Congratulations to Dr. Surya Adhikari for completing PhD

Surya Adhikari recently completed his PhD in organic chemistry from University of Toledo. His research was focused towards gold catalyzed glycosylation and synthesis of digitoxin analogs.



Congratulations Dr. Adhikari and best wishes to your future career. He has published several research articles and is moving to IUPUI-Indianapolis from August. 

You can visit his google scholar profile here.

Below is a brief description of his research work while he was in Toledo.

Congratulations to Dr. Khem Joshi

Lets congratulate Dr. Khem Joshi for completing his PhD from the graduate school of pharmaceutical sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan.

Title of his research was "Isolation of Chemical Compounds and their Biological Activity Analysis from Nepalese Medicinal Plants" and it involved the exploration of six Nepali medicinal plants for their possible bio-activities.

Dr. Joshi (center) with his Professors and Friends

As noted in his dissertation medicinal plants are one of the major sources of drugs all over the world. People have been using medicinal plants as traditional medicine, rationale herbal drug or as a source of  therapeutically pure compounds. From these Nepali plants, Dr. Joshi was able to isolate 100 compounds grouped in flavonoids, xanthones, coumarins, iridoids, lignans, chalcones, phenolic acids, terpenoids, etc. among them 6 were new compounds.

He has published more than 8 peer-reviewed journal articles. Check out his ResearchGate profile. Dr. Joshi will continue his position at Pokhara University. Congratulations Dr. Joshi!

Below is the abstract of his dissertation, if you want to read more.

Congratulation Dr. Jay K. Bhattarai

Lets congratulate Dr. Jay Bhattarai for completing his PhD in chemistry. 

Dr. Bhattarai worked on developing nano-structured biosensors in the laboratory of Prof. Keith J. Stine at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis, USA. 

His dissertation topic was “Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanostructured Noble Metal Films for Biosensing”. 

He has electrochemically synthesized stable and sensitive plasmonic nanostructured films of gold and silver and used them as a transducer for biosensing. Besides biosensing, plasmonic nanostructures have shown promising applications in photovoltaic solar cells, optics, cloaking, and molecular sensing. His work has significantly contributed to the advancement of plasmonic-based research.

Publications of Dr. Bhattarai can be found in his GoogleScholar Profile.

He will work as a postdoctoral research fellow and an instructor for quantitative chemistry in the same university from winter semester. 

Abstract of Dr. Bhattarai's PhD dissertation is given below.

Congratulations to Dr. Durga Pokharel

NepaChem would like to congratulate Dr. Durga Pokharel for completing his PhD from Michigan Technological University, USA. 

Dr. Pokharel worked with Dr. Shiyue Fang on ‘non-chromatographic purification of synthetic bio-oligomers’ producing about half dozen peer reviewed publications and one patent.

He is going to work as a postdoctoral research fellow in the same university from next semester.

Some of his publications are:

• Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide purification by capping failure sequences with a methacrylamide phosphoramidite followed by polymerization
• Purification of Synthetic Peptides Using a Catching Full-Length Sequence by Polymerization Approach
• Peptide and peptide nucleic acid syntheses using a DNA/RNA synthesizer
• A Highly Convenient Procedure for Oligodeoxynucleotide Purification
• Synthetic 5′-phosphorylated oligodeoxynucleotide purification through catching full-length sequences by polymerization

Here is the summery of Dr. Pokharel’s dissertation.

Congratulations Dr. Harishchandra Subedi

Dr. Subedi

Join us to congratulate Dr. Harishchandra Subedi for completing his PhD from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA and joining a faculty position at  Kent State University, Tuscarawas campus, New Philadelphia Ohio.

Dr. Subedi worked with Prof. Nicola E. Brasch on kinetic and mechanistic studies on the reactions of vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin) complexes with the nitroxyl (HNO) donors for his PhD.

Check out Dr. Subedi's google scholar profile for his publications.

