Sotiria obtained her MEng in Chemical Engineering (ChemEng) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and then moved to Newcastle for PhD studies in ChemEng. During her PhD, she studied dual-phase ceramic membranes for CO2 separation.
After completing her PhD research she worked as a Research Assistant in Process Development for Novel Formulation Coatings at Loughborough University. Sotiria has also completed two internships at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and at Loufakis Chemicals in Greece. She worked for 6 years during her undergraduate studies as a tutor in Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry for students up to the level of preparation for university entrance exams. Sotiria worked for a year as our formulation and product development engineer and then moved on to become our Product Manager in Air Purification.
Get to know Sotiria
Name a favourite scientist, inventor or researcher and tell us why you like them?
Marie Curie. I admire her persistence and courage to become a scientist in the male dominated world of science. Not only was she the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, but she won it twice in two different disciplines. Her beliefs and achievements have inspired many scientists to devote their lives to scientific research.
What do you think is the most interesting area of research for the future? (Yes, it’s broad).
I personally feel that every field has its own importance and influence in society. Any research that is beneficial to society can be very interesting.
Tell us one of your favourite quotes?
I have two favourite quotes: ‘When you love what you have, you have everything you need’ and ‘Leave a little kindness wherever you go.’
What gadget or piece of technology are you most excited by?
The Cook Processor is a do-it-all machine that automatically stirs veggies as they sauté, chops ingredients to your preferred size, kneads dough, steams food, measures weight, and more. I am planning to get one this year.
If you could put SSL’s filter in anything, where would you put it?
In any air filtering device in hospitals, schools and public transportation.
Which book have you given away the most. Why?
I used to read a lot of books as a teenager and a young adult that had a mystery content. Agatha Christie was my favourite writer and I believe that I have given away most of her books.
"I love the diversity of our work and getting stuck into fresh challenges. The work we do at Smart Separations is a constant adventure and every day I'm excited by what I will discover."
Sotiria Tsochataridou, PhD
Fun Filtration Facts
Juice with or without pulp/bits? (i.e. filtered or unfiltered)
I don’t mind. I like both!
Do you filter your coffee? If so how do you take it? (moka pot, espresso machine, french press etc.)
I don’t drink coffee!
Where/what was the best water you ever tasted? (i.e. tap water in Lisbon or Volvic water etc.)
From natural water resources in several places in Greece.
What’s the freshest air you’ve ever experienced? (i.e. on a mountain in the Pyrenees).
On Olympus mountain.
If you could put SSL’s filter in anything, where would you put itIf you had to get rid of one tiny particle, which would it be? (i.e. cat hair, pollen)
Microplastics.
If your air purifier had to emit an odour instead of absorbing them, which smell would you choose?
