Elumalai Gnanamani | Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elumalai Gnanamani | Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | India

Dr. E. Gnanamani is a distinguished Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, with an impactful career in chemistry marked by innovation in microdroplet chemistry and asymmetric catalysis. He is also an Associate Editor for Current Indian Sciences, reflecting his leadership in the academic community. His research bridges the frontiers of organic synthesis and mass spectrometry, contributing significantly to both fundamental and applied chemistry.

Author Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Pioneering Research in Microdroplet Chemistry
    Dr. Gnanamani has carved a niche in microdroplet chemistry, a cutting-edge domain that accelerates chemical reactions, enabling greener, faster, and novel synthetic transformations. His collaborations with Prof. Richard N. Zare (Stanford University), a global leader in the field, have resulted in high-impact publications in JACS, Angew. Chem., Chem. Sci., and Nature Catalysis.

  • Consistent High-Impact Publications
    With over 30 peer-reviewed articles in journals with impact factors ranging from 3.4 to 42.8, his work is not only prolific but also highly influential. Several publications are highlighted in Chemistry World, Nature Partner Journals, and other prominent science media outlets.

  • Global Research Exposure & Leadership
    His international research fellowships and visiting positions at Stanford University, Fudan University, ICCAS (Beijing), and IIT-Kanpur demonstrate strong cross-institutional engagement and recognition. Notably, his Fulbright Fellowship, awarded to only one chemist across India in 2014, underscores his global merit.

  • Inventive Mindset with Patents
    Dr. Gnanamani holds multiple international patents (USA, Europe, Mexico, China) reflecting innovation in catalysis and chemical synthesis.

  • Academic Influence and Outreach
    As an Assistant Professor at IIT-Roorkee and Associate Editor for Current Indian Sciences, he plays an active role in mentoring, academic publishing, and scientific dissemination. His numerous invited talks at international conferences show leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Dr. Gnanamani earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Pondicherry University (2007–2013), where he worked on the design, synthesis, and resolution of conformationally rigid chiral pyridine N-oxides under the supervision of Dr. C. R. Ramanathan. Prior to this, he completed an M.Phil. in Chemistry from Pondicherry University (2006–2007) and an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University (2004–2006), both with first-class honors, showcasing early academic excellence.

💼 Experience

Dr. Gnanamani has served as Assistant Professor at IIT Roorkee since March 2020, specializing in microdroplet chemistry and analytical techniques. He has held several prestigious international positions, including Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University under Prof. Barry M. Trost and as a Visiting Faculty at Fudan University and IIT-Kanpur, collaborating with renowned chemists like Prof. Richard N. Zare and Prof. Vinod K. Singh. His career demonstrates an ongoing commitment to global scientific exchange and innovation.

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry

Dr. Gnanamani’s research is pioneering in microdroplet chemistry, focusing on accelerating organic reactions and elucidating mechanisms via mass spectrometry. He designs novel chiral molecules for organometal and organocatalysis, engages in the total synthesis of bioactive natural products, and explores classical resolution techniques for determining absolute configuration. His work consistently merges synthetic elegance with practical application.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Gnanamani has received numerous accolades, including the ChemComm Emerging Investigator 2024, the Patent Innovator Award 2021 (PROFOPI, Mexico), and the Fulbright Award 2014 (the only chemist selected from India). Other honors include the Developing Country Fellowship (China), CSIR-SRF, UGC Meritorious Fellowship, and Best Oral Presentation Award at NCFAC, among others. His early success in GATE (2007) reflects a consistent trajectory of excellence.

