Magdalena Kleybolte

Postdoctoral researcher
University Groningen

Department

Stratingh Institute for Chemistry

Contact information

Room
5172.0935

Email address
m.m.kleybolte@rug.nl

About me

I grew up in Munich as a child with a vivid imagination and a strong interest in puzzles. After I had the heartbreaking realization that I could neither be a superhero nor the boss of my two brothers, I decided that science might be a worthy alternative. I especially liked the problem-solving nature of chemistry and decided to pursue these studies after high school. I finished my B.Sc., M.Sc., and doctorate (2024) at the Technical University in Munich with a focus on technical chemistry, polymer chemistry, and material science. During my research, I developed a strong desire to push sustainability and joined “Radical Dot”, a start-up for plastic recycling, as a scientist for “high-risk research”. However, after finishing my project and breaking down many different polymers, I was drawn back into creating them in a sustainable manner when I accepted the Postdoctoral position in Groningen (2025).

About my research

In partnership with AkzoNobel, I am working to synthesize materials that can replace common polyacrylates in the coatings and paint industry using bio-based monomers, i.e., butenolides. A strong focus lies on water-borne emulsion polymerization to replace common organic solvents with the greener alternative: water. However, given that butenolides are such exciting, promising building blocks, one can find me not only working with emulsion polymerization but also exploring other polymer areas. Let's see the full potential of butenolides!

Academic career

Postdoctoral experience
2025, Radical Dot, Germany, Polymer Scientist and R&D Project Manager

Doctorate (Chem., Dr.rer.nat.)
2021- 2024, Technical University of Munich (TUM), WACKER-chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Research on Terpene-Based Polyamides and Polyesteramides, Their Mechanical and Thermal Properties and Potential Application under the supervision of PD M. Winnacker and Prof B. Rieger

Master’s Degree (Chem., M.Sc.)
2019- 2021, Technical University of Munich (TUM),
WACKER-chair of Macromolecular Chemistry: Research on novel (biobased) polymers via monomer design and new polymerization approaches under the supervision of Prof. Rieger and PD M. Winnacker
Chair of Technical Chemistry: Research Internship on heterogeneous catalysis under the supervision of Prof. Lercher

Bachelor’s Degree (Chem., B.Sc.)
2015- 2019, Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Chair of Technical Chemistry: Research Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution on g-C3N4 under the supervision of Prof. Lercher