Sonu Kizhakkepura

Highly analytical and multifaceted professional offering an extensive background in research and development involving stimuli-responsive nanoscale inorganic/polymeric hybrid materials. Efficient at facilitating laboratory administrative and research activities and assisting graduate and undergraduate students in attaining their academic goals. Demonstrated ability to lead and contribute to scientific and technical group discussions. Equipped with public speaking experience and a solid knack for developing compelling and coherent presentations for diverse audiences.

• Designed and implemented bio-inspired strategies to fabricate strain-stiffening hydrogels as synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Employed extensive polymer synthesis and characterization skills. 
• Used several rheological characterization techniques, including DMA, Oscillatory shear rheology, and cavitation rheology.  
• Maintained accurate records of research findings and provided statistical analysis of data results.
• Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design, and execution to address defined problems.
• Wrote and published peer-reviewed articles concerning findings and highlighted possible applications for findings.
• Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor Ph.D., graduate, and undergraduate students.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Materials Chemistry: 2020
JNCASR - Bangalore, INDIA
Thesis title: Design strategies for charge reversal and temporally regulated functionalities in porous and non-porous systems
Master of Science (M.S.) in Materials Science: 2014
JNCASR - Bangalore, INDIA
Thesis title: Synthesis and modification of gold nanorods for biomedical applications
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry: 2011
University of Calicut - Thenhipalam, India