Rajkumar Sokkalingam | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajkumar Sokkalingam | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Bharathidasan University, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rajkumar Sokkalingam began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli. He then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Scientific Interfacing at Bishop Heber College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, where he specialized in advanced scientific interfacing. He continued his studies at the same institution with a Master’s degree in Physics. Currently, he has submitted his Ph.D. thesis at Bharathidasan University, focusing on high-pressure investigations of rare-earth intermetallic compounds, specifically exploring the interplay of charge density waves and magnetic ordering in Sm₂Ru₃Ge₅, GdNiC₂, and NdNiC₂. His academic progression reflects a steady and determined path toward advanced experimental condensed matter research.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Rajkumar has actively participated in several prestigious national-level research training programs and scientific platforms. These include the Indian Nanoelectronics User Program at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and the Synergistic Training Program Utilizing the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure conducted by the University of Kerala. His involvement in a summer training programme at Bishop Heber College further highlights his commitment to continuous academic development. His postgraduate research works demonstrate a blend of theoretical understanding and technical execution, including a study on separability criteria using symmetric informationally complete measurements and a traffic signal controller developed through LabVIEW programming.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Specializing in condensed matter physics, Dr. Rajkumar’s research interests lie in strongly correlated electron systems and energy materials. His doctoral research explores how rare-earth intermetallic compounds behave under high-pressure conditions, particularly examining electronic phase transitions involving charge density waves and magnetism. His earlier academic work also showcases a strong grasp of quantum information science and embedded system design, making his expertise relevant to both fundamental physics and technological applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Rajkumar’s impact within the research community is visible through his role as a peer reviewer for multiple high-impact international journals under Elsevier, including the Journal of Molecular Structure, Environmental Research, the Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, and Fuel. These positions indicate his growing influence and scientific credibility in material science, applied physics, and chemical engineering research circles. His participation in elite research training initiatives further enhances his reputation as an emerging expert in his field.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

With his Ph.D. thesis submitted, Dr. Rajkumar is poised to contribute significantly to academic literature in the areas of high-pressure physics, quantum materials, and correlated systems. His forthcoming publications are expected to provide deeper insights into material behavior under extreme conditions, reinforcing his position as a promising researcher with a strong foundation in both experimental techniques and theoretical modeling.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Instrumentation Expertise

Dr. Rajkumar possesses hands-on experience with several advanced research instruments essential for modern materials science. These include cryogen-free CCR-VTI systems, X-ray diffractometers, shock tube setups, high-temperature furnaces, and piston cylinder pressure cells capable of high-pressure resistivity measurements. In addition, he is proficient in software tools such as GSAS II for Rietveld refinement, Fit2D for data reduction, LabVIEW for instrument control and embedded system design, MATLAB for numerical computation, Origin for data analysis and graphing, and LaTeX for professional documentation and publication.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

In addition to his research, Dr. Rajkumar has actively supported academic instruction by assisting in laboratory courses and mentoring undergraduate students. His ability to integrate theory with practice, especially in experimental setups and data interpretation, allows him to guide students effectively and foster a deeper understanding of physics.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Rajkumar is a dedicated and forward-thinking researcher whose interdisciplinary skill set equips him to contribute meaningfully to the future of condensed matter and quantum materials research. With a strong academic base, growing publication record, and active engagement in national scientific programs, he is well-positioned to drive innovation in energy materials, magnetism, and high-pressure science. His future contributions are expected to have a lasting impact on both research and education in physical sciences.

📖Notable Publications

  • Investigation of exchange bias and magnetoresistance in the Si substituted Ni-Mn-In ribbon alloys
    Authors: P. Sivaprakash, S.E. Muthu, J.J. Infanta, S. Rajkumar, I. Kim, S. Arumugam
    Journal: Materials Science and Engineering: B
    Year: 2022

  • Structural and vibrational properties of cage-type Sc₅Ru₆Sn₁₈ superconductor under pressure using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy
    Authors: M. Sundaramoorthy, B. Joseph, G. Lingannan, P.K. Mondal, R. Sokkalingam, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
    Year: 2024

  • Structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of Fe microparticles as impact on shock waves
    Authors: R. Jagadeesh, S. Rajkumar, S. Arumugam, M. Kannan
    Journal: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
    Year: 2023

  • Evidence of structural modulations induced by a charge density wave transition in orthorhombic Sm₂Ru₃Ge₅
    Authors: R. Sokkalingam, G. Lingannan, M. Sundaramoorthy, C.S. Lue, C.N. Kuo, et al.
    Journal: Solid State Communications
    Year: 2023

  • Chemical Pressure-Induced enhancement of electrochemical performance in Ni₁₋ₓCuₓTe₂ (x = 0 and 0.10) layered compounds
    Authors: R. Sokkalingam, M. Krishnan, J.S.K. Pitchai, S. Periyasamy, A.K. Bojarajan, et al.
    Journal: Electrochemistry Communications
    Year: 2025

 

Stella Girousi | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award-1884

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Prof. Dr. Girousi Stella is a distinguished researcher in Analytical Chemistry, currently based at the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. With extensive experience in electroanalytical methods, biosensor development, and chemical analysis, she has made significant contributions to biomedical, environmental, and food sample analysis.