Here is a synopsis of his research work:

Nitric oxide (NO, ^·NO) is a gaseous messenger molecule produced in cells from L–arginine by nitric oxide synthases. The chemical and biological properties of NO have been extensively studied for well over a decade. However, recent studies have shown that nitroxyl (nitrosyl hydride, HNO), the one–electron–reduction product of NO, may also be formed in biological systems, from the oxidation of L–arginine by nitric oxide synthase, particularly in the absence of tetrahydrobiopterin cofactor. It has also been demonstrated that HNO has biological activity and chemical reactivity distinct from ^·NO. Much less is known about the reactivity of HNO, including its reactivity with transition metal complexes. A fundamental understanding of this is important, given that about one third of proteins are metalloproteins.

His dissertation work presented the first studies on the reaction between an HNO donor compound and vitamin B₁₂ complexes. Detailed kinetic and mechanistic studies have been carried out on the reactions of two well characterized HNO donors, Angeli’s salt (AS) and Piloty’s acid (PA), with cobalamins (vitamin B₁₂ derivatives). Cobalamins have important role as cofactors in two B₁₂–dependent enzymatic reactions in humans. Furthermore cobalamins have three readily accessible oxidation states (Co³⁺, Co²⁺ and Co⁺). 

Although it is well established that HNO reduces transition metals including transition metal centers of porphyrins and metalloproteins, oxidation of a transition metal center by HNO is, to our knowledge, unprecedented. Importantly, results from kinetic measurements suggest that HNO can oxidize Co(I) center of cob(I)alamin. Given the abundance of metals in biological systems in addition to about one–third of proteins being metalloproteins, these results may have important implications in regards to elucidating the potential roles and toxicity of HNO in biological systems.

Studies by others suggest that the reduced vitamin B₁₂ complex, cob(II)alamin, scavenges nitric oxide to form air–sensitive nitroxylcobalamin (NOCbl) in vivo. The fate of newly formed NOCbl is not known. A detailed mechanistic investigation of the oxidation of NOCbl by oxygen is presented. Only base–on NOCbl reacts with O₂, and the reaction proceeds via an associative mechanism involving a peroxynitritocob(III)alamin intermediate, Co(III)–N(O)OO⁻. The intermediate undergoes O−O bond homolysis and ligand isomerization to ultimately yield nitrocobalamin (NO₂Cbl) and aquacobalamin (H₂OCbl⁺/HOCbl), respectively. Ligand isomerization may potentially occur independent of O−O bond homolysis. Formation of ^●OH and ^●NO₂ intermediates from O−O bond homolysis is demonstrated using phenol and tyrosine radical traps and the characterization of small amounts of a corrinoid product with minor modifications to the corrin ring.

Congratulations to Dr. Pandit

Our friend Rameshwar P Pandit (now Dr. Pandit) has recently completed his PhD in organic synthesis fromYeungnam University, South Korea. Join me to congratulate him for his achievement. Title of his doctoral thesis was "Efficient Synthesis of Biologically Interesting Pyranocarbazoles, Tetrahydroquinoline, Quinolines and β-Acetamido Ketones".

He will be starting a postdoc position in the same university from March 2014. Congratulations!!

A brief description of his PhD research is outlined below:

His research was focused on the design and development of novel synthetic methods to construct complex molecular architectures and potential pharmaceutically active agents. An organocatalytic or catalyst-free method is considered to be superior to transition-metal-catalyzed synthetic pathways from greener perspectives though the specific catalytic performance of transition- metals in achieving the target is great in the recent time. Usefulness of ethylenediammonium diacetate (EDDA) in the domain of cascade processes e.g. aldol type/ hetero Diels-Alder reaction and Knoevenagel type/ hetero Diels Alder reaction in the delivery of pyrano[3,2-a]carbazoles, cis-fused tetrahydroquinolines, quinolines alkaloids has been particularly rewarding in the biological investigation owing to their pharmacological properties. Catalyst-free thermal Wolff rearrangement followed by addition of carbon nucleophile to ketenes and C _sp3-H activation followed by cross-coupling with aromatics were the subjects in the synthetic investigation during the study. His postdoctoral research activities will focus on C-H activation/ Cross-coupling.                                                                                              

PhD Graduate Assistantship in Environmental Soil Chemistry at University of Wyoming, USA

Assistant Professor Mike Zhu is looking for PhD students. Read below.

