(4ia) Exploring Innovative Approaches in Chemical Engineering: Integrating Research and Teaching for Sustainable Development

As a postdoctoral researcher in chemical engineering, my work focuses on pioneering sustainable solutions to address global challenges in energy, environment, and health. This "Meet the Candidates" poster session presents an opportunity to highlight my research and teaching interests, demonstrating how they interconnect to foster an integrated and impactful academic career.

Research Interests

My research is driven by the urgent need for sustainable development, with a primary focus on surface engineering, pharmaceutical research, and food engineering.

Surface Engineering: While much of the work in surface engineering focuses on thermodynamics and energy analysis, my research delves into the underlying physics and mechanisms that drive system changes. I discovered a novel mechanism by which thin liquid films destabilize. Contrary to the common belief that a bridge forms between a droplet or bubble and a surface leading to spreading, my PhD research demonstrated that trace solubility of one phase in another plays a critical role ^1,2. As a bubble or droplet approaches a surface, dissolved material nucleates and grows into nanodroplets or nanobubbles, culminating in coalescence. This work has significant implications for understanding liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) transitions in biology, slip phenomena in liquid-infused surfaces, formation of compound droplets, cleaning protocols for ancient paintings, and semiconductor fabrication². I also propose that volatile odorant droplets nucleate on olfactory receptors, providing a novel perspective on smell detection. Additionally, this research can be extended to address microplastic removal from our environment.

Pharmaceutical Research: My research in pharmaceuticals focuses on drug formulation stability, understanding disease mechanisms, and drug delivery. I have investigated the stability of tear films in the context of dry eye syndrome, showing that salts and hydroxyl-containing solutes enhance tear film stability, while surface-active species in eye drops suppress this effect. Such fundamental studies pave the way for machine learning approaches in predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). I have also developed surface-active excipients to prevent insulin protein unfolding during packaging and storage, and created microfluidic platforms to study the production of polymer microcapsules for drug delivery^3,4. Additionally, I have used fluid mechanics and optics to improve root canal treatments by coating antibacterial nanoparticles on canal walls ⁵.

Food Engineering: The intersection of chemical engineering and food engineering presents numerous opportunities for innovation. My research includes understanding the stability of foams and emulsions using surfactants and electrolytes⁶. By leveraging my expertise in thin film hydrodynamics, I aim to design multi-component food systems that are stable when needed and unstable when desired, contributing to the advancement of food engineering practices.

Teaching Interests

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation. I am committed to integrating research with teaching to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of chemical engineering principles and their real-world applications.

Core Chemical Engineering Courses: I am prepared to teach fundamental courses such as thermodynamics, calculus and numerical methods, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering. My approach involves using interactive teaching methods, including problem-based learning and case studies, to engage students and enhance their understanding.

Specialized Courses: Given my research background, I am interested in developing and teaching specialized courses on surface and interfacial science, microfluidics, and optical and surface analytical techniques. These courses will include hands-on laboratory sessions and collaborative projects to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Mentorship and Advising: Mentorship is a critical component of academic success. I am dedicated to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them through their academic and research endeavors. My goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of chemical engineers with the skills and knowledge they need to address global challenges. My extensive experience as a teaching assistant in subjects such as Reaction Kinetics, Calculus and Numerical Methods, and Unit Operations has honed my ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and engage students in the learning process.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

One of the hallmarks of my research is its interdisciplinary nature. I have collaborated with experts in materials science, environmental science, and biomedical engineering to tackle complex problems from multiple angles. This collaborative approach has led to several high-impact publications and successful grant applications.

For example, in a recent project funded by Alcon Inc., I worked with chemists and ophthalmologists to study dry eye syndrome. This study not only helped understand the condition but also generated ideas for new eye drop formulations, exemplifying the potential of interdisciplinary research to achieve innovative solutions.

Future Research Directions

Looking ahead, I aim to expand my research to address emerging challenges in chemical engineering. Some of my future research directions include:

Liquid-Liquid Phase Transitions in Biology: I plan to explore the mechanisms and driving forces behind phase transitions and transport within living cells. While most research focuses on oversaturation conditions, I believe that phase transitions can occur even in undersaturated systems with the presence of an interface that promotes such transitions.

Environmental Engineering: Environmental and plastic pollution are critical issues. I am interested in developing technologies for capturing microplastics from various environments. This work will involve both experimental and computational approaches to design efficient and scalable systems.

Biomedical Applications: Building on my work in bioengineering, I aim to develop smart drug delivery systems and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. These innovations have the potential to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of personalized medicine.

Integrating Research and Teaching

A key aspect of my academic vision is the integration of research and teaching. By incorporating cutting-edge research into the classroom, I aim to provide students with a dynamic and relevant education that prepares them for careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

For instance, I plan to involve students in research projects as part of their coursework, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements. Additionally, I will leverage my research network to arrange guest lectures and industry partnerships, exposing students to diverse perspectives and real-world applications.

Diversity and Inclusion

I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in chemical engineering. I believe that diverse perspectives are essential for innovation and problem-solving. As an educator and mentor, I strive to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported.

To achieve this, I will implement strategies such as inclusive teaching practices, outreach programs to underrepresented groups, and support for student-led initiatives that foster a sense of community and belonging. By championing diversity and inclusion, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and vibrant academic community.

Conclusion

In summary, my research and teaching interests are deeply intertwined, driven by a passion for fundamental research and a commitment to fostering the next generation of chemical engineers. Through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive education, I aim to make a significant impact on the field of chemical engineering and address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.

This "Meet the Candidates" session is an exciting opportunity to share my vision and engage with fellow researchers, educators, and industry leaders. I look forward to discussing potential collaborations, exchanging ideas, and exploring new opportunities to advance the field of chemical engineering.

References:

1. Borkar, S. & Ramachandran, A. Substrate colonization by an emulsion drop prior to spreading. Nat. Commun. 12, 5734 (2021).
2. Borkar, S. G. A New Perspective on the Wetting of a Surface by the Drops of an Emulsion. (University of Toronto (Canada), Canada -- Ontario, CA, 2022).
3. Prossnitz, A. N. et al. Elucidating structure-function relationships of amphiphilic copolymer excipients to enhance the stability of biopharmaceuticals. 2024.06.17.599313 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.06.17.599313 (2024).
4. Sundar, S. et al. Microfluidic extensional flow device to study mass transfer dynamics in polymer microparticle formation process. (2024).
5. Li, F.-C., Borkar, S., Ramachandran, A. & Kishen, A. Novel Activated Microbubbles-based Strategy to Coat Nanoparticles on Root Canal Dentin: Fluid Dynamical Characterization. J. Endod. 45, 797–802 (2019).
6. Dhara, P. (পলাশ ধাড়া), Jung, B. (정부영), Gala, L. D., Borkar, S. & Fuller, G. G. Influence of hydrophobic particles on the film drainage during bubble–solid interaction. Phys. Fluids 36, 032119 (2024).