Somanathan Thirunavukkarasu | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Somanathan Thirunavukkarasu | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Department of Chemistry School of Basic Sciences, VISTAS Chennai, India

Author Profile

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ORCID

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. T. Somanathan’s academic journey began with a B.Sc in Chemistry from Guru Nanak College, University of Madras, Chennai in 2000. His keen interest in applied sciences led him to pursue an M.Sc in Applied Chemistry from Anna University, Chennai, graduating with First Class in 2002. His academic rigor culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Anna University in April 2009, focusing on carbon nanotubes synthesized using CCVD techniques and metal-substituted molecular sieves, laying the foundation for his specialization in nanotechnology and material science.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Somanathan’s professional career is marked by progressive academic roles at the Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS):

  • Professor (2023 – Present)

  • Associate Professor (2015 – 2022)

  • Assistant Professor (2011 – 2015)

Earlier, he expanded his research capabilities internationally as a Postdoctoral Researcher at CEA/LITEN, Grenoble, France (2009–2010), working on nanomaterials for energy applications.

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON NANOTECHNOLOGY

Dr. Somanathan has established himself as a specialist in nanotechnology, with deep expertise in:

  • Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs, DWCNTs, MWCNTs) using CVD, RFCVD, and PECVD

  • Graphene and Graphene Oxide, especially through eco-friendly synthesis methods

  • Nanoparticles with biomedical relevance—targeting anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

  • Mesoporous materials and heterogeneous catalysts like MCM-41, SBA-15 for biodiesel and organic transformations

His research extends to applications in biosensors, photovoltaics, and drug delivery systems, showcasing multidisciplinarity and societal relevance.

Key research areas:

  • Indoor solar cooktops

  • Thermosyphon heat transport devices

  • Single-phase natural circulation

  • Passive cooling systems for SMRs

  • Stability analysis of circulation loops

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Somanathan’s academic excellence is affirmed by over 15 awards, including:

  • 🥇 Sci-Edu Award 2025 for Excellence in Education

  • 🏅 Academic Excellence Award 2024

  • 🏆 Faculty Excellence Awards (2021, 2022, 2023 – by VISTAS)

  • 🌟 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Scientific Excellence (2022)

  • 🎖️ DST Fast Track Young Scientist Award (2011)

  • 🎓 Postdoctoral Fellowship – France (2009–2010)

These honors validate his dual strengths in teaching and innovation.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Through teaching, research, and institutional leadership, Dr. Somanathan has had a lasting academic and societal impact:

  • Courses taught include: Nanoscience, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, EVS, and Advanced Nanostructures.

  • He mentors young researchers and participates in numerous doctoral committees, academic councils, and national-level examination panels.

  • His research contributes to green nanotechnology, advancing India’s goals for sustainable science and innovation.

🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Somanathan’s contributions to carbon-based nanomaterials and their practical applications in healthcare and energy form the bedrock of his academic legacy. He actively guides Ph.D. candidates, sits on academic boards, and serves as:

  • Reviewer for ACS, Elsevier, and Springer journals

  • Member of Indian Carbon Society, IANCAS, IAEng, and IFERP

  • Editorial Board Member, Journal of Nanotechnology and Diagnosis and Treatment, USA

He is committed to mentoring future scientists and fostering an eco-friendly nanotechnology paradigm.

 ✅CONCLUSION

Dr. T. Somanathan exemplifies the modern researcher and educator—bridging fundamental chemistry with advanced nanotechnology, nurturing talent, and contributing to sustainable scientific progress. His global collaborations, prolific research output, and extensive academic service position him as a trailblazer in the field of nanoscience.

 🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

Ecosynthesis of copper and nickel oxide nanoparticles from Aegle marmelos extract: antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hemolytic activity evaluation
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu R., Rajkumar M., Nandhagopal M., Manivannan T., Somanathan T., Bindhu Radhakrishna B.R., Lakshmy L. Venkateswaran
Journal: Materials Letters
Year: 2025

A facile synthesis of green gold nanoparticles from fruit waste peels and their bioactivity evaluation against HT-29 colon cancer cell lines
Authors: Lakshmy L. Venkateswaran, Bindhu Radhakrishna B.R., Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan, Raji R. Atchudan, Rajabhuvaneswari R. Ariyamuthu
Journal: Results in Chemistry
Year: 2025

