Nikolas Sochorakis

Background

About Nikolas Sochorakis

I studied physics with specialization in computational physics and continued to attain a Master´s in Nanotechnology from the Chem. Eng. faculty of URV. This experience formed a bridge between my prior theoretical studies and applications in the field of nanotechnology. During this exciting time I got engaged with scaling-up an electro-spray system for pharmaceutical polymer nano-carriers. Being a complex multidisciplinary "problem", there were much more to be done. That motivated me to pursue a PhD with the DEW group of URV in the field of electrohydrodynamics (EHD). The lab experience was a whole new dimension of schooling as I had to teach myself; practical electronics, basic engineering design, experimental design, day -to-day troubleshooting and time-bending when deadlines were close. Apart from the experimental work, I sincerely enjoyed participating in conferences; where one needs to distill all his efforts in a few sentences. The exposure to alternate perspectives and personal contacts - especially in the free form of poster sessions- sparked interesting conversations and more than once led to new ideas and collaborations. As a result I had two esteemed collaborations one in the Medicinal Polymer Chemistry Lab in Aarhus, for a 3-month short stay and the other (in progress) as an external technician for building an electro-spray system for Democritos Nuclear Physics Research & Technology Institute in Athens. Currently I am working for Qlayers startup in Delft as a Physics Engineer developing drag reducing biomimicking micro-structured coatings using novel electrohydrodynamic methods. Our common vision is to improve existing technology and optimize energy efficiency through functional surfaces! Recently, together with Dr Kylafis I become interested the field of self-healing materials and started a parallel collaboration with the Cyprus institute. Nikolas p.s. I draw great pleasure figuring out how to fit things together, in almost every context.