Prof Dr. Mandira Banerjee | nanomaterials | Women Researcher Award
Devi Ahilya University |India
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Prof Dr. Mandira Banerjee began her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Physics from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, in 1984. Her dissertation focused on the "Design and Fabrication of Automatic Scanning Bent Crystal Spectrometer for the Study of K-absorption Spectra of Cobalt in Some of its Complexes." This early research set the stage for her future work in the field of nanomaterials and thin films.
Professional Endeavors
After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Banerjee embarked on a rich and diverse career. She held a Research Associate position at CERN (European Laboratory for Particle Physics) in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1989. Her international exposure continued with visits to renowned institutions such as ICTP in Trieste, Italy, where she participated in schools on synchrotron radiation and instrumentation in elementary particle physics.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Banerjee's current research interests lie in the broad area of nanomaterials, specifically focusing on tuning the optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties. Her work on metal-polymer nanocomposites involves the preparation of metal-embedded polymers, studying their structure, morphology, optical, and magnetic properties. She also explores thin and ultrathin films of soft matter, including metal-sputtered thin polymer films, with a focus on understanding the metal-polymer interphase..
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Banerjee's noteworthy collaborations include the DST-DESY collaboration for GISAXS measurements at DESY, Germany, and partnerships with UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, RRCAT, and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) in India. Her international visits, especially to DESY in Hamburg, Germany, have enhanced her research capabilities and facilitated in-situ GISAXS measurements.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Mandira Banerjee has successfully completed several research projects, such as the "Study of Structural and Magnetic Properties of Metal-Polymer Nanocomposites" and the "Investigation of Polymer Structures and Nanocomposites." These projects, sponsored by UGC-DAE-CSR and DRDO, reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and application.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As a mentor, Dr. Banerjee has supervised numerous Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.Sc. students, with several ongoing projects under her guidance. Her dedication to nurturing young talents contributes to the growth of scientific research and education.
In the future, one can anticipate continued excellence from Dr. Mandira Banerjee as she delves deeper into the world of nanomaterials, thin films, and polymer-based nanocomposites, further expanding the boundaries of scientific understanding in these fields. Her contributions are poised to leave a lasting impact on the scientific community.
Notable Publication
Thickness dependent microstructural and magnetic studies of iron embedded PVA nanocomposite films March 2023
Optical properties of Ni metal nanoparticles embedded poly (vinyl alcohol) films 2022
Studies on structural and magnetic properties of PMMA/Co/Ag nanocomposite film May 2020