Catalytic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes using CeFeMgO: Study their Efficiency and Structural Insights
Authors: Dhanavel D. Manikandan, Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan, Arumugam A. Pandurangan
Journal: Asian Journal of Chemistry
Year: 2025

Growth of Helical Coiled Double and Triple Walled Carbon Nanotubes at Low Temperature using FeMoMgO catalyst
Authors: Dhanavel D. Manikandan, Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan

A Facile Synthesis and Characterisation of CdS Nanoparticles at Low Temperature Using Aegle Marmelos Extract
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu T. Rajkumar, Lakshmy L. Venkateswaran, Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan, Sasieekhumar Amman S.A. Rangasamy

Kavyashri Joshi | Nanotechnology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Kavyashri Joshi | Nanotechnology | Women Researcher Award

PVP College, Pravaranagar- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kavyashri Bhalchandra Joshi, a dedicated biotechnologist, embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Ahmednagar College, University of Pune, achieving first-class honors in July 2009. She continued her studies at KTHM College and Research Centre, Nasik, earning a Master of Science in Biotechnology with a commendable 62.15% in July 2011. Her early interest in biotechnology set the stage for a prolific academic career, further solidified by her M.Phil in Science from Savitribai Phule Pune University in March 2018.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Joshi’s professional experience began as an Assistant Professor in Biotechnology at P.V.P. College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Pravaranagar, where she served from March 2012 to October 2013. During her tenure, she delivered lectures on a range of subjects, including Recombinant DNA Technology, Fermentation Technology, Plant Tissue Culture Technology, Biodiversity, Cell Biology, Stem Cell Techniques, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Additionally, she played a significant role in conducting practical sessions and participated in university examination work as an examiner and moderator.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Joshi’s research journey is marked by significant contributions to biotechnology. As a full-time Ph.D. research scholar at the Department of Biotechnology, PVP College and Research Centre, Pravaranagar, from February 2020 to January 2024, she focused on the “Synergistic effect of copper nanoparticles on bacterial blight disease of pomegranate.” Her M.Phil research, completed at KTHM College, Nasik, also revolved around bacterial blight disease of pomegranate, highlighting her consistent interest in plant pathology and biotechnological solutions.

Dr. Joshi has expertise in various experimental techniques, including plant tissue culture, recombinant DNA techniques, DNA and RNA isolation, and bioprocess engineering. Her industrial training includes quality control of fertilizers at Rama Agricultural Chemicals, Pune, practical applications of biotechnology at Biozoom, Pune, and in-silico drug discovery and chemoinformatics at RASA Life Science Informatics, Pune.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Joshi’s work has been recognized through several publications and conference presentations. She has published research papers in renowned journals such as Materials Today Proceedings, Ad. Plant Sci., and the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. Her notable publications include:

  1. “Synergistic Effect of Copper, Silver Nanoparticles and Hydrogen Peroxide on Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae” (2023).
  2. “Copper Nanoparticles Entrapped Beads Antibacterial Activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae” (2021).
  3. “Knowledge and Attitude of Indian Expatriate working at Gondar, Ethiopia regarding Yellow Fever Vaccination: a Survey” (2020).
  4. “Antistress activity of petroleum ether, methanolic and aqueous extracts of fruits of Benincasa hispida in experimental animals” (2018).
  5. “Efficiency of antibiotics and bordeaux mixture against bacterial blight of pomegranate” (2016).
  6. “Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticle Against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae” (2020).

Impact and Influence

Dr. Joshi’s research has had a significant impact on the field of biotechnology, particularly in plant pathology. Her work on bacterial blight disease of pomegranate and the application of nanoparticles in combating this disease has provided valuable insights and potential solutions for agricultural biotechnology. Her academic projects, such as the in vitro propagation of salt-tolerant cell lines and the study of phytonutrients like lycopene, demonstrate her broad research interests and expertise.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Joshi’s legacy is marked by her dedication to advancing biotechnology through research, teaching, and practical applications. She has guided several undergraduate and postgraduate projects, including the purification and characterization of tyrosinase from potato, isolation and characterization of endophytes from herbal plants, degradation of phenol using fungi and bacteria, and the study of medicinal plants for mosquito repellent preparation.As she continues her research and academic career, Dr. Joshi is poised to make further contributions to biotechnology, with potential future projects likely to explore new biotechnological applications and solutions to pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. Her expertise, combined with her commitment to education and research, ensures that she will remain a significant figure in the field, inspiring future generations of biotechnologists.