My primary interest lies in understanding the submonolayer adsorption of gases onto dust grains in the interstellar medium. This is done by combining XPS and LT-STM data, used in conjunction to obtain a holistic image of ice adsorption. The goal is to further explore this and to determine the way surface morphology affects adsorption, and if there is a change in adsorption mechanics between the sub- and sur-monolayer.
I completed my PhD in July 2025 at the CINaM at Aix-Marseille Universite in Marseille, France. There, I focused on this submonolayer sticking, notably a value that mediates it; the sticking coefficient (SC). I found that the SC of gases (notably of CO) onto grains is significantly lower than the commonly-assumed value of 1. This has opened the way to many more questions regarding the underlying mechanism of freezing on surfaces. Before that, I obtained both my bachelors degree in liberal arts and sciences (University College Maastricht), as well as my masters in physical chemistry (Radboud University) in the Netherlands.
My work at Aarhus University will allow me to further explore the initial freeze-out of gases on (realistic) dust grain analogues, and to determine how this may affect subsequent processes, such as reactions.
