Advent calendar - December 1st - Kübra Kalayci

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse in their typical day at work. In Episode 1 meet Kübra Kalayci, postdoctoral researcher in the Macromolecular Chemistry and New Polymeric Materials group of Prof. Katja Loos and a part of HyBRIt , a joint initiative between the University of Groningen and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Macromolecular Chemistry & New Polymeric Materials group and a part of HyBRIt (Hybrid Research Group Biopolymer and Recycling Innovations), a joint initiative between the University of Groningen and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. In our group we work on developing sustainable materials and innovative recycling strategies to address the global plastic waste problem.

My research focuses on the development, characterization, and recycling of novel bio-based, sustainable polymeric materials with real-world applications in mind. I use a range of synthetic chemistries and polymerization techniques to design polymers with targeted properties. This includes controlled polymerization methods such as RAFT, conventional polycondensation approaches, and the use of photochemistry and click chemistry to modify readily available biopolymers. Improving synthetic routes for greener chemical processes and creating recycling pathways for the materials I develop are core aspects of my work. The materials I design are intended for applications such as textile fibers, 3D-printing filaments, adhesives, and biosensors.

Alongside my research, I help supervise PhD students in our group and serve as a lab supervisor, making sure that our laboratory remains organized and well-maintained. I also coordinate group meetings and assist with managing important deadlines for the group.

Beyond the research group, I am an active member of the FSE Postdoc Council, where I work with fellow postdocs to build a more supportive community. We organize events, create networking opportunities, and act as a reference point for postdocs at the FSE. It is important to me that postdocs feel heard and supported, so I value the chance to communicate their needs and challenges to the Faculty Board.

A typical workday for me includes conducting experiments, analyzing data, attending project meetings, preparing presentations, revising manuscripts, and performing organizational tasks. I enjoy working in a large, interdisciplinary group and taking on responsibilities beyond research, as it keeps my work dynamic and allows me to interact with many colleagues from different disciplines.

See all Advent Calendar items 2025 here!