First of all, can you tell us more about yourself? Where are you from, what are your hobbies?

My name is Angelita Krama and I am from Joinville, Brazil. It’s a city in the south, so I am very familiar with cold weather. I am currently living in Germany as part of my Ph.D. scholarship.  

My hobbies are cooking and knitting. I find cooking relaxing, and I enjoy experimenting with different flavors. On the other hand, I took up knitting during quarantine, and it quickly won my heart because I can create personalized gifts for everyone.

And your university background?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a teaching qualification from the University of Santa Catarina in Brazil. While an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to conduct research on gelatin films. And after my master’s degree in applied chemistry was obtained at the same university, where the focus of my thesis was gelatin composites.

Why did you choose this career path? What is your interest about science?

I began to like science as a teenager. I still have the first Scientific American that I bought back then, which talked about artificial gravity. Since then, I have been curious about physics and astronomy, so much so that I started a bachelor’s program in physics. It was in college that I had the opportunity to learn more about chemistry, and I fell in love with it. The result was that I changed my major to chemistry soon after. To be honest, I really like what I do. I am a practical person and enjoy solving practical problems. So, for me, daily lab work is quite inspiring.

Can you tell us more about your research project?

The MultiSMART network focuses on working with low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) and understanding their properties and possible applications. My project is related to this focus, as it is the only one that has been fully developed inside a company.

My project addresses the challenge of designing eco-friendly structuring agents by developing a dual-network system with predictable and tunable viscoelastic properties. The project focuses on a system formed through the cooperative assembly of a synthetic LMWG and a biosurfactant. Specifically, we examine the gelling behavior because the gelator alone cannot gel in aqueous media; however, its interaction with surfactants enables network formation. Combining the two results in a system with enhanced elasticity and network strength that forms strong networks at very low concentrations. We investigated this mixture by systematically varying the surfactant-to-solvent ratio, gel concentration, and pH/buffer conditions to understand how these factors influence the system and prevent insufficient thickness or stability.

Same question, but for people who don’t understand a thing about chemistry (#MultiSMARTfordummies)

I work with cleaning products, such as shampoos and creams, and control their properties to prevent them from flowing through your fingers. More specifically, we are trying to use eco-friendly substances in shampoos and creams. However, they are difficult to work with because they are different from the petroleum-based substances that are already used. I combine eco-friendly ingredients with special agents to control viscosity. This keeps products like shampoo in your hand instead of running through your fingers.

What will your research bring to people and to society in general?

My research focuses on creating smarter, greener materials that can transform everyday products and technologies. Inspired by nature, these materials are designed to self-assemble into structures with unique properties, such as flexibility, strength, and adaptability, without relying on harmful chemicals or energy-intensive processes.

They open the door for eco-friendly solutions in industries such as healthcare, food, and personal care, reducing environmental impact. Additionally, it supports sustainable manufacturing, helping companies produce high-performance products while conserving resources.

In short, my research focuses on developing the next generation of sustainable materials—materials that improve our quality of life and protect the planet for future generations.

How do you feel being part of a MSCA Doctoral Network project?

I will express the sentiment shared by nearly every fellow in the network: the network itself is quite advantageous. It offers a great opportunity to connect with experts in different fields. At the same time, it helps you increase your knowledge of characterization techniques, substances, and chemistry. I am learning a lot, and the network has allowed me to visit different universities and learn from their experts. As part of our collaboration, we have in-person meetings where we can help each other improve our projects.

Additionally, we have grown professionally together, and I am happy to have met these amazing Ph.D. fellows.

What are your projects after the defense of your thesis?

I am open to any opportunities. I like doing research because I am a practical person. If I have the opportunity to continue doing research at an institute or as a postdoc, that would be great. However, I can adapt well, and I learned a lot while doing my Ph.D. at a company, so I would also be happy working in product development at a company.

Do you have a recommendation/an advice for future potential MSCA fellows?

The MSCA program is a great opportunity to develop your scientific and personal skills in an international setting. Don’t hesitate to apply, as I learned with the life the « no » you already have; let’s fight for the « yes. »

As a new fellow, I recommend taking full advantage of the network, making connections, and learning from all the supervisors. Don’t hesitate to collaborate with them and travel to their locations to conduct experiments and analyses. The collaborations and friendships you establish through the network will last even after you finish your PhD.