📚 Publications

  • Can all bulk-phase reactions be accelerated in microdroplets?
    S. Banerjee, E. Gnanamani, X. Yan, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2017 Citations: 213

  • Direct enantio- and diastereoselective vinylogous addition of butenolides to chromones catalyzed by Zn-prophenol
    B. M. Trost, E. Gnanamani, C. A. Kalnmals, C. I. J. Hung, J. S. Tracy
    Year: 2019 Citations: 88

  • Chemoselective N-alkylation of indoles in aqueous microdroplets
    E. Gnanamani, X. Yan, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2020 Citations: 78

  • Branched aldehydes as linchpins for the enantioselective and stereodivergent synthesis of 1,3-aminoalcohols featuring a quaternary stereocentre
    B. M. Trost, C. I. Hung, T. Saget, E. Gnanamani
    Year: 2018 Citations: 62

  • Direct C(sp3)–N bond formation between toluene and amine in water microdroplets
    Y. Meng, E. Gnanamani, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2022 Citations: 58

  • Zn-ProPhenol catalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective direct vinylogous Mannich reactions between Îą, β- and β, Îł-butenolides and aldimines
    B. M. Trost, E. Gnanamani, J. S. Tracy, C. A. Kalnmals
    Year: 2017 Citations: 57

  • 1,4-Benzoquinone antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis derived from scorpion venom
    E. N. Carcamo-Noriega, S. Sathyamoorthi, S. Banerjee, E. Gnanamani, …
    Year: 2019 Citations: 54

  • Controlling regioselectivity in the enantioselective N-alkylation of indole analogues catalyzed by dinuclear zinc-ProPhenol
    B. M. Trost, E. Gnanamani, C. I. Hung
    Year: 2017 Citations: 53

  • One-step formation of pharmaceuticals having a phenylacetic acid core using water microdroplets
    Y. Meng, E. Gnanamani, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2023 Citations: 46

  • Catalyst-free decarboxylative amination of carboxylic acids in water microdroplets
    Y. Meng, E. Gnanamani, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2022 Citations: 46

  • Tuning the reactivity of ketones through unsaturation: Construction of cyclic and acyclic quaternary stereocenters via Zn-ProPhenol catalyzed Mannich reactions
    B. M. Trost, C. I. J. Hung, E. Gnanamani
    Year: 2019 Citations: 45

🧾 Conclusion

🌟 Dr. E. Gnanamani stands out as a visionary chemist whose groundbreaking research in microdroplet chemistry has redefined reaction paradigms and accelerated green and sustainable synthetic methodologies. His global collaborations, patent innovations, and high-impact publications make him a highly deserving candidate for any prestigious research award. With his unwavering commitment to chemical sciences and mentorship, Dr. Gnanamani continues to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Ghazala Ashraf | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Fudan University | China

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf is a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher (age 32) based in Shanghai, China, with expertise in nanomaterials, biosensing, and wearable diagnostics. With a Ph.D. from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and postdoc roles at Fudan University and HUST, she has published extensively in top journals (Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces). Her work focuses on innovative sensor technologies for healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Strong Academic and Research Background

    • Holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and has 4+ years of postdoctoral experience at prestigious institutions (HUST and Fudan University).

    • Research spans nanomaterials, biosensing, wearable diagnostics, and electrochemical sensors, aligning with cutting-edge scientific advancements.

  2. High-Quality Publications in Top-Tier Journals

    • First-author publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Journal of Hazardous Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chemical Engineering Journal).

    • Multiple co-authored papers in Q1 journals, demonstrating collaborative research strength.

    • Google Scholar profile shows consistent citations, indicating research impact.

  3. Innovative Research Contributions

    • Developed nanomaterial-integrated microneedle patches for real-time biomarker monitoring (e.g., L-Cysteine detection).

    • Worked on MOFs, 2D materials, and nanozymes for biosensing applications, contributing to early disease diagnostics.

    • Explored wearable and microfluidic devices, a rapidly growing field in personalized healthcare.

  4. Leadership and Collaboration

    • Principal Investigator (PI) for postdoctoral research projects, securing funding and leading research directions.

    • Active collaborations with Fudan University, HUST, and international researchers.

    • Mentored PhD and Master’s students, contributing to academic development.

  5. Recognition and Awards

    • Recipient of prestigious scholarships (CSC PhD scholarship, HUST Academic Excellence Award).

    • Keynote speaker at international conferences, showcasing thought leadership in nanomaterials and biosensing.