A fully-funded PhD graduate assistantship, starting in fall 2014, is available in environmental soil chemistry in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States of America.

Manganese (Mn) oxides are one group of the most reactive environmental materials that play a significant role in controlling contaminant fate and transport and nutrient cycling in natural environmental systems and also have applications in water treatment, air purification and electrochemistry. We seek a highly-motivated PhD candidate to conduct research on biogenic Mn oxide (BioMnOx) nanoparticles that are formed through microbially-mediated Mn2+ oxidation. The student will investigate how the mineralogical and chemical properties of BioMnOx depend on environmental conditions under which the oxides form, and how the property variations affect BioMnOx reactivity regarding metal and nutrient cycling. The student will learn multiple state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray techniques for characterizing nanoparticles and metals, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-energy X-ray scattering or atomic pair distribution function analysis available at the national synchrotron X-ray facilities.

The ideal candidate will have a MS degree in soil science, geochemistry/chemistry, environmental science and engineering, and geomicrobiology with a strong background and interest in chemical, mineralogical and microbial processes. To apply go online (http://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/prospective/applying/index.html) or for pre-application evaluation you may email CV, unofficial GPA and GRE/TOEFL scores, and contact information for three references to mzhu6@uwyo.edu. The application deadline is January 31, 2014. For more information, please contact Dr. Mengqiang Zhu, Assistant Professor in Soils and Environmental Biogeochemistry at mzhu6@uwyo.edu and 307-766-5523. (http://www.uwyo.edu/esm/faculty-and-staff/mengqiang-zhu.html and http://www.uwyo.edu/esm/graduate/prospective/majors/soil.html)

Our congratulation to Dr. Anant Marahatta

Anant Marahatta successfully defended his PhD dissertation this month (2012, November) at Tohoku University Sendai, Japan. We would like to congratulate him for his achievement. 

 

His Ph.D. research work is mainly concentrated on the “Theoretical investigation of the structures and dynamics of the crystalline molecular gyroscopes”. His work is regarded as a complementary theoretical study that aimed to characterize the experimentally synthesized crystalline molecular gyroscopes (It is a compliment from the ACS reviewers). He computed series of quantum chemistry calculations by applying Gaussian-03 and density-functional-based tight-binding program (DFTB+) packages. Here is a short description   of his research work.

 

The phenylene-bridged macrocages whose interior rotator (phenylene) is protected by an exterior framework (stator) are found to be structurally analogous with the macroscopic gyroscope and expected to have many several useful collective effects and properties in the crystal such as dichorism and birefringence. Recently, an X−ray crystallography of the gyroscope like molecule having a phenylene rotator encased in three long siloxaalkane spokes was reported by Prof. W. Setaka and his group. They observed the phenylene rotator at three stable positions around the molecular axis, suggesting the molecule demonstrates functions as a molecular gyroscope in crystal. The rotational dynamics and the underlying mechanisms of such novel molecular gyroscope were not revealed. I am the first to carry out series of quantum chemistry calculations for theoretically investigating its crystal structures and the rotational dynamics. Another objective of my research is finding computationally cheap yet decent theoretical method that can characterize the experimentally synthesized crystalline molecular Gyroscope.

