URMILA MAKHJA
Pune
Summary
Dynamic educator and PhD researcher at IISER, skilled in advanced characterization techniques and effective communication. Successfully taught AS and A level Chemistry, fostering student engagement and understanding. Proficient in X-ray diffraction and project management, I design tailored learning experiences that inspire curiosity and drive academic success.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
PhD Researcher
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
Pune
01.2020 - 01.2026
- Synthesis of 1D and 2D chiral hybrid lead halide single crystals and thin films.
- Investigation of circular dichroism, linear dichroism, and morphology-dependent chiroptical effects.
- Fabrication and testing of piezoelectric nanogenerators and polymer composite devices.
- Study of thermosalient behavior and thermomechanical properties of hybrid lead halides.
- Advanced characterization using SCXRD, PXRD, FESEM, PL, CD spectroscopy, PFM, DSC, and nanoindentation.
Teaching experience
Self Employed, engaging in teaching AS and A level students for Chemistry
Pune
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Taught AS and A level Chemistry for five years, enhancing student understanding.
Created interactive lessons that promoted enthusiasm for the subject.
Designed individualized learning experiences to support varied academic levels.
Utilized assessments to evaluate and improve student performance.
Education
PhD - Chemistry
Indian Institute of Science Education And Research (IISER)
Pune, India05-2026
MSc - Chemistry
Institute of Chemical Technology
Mumbai, India06-2019
BSc - Chemistry
Fergusson College
Pune, India01.2017
Skills
- X-ray diffraction techniques
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Photoluminescence analysis
- Circular dichroism spectroscopy
- Piezoresponse force microscopy
- Differential scanning calorimetry
- Python programming
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Avogadro software expertise
- Academic writing
- Poster design
- Video editing for science
- Data analysis
- Laboratory procedures
- Teaching methodologies
- Technical writing
- Research design
- Effective communication
- Project management
National Level Competitive Examinations
- CSIR–UGC NET (JRF), Chemistry, AIR 26, 2020
- GATE, Chemistry, Qualified
- SET, Chemistry, Qualified
Conferences And Academic Service
- Poster Presentation, Emerging Materials Conference 2023, IISER Pune
- Volunteer, Chemsymphoria 2024, Emerging Materials Conference 2023, Low Dimensional Materials 2022
- Creative Head, Rasayanam 2019, Inter-college Chemistry Fest, ICT Mumbai
Technical And Professional Skills
SCXRD, PXRD, FESEM, PL, CD, PFM, DSC, Python (basic), MS Office, Avogadro, Academic writing, Poster design, Video editing for scientific content
Awards
- Women in Perovskite Award, HyPe 2024, NISER Bhubaneswar
- Best Student of the Year, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 2019
- All India Rank 26, CSIR–UGC NET JRF, 2020
- Second Position, Indian Chemical Society Aptitude Test in Chemistry, 2018
Publications
- Effect of film morphology on circular dichroism of low-dimensional chiral hybrid perovskites., The Journal of Chemical Physics
- Chiral Hybrid Lead Halides: Chiroptic, Piezoelectric and Thermosalient Properties., (Related peer-reviewed publication based on PhD thesis work)
Research
- Synthesis of 1D and 2D chiral hybrid lead halide single crystals and thin films.
- Investigation of circular dichroism, linear dichroism, and morphology-dependent chiroptical effects.
- Fabrication and testing of piezoelectric nanogenerators and polymer composite devices.
- Study of thermosalient behavior and thermomechanical properties of hybrid lead halides.
- Advanced characterization using SCXRD, PXRD, FESEM, PL, CD spectroscopy, PFM, DSC, and nanoindentation.
Timeline
Teaching experience
Self Employed, engaging in teaching AS and A level students for Chemistry
01.2020 - 01.2025
PhD Researcher
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
01.2020 - 01.2026
PhD - Chemistry
Indian Institute of Science Education And Research (IISER)
MSc - Chemistry
Institute of Chemical Technology
BSc - Chemistry
Fergusson College