Balagopal
Thiruvananthapuram
Summary
Integrated BS-MS graduate in Chemistry (2020-2025) at IISER Tirupati with research interests in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, peptide chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Motivated and detail-oriented chemistry student with a strong academic background, experienced in organic chemistry with interdisciplinary expertise, spectroscopic analysis, and research involving synthesis and characterization for biomedical and therapeutic applications.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Associate -I
CSIR-IICT
Hyderabad
06.2024 - Current
- A convergent synthetic approach was employed to construct a complex molecular architecture, with an emphasis on stereochemical control and functional group compatibility.
- Gained hands-on experience in multistep organic synthesis, stereoselective methodologies, reaction optimization, and the use of modern purification and characterization techniques, including flash chromatography, NMR, IIRMS, FT-IR, LC-MS, Uv-Vis spectroscopy, Polarimeter and chiral IIPLC.
- Developed advanced skills in retrosynthetic analysis, stereocenter installation, protecting group strategies, and functional group interconversions.
Master Thesis Student
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
Hyderabad
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Supervisor: Dr. P. Srihari, Chief Scientist, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division
- GPA: 9/10
Research Intern
IISER Tirupati
Tirupati
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Worked on transition-metal catalysis, C-II activation, and annulation reactions.
- Optimized reaction conditions and handled air-sensitive reactions.
- Used TLC, column chromatography, NMR, and mass spectrometry for reaction monitoring and product characterization.
- Supervisor: Dr. Gopinath Purushothaman
Research Intern
CSIR-NIIST
Trivandrum
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Worked on isolation and characterization of phytoconstituents using solvent extraction, chromatographic separation, and NMR analysis to evaluate bioactive compounds and their cytotoxicity.
- Contributed to the synthesis of cyclometalated iridium complexes aimed at photodynamic therapy for cancer theranostics, gaining experience in coordination chemistry, ligand design, and photophysical characterization.
- Supervisor: Dr. Kaustubh Kumar Maiti
Research Intern
IISER Tirupati
Tirupati
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Worked on the synthesis of peptides and organic carbonates, gaining experience in coupling strategies and reaction optimization.
- Supervisor: Dr. Rajesh Viswanathan
Education
Master Thesis Student -
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT)
HyderabadBS-MS Dual Degree - Chemistry
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati
12th Grade -
PNMGIISS Koonthalloor
Kerala10th Grade -
Sivagiri Sree Narayana Senior Secondary School
Skills
- Multi-step synthesis
- Retrosynthetic planning
- Reaction optimization
- Column chromatography
- Flash chromatography
- Glove box
- Microwave reactor
- H-cube hydrogenation reactors
- NMR
- FT-IR
- LC-MS
- Chiral HPLC
Research Interests
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Chemical Biology
- Peptide Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Extracurricular Interests
- Member of Synergy (Chemistry Club of IISER Tirupati)
- Involved in social welfare and outreach activities
- Enthusiastic about sports (football, cricket, kho-kho, badminton)
- Dancing
- Traveling
Conferences and Seminars
- Interactive Session with Dr. S. V. Eswaran - CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad
- Talk by Prof. Viresh Rawal: Design and Application of Simple HBDs as Enantioselective Catalysts - CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad
- Talk by Prof. Subhabrata Sen: Electrifying and (en)lightning aryl diazo esters - CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad
- Attended the National conference on " Emerging Techniques In Drug Discovery and Translational Research - Dr Ambedkar Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Jabaghat , Rourkela
Recommendation
- Dr. P. Srihari, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IICT Hyderabad. srihari@lict.res.in, +91-10-27191815
- Dr. Gopinath Purushothaman, Associate Professor, IISER Tirupati. gopi@iscrtirupati.ac.in, +91-877-2500413
- Dr. Kaustubh Kumar Maiti, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIIST Trivandrum. kkmaiti@niist.res.in, +91-0471-251475
Languages
Malayalam
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Elementary
A2
Tamil
Elementary
A2
Timeline
Project Associate -I
CSIR-IICT
06.2024 - Current
Master Thesis Student
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
01.2024 - 01.2025
Research Intern
IISER Tirupati
08.2023 - 12.2023
Research Intern
CSIR-NIIST
05.2023 - 07.2023
Research Intern
IISER Tirupati
05.2022 - 06.2022
Master Thesis Student -
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT)
BS-MS Dual Degree - Chemistry
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati
12th Grade -
PNMGIISS Koonthalloor
10th Grade -
Sivagiri Sree Narayana Senior Secondary School