Motivated research fellow and PhD student in the Chemical Engineering Department at Loughborough University. Integral part of the NanoPaint project team, funded by ITN - Marie Curie program. Primarily focussing on numerical and theoretical study of colloidal particle interactions. As part of the leading group of work package - "Nanoparticle Interactions and Rheology of Nanosuspensions," In collaboration with multiple European research institutions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Fellow
Loughborough University
Loughborough, Leicestershire
02.2022 - 11.2024
Company Overview: Horizon 2020 NanoPaint Project
Conducting PhD research focused on numerical and theoretical analysis of colloidal particle interactions
Co-leading 'Nanoparticle Interactions and Rheology of Nanosuspensions' work package, collaborating with European research institutions
Collaborated with the Jerzy Haber Institute to maximize colloidal particle coverage for printed electronics
This project involved using finite element method simulations to study particle behaviour near charged flat substrates, enabling precise control over particle distribution
The resulting uniform coverage improved both conductivity and adhesion, enhancing overall performance in printed electronic applications
Partnered with Wageningen University to develop software for analysing microstructural topology of colloidal gels, modelling molecular dynamics to predict shelf life, and applying insights to optimize gel-based products in cosmetics and food industries
Actively engaged in teaching and learning: Completed teaching skills training at Loughborough University
Delivered lectures in colloidal chemistry to over 50 students and designed practical exercises to enhance learning outcomes
Served as a laboratory demonstrator, guiding bachelor's and master's students in experimental coursework and numerical simulations
Horizon 2020 NanoPaint Project
Database Developer & Analyst
ETIS
Perm Krai
01.2019 - 01.2022
Company Overview: Educational Sector
Led the development of an analytics tool, increasing efficiency in curriculum design and study group formation, based on pre-admission knowledge and academic performance
Led the development of the portal for online applications for admission to Perm State National Research University
Collaborated with department heads to implement data-driven solutions that enhanced institutional performance
Automated accreditation documentation processes, reducing manual efforts and improving accuracy
Educational Sector
Research Engineer
Perm State National Research University
Perm Krai
01.2015 - 01.2021
Company Overview: Microfluidics Laboratory, General Physics Department
Designed and prototyped 3D-printed accessories for experimental setups, enhancing lab capabilities
Mentored bachelor student on three-dimensional femtosecond laser fabrication of waveguide beams in LiNbO3 crystals
Contributed to the production of microfluidic chips for detecting PCB contamination in water and soil
Gained proficiency in the soft lithography process, including photo mask fabrication, silicon/glass base master creation with photoresists, PDMS replication mold, and plasma bonding of PDMS to substrates
This project advanced environmental monitoring techniques, providing an efficient method for pollutant detection
Contributed to a project on Rhodococcus cell immobilization by developing a device used for confocal laser scanning and atomic force microscopy
This device facilitated the detailed study of bacterial morphology, enabling high-precision analysis of surface properties
Trained both domestic and international students, including those from Oxford University, in microfluidic fabrication techniques
Microfluidics Laboratory, General Physics Department
Education
PhD Candidate - Chemical Engineering
Loughborough University
Loughborough, Leicestershire
09.2022 -
Master’s degree - Physics of Acoustic and Hydrodynamic Wave Processes
Perm State National Research University
Perm Krai
09.2017 - 06.2019
Bachelor’s degree - Integrated information security of automated systems
Perm State National Research University
Perm Krai
09.2010 - 06.2015
Skills
Software
COMSOL
MATLAB
Python
HPC
3D modelling
Blender
AutoCAD
Fusion 360
PL SQL
Fabrication
Soft photolithography
Direct laser writing
Confocal microscopy
AFM
DLS
PIV
Teaching
Curriculum development
Student assessment
Lab demonstration
General
Presentation
Leadership
Teamwork
Communication
Organizational skills
Technical documentation
Research paper writing
Preparing project reports
Publications
G. Makarikhina, A. Trybala, P. Warszyński, H. Bandulasena. (2024) Impact of electrostatic forces on nanoparticle adsorption and maximal coverage on oppositely charged interfaces. In preparation
G. Makarikhina,F. Leermakers, B. van der Meer, H. Bandulasena, A. Trybala. (2024) Impact of particle interaction type and concentration on the network properties of colloidal gel. In preparation
Conferences and Public Engagements
G. Makarikhina, A. Trybala, H. Bandulasena. "Calculation of the interaction force between two charged nanoparticles". UK Fluid Network SIG (2022) – poster.
G. Makarikhina, P. Warszyński, P. Dyshlovenko, H. Bandulasena, A. Trybala. "Effect of lateral forces on adsorption and maximal coverage of nanoparticles on oppositely charged interface". 9th Bubble and Drop Conference (2023) – oral presentation.
G. Makarikhina, F. Leermakers, B. van der Meer, H. Bandulasena, A. Trybala. "Decoding the aging process of colloidal gels: a numeric perspective
". Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition (2024) – oral presentation.
G. Makarikhina, P. Warszyński, P. Dyshlovenko, H. Bandulasena, A. Trybala. "Maximum coverage of nanoparticles at oppositely charged interfaces: effect of electrostatic forces under varying boundary conditions". Loughborough University Research Day (2023) – poster.
G. Makarikhina, B. van der Meer, F. Leermakers, H. Bandulasena, A. Trybala. "Impact of particle interaction type and concentration on the network properties of colloidal gel". McBain Medal 2024: Particles from model interfaces to soft matter formulation (2024) – poster.
Languages
Russian
Native
English
Fluent
Spanish
Beginner
Accomplishments
Fellowship in the NanoPaint project by ITN Marie Curie
Affiliations
Cycling
Badminton
Photography
Timeline
PhD Candidate - Chemical Engineering
Loughborough University
09.2022 -
Research Fellow
Loughborough University
02.2022 - 11.2024
Database Developer & Analyst
ETIS
01.2019 - 01.2022
Master’s degree - Physics of Acoustic and Hydrodynamic Wave Processes
Perm State National Research University
09.2017 - 06.2019
Research Engineer
Perm State National Research University
01.2015 - 01.2021
Bachelor’s degree - Integrated information security of automated systems