I am honored to serve the ACS Silicon Valley chapter as an alternate councilor. SVACS has made it possible for people from diverse backgrounds to network and socialize while also providing a platform for chemistry outreach. As an early career professional, I believe I can help steer efforts to ensure younger chemists are more active in the section. I will also initiate efforts to connect with other local groups such as the Society of Plastics Engineers to provide more networking opportunities for early and mid-career scientists and engineers.
Biography
Greetings, ACS Silicon Valley! I am a materials engineer at FLO Materials, a startup company trying to solve the plastics pollution problem by creating infinitely recyclable polymer formulations. I obtained my BS in polymer engineering from the University of Pune, India and PhD in materials science and engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. I first came to the Bay Area for an internship at Carbon in Redwood City and I enjoyed my time so much that I decided to return to the area upon completion of my PhD in the summer of 2022. At CU Boulder I worked with Dr. Carson J. Bruns – who co-authored the book on the mechanical bond with 2016 Chemistry Nobel Laureate Sir J. Fraser Stoddart – on chemical modifications of polyrotaxanes. Gaining fundamental insights into how chemistry plays a role in thermal and mechanical properties of polymers has trained me to create polymers and plastic formulations with desired properties. I have applied this knowledge to advance the technology at a few companies in the Bay Area – Carbon, TE Connectivity, FLO Materials – and will continue contributing to the chemical sciences. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and racquet sports and I’m always on the lookout for people who share the same interests.