    • Review editor and journal reviewer, contributing to peer review in analytical chemistry.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry (2020): Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China.

  • M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (2016): Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Experience 💼

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–present): Fudan University, Shanghai.

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2023): HUST, Wuhan.

  • Research Associate (2013–2017): National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan.

Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science 🔍

  • Nanomaterials for Biosensing: MOFs, 2D materials, and green-engineered nanostructures for detecting biomarkers/pathogens.

  • Wearable Diagnostics: Microneedle-based devices for real-time health monitoring.

  • Electrochemical/Optical Sensors: Early disease detection and environmental analysis.

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • CSC Ph.D. Scholarship (2017–2020, China).

  • HUST Academic Excellence Award (2019).

  • HUST Honorary International Graduate Award (2020).

  • Provincial Merit Scholarship (Pakistan, 2012).

Publications 📜

Title: Hierarchical CNTs@CuMn Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in H2S Detection from Live Cells
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, Z Wang, G Ashraf, J Wang, H Luo, X Chen, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 158

Title: A review on electrochemical biosensing platform based on layered double hydroxides for small molecule biomarkers determination
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, M Azeem, Z Wang, G Ashraf, F Xiao, X Chen, H Liu
Year: 2018
Citations: 138

Title: The role of biosensors in coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak
Authors: M Asif, M Ajmal, G Ashraf, N Muhammad, A Aziz, T Iftikhar, J Wang, H Liu
Year: 2020
Citations: 137

Title: Self-stacking of exfoliated charged nanosheets of LDHs and graphene as biosensor with real-time tracking of dopamine from live cells
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, M Azeem, G Ashraf, Z Wang, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 114

Title: Advancements in electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine by using 2D nanoarchitectures of layered double hydroxides or metal dichalcogenides. A review
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, M Azeem, I Majeed, M Ajmal, J Wang, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 108

Title: Facet-inspired core–shell gold nanoislands on metal oxide octadecahedral heterostructures: high sensing performance toward sulfide in biotic fluids
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, Z Wang, J Wang, M Azeem, X Chen, F Xiao, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 96

Title: Tuning Electrocatalytic Aptitude by Incorporating Îą-MnO2 Nanorods in Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO Hybrids: Electrochemical Sensing of Resorcinol for Practical Applications
Authors: T Iftikhar, Y Xu, A Aziz, G Ashraf, G Li, M Asif, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 89

Title: Rice-Spikelet-like Copper Oxide Decorated with Platinum Stranded in the CNT Network for Electrochemical In Vitro Detection of Serotonin
Authors: G Ashraf, M Asif, A Aziz, T Iftikhar, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 87

Title: Unveiling microbiologically influenced corrosion engineering to transfigure damages into benefits: a textile sensor for H2O2 detection in clinical cancer tissues
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, T Iftikhar, Y Sun, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2022
Citations: 76

Title: Trends in biosensing platforms for SARS-CoV-2 detection: A critical appraisal against standard detection tools
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, U Farooq, Q Yang, S Wang
Year: 2021
Citations: 58

Title: Engineering MOFs derived metal oxide nanohybrids: Towards electrochemical sensing of catechol in tea samples
Authors: T Iftikhar, A Aziz, G Ashraf, Y Xu, G Li, T Zhang, M Asif, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2022
Citations: 45

Title: Topical advances in nanomaterials based electrochemical sensors for resorcinol detection
Authors: T Iftikhar, M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, S Jun, G Li, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 45

Title: Boosting electrocatalytic activity of carbon fiber@ fusiform-like copper-nickel LDHs: Sensing of nitrate as biomarker for NOB detection
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, T Iftikhar, J Hu, F Xiao, S Wang
Year: 2022
Citations: 44

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf is a dynamic researcher bridging nanotechnology and diagnostics, with accolades from China and Pakistan. Her pioneering work in wearable sensors and nanomaterials holds promise for personalized medicine and environmental safety. She actively mentors students and collaborates globally, driving innovation in analytical chemistry.