MEENAKSHI D SIVAN

meenakshidsivan20@gmail.com

EDUCATION

X: Hari Sri Vidya Nidhi School, Thrissur (ICSC Syllabus); year 2017
XII: Hari Sri Vidya Nidhi School, Thrissur (ISC Syllabus); year 2019
BSc: Chemistry Main from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham; Amrita University;
year 2022
MSc: Chemistry (Organic Chemistry specialization), (Christ Deemed to be
University), year 2024

MARKS

X Marks: 88% XII Marks: 90% BSc: 8.5 (CGPA) MSc: 3.06/4

OBJECTIVE: To pursue a challenging research career in a leading Research &

Development Organization.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

2021-2022: Project in BSc:

Synthesis Of Copper Complexes to Analyse Their Catacholase Activity

Worked under Dr. Naveen Kulkarni

Key Areas:

• Synthesis of copper complexes from Schiff bases

• UV characterization
• Compilation of thesis
2022:

Summer Research Fellowship Programme (Indian Academy Of Sciences)

Worked Under Dr. BLV Prasad in Centre for Nano-sciences And Soft Matter,
Arkavathi Campus

Experience:
• Synthesis of nanocomposite and mesoporous nanoparticles
• Functionalization of nanoparticles
• IR characterization

2022- 2024:
Christ University (along with course work)
Working under Dr. Vinod TP
“Carbon Dots Derived from Cartilage of Squid as a Dual Sensor for Ascorbic
Acid and Chromium (VI)”

Experience:
• Review writing
• Synthesis of carbon quantum dots
• Optical characterization
• Synthesis of nanocomposites

2023 May-August
Summer Research Fellowship Programme (JNCASR)
Worked under Dr. Subi Jacob George
“Design and Synthesis of solution processable pyromellitic diimide-based
phosphorescent polymers”

Experience:
• Synthesis of multi-step organic synthesis
• Purification of organic products (column chromatography)
• Characterization of various compounds using NMR, IR and UV
spectroscopies.

2
WORKSHOPS
• DST sponsored two-day national conference on sustainable chemistry and
climate change (NCSC) hosted by the Department of Chemistry, Christ
(Deemed to be University) on 26 - 27 march, 2024.
• Online Workshop on Creative Writing from My Captain. (April,2021)
• Online Workshop on Supramolecular Chemistry from Jncasr.
(September,2020)
• Workshop On Sustainability from Agricultural College, Mannuthi.
(February,2020)

INTERNSHIPS
• Summer Research Fellowship 2-Month Programme from Indian Academy of
Sciences under Dr. BLV Prasad in Centre of Nano-sciences and soft matter,
Arkavathi campus. (2022)
• Summer Research Fellowship 2-Month Programme from JNCASR under
Dr.Subi Jacob George in Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Science and
Research. (2023)
• 3-month cultural internship in the content writing team from Amrita Vishwa
Vidyapeetham. (2020)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Blog In Wordpress From 2020 December

• Two Articles Published in The Student Edition of Times Of India In March
2019; 1 Article On The Role Of Subconscious Mind And Other On Forest
Therapy.
• Article Published in Film Companion on April 21, 2021
• Volunteering In Covid 19 Helpdesk

REFEREES
1)
Dr.VinodT.P.
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Christ University, Bangalore
Email: vinod.tp@che.christuniversity.in

Relationship: MSc Research Guide and Co-author for book chapter

2)
Dr.Naveen Kulkarni
3
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Amrita University, Kollam
Email: naveen.kulkarni@christuniversity.in
Relationship: BSc Course Instructor and Academic Mentor

4
Meenakshi D Sivan

I am Meenakshi D. Sivan, an aspiring researcher driven by a fascination with chemistry and

its profound connections to everyday life. With a strong foundation in Organic Chemistry, my
academic journey, from a BSc at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam,
to an MSc at Christ (Deemed to be University), has been defined by a deep commitment to
understanding and innovating within the field of photophysical processes and supramolecular
chemistry. My work in prestigious labs and research projects has further honed my technical
skills and ignited my passion for solving complex scientific problems.

I am writing to express my strong interest in joining the Laboratory for Energy Materials at
EPFL as a PhD student. During my master’s program, I co-authored a book chapter published
by Elsevier titled “Fluorescent carbon nanoparticle hybrids: synthesis, properties, and
applications”, which reflects my interest in nanoscale materials and their optical properties.
Additionally, I pursued internships at premier institutes such as CeNS and JNCASR under Prof.
B.L.V. Prasad and Prof. Subi George, respectively, where I gained exposure to materials
synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and device-related studies. These experiences solidified
my enthusiasm for working at materials chemistry and photophysics interfaces.

The idea of a research career first took root in 10th grade when I encountered an image of a
"Nanobot repairing a neuron" on a science magazine cover that left me intrigued yet puzzled.
From a young age, I was captivated by the connection between science and everyday life,
drawn to the fundamental principles of matter, energy, and natural phenomena. In 5 years of
undergrad studies, I took up various projects and internships that exposed me to several
photophysical processes at the nanoscale and the synthesis of organic molecules to study light-
matter interactions, which are briefly described in the following section. During my second
year of BSc, I attended an online workshop on supramolecular chemistry at JNCASR
(Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Science and Research), Bangalore. (September 2020).
Carrying the picture of a covalent bond as the significant force of attraction between atoms, I
was fascinated to discover that some of the most crucial interactions in the living world are
non-covalent. From DNA to the mechanism of a gecko climbing a wall, non-covalent
interactions were omnipresent. This kindled my curiosity, and I decided to learn about
supramolecular chemistry, the study of chemical species held together by non-covalent
interactions. What excites me most about your lab is the unique blend of ultrafast spectroscopy
and soft semiconductor research to push the boundaries of energy and quantum technologies. I
am particularly fascinated by the role of chirality and spin-selective processes in light–matter
interactions and would be eager to explore this avenue further in my PhD.
Beyond research, I bring a collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and the
perseverance to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant and diverse team. Having taken a brief
gap to care for a family member with a serious illness, I am now more motivated than ever to
dedicate myself to impactful scientific research that bridges disciplines. I look forward to
contributing to your dynamic group and growing as a researcher under your mentorship.