🔬 Research Activity and Interests

Prof. Dr. Stella specializes in developing and applying electroanalytical methods for detecting and analyzing biological, environmental, and food samples, with a particular focus on genotoxic compounds and pharmacologically active substances. Her research encompasses electrochemical biosensors and DNA analysis, including the development of enzymic and electrochemical DNA biosensors for studying drug-DNA interactions, DNA methylation detection, and epigenetic control. She also explores the application of screen-printing technology and nanomaterials to innovate biosensor designs. In the field of voltammetric determination of metals, she utilizes mercury, carbon, and bismuth thin-film electrodes to develop analytical methods for metal ion detection. Additionally, she works on the chemical modification of electrode surfaces with metallic nanoparticles and advanced carbon materials to enhance sensitivity in electrochemical sensing applications. Her research also extends to the study of coordination compounds of biological concern, employing electroanalytical techniques to investigate biological and pharmacological interactions

🏆 Impact and Contributions

Prof. Dr. Stella has been at the forefront of electrochemical sensor technology, contributing to environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical analysis. Her research has advanced the detection of trace biomolecules, pollutants, and therapeutic compounds, fostering new methodologies in chemical analysis and biosensing technologies.

Her work has influenced:
🔬 Biomedical diagnostics – Enhancing biosensor technology for disease detection and genetic analysis.
🌍 Environmental sustainability – Developing sensitive detection methods for toxic metals and pollutants.
💊 Pharmaceutical research – Investigating drug interactions with biomolecules for better therapeutic applications.

📚 Publications and Research Recognition

Prof. Dr. Stella’s research has been widely cited in scientific literature, with numerous contributions to high-impact journals. Her Scopus and ORCID profiles highlight her extensive work in analytical and electrochemical chemistry, reinforcing her position as a leading researcher in electroanalytical science.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

🔹 Electroanalytical Methods (Voltammetry, Potentiometry, Impedance Spectroscopy)
🔹 Biosensor Development (DNA, Enzymic, and Electrochemical Sensors)
🔹 Nanomaterials & Screen-Printed Electrodes for Analytical Applications
🔹 Metal Ion Detection using Mercury & Bismuth Thin-Film Electrodes
🔹 Coordination Chemistry & Epigenetic Studies via Electrochemical Methods

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a leading academic, Prof. Dr. Stella has mentored numerous students and researchers, guiding them in advanced electrochemistry, biosensor technology, and chemical analysis techniques. Her expertise has helped shape the next generation of analytical chemists, bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications.

🔮 Future Contributions and Research Vision

Looking ahead, Prof. Dr. Stella aims to:
🌱 Expand biosensor applications in early disease detection and precision medicine.
🔬 Develop next-generation nanomaterials for enhanced sensing capabilities.
♻️ Advance sustainable chemical analysis methods to address environmental challenges.
📘 Collaborate internationally to drive innovation in electrochemical sensing and biomolecular diagnostics.

📖Notable Publications

Study of interactions between DNA-ethidium bromide (EB) and DNA-acridine orange (AO), in solution, using hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE)

Authors: IC Gherghi, ST Girousi, AN Voulgaropoulos, R Tzimou-Tsitouridou

Journal: Talanta

Year: 2003

pH: Principles and measurement

Authors: S Karastogianni, S Girousi, S Sotiropoulos

Journal: Encyclopedia of Food and Health

Year: 2016

Determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb in milk, cheese, and chocolate

Authors: I Karadjova, S Girousi, E Iliadou, I Stratis

Journal: Microchimica Acta

Year: 2000

Sensitive detection of cyclophosphamide using DNA-modified carbon paste, pencil graphite and hanging mercury drop electrodes

Authors: P Palaska, E Aritzoglou, S Girousi

Journal: Talanta

Year: 2007

An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide, Gold Nanoparticles and Molecular Imprinted Over‐oxidized Polypyrrole for Amoxicillin Determination

Authors: H Essousi, H Barhoumi, S Karastogianni, ST Girousi

Journal: Electroanalysis

Year: 2020