DC5 - Keerthana S

Keerthana S graduated from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM), where she completed an Integrated B.S.-M.S. Dual Degree in Chemistry (2021-2026) with a minor in Biology. Throughout her academic training, she developed a strong foundation in chemistry and interdisciplinary research, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive laboratory experience. Over time, she cultivated a particular interest in organic chemistry, especially in the areas of organic catalysis and organophotocatalysis.

During her major thesis project at IISER TVM, she worked in the research group of Dr. Basudev Sahoo on photoinduced organic transformations and strained molecular systems. Her research included the projects “Deacylative SN2’-Type Alkylation of Monochloro- and gem-Dichlorocyclobutenones Mediated by Pro-aromatic Intermediates,” and “Double Strain-Release [2+2] Photocycloaddition to Form a Spiro Compound as a Saturated Benzene Bioisostere”.

As part of her Biology minor, she conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Ravi Maruthachalam at IISER TVM on plant centromere biology. Her project focused on investigating the role of an E3 ubiquitin ligase during cell division in Arabidopsis thaliana, providing her with valuable experience in molecular biology techniques and inducible RNA interference methodologies.

In addition to her academic research projects, she completed several research internships at IISER TVM, Mahatma Gandhi University, and NIT Calicut, gaining experience in diverse areas including catalysis, photoredox chemistry, and synthetic organic chemistry.