GIANLUIGI GALASSO – PHD STUDENT
What brought me here?
My curiosity and passion for understanding the world are at the root of my interest in natural sciences, and the ubiquity of chemistry made it so appealing to me. During my studies in Naples, I became fascinated by the complexity of catalytic reactions and by the potential of machine learning to tackle challenging problems. The Schnitzer Lab seemed like the perfect place to focus on these topics and pursue my goals, so much so that it convinced me to leave my beloved hometown.
What makes me happy?
Whether it is football, basketball or running a marathon, sports make me feel alive like few other things do. That is generally enough to make me happy, but if it is followed by a drink with my friends or dinner cooked in good company, I will not complain.
What is my current smartphone background? Why?
It is a view of the sea from the small village where I used to spend my summer holidays with my family. It reminds me that although we live in a fast-paced world, some things are meant to remain unchanged.
Since 2024
PhD in Chemistry
University of Freiburg
Thesis with Dr. Schnitzer on “Machine Learning-Guided Design of Boronic Acids for α-Amino Acid Coupling”
2022-2024
Second Level University Master (Molecular Sciences for Earth and Space)
Scuola Superiore Meridionle, Italy
2022-2024
Master of Science (Chemical Sciences)
University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Thesis with Prof. V. Busico on “Coordination copolymerizations of ethene and higher 1-alkenes: a molecular kinetic study”
2019-2022
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Thesis with Prof. V. Busico on “A novel (ONNO)Zr olefin polymerization catalyst: NMR and DFT studies”
PUBLICATIONS
Manipulating pre-equilibria in olefin polymerization catalysis: backbone-stiffening converts a living into a highly active salan-type catalyst
D. V. Uborsky*, M. I. Sharikov, G. P. Goryunov, K. M. Li, A. Dall’Anese, C. Zuccaccia*, A. Vittoria, T. Iovine, G. Galasso, C. Ehm, A. Macchioni, V. Busico, A. Z. Voskoboynikov, R. Cipullo*
Inorg. Chem. Front. 2023, 10, 6401-6406
Comonomer Reactivity Trends in Catalytic Ethene/1-Alkene Copolymerizations to Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
G. Galasso, R. Cipullo, V. Busico, A. Vittoria*
Polymers 2025, 17, 2290
Electronic effects in early transition metal catalyzed olefin polymerization: challenges in featurization and descriptor strengths and weaknesses
C. Ehm*, G. Galasso, A. Vittoria, P. Oriente, L. Maiale, P. H. M. Budzelaar, R. Cipullo, V. Busico
Dalton Trans. 2025, 54, 16380-16392