Dr. Geetu Gambhir | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Acharya NarendraDev College, University of delhi | India

Dr. Geetu Gambhir is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, with over twenty-five years of teaching experience and nine years of dedicated research in material chemistry and environmental applications. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Delhi in 1998, focusing on the chemistry of 2-Styryl Chromones and 4-Styryl Coumarins. Her current research centers on the fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for sustainable water purification and environmental remediation. Dr. Gambhir’s work explores adsorption and degradation of dyes, metal ions, and antibiotics using magnetic graphene oxide and polysaccharide-based composites, along with studies on the thermal stability and dielectric behavior of nanobiocomposites. As a Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator, she has successfully led several UGC, DST, DBT, and DU-Innovation-funded projects, including the development of bioactive sensors and magnetic chitin composites for pollutant removal. Her mentorship extends to guiding Ph.D., undergraduate, and innovation projects emphasizing nanotechnology-driven solutions for water treatment and environmental protection. A pioneer in promoting student-led research, Dr. Gambhir has supervised numerous projects under the ELITE and STAR programs, fostering scientific curiosity and practical skills among young researchers. Her contributions lie at the intersection of green chemistry, nanoscience, and environmental sustainability, making her a leading academic voice in the application of nanotechnology for ecological well-being and resource management.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Saya, L., Malik, V., Gautam, D., Gambhir, G., Singh, W. R., & Hooda, S. (2022). A comprehensive review on recent advances toward sequestration of levofloxacin antibiotic from wastewater. Science of The Total Environment, 813, 152529.

2. Saya, L., Malik, V., Singh, A., Singh, S., Gambhir, G., Singh, W. R., Chandra, R., … (2021). Guar gum based nanocomposites: Role in water purification through efficient removal of dyes and metal ions. Carbohydrate Polymers, 261, 117851.

3. Abraham, J. S., Sripoorna, S., Dagar, J., Jangra, S., Kumar, A., Yadav, K., Singh, S., … Gambhir, G. (2019). Soil ciliates of the Indian Delhi Region: Their community characteristics with emphasis on their ecological implications as sensitive bio-indicators for soil quality. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 26(6), 1305–1313.

4. Malik, V., Saya, L., Gautam, D., Sachdeva, S., Dheer, N., Arya, D. K., Gambhir, G., … Hooda, S. (2022). Review on adsorptive removal of metal ions and dyes from wastewater using tamarind-based bio-composites. Polymer Bulletin, 79(11), 9267–9302.

5. Niveta Jain, H. G. K., & Gambhir, G. (2001). Synthesis of Hormothamnione and 6-Desmethoxy Hormothamnione. Indian Journal of Chemistry, 40(April), 278–283.

Mr. USMAN ZAHID | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. USMAN ZAHID, UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, Brunei Darrussalam

Usman Zahid is an emerging scholar in the field of material science and chemistry, currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES). With a strong foundation in chemistry through his BS from University of the Punjab and MPhil from Quaid-i-Azam University, Usman has built an impressive academic and research profile. He specializes in nanomaterials, perovskite quantum dots, and sustainable catalytic processes. His drive to innovate is reflected in his international publications and active participation in global conferences. Apart from his research, Usman has demonstrated leadership as Chief Coordinator of Sports and Secretary of the Blood Donor Society during his academic tenure. A multilingual communicator and team-oriented researcher, he is passionate about solving environmental challenges through chemistry. Usman’s work reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable advancement, making him a promising contributor to the global scientific community.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award: Usman Zahid

Usman Zahid demonstrates a strong and well-rounded research profile in the field of material science and chemistry, making him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His academic journey showcases a progressive and dedicated path, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab, followed by an M.Phil from Quaid-i-Azam University, and currently pursuing a PhD in Material Science at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. This progression reflects a deepening expertise and commitment to research.

Professionally, Usman has gained valuable hands-on experience as a Research Associate and Research Fellow, focusing on cutting-edge topics such as environmentally friendly perovskite quantum dots, Pb-free double perovskites, and nanomaterials catalysis. His work on sustainable materials and fuel desulfurization aligns well with global priorities on environmental safety and clean energy, highlighting his research’s societal relevance.

🎓 Education

Usman Zahid’s academic journey is rooted in excellence and specialization. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Material Science at the Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (EQF Level 8), focusing on lead-free perovskite materials and their photophysical behavior. Prior to this, he completed his MPhil in Chemistry from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, where his research emphasized catalysis and nanomaterials development. His undergraduate degree, a BS in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, laid a strong foundation in analytical and organic chemistry. Usman has attended specialized training in advanced material characterization and nanotechnology through ASEAN workshops and global symposiums. His academic record showcases an integration of theoretical knowledge and practical research competencies. With strong mentorship from distinguished faculty and a rigorous academic environment, Usman has developed a robust scientific outlook, well-suited for impactful contributions in the field of chemistry and sustainable material development.

