The year 2024 marks the conclusion of my double master’s degree journey at the University of Warsaw. I successfully defended my chemistry thesis in October and am currently completing my thesis in forensic chemistry. Studying chemistry and forensics has provided me with valuable insight into advanced chemistry methods, along with practical experience in their real-world applications.
The focus of my chemistry thesis was the optimization of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy by designing and testing a plasmonic platform for the study of the SERS mechanism.
The end goal was to engineer a hybrid plasmonic substrate with well-defined features guaranteeing reproducibility and great raman mapping resolution, enabling a better understanding of the effect in plasmonic-semiconductor/graphene systems, which are rising in popularity in the field. For the project I worked with Renishaw InVia and Thermo Fischer Apreo SEM that was modified with Renishaw InLux Raman probe, enabling Raman mapping inside a vacuum chamber. The same methods I used for the forensic thesis in which I studied a new psychoactive substance – etazene, that emerged in Finland and Poland in 2020, as well as non-toxic, leadless gunshot residue to find better ways to identify both compounds.
Despite my spectroscopy background, I hold a deep interest in other methods, especially the ones that require me to have a hands-on involvement in engineering and creating a setup. Additionally, the forensic science degree expanded my curiosity about devices which can be used in the field, by non-professionals. All that lead to my application for the team’s 12 project – “Unlocking the potential of ion-transfer voltammetry based electronic tongues for date-rape drug detection in real samples” which involves both the device that needs engineering – electronic tongue, and the much-needed goal of detecting “popular” rape drugs. By pursuing a new territory of electrochemistry I want to expand on my knowledge and give my unique perspective from the spectroscopy field. Forensic application of the project requires interdisciplinary expertise which I hope to obtain while working with the team.
