Larisa Onoufriadi

Biography:

In May 2015 Larisa completed her undergraduate studies at the Technological Educational Institution of Athens as the second best in her year and was awarded one of the three Erasmus+ scholarships for research placement as part of her studies.

Throughout her studies and working experience, Larisa discovered an innate interest in research and development and the role of particles in everyday life. The CP3 CDT fulfils her aspiration to apply her background in food science and engineering and become an expert in particle science, contributing to science and real-word needs, pursuing a career in innovation and product development.

PhD: Studies of surfactants and polymers under confinement using microfluidics

This project will see the development of a suite of tools for assessing the behaviour of oil systems under flow. The flow systems will focus on particle laden, surfactant and polymeric systems typical of those found in additive packages which are added to base oil formulations and which are used to enhance efficiency in engine applications.

The focus of the work will be in developing microfluidic flow cells suitable for use within x-ray imaging facilities including synchrotron light sources (e.g. Diamond, ESRF). The model flow environments will be developed using computational simulations and related to actual conditions encountered in the end-use of the oil systems.

Research Project(s) during degree:

• Erasmus+ Placement: Research Assistant, University of Birmingham (Oct 2015–Mar 2016)
  Investigating the encapsulation of pollen grains vehicle to bacteria and bioactive compounds
  The research included: microbiological approaches (subculturing of bacteria), epifluorescence, optical, inverted, electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, coating techniques, microfluidics, DNA extraction, encapsulation of bacteria
• BSc research project - Athens University of Applied Sciences (November 2013 – April 2015)
  Optimisation of the extraction of phenolic compounds from cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) leaves and determination of the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract
  The aim of this project was to identify a sustainable way for the recovery of bioactive compounds from the cauliflower waste streams by optimising the extraction process. Several methods and equipment such as the Folin-Cioculteau method for the determination of the total phenolic content, the DPPH assay for the determination of the antioxidant activity, the HPLC for the qualitative determination of phenols and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer for measuring the outputs were also employed.

Industrial experience/placements:

• Sensory Panel Leader, Synergy - British American Tobacco (October 2017 - August 2018) Management and training of a 26 member sensory panel, ensuring the maintenance of all good sensory practices across the panel. Setting up sensory tests, data analysis and report writing.

• Research Associate - University of Birmingham (April 2016 – June 2016) Project in collaboration with Procter and Gamble investigating the development of biofilm of Pseudomonas, examining the effect of flow (linear and turbulent), temperature, surface and rheology on biofilm removal.

Masters research project in year 1 of CDT:

• ‘Understanding solid phase transitions in solution using novel acoustic techniques’ with Dr Elena Simone, Food Science and Nutrition