Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects

As a NERC Independent Research Fellow, I am keen to supervise PhD students in interdisciplinary research areas that align with nanomaterials, environmental science, and bioengineering. My research focuses on developing safe and sustainable nanomaterials, understanding their biogeochemical transformations, and assessing their environmental and health impacts.

Below are the key research areas where I can supervise PhD projects:

1. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) of Nanomaterials

Designing engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with minimal toxicity and maximum functionality.
Assessing nanomaterial transformations under realistic environmental and biological conditions.
Developing green synthesis routes for carbon dots, MOFs, and other nanomaterials.

2. Biogeochemical Transformation of Nanomaterials

Investigating dissolution, agglomeration, and re-precipitation of nanomaterials in different environments.
Studying the interactions of nanoparticles with natural organic matter, biomolecules, and minerals.
Utilizing synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in-situ TEM, and stable isotope labeling to track chemical transformations.

3. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Environmental and Biomedical Applications

Understanding the hydrolytic stability, dissolution, and reactivity of MOFs in biological and environmental systems.
Developing MOFs for heavy metal adsorption, nanofertilizers, and controlled drug delivery.
Exploring MOF-carbon dot composites for catalytic and biomedical applications.

4. Ecotoxicity and Fate of Microplastics and Nanoplastics

Studying chemical fouling of microplastics and its impact on ecotoxicity.
Investigating the adsorption of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on micro/nanoplastics.
Using Single-Cell ICP-MS and stable isotope approaches to trace nanoplastic uptake in biological systems.

5. Advanced Analytical and Spectroscopic Techniques for Nanomaterial Characterization
Employing synchrotron radiation techniques (XAS, SAXS, XRF) and in-situ TEM for mechanistic insights into nanomaterial transformations.
Developing new methodologies for real-time monitoring of nanomaterial dissolution and aggregation.
Leveraging microfluidic organ-on-a-chip devices to study nanoparticle-cell interactions.