Resume

I am a PhD researcher in Horticulture at the University of Georgia specializing in postharvest physiology, chilling injury, and non-destructive quality assessment of fresh fruit. My work integrates controlled storage experimentation, ozone technologies, and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with statistical modeling and machine learning to better understand how harvest maturity and storage conditions influence fruit quality. I focus on translating physiological insights into practical, data-driven solutions that reduce postharvest losses and improve decision-making for growers and supply chain stakeholders.

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Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture

2021 - 2026

University of Georgia, USA

Focus on postharvest physiology and quality preservation of fresh fruit, integrating controlled storage experiments, ozone technologies, and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with statistical modeling and machine learning. Research emphasizes harvest maturity assessment and chilling injury susceptibility in peaches, aiming to translate physiological insights into practical, data-driven strategies for reducing postharvest losses.

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Technology, and Food & Nutrition Technology

2013 - 2018

University of Patras, Greece

Focused on plant production systems, agricultural technology, and applied crop management. Academic training included soil science, crop physiology, fertilizers and pesticide application, and vegetable seed production. Senior thesis examined morphological and quality characteristics of onion varieties grown in a hydroponic floating system, providing early research experience in controlled environment production and crop evaluation.

Professional Skills

Postharvest Physiology & Quality Evaluation

Experimental Design & Protocol Development

Data Analysis & Visualization

Digital & Analytical Tools (R/RStudio, Python, Excel, PowerPoint, AI-assisted research workflows)

Research & Development/Project Management

Languages & Certifications

Languages

Greek (Native), English (Fluent, C2)

PADI Open Water Diver

Certified for open water scuba diving

Boat Operation License

Research Experience

Research Assistant

2021 - 2026

University of Georgia, Tifton, USA

  • Design and conduct controlled postharvest storage experiments evaluating chilling injury, decay incidence, and fruit quality parameters in peaches.
  • Apply aqueous and gaseous ozone technologies, including nanobubble systems, to investigate decay control and shelf-life extension strategies.
  • Integrate near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and non-destructive sensing tools for harvest maturity classification and disorder susceptibility assessment.
  • Perform statistical analyses (ANOVA, mixed models, Tukey HSD) and develop data-driven insights using R and Python workflows.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and industry stakeholders to translate experimental findings into practical postharvest management solutions.
  • Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and extension-oriented research communication.

Teaching and Training/Mentoring

Laboratory Demonstrator / Guest Instructor

2021 - 2026

University of Georgia, Tifton, USA

  • Assisted in the preparation and organization of laboratory modules focused on postharvest physiology, fruit quality assessment, and storage management.
  • Provided one-on-one and small-group guidance to students during laboratory exercises involving firmness testing, respiration measurements, and disorder evaluation.
  • Supported training on safe handling and operation of cold storage systems, ozone treatment setups, and analytical equipment.
  • Mentored undergraduate students in experimental design, data collection, and basic statistical interpretation.
  • Contributed to fostering a safe, collaborative, and research-oriented laboratory learning environment.

Awards & Scholarships

University of Georgia Horticulture Department Student Travel Grant

September 2024

Award Amount: $1,000

American Society for Horticulture Science (ASHS) Annual Conference Travel Scholarship

September 2024

Award Amount: $500

McHatton Horticulture Endowment - T.H. Student Travel Grant

January 2023

Award Amount: $1,500

Gerondelis Foundation Scholarship for Excellence in Graduate Studies

November 2022

Award Amount: $5,000