Staff Profile

I specialize in polymer synthesis, monomers, membrane fabrication, and the testing of electrochemical devices such as water electrolyzer, and fuel cells. Moreover, experienced in the synthesis of bio-degradable polymers and light-sensitive materials for drug delivery applications. Moreover, I possess extensive expertise in synthesizing polymers and monomers, navigating unique procedures, and handling sensitive or hazardous chemicals. My proficiency extends to the development of membrane fabrication, membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and single-cell testing, along with thorough experience in characterizing synthesized materials to establish structure-property relationships and leverage their potential. A significant aspect of my work involves conducting detailed studies on crucial reactions like oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as well as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To execute these studies, I adeptly employ various electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), chronopotentiometry (CP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). As a proficient communicator, I possess honed interpersonal skills, adept problem-solving abilities, analytical prowess, strategic planning expertise, and adeptness in data interpretation and analysis. Additionally, I am well-versed in customer and technology transfer auditing, among other areas. My track record includes 17 research articles in esteemed journals like the Journal of Membrane Science and ACS Applied Energy Materials, showcasing strong written and communication skills. At Newcastle University, I manage research alongside laboratory responsibilities including safety protocols, instrument calibration, and chemical procurement. Furthermore, I mentor M.Sc. students in Chemical Engineering, aiding in project design and publication efforts, enriching my collaborative skills. My duties extend to collaborating with my supervisor in drafting research proposals and project reports, which are then submitted to various funding agencies. Additionally, my active engagement in national and international conferences has earned recognition through poster and oral presentations.

 Profile Summary

• Performance-driven professional with over 5 years of rich & extensive experience in Strategic Research & Polymer membrane Development, Quality Assurance & Control, Lab Operations, Project, and People Management. 

• Expert in the synthesis of monomers, polymers and hands-on exposure with reactions requiring unique procedures and sensitive and/or hazardous chemicals and extensive experience in synthesis & characterization of polymers, membranes, and bio-degradable materials.

• Rich experience in the development of membrane fabrication, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for Fuel cell and water electrolyzer using spray and brush coating on Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM) and catalysts are coated on the gas diffusion layer (GDL).

• Highly skilled in Electrochemical characterization techniques such as Linear sweep voltammetry, Cyclic voltammetry, electronic impedance spectroscopy, Chronoamperometry, Chronopotentiometry, Polarisation curve and open circuit voltage and their analysis of experimental results.

• Highly skilled in planning & organizing day-to-day research activities and resolving procedural problems as appropriate to the timely completion of research objectives.

• Strong R&D acumen, with skills in developing processes to ensure smooth establishment of product commercially, conducting regular audits for adhering to process compliance.

• People Leader, who has successfully led and motivated teams in cross-cultural environment towards growth and success in the organization; created a clear & compelling view of future through coaching & execution.

Education

• Ph.D. Polymer Chemistry, Central University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad, India, 2012-2018.

• M.Sc. Chemistry-First Class, Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2008-2010.

• B.Sc. Chemistry-First Class, from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2005-2008.

 Research and Professional Experience

• 2023 – Present | Research Associate, Newcastle University, UK.  

• 2022 – 2023 | Lecturer, Avadutha Kondaiah Swamy degree College for Women, India.

• 2021 – 2022 | Postdoctoral fellow, University of Sannio, Italy and KTH Royal Institute of Technology & Start up Akira Science AB Co., Sweden (Industrial Collaboration Work).

• 2019 – 2021 | Postdoctoral fellow, Tongji University, China.

• Oct’11 – Feb’12 | Lecturer, Master’s degree College, India

• Jun’11 – Sep’11 | Assistant QA, Aurobindo Pharma Pvt. Ltd., India 

• 2010 – 2011 | Lecturer, Sree Bharathi Junior College, India

Key Result Areas:

• Developed & executed high-level lab strategies, making high-stakes decisions, and overcoming complex business  challenges using experience-backed judgment, strong work ethics and irreproachable integrity.

• Created and sustained a dynamic environment that fosters the development opportunities and motivates the high performance amongst the team of six subordinates, wherein day-to-day reporting to higher management for quality and lab activity.

• Collaborated with client & stakeholders while keeping them informed of progress and issues to manage expectations on all requirements and deliverable.

 Students Trained Parallel to Research

• Trained 2 master students and 5 summer internship students parallel to my research activity during my PhD tenure.

• Trained 3 Ph.D. students and 4 master students parallel to my research activity during my post-doctoral tenure.

 Research Summary

Ph.D. Thesis works entitle “Imidazole based Polymers as Ion Exchange Membranes”. 

