Dr. Joanna Katarzyna Szymkowiak, is a dedicated scientist in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Since January 2025, she has been working as an Adjunct Postdoctoral Scientist at the Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU), Poland. Her career spans various esteemed institutions, including her previous role as a Senior Scientist at Selvita S.A. and as a Postdoctoral Scientist at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Throughout her academic journey, Joanna has made significant contributions to organic chemistry, particularly in functionalized chiral macrocycles and organic cages.
Professional profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
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Extensive Research Background: Dr. Szymkowiak has a diverse and impactful research portfolio, with a focus on chiral materials and supramolecular chemistry. Her research is cutting-edge, with recent papers published in reputable journals like Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters and Chemistry – A European Journal.
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Impressive Academic and Industry Experience: She has held various postdoctoral positions at prestigious institutions like Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) and the University of British Columbia, as well as industry experience with Selvita S.A. Her ability to bridge academia and industry is an asset for driving practical applications of her research.
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Recognized by the Scientific Community: Dr. Szymkowiak has received multiple accolades for her work, such as the Aleksander Zamojski’s Award and an honorable mention for her doctoral dissertation. These honors are a testament to the quality and significance of her contributions to organic and supramolecular chemistry.
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Contribution to International Collaboration: Her involvement in high-level international projects, such as the Mieczysław Bekker Program funded by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), and collaborations with world-renowned researchers like Prof. Mark MacLachlan, underscores her ability to work within global scientific communities.
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Prolific Publication Record: Dr. Szymkowiak has contributed to numerous high-impact publications across a range of prestigious journals. Her work covers diverse aspects of chemistry, particularly in the development of functionalized chiral materials and organic cages, which are highly relevant to modern chemistry research.
Education 🎓
Dr. Szymkowiak completed her PhD in 2018 at AMU, where she focused on “Functionalized Chiral Macrocycles and Organic Cages” under the supervision of Prof. Marcin Kwit. Her earlier studies at AMU led her to a deep engagement with chemistry, particularly biological chemistry, and chemical analysis. Her education has laid a strong foundation for her ongoing research in organic and materials chemistry.
Experience 💼
Dr. Szymkowiak’s career spans prestigious positions across both academic and industry sectors. She has worked on cutting-edge research projects at AMU, the University of British Columbia, and Selvita S.A., bringing her expertise to a wide range of research areas. Her responsibilities included scientific project management, student supervision, and active participation in scientific conferences. She has also made significant strides in interdisciplinary research, focusing on chiral materials, mesoporous organosilica films, and supramolecular chemistry.
Research Interests On Materials 🔬
Dr. Szymkowiak’s research interests lie at the intersection of organic chemistry, materials science, and supramolecular chemistry. She specializes in the design and synthesis of chiral organosilica materials, including mesoporous films and organic cages. Her work aims to develop innovative solutions for materials with unique optical and mechanical properties, crucial for applications in nanoscience and other advanced fields.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Szymkowiak has received several prestigious awards and recognitions. These include a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) in the Mieczysław Bekker Program and the Aleksander Zamojski’s Award for her outstanding doctoral dissertation. Additionally, she has been honored with multiple awards for oral and poster presentations at national conferences and was acknowledged by the Royal Chemical Society in 2025 for her publication on Nanoscale.
Publication 📚
Dr. Szymkowiak has contributed to numerous high-impact journals in the field of chemistry. Her recent publications include:
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Thio-modified trianglimines, a novel group of chiral macrocyclic compounds of high structural dynamics
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Excited State Dynamics Govern Emission Properties of Unique Silsesquioxane-Salphen-Based Zinc Compounds
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Hybrid Inclusion Materials Based on Chiral Nematic Mesoporous Organosilica with Incorporated Cyclodextrin Receptors
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Controlling the optical properties of chiral nematic mesoporous organosilica films with bioadditives
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Halloysite nanotubes enhance the mechanical properties and thermal stability of iridescent cellulose nanocrystal films
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Authors: Gao, H.; Soto, M.A.; Szymkowiak, J.K.; Andrew, L.J.; Hamad, W.Y.; MacLachlan, M.J.
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Publication Year: 2023
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Unravelling Structural Dynamics, Supramolecular Behavior, and Chiroptical Properties of Enantiomerically Pure Macrocyclic Tertiary Ureas and Thioureas
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Specific Noncovalent Association of Truncated exo-Functionalized Triangular Homochiral Isotrianglimines through Head-to-Head, Tail-to-Tail, and Honeycomb Supramolecular Motifs
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Authors: Janiak, A.; Gajewy, J.; Szymkowiak, J.; Gierczyk, B.; Kwit, M.
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Publication Year: 2022
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Tuning the Properties of Chiral Nematic Mesoporous (Organo)silica Through Thiol‐Ene Click Chemistry
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Simple modifications of nicotinic, isonicotinic, and 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acids toward new weapons against plant diseases
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Consistent supramolecular assembly arising from a mixture of components-self-sorting and solid solutions of chiral oxygenated trianglimines
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Authors: Szymkowiak, J.; Warżajtis, B.; Rychlewska, U.; Kwit, M.
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Publication Year: 2018
Conclusion 🌍
Dr. Joanna Katarzyna Szymkowiak is an accomplished researcher with significant contributions to the field of supramolecular and materials chemistry. Her dedication to advancing the understanding of chiral materials and organic cages has made her a respected figure in both academic and scientific communities. With a strong foundation in education and experience, she continues to push the boundaries of chemistry, inspiring future research in nanoscience and materials development.
