People

About me

I am a passionate researcher, dedicated teacher, and inspiring mentor. I have a diverse background spanning multiple fields, including organic and supramolecular chemistry, nanoparticle self-assembly, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and extracellular matrix design for breast cancer tissue culture. I am leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers at the interface of materials science and biomedical sciences. We focus on efficiently controlling the structure and properties with the highest possible precision. We develop Lab-on-a-chip-based sustainable in vitro preclinical models for personalized and precision breast cancer disease and diagnostic platforms. We fabricate bio-based short-distance optical fibers and microlasers in the optics and photonics areas. Beyond material development, we are actively engaged in advanced electron microscopy imaging, including cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM),  electron tomography, and in situ electron microscopy. For more information, see our Research Page and Publications.

Field of expertise

• Bio-based materials for optics and photonics
• Breast cancer disease and diagnostic models
• Precision nanomaterials
• Advanced transmission electron microscopy

Research unit

Material Science and Environmental Engineering

Research career

Current position

• 03.08.2020-Present: Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland. 

Academic degrees and titles

• 19.10.2018: Abilitazione Scientifica Nationale (ASN), CHIM/07-Fondamenti Chimici delle Tecnologie, MIUR, Italy.
• 26.05.2017: Title of Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy, School of Science, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Finland
• 13.12.2008: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. 
• 24.05.2003: Master of Science (M.Sc. in Chemistry), Department of Chemistry, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India.
• 19.06.2001: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Pharmacognosy as equal options), Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College, Ujire, Karnataka, India.
• 10.11.2020: Executive Master of Business Administration, Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington D.C., USA. 
• 04.05.2019: Fundamentals of Business, Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington D.C., USA

Previous research experience 

• 26.05.2017-31.07.2020: Research Fellow and Docent, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Finland
• 01.08.2012-25.05.2017: Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Finland.
• 15.02.2009-31.07.2012: Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. 
• 15.08.2008-14.02.2009: Visiting Ph.D. student, SITRA fellowship, Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
• 23.09.2007-22.03.2008: Visiting Ph.D. student, CIMO fellowship, Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Field of expertise

Experience in the fabrication of sensors, and expertise in electrospinning for various applications such as face masks, surface coatings, and substrates for cell culture. Hands-on with various optical and electron microscopes (SEM) and used high-speed cameras for various experiments. 

About me

Professor at Tampere University (2019 onwards): Professorship in Materials Characterization. Research areas include microstructural characterization and NDE (non-destructive evaluation) of various materials (additive manufactured materials, steels, nanomaterials, catalysts, ceramic materials, coatings, tribology/fretting samples) together with activities in material processing, performance and failure analysis. Special expertise on electron microscopy including the administrative and scientific leadership in university-level Tampere Microscopy Center. Responsibilities in Professorship include scientific leadership in materials characterization, teaching and supervision of researchers, funding activity, project management and various administrative duties. Main Tampere University administrative duty is Vice Dean for Research in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences including the membership in TAU Science Council and TAU Infrastructure Steering group.

Responsibilities

• Professor in Materials Characterization and Head of the Materials Characterization group, Materials Science and Environmental Engineering 
• Vice Dean for Research in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences 
• Head of Tampere Microscopy Center  

Research unit

Materials Science and Environmental Engineering

Research career

1. Professor, Tampere University 2019-

2. Professor (2016 - 2018) Tampere University of Technology

3. Associate professor (2013 - 2016) Tampere University of Technology

4. Senior Researcher (fulltime/part time, 2007 - 2013) Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Work Environment Development

5. Visiting Researcher (1-3/1999) Stockholm University, Structural Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory

6. Visiting Scholar (2-7/1996) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory

7. Researcher/Senior Researcher/Senior Research Fellow (1996 – 2013) Tampere University of Technology