Hey, I’m Radhika, the role of my alma mater is unforgettable in molding my personality and interest in chemistry. My curiosity in the complex interactions between the various chemical principles organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical grew, driving me to pursue master’s education at the Chandigarh University, Mohali, which is one of the leading institutions in India. My stay at Chandigarh University allowed me to interact with excellent minds, which motivated my inquisitiveness and the constant support from my professors molded my temperament for a career in research. I got to work under the guidance of Dr Lalita Chopra, Professor (MSc thesis), where I worked on “low-cost biosorbents derived from corn husks for the exclusion of Fe(II) and Cr(VI) ions undertaken aqueous media for wastewater treatment”. It is a journey, which exposed me to challenges in wastewater management and the potential of biopolymers in addressing those challenges.
Subsequently, I worked as a research intern at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar under the mentorship of Dr Yashveer Singh, Associate Professor, where I am working on biopolymer modification, synthesis of nanoparticles, fabrication of hydrogels and self-assembled peptide gels for tissue regeneration applications with antibacterial and antioxidant properties to overcome the problems associated with antimicrobial resistance. I have acquired hands-on skills in biosorbents, biopolymer extraction, biopolymer modification, and fabrication of hydrogels and peptide gels along with the use of techniques, such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, rheology and zeta potential.
My interest in developing multifunctional biomaterials for biomedical applications, and FunGlass provides the ideal environment to explore this interdisciplinary field. By working at this prestigious institute, I aim to contribute to the advancement of theranostic biomaterials while gaining valuable expertise in advanced material synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications. I am excited about the possibility of collaborating with leading researchers in the field and making meaningful contributions to both science and healthcare.

Dissertation topic: Hybrid magnetic biopolymer beads for sustained drug delivery in theranostic applications
Supervisor: Zulema Vargas, PhD. (FunGlass TnUAD, Slovakia)
Co-supervisor: Diana Carolina Lago, PhD. (FunGlass TnUAD, Slovakia)
Department: Department of Biomaterials
Beginning of study: 07.10.2025
Date of dissertation exam: TBA