Prof. K. Nagaraj - Biochemistry - Outstanding Scientist Award

National Forensic Sciences University - India

Author Profile

SCOPUS 

Early academic pursuits 🎓

K. Nagaraj's academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, earning his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Devanga Arts College, Aruppukottai, Tamil Nadu, in 2007. He furthered his education by obtaining an M.Sc. in Chemistry from SBK College, Aruppukottai, in 2009, where he achieved a commendable 71%. His passion for research led him to pursue an M.Phil. in Chemistry at Madurai Kamaraj University, where he excelled with a score of 78% in 2010. Nagaraj continued his scholarly journey by completing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, in 2014, focusing on surfactant cobalt(III) complexes.

Professional endeavors 🏢

Nagaraj's professional career is marked by a series of academic appointments across various prestigious institutions. He has served as an Assistant Professor at several universities, including the School of Pharmacy at the National Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and St. Eugene University in Zambia. His teaching journey also includes positions at institutions such as IISER, Tiruvananthapuram, and VSM Institutions in Andhra Pradesh. His diverse teaching experience has allowed him to share his expertise in chemistry with students from various backgrounds.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Nagaraj’s research is primarily centered on the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from natural resources, as well as the efficient generation of hydrogen using earth-abundant metal ions. His doctoral work delved into the synthesis of surfactant cobalt(III) complexes, focusing on their kinetics of electron Biochemistry transfer and interaction with nucleic acids, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field of chemistry through innovative research.

Accolades and recognition 🏆

K. Nagaraj has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry through numerous awards and fellowships. He qualified for the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) in 2009 and received a University Research Fellowship from 2010 to 2012. His dedication earned him the UGC Research Biochemistry Fellowship for Meritorious Research Students from 2013 to 2015, as well as the prestigious Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award for Young Scientists in 2016. In addition, he was honored with the InSc Research Excellency Award in 2022, reflecting his significant impact on the scientific community.

Impact and influence 🌍

Throughout his career, Nagaraj has made substantial contributions to both research and education, influencing the next generation of chemists. His work in photocatalytic chemistry and the development of surfactant complexes has implications for environmental sustainability and drug development. By mentoring Biochemistry students and engaging in collaborative research, he continues to inspire others in the field.

Legacy and future contributions 🌱

As he progresses in his academic career, K. Nagaraj aims to further his research in sustainable chemistry and innovative material development. His ongoing projects and collaborations are expected to yield valuable insights into the practical applications of his research. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for teaching, Nagaraj is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of chemistry, contributing to advancements that benefit society as a whole.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of (5Z)-5-[(2-piperidinequinoline-3-yl)methyl]-2-chloroquinoline derivatives: Docking study on substituted N-alkylation and binding mechanisms with E. Coli PDF enzyme
    Authors: Juddhawala, K.V., Parekh, N.M., Alswieleh, A., Nagaraj, K.
    Journal: Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 2025, 325, 125114
  • Title: Formulation and analysis of acrylic emulsion coatings with chrome yellow, phthalocyanine blue, and red oxide pigments using high speed disperser and bead mill techniques
    Authors: Badgujar, N.P., Kulkarni, R.D., Govindasamy, C., Bari, M.L., Nagaraj, K.
    Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 2024, 101(11), 101372
  • Title: Zirconium-doped zinc nanocomposites (ZDZN): Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of antibacterial activity
    Authors: Nagaraj, K., Kaliyaperumal, R., Poovan, V.K., Kasilingam, T., Tharini, K.
    Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 2024, 101(11), 101386
  • Title: Sustainable synthesis of iron oxide nanopigments: Enhancing pigment quality through combined air oxidation and cavitation techniques
    Authors: Adhav, K.D., Badgujar, N.P., Alswieleh, A., Nagaraj, K.
    Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 2024, 101(11), 101363
  • Title: Nano-enhanced antifungal paint: Harnessing nanoparticle-based fungicides for enhanced durability and protection
    Authors: Chavan, P.G., Badgujar, N.P., Wadaan, M.A., Nagaraj, K.
    Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 2024, 101(10), 101257
Prof. K. Nagaraj – Biochemistry – Outstanding Scientist Award