Antonios’ interest in chemistry and nature enthralled him to obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Having an interest in the environment and motivated by his bachelor’s thesis on the photocatalysis of pharmaceutical compounds, he further expanded his knowledge on the topic with a master’s degree in quality control and assurance in environmental chemical analysis at the same university, with a master thesis on the photodegradation of a pharmaceutical compound in the presence of microplastics.

During his studies, his dedication and work in academia resulted in his first research publication on the metal-organic-framework-based photocatalytic degradation of lincomycin and on the elucidation of its transformation products. He also collaborated with PhD students from the university environmental pollution lab and polymers lab to contribute to a review paper on microplastic sampling, pretreatment, analysis, and occurrence.

Along with his studies, he kept broadening his horizons by participating and working in various Erasmus+ projects, developing international and soft skills. His course in the academic sector on advanced oxidation processes and his international experience led him to move to Italy to join the NANAQUA project as Doctorate Candidate 5 at the University of Salerno.