(6kx) Investigating Yielding Dynamics and Fracture Mechanics in Soft Materials

My vision statement for academic oriented research is addressing relevant chemical engineering problems in non-newtonian fluid mechanics to unveil underlying physics by designing unique experiments. My research interests are aligned towards probing microstructure, capturing yielding dynamics and fracture mechanics in soft mater. Rheometry will be used as a pivotal tool to investigate both microscopic and macroscopic properties of unique complex materials like colloidal coacervates, polymeric gels and bio-materials. I intend to exploit existing well known techniques like light scattering to complement rheometry, gaining insights into yielding dynamics and fracture mechanics. Moreover, advanced rheometry techniques like orthogonal superposition rheometry will be employed to investigate crosslinking gels under flow. This will give fundamental insights into how flow affects the crosslinking mechanics during gelation process, which is very pertinent problem chemical process industries.

Teaching Interests:

My teaching philosophy is to develop an efficient active learning atmosphere for the students, with emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. My undergraduate and master’s degree background in Chemical Engineering enables me to seamlessly teach all basic Chemical Engineering subjects. I have special interests in teaching undergraduate courses like ‘Chemical Process Principles’, ‘Transport Processes’, and graduate courses ‘Polymer Science’ and ‘Suspension Rheology’. I intend to design new courses targeting unique experimental design to solve complex flow related problems. I was selected for ‘Preparing the Professoriate 2017-2018’ Program, one-year training program at NCSU, where I got an opportunity to closely follow a mentor and improve my teaching skills in an undergraduate classroom.