• The synthesis of alternative, low-cost tetramine monomer derivatives (PyTAB-COOH, PyTAB-OH, and PyTAB-CF3) to prepare highly conducting pyridine bridging polybenzimidazole (PyPBI).

• Synthesis and investigation of unique structural moieties of functionalized pyridine bridging polybenzimidazole (PyPBI).

• Fabrication of high temperature proton exchange membranes (HT-PEM) and alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEM) for fuel cells and electrolyser applications. 

• Synthesis and development of various types of anion exchange membranes (AEM) derived from diverse quaternized polymer structures (PyPBI).

• Anion/proton exchange membrane and ionomer: synthesis and characterization such as Ionic conductivity (proton/hydroxide), water uptake and swelling degree, mechanical/tensile test, Fenton’s, and alkaline stability test.

• Furthermore, my Ph.D. study encompassed the creation of polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanocomposites with acidic surfactant molecules to fabricate proton exchange membranes (PEM) with superior characteristics. 

• Moreover, Approach the supervisor for discussion with an open mind and be receptive to constructive criticism and feedback.

Postdoc - 1, Research work entitle “Studies on the technique for membrane electrode assembly based-on new fuel cell membranes and related materials’’.

• The postdoctoral research aims to develop anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that possess high conductivity and chemical (Fenton’s, and alkaline) stability.

• Production of a series of multi-block poly(ether sulfone)s with long side chains terminated densely piperidinium. 

• In a separate study, poly(ether sulfone) (PES)-based AEMs with carboxylic acid functionality and extended side chains containing quaternary ammonium groups, were developed. 

• Polymer synthesis and membrane casting: Physical, chemical, and electrochemical characterizations. 

• Experienced in fabrication of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) for Fuel cell. 

• Fabrication of fuel cell devices, evaluate its electrochemical performance. 

• Project management, procurement, and research support to the team members. 

• Contribution to lab management, instrument calibration and test validation, group meeting, leadership and Lab safety management.

Postdoc - 2, Research work entitle “Synthesis of biodegradable polymer materials for biomedical applications”.

GO FOR IT Project: Degradable polymeric materials from renewable resources for 3D printing applications. 

• The research focused on the designed light sensitive poly (ε-caprolactone)- poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL) triblock copolymer, end-capped with modified coumarin.

• Experienced of preparation of coumarin-functionalized triblock copolymer-based nanoparticles and drug loading. 

• Experienced to evaluate percentage of drug content and loading efficiency by using proton NMR.

• Evaluation of the critical micellar concentration (CMC) was determined by UV–visible spectrophotometer.

• Complete characterization of the nanoparticles was accomplished by NMR, DLS and SEM.

• The photolysis reactions or UV and NIR light behavior studies were carried out, by UV or NIR light irradiation.

• The Drug releasing studies were performed by using fluorescence studies.

• Interprets and analyzes the results in relation to the project objectives. This section may also address any limitations or challenges encountered during the project.

• Moreover, the submission of project reports and presentations is essential as they are documents that summarize the progress, status, and outcomes of a project.

Postdoc - 3, Research work entitle “Synthesis and fabrication of stable Polyphenylene based alkaline membranes and

development of effective pore filling porous fibers using ionomers for electrolyzer applications’’.

ANEMEL Project: Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis from Low-grade water sources. 

• Designed, synthesis of polymer and membrane fabrication for AEM water electrolyzer. 

• Develop process for effective pore filling porous fibers and substrate with ionomers. 

• Update data set and feedback on fiber mat and porous substrate properties to Leitat company. 

• Report on chemical degradation of membranes. 

• Report on most promising chemistry and engineering membrane approach for follow up project Half-cell testing (HER and OER) of synthesized membrane in alkaline, acid, water, and sea water. 

• Fabrication AEM electrolyzer device and evaluate it electrochemical performance with alkaline and sea water. Electrocatalyst and membrane: Physical, chemical, and electrochemical characterizations. 

• Good experience in Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) using spray coating with ionomer and electrocatalysts.

• In addition, foster a positive and professional relationship with supervisor based on mutual respect, trust, and effective communication.

• Project management, procurement, and research assistance to the team members. Experienced in writing and periodically reviewing DOPs, COSHH, relevant risk assessment documents, and delivering reports and presentations to ANEMEL project.

 Analytical Instruments for Material Characterization

• Autolab, Gamry for Single Cell and Water Electrolyser testing.

• NMR, Mass Spectrometry, FT-IR, UV-Visible & Fluorescence Spectrophotometer.

• Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Viscometer.

• Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS), Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

 Selected Publications

• Nano porous Covalent Organic Framework and Polybenzimidazole Composites for Proton Exchange Membranes, ACS Applied Nano Materials, 13, 12016-12028 (2023).

• Coumarin end-capped poly (ε-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol) tri-block copolymer: synthesis, characterization and light-response behavior, European Polymer Journal, 183, 111760 (2023).

• Review of recent development in near infrared light-responsive polymeric materials for smart drug-delivery systems, Materials Today Chemistry, 25, 100963 (2022).

• Cross-linked Polybenzimidazole as Alkaline Stable Anion Exchange Membrane, ACS Applied Energy Materials, 5, 3626–3637 (2022).

• Crosslinked Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane from N-Spirocyclic Quaternary Ammonium and Polybenzimidazole, ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 4, 1523-1534 (2022). 

• Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane from Alkylated Polybenzimidazole, ACS Applied Energy Materials, 4, 9792-9805 (2021).

• Multi-block poly (ether sulfone) for anion exchange membranes with long side chains densely terminated by piperidinium, Journal of Membrane Science, 615, 118537 (2020).

• Polybenzimidazole co-polymers; synthesis, morphology and high temperature fuel cell membrane properties, Polymer Chemistry, 11, 1043-1054, (2020).

• Nano-ordered aromatic/alicyclic polybenzimidazole blend membranes, Reactive and Functional Polymers, 146, 104312 (2020).

• Polybenzimidazoles as alkaline anion exchange membranes with twin hydroxide ion conducting sites, Polymer, 172, 213-220 (2019).

• Layered double hydroxide nanoplatelets with ultra-high specific surface area for significantly enhanced crystallization rate and thermal stability of polypropylene, ACS Applied Nano Materials, 1, 111-121 (2018).

• High molecular weight PBI-nanocomposite membranes: Enhanced proton conductivity with low content of amine-functionalized nanoparticles, Polymer, 145, 434-446 (2018).

• Polymer electrolyte membranes from polybenzimidazoles: Influence of tetraamine monomer structure, Polymer, 137, 312-323 (2018).

• Polybenzimidazole composite with acidic surfactant like molecules: A unique approach to develop PEM for fuel cell, European Polymer Journal, 82, 421-434 (2016).

 Conference/Posters/Oral Presentations

• Polybenzimidazole composite with acidic surfactant like molecules: A unique approach to develop PEM for the use in fuel cell, MACRO-2015, January 23-26, 2015, IACS, India (Poster Presentation).

• Polybenzimidazole/polyazomethinebisphenol blend PEM membranes for use in high temperature fuel cell applications, APA-2015, October 29-31, 2015, Saurashtra University, India (Oral Presentation).

• Poly (methylated pyridinium benzimidazolium): A new class of anion exchange membrane, MACRO-2017, January 8-11, 2017, CSIR-NIIST & VSSC, Trivandrum, India (Poster Presentation).

• Poly (methylated pyridinium benzimidazolium): A new class of anion exchange membrane, CHEMFEST-2017, (14th annual in-house symposium) March 3-4, 2017, University of Hyderabad, India (Oral Presentation).

• Effect of alkylation on polybenzimidazoles for alkaline fuel cell membranes, NMSTC-2017, October 13-14, 2017, University of Hyderabad, India (Poster Presentation).

• Ionic conductive pyridinium and benzimidazolium containing novel polymers for use in anion exchange membrane fuel cells, RTMST-2017, November 22-23, 2017, CSIR-CSMCRI, India (Poster Presentation). 

I have 2.5 years of teaching experience in chemistry across various educational levels and institutes (Sree Bharathi Junior College, Master’s Degree College, Avadutha Kondaiah Swamy Degree College for Women, India), from junior college to undergraduate level. During this time, I have designed and delivered lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory sessions tailored to accommodate the specific needs and learning styles of students. 

Employing diverse pedagogical approaches, I engage students through active learning strategies such as group discussions, problem-solving activities, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities. Additionally, I integrate technology and multimedia resources to enrich the learning experience.

Furthermore, I have contributed to curriculum development initiatives, ensuring course content aligns with learning outcomes, industry standards, and emerging trends. I employ a variety of assessment methods, including exams, essays, presentations, portfolios, peer assessments, and authentic assessments, all aligned with real-world scenarios and learning objectives. 

Providing timely and constructive feedback to students is a priority, aiding them in improving their performance and achieving academic goals. This involves setting clear assessment criteria and offering personalized feedback on assignments.

Moreover, I actively engage in self-reflection on my teaching practice and pursue opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops, participating in teaching seminars, and incorporating feedback from student evaluations. These efforts continually enhance my effectiveness as an educator.