletta is also skilled in handling complex datasets, statistical analysis, and scientific programming, making her a valuable asset in multidisciplinary research projects. Her commitment to continuous learning and innovation underscores her excellence in scientific research.
Conclusion
Nikoletta Zoupanou is a highly competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic excellence, impactful publications, international collaborations, and technical expertise make her a strong contender. Strengthening her leadership in research projects, securing more independent grants, and expanding into industry collaborations would further solidify her standing.
Publications Top Noted
The article “Exploring Hypertension: The Role of AT1 Receptors, Sartans, and Lipid Bilayers” was published in ACS Omega in 2024. The authors of this review include:
- Nikitas Georgiou
- Eleni Chontzopoulou
- Efthymios Alexandros Routsi
- Irene Georgia Stavrakaki
- Errikos Petsas
- Nikoletta Zoupanou
- Margarita Georgia Kakava
- Demeter Tzeli
- Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Sofia Kiriakidi (Corresponding Author)