💼 Professional Experience

Usman Zahid has gained diverse experience in research and laboratory practices across top institutions. As a Research Associate at Quaid-i-Azam University, he led the synthesis and characterization of eco-friendly perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and worked on lead-free alternatives, contributing to sustainable material science. His earlier role as Research Fellow Chemist in a HEC/PSF-funded project involved desulfurization of fuel oil, nanomaterials synthesis, and project management. He demonstrated strong command over instrumental analysis techniques including FTIR, UV-VIS, TGA-DTG, DLS, XRD, and cyclic voltammetry. Usman’s professional path is defined by multidisciplinary collaborations, effective scientific communication, and applied research. He also contributes as an event participant in various international scientific forums and symposiums. His experience blends hands-on laboratory expertise with research leadership and analytical skill. His commitment to innovation and sustainability through chemistry makes him an asset in academic and industrial research settings alike.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Usman Zahid has consistently demonstrated leadership and service alongside academic excellence. During his undergraduate years, he was honored as the Chief Coordinator of Sports at University of the Punjab and later became Secretary of the Blood Donor Society at Quaid-i-Azam University. His research excellence has been recognized with active participation and presentation at prestigious international conferences such as Nano Boston 2021, EuroNanoForum 2021, and the ASEAN Workshop on Advanced Materials Characterization. He is currently contributing as a doctoral researcher under the supervision of prominent scholars at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. His publications in leading journals like Journal of Luminescence and RSC Sustainability highlight the impact and innovation of his work. With extensive collaborations and commendations from mentors and co-authors, Usman has carved a unique space in materials chemistry, catalysis, and sustainability research. His ongoing achievements reflect a promising trajectory toward leadership in global chemical research.

🌍 Research Skills On Chemistry

Usman Zahid possesses a multifaceted skill set in materials chemistry, catalysis, and nanotechnology. He specializes in the synthesis and characterization of perovskite quantum dots, with expertise in Pb-free double perovskites and fluorescence dynamics. Usman is proficient in a wide array of instrumentation: FTIR, UV-Vis, SEM, XRD, DLS, GC-MS, HPLC, and cyclic voltammetry, to name a few. His software proficiency includes ChemDraw, HyperChem, and reference managers like Zotero, EndNote, and Mendeley. He also has experience in LIMS and advanced chromatographic techniques. Notably, Usman excels in experimental design, data analysis, and project management. His work on desulfurization processes and catalysis reflects both applied and theoretical research capabilities. Fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, he’s an excellent communicator with strong teamwork and decision-making skills. Usman’s adaptability in research environments and drive for sustainability make him a well-rounded scientist capable of leading interdisciplinary research in chemistry.

Publication Top Notes

Green and eco-friendly adsorption of dyes with organoclay: isothermal, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: S Tariq, M Saeed, U Zahid, M Munir, A Intisar, M Asad Riaz, A Riaz, …
Journal: Toxin Reviews, Volume 41, Issue 4, Pages 1105-1114
Citations: 19
Year: 2022
Hazardous effects of cadmium contaminated water on biological characteristics of fish; a review
Author: F Hameed
Journal: RHAZES: Green and Applied Chemistry, Volume 6, Pages 01-10
Citations: 11
Year: 2019
Polyoxometalates for carbon dioxide activation: Current progress and perspective
Authors: H Ahsan, M Saeed, W Ahmad, A Rehman, A Haseeb Bashir, V Aiman, …
Journal: Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society, Volume 71, Issue 6, Pages 526-549
Citations: 2
Year: 2024
Band Gap Tuning in Mercaptoacetic Acid Capped Mixed Halides Perovskites and Effect of Solvents on Their Fluorescence Dynamics: A Potential Sensor for Polarity
Authors: MA Riaz, U Zahid, M Mukhtar, MA Khalid, M Mubeen, A Iqbal
Journal: Journal of Fluorescence, Pages 1-9
Citations: 1
Year: 2025
CeNiO3 perovskite nanoparticles synthesized using gelatin as a chelating agent for CO2 dry reforming of methane
Authors: U Zahid, WS Sarifuddin, AH Mahadi, D Prasetyoko, H Bahruji
Journal: RSC Sustainability, Volume 2, Issue 12, Pages 3806-3816
Citations: 1
Year: 2024
Effect of MAAc Capping on the Enhanced Photophysical and Photoluminescence Properties of Pb-free Cs2SnCl6 Double Perovskites
Authors: U Zahid, MA Riaz, A Iqbal
Journal: Journal of Luminescence, Article 121306
Year: 2025

Geetu Gambhir | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award