 

The most important conclusion of this research work is that in the presence of highly efficient encapsulating frame around the rotating segment, the rotational dynamics of crystalline molecular gyroscopes can be dramatically improved with an extremely low activation barrier. It is very essential to realize the rotationally free molecular machines. I am able to reveal the microscopic mechanisms of rotations with the help of reasonably simple theoretical methods. It will be highly beneficial for the development of nanoscale devices based on assemblies of molecular gyroscopes.

 

He has started a post-doctoral position at the same University in Japan. We wish him a successful career ahead.

For detail, you can go through his research paper:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp308974j

Dr. Pandey moving to PENNSTATE for post-doctoral position

Binod Pandey successfully defended his PhD dissertation this month at University of Missouri – Saint Louis, US. We would like to congratulate him for his achievement.

Here is a short description of his PhD research.

Gold nano-structures are at the center of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanoporous gold is a gold nanostructure with pores and ligaments in the nm dimensions. Size and topography of these pores and ligaments can be compared to the dimensions of the microdomains of the membrane. Highly increased surface to volume ration of the nanoporous gold makes it an attractive substrate for protein immobilization and assay development. My study involved utilization of nanoporous gold for the development of electrochemical immunoasays for the cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen (biomarker for prostate cancer) and carcinoembryonic antigen (biomarker for colorectal cancer). Another aspect of the study involved development of electrochemical techniques for the study of carbohydrate lectin interactions on the nanoporous gold surface as an alternate and close mimic of the cell surface for carbohydrate presentation, and as a model for carbohydrate protein interaction studies. Electrochemical lectin assays were also developed for the high throughput screening of the glycan targets in glycoproteins, glycoconjugates and cell surface carbohydrates.

His publications can be viewed at google.scholar site. 

http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=k8_W3EQAAAAJ&hl=en

After his PhD, Dr. Pandey will be joining Benkovic lab at PENNSTATE as a post-doctoral research associate. 

Best wishes from our side Dr. Pandey.

42-month PhD studentship on Nanoscience available in the University of Leicester

Duration: 42 months
Starting date: 1st October, 2011

Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester.

Applicants are invited for a 42-months postgraduate studentship fully funded by the UK EPSRC. This is to join in a world-leading research programme in Nanoscience. The scope of the project will include the synthesis of core-shell and core-multiple shell nanoparticles, and their characterization using state-of-the-art microscope and synchrotron measurement.

Applicants must be motivated and wish to commit to the research programme. You should also have an honored degree at 2.1 or 1st class in the field of Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or Nanoscience. The studentship will cover the annual stipend at standard rate and the tuition fee at the UK/EU rate.

You will be supervised by Dr Shengfu Yang (Chemistry) and Prof. Chris Binns (Physics). However, the research team will include other academic staff including Prof. Andy Ellis (Chemistry) and Dr. Klaus von Haeften (Physics). During the full period of the research project, you will be working with a postdoctoral research associate, Dr. Adrian Boatwright.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. S Yang (sfy1@le.ac.uk) directly to arrange an appointment.

The advertisement is also available at: http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/chemistry/postgraduate-study/phd-s...

PhD Positions in Materials Research (Energy and Nanoelectronics) King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Job Title: Ph.D. Student Positions -- Materials Research (Energy and Nanoelectronics)
Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Position Start Date: Available Immediately

Apply By E-mail: husam.alshareef@kaust.edu.sa
Website For Job: http://www.kaust.edu.sa

Apply Online Here
http://www.kaust.edu.sa/academics/faculty/alshareef....

Job Categories: Graduate Student
Academic Fields: Physics - General, Nanotechnology Materials Sciences/Polymer Sciences
Environmental Sciences/Ecology/Forestry, Chemistry - General Sciences - General

Ph.D. Students are sought for exciting Materials Research opportunities (in Energy and Nanoelectronics), at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST). Successful candidates must have Bachelor's or M.S. Degrees in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science. Only students with excellent grades and demonstrated English language proficiency need apply.

Ideal candidates must have minimum B+ averages and must have passed the TOEFL Examination.
A generous compensation package will be offered, that includes:
1) Competitive salary; 2) Free, furnished housing and utilities; and, 3) Free health care.

