Karifa Sanfo
Chatham,United Kingdom
Summary
Research associate currently designing and developing carbon-based nanomaterials for energy storage and medicinal applications. PhD graduate in material chemistry with over six years of experience in synthesizing metal nanoparticles and polymers to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production in semiconductor-based fuel cells. Highly motivated to advance clean energy technologies, with proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and apply strong analytical approaches
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Research Associate
University of Greenwich
Chatham
03.2022 - 09.2025
- Managed synthesis and HPLC purification of Endofullerenes such as N@C60 for commercial and academic collaborations
- Led synthesis of fullerenes-based hydrogels in multidisciplinary collaboration, achieving 83% cell viability in laboratory trials
- Investigated eco-friendly production and functionalisation of graphene-based cathodes for fuel cells, improving efficiency by 75%
- Delivered quarterly research presentations at internal and external meetings, communicating key findings leading to collaborative grant submission to NSF-EPSRC
- Supervised annually, 4-6 MSc students for their research project providing guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing
- Performed routine maintenance on vacuum furnace, ion implantation apparatus, and HPLC column to ensure optimal performance and quality control
Teaching and Laboratory Assistant
University of Greenwich
Chatham
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Taught polymers and materials chemistry laboratories class for 15-20 MSc students
- Managed preparation of laboratory reagents and inventory control, avoiding stock-outs
- Drafted 11 new Standard Operating Procedures and COSHH assessments for spectroscopy instruments
- Ensured compliance with all laboratory safety guidelines for both students and staff members
Education
PhD - Material Chemistry
University of Greenwich
Chatham 05.2017 - 11.2022
MSc - Chemistry (Distinction Honours)
Queen Mary, University of London
London 09.2011 - 09.2015
Skills
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Spectroscopy (FTIR, UV-Vis, Raman, MALDI-MS)
- Microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM)
- Chromatography (HPLC)
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Particle Characterization (DLS, Zeta Potential)
- Thin film deposition
- Ion Implantation
LANGUAGES
French
Native
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Elementary (A2)
Certification
- First Aid - British Red Cross (2025)
- Galileo Master Certificate in Energy Storage - European Centre of Technology (2021)
Accomplishments
- Advocated for PhD students as Faculty of Science and Health & Safety Committee Representative, promoting safe and inclusive lab practices
- Won Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Challenge at University of Greenwich, presenting complex research clearly to a broad audience
Publications
- Sinha, S. et al. (2024) ‘Process parameter optimisation for endohedral metallofullerene synthesis via the Arc-discharge method’, Inorganics, 12(2), p. 38. doi:10.3390/inorganics12020038
- Tabriz, A.G. et al. (2022) ‘Personalised paediatric chewable ibuprofen tablets fabricated using 3D micro-extrusion printing technology’, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 626, p. 122135. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122135
Timeline
Research Associate
University of Greenwich
03.2022 - 09.2025
PhD - Material Chemistry
University of Greenwich
05.2017 - 11.2022
Teaching and Laboratory Assistant
University of Greenwich
01.2017 - 01.2022
MSc - Chemistry (Distinction Honours)
Queen Mary, University of London
09.2011 - 09.2015
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