Maedeh Najafi

I am a highly motivated and dedicated researcher with a passion for continuous learning and a multi-disciplinary scientific background. After completing my contract with the University of Genova in December 2022, I joined the Plasmon Nanotechnology Group at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), working on the TOX-FREE project. There, I:

- **Utilized advanced nanofabrication techniques** (spin coating, FIB patterning, lithography) to precisely control material properties at the nanoscale.
- **Designed, fabricated, and characterized nano-bio sensors**, applying them to study complex biomolecules, neurons, and cardiomyocytes.

Upon moving to Germany, I took on the responsibility of **managing a project** at the INM-Leibniz Institute, which allowed me to develop my leadership skills and become a **multi-disciplinary researcher**. This role not only strengthened my technical expertise but also enhanced my ability to manage complex projects and collaborate across different fields.

Additionally, during my **Master's and Bachelor's** studies, I gained extensive **knowledge in electrospinning techniques** for fabricating scaffolds for tissue engineering, a field I worked on intensively. This background in material science and tissue engineering adds to my diverse skill set, positioning me to make valuable contributions in research and development roles.

With this broad experience across multiple disciplines, I am seeking a challenging role where I can apply my expertise in nanotechnology, project management, and tissue engineering to drive innovative research and impactful results.

• Successfully submitted a patent for the project titled Composizione di inchiostro conduttivo e metodo per la produzione dello stesso. Application: 102023000014133 during my PhD. This patent investigates the synthesis and characterization of green conductive coatings for sensors in different applications.
• Conducted research and development on novel materials in the field of flexible and sustainable electronics.
• Effective and continuous collaboration with the HRI2 laboratory (Human-Robot Interfaces and Interaction Lab, IIT, Genova) to optimize material performance and improve the efficiency of fabricated sensors.
• Exploiting advanced nanofabrication techniques (Spin coating, FIB patterning, lithography, acid and base etching, ICP plasma etcher (ICP-RIE)) for controlling the properties and the response of materials at the nanoscale.
• Conducted experiments to optimize the synthesis process and enhance material properties.
• Mechanical, electrical, and thermal analysis of the fabricated sensors with various methods such as DMTA, TGA, uniaxial stretching, and compressive tests.
• Development of conductive inks for inkjet printing with the specific aim of fast sintering with the lowest possible energy input within the shortest possible time using cost-effective photonic sintering systems for mass processes on temperature-sensitive substrates such as PET.
• Prepared technical reports and presentations summarizing research progress.
• Intern during the 3rd year of PhD at INM-LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT F
• R NEUE MATERIALIEN (10/10/2022-23/12/2022, Saarbrücken, Germany). Work on electrically conductive composites, focusing on the interfaces between fillers and matrix and the correlation with conductivity. Develop a novel ink with self-healing and recyclability properties.
• Intern during the 3rd year of PhD at BEDIMENSIONAL SPA/IIT JOINT LAB, 01/12/2021-30/04/2022, Genova, Italy. Producing 2D material and nanofiber to use in a comprehensive set of inks and composites for application in energy, supercapacitor, and water splitting. Fabrication of electrodes with different techniques used in supercapacitor and water splitting. The electrochemical characterization and analysis data.
• Collaborating with industry partners to ensure the alignment of research goals with industrial requirements.
• Published research findings in reputable scientific journals and presented at conferences.
• Mentored 5 graduate students in laboratory research projects, guiding experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Analyzed and interpreted experimental data using statistical methods and data visualization tools.