If interested, please send CV, two recommendation letters and dates of availability, to Professor Husam N. Alshareef, at: husam.alshareef@kaust.edu.sa

About KAUST: KAUST is a new university, located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. The community has many things to offer, including housing, healthcare, shopping, dining and many parks and sports facilities (including a golf course, sailing facilities, gyms with swimming pools, running tracks, etc.).

There is a very good campus transport system.

The University's research facilities include extensive world-class nanofabrication and characterization facilities, including a fully-equipped class 100 clean room, central imaging and characterization facilities and several focused research centers.

Contact Information
Mr. Steve Bee
Physical Sciences and Engineering Division
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Jeddah 23955-690
Saudi Arabia

Congratulations to Dr. Krishna Panthi for Completing his PhD

Defence Seminar

Dr. Panthi with his Professors

Krishna Panthi has successfully defended his PhD degree on December 7, 2010 from Bowling Green State University. His research focused on the synthesis of compounds which are useful in organic solar cells, organic nanoparticles, organic sensors, organic light emitting diodes and related fiends. 

He has accepted a post doctoral research associate position in University of Texas at Austin.

Congratulations Dr. Panthi and we wish you a very bright future.


Some of his recent publications can be viewed here.

1. Panthi et al., J. Phys. Chem. A. 2010 A
2. Panthi et al., J. Phys. Chem. A. 2010 B
3. Panthi et al., J. Photochem. Photobiol. A: Chem., 2010
4. Panthi et al., Tetrahedron. 2010

"Dance your PhD" finalist of Chemistry

What's your Ph.D. research about? One works for ~5 yrs to get PhD degree and when time comes to explain it to other people it is not easy. Once way one can give a presentation.

Or you could dance and explain your research.

That's the idea behind "Dance Your Ph.D." Over the past 3 years, scientists from around the world have teamed up to create dance videos based on their graduate research and is organized by AAAS( American Association for Advancement of Science), an organization which publishes the Science journal.

This year's contest, launched in June by Science, received 45 brave submissions.

Judges—including scientists, choreographers, and past winners—announced the finalists in four categories: physics, chemistry, biology, and social sciences. Each receives $500.

The judges will announce the winner next month at the Imagine Science Film Festival in New York City. 

I am puting the one of the finalist dance video from chemistry catagory.

Bishnu Sharma Kandel Finishes his PhD in chemical engineering

Topic of his thesis is "preparation and characterization of sulfonated polyetheretherketone composite membranes for fuel cell application - The effect of acid-base interaction".  


From Department of  chemical and environmental engineering, Sun Moon University, South Korea.

Acid-base interacted composite membranes of sulfonated polyetheretherketone with simple organic bases were prepared and characterized. Acid-base interaction increased the mechanical strength and decreased the methanol permeability of composite membranes which made the composite membranes more suitable to utilize as proton exchange membrane in direct methanol fuel cell.

Congratulations Dr. Bishnu. Best wishes for your future.

Congratulation to recent Nepelese PhD graduates

We would like to congratulate recent graduates in chemistry and related fields for completing their doctorate study successfully. New Nepalese PhD chemists are as follows.

1. Dr. Lekh Nath Sharma: Dr. Sharma completed his PhD from Baylor University, TX, USA. He is currently a post-doc researcher at University of Georgia.
2. Dr. Rumi Chand: Dr. Chand did her doctorate study at Saga University, Japan.
3. Dr. Hom Nath Luitel: Dr. Luitel did his doctorate study at Saga University, Japan.
4. Dr. Santosh Gurung: Dr. Gurung finished his PhD from KangWon National University, South Korea.
5. Dr.Dambar Hamal: From Kansas State University, KS, USA
6. Dr.Tej B. Shrestha: From Kansas State University, KS, USA
   

All the best for your future career.