Felipe Fantuzzi has been a lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Kent since 2021. Since then, he has built a reputation of being an approachable lecturer and a passionate researcher with surprisingly diverse interests. Read more about his approach to teaching and research below!
Hi Felipe! We’re excited to speak to you today about your research and teaching!
Hi, Farradeh! It’s great to be here, and thank you very much for your kind invitation.
In simple terms, what does your research concern, and why is it important?
My research uses computers to predict and explore the properties of different molecules and materials. Essentially, we’re trying to understand how these substances work, what they can do, and how to design better ones for various uses. This helps in creating new technologies, medicines, and materials by understanding their behaviour at a molecular level. It’s like being a detective, but for molecules! My interests are very broad, and I love exploring all aspects of chemistry. I study how molecules form in space, whether noble gases can create bonds, and how to make nitrogen gas, one of the least reactive compounds, more active to develop better and more sustainable fertilisers. I also help law enforcement detect new drugs and understand how they work in the body. Additionally, I research how to improve natural products for treating diseases, especially those affecting people in developing countries, and I look into new molecules for advanced tech applications like better electronics and spintronics.
Wow! That’s very interesting and incredibly broad. You must teach a diverse range of subjects?
I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Chemistry, Forensic Science, and Physics. My classes range from basic inorganic chemistry principles, like the periodic table and the applications of different chemical elements in science and technology, to advanced topics in quantum chemistry, molecular simulations, and forensic analysis. I also guide final-year projects in forensic science, where we use computers to solve problems such as improving drug analysis or developing better materials for detecting fingerprints.
What is your teaching philosophy, and how do you engage students in your classes?
I believe in making learning interactive and relevant. I engage students by connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications, encouraging hands-on experiences, and fostering a collaborative environment. I want students to see the bigger picture and understand how what they’re learning can be applied in various fields.
That sounds like a really supportive class dynamic! Do you have a particularly memorable moment at Kent?
There have been several memorable moments, but one that I am particularly proud of happened in my Quantum Chemistry module, one of the most challenging courses in Chemistry. I once had a student with a visual impairment in this module. Quantum Chemistry involves a very advanced topic called Group Theory, which is highly mathematical and requires skills in identifying symmetry elements in objects—making it quite visual and thus especially challenging for students with visual impairments. This student and I engaged extensively throughout the term, and their enthusiasm for the module was truly inspiring. Despite the challenges, not only did they pass the module, but they also achieved the highest marks. The day I heard about their achievement was incredible—it felt like a shared victory, a testament to their determination and our successful efforts.
What does an average day in your work life look like? How does it differ between term and summer?
During term time, my days are a mix of teaching, meeting with students, conducting research, and handling administrative tasks. In the summer, I focus more on research and writing, often collaborating with international colleagues and working on projects that need uninterrupted time. Summer is also when most scientific conferences take place, so it’s a busy travel period for me. These meetings can happen anywhere in the world. Just this year, I’ve been to places like Tbilisi in Georgia, Nicosia in Cyprus, and Trento in Italy. The most incredible place I’ve visited for a scientific conference was the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The conference was held at the Charles Darwin Centre, where I won a research award. I got to see fantastic landscapes and wildlife, including gigantic turtles, sea lions and blue-footed birds.
I love the international slant to your work! Does your broad focus and international interest translate into how you supervise students?
Absolutely! At Kent, I supervise students from Chemistry, Forensic Science, and Physics. Through my collaborative network, I also co-supervise students from universities abroad in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Germany, and China through a joint supervision scheme. This setup allows for a rich exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives, as we conduct hybrid meetings so that all students can interact, regardless of their location. Additionally, I’m the Head of the Supramolecular, Interfacial, and Synthetic Chemistry (SISC) group and, with Professor Nigel Mason from Physics, co-direct the KAIROS Research Group. Our goal in SISC and KAIROS is to build a rich research environment and culture at Kent, empowering our students to engage in hands-on research on their topics of interest and contribute to new scientific findings and advancements.
That sounds super exciting and rewarding. What is your proudest professional achievement at Kent so far?
Reaching my 100th scientific publication was a significant milestone. It reflects years of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. It’s not just a number; it represents the impact my research has had in the scientific community. This achievement was only possible because of the fantastic team of students and collaborators who work with me to conduct research at the highest standards. Their dedication and teamwork have been invaluable in reaching this milestone.
100 Publications?? Wow! Huge congratulations. What is one bit of advice you would give to a sixth-form student who is considering doing Chemistry at university?
Thank you so much! My advice to a sixth-form student considering Chemistry at university would be: stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Chemistry is all about exploration and discovery. If something interests you, dive into it. University is the perfect place to deepen your knowledge and find your passion.
What are 3 words you would use to describe the Chemistry and Forensic Science community at Kent?
Innovative, collaborative, and supportive.