Sona Mattummal

Dynamic and enthusiastic Pharmaceutical Analysis MRes graduate with experience using instrumentation such as AAS, HPLC, GC-MS, UV-VIS, and FT-IR spectroscopy, as well as optical microscopy and drop shape analyzer to characterise materials. Familiar with software applications, including Spartan, ImageJ, and ACD Processor. Demonstrates effective communication skills through presentations, posters, and written reports. Capable of synthesizing and characterizing nanomaterials, conducting independent and collaborative research projects. Seeking a research assistant position where I can apply my analytical skills, research abilities in a fast-paced professional setting.

Trainee - ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, India

• Trained on modern analytical instruments including AAS, flame photometry, and spectrophotometry.
• Developed proficiency in sample preparation, instrument operation, method development, and data analysis for HPLC and GC-MS.
• Analysed fat-soluble vitamins in egg samples using HPLC and fatty acid analysis using GC-MS.
• Routine analysis of proximate composition.

Skills: Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Skills · Calibration, Analytical Techniques, Sample Preparation, Data Analysis

Covalent modification of vaterite with silane coupling agents Mar 2023 – Nov 2024

Nottingham Trent University

Vaterite is a less stable crystalline form of calcium carbonate that has been difficult to control and engineer but holds enormous potential for various innovative applications. Synthesized pure vaterite crystals of size 17±1.3 μm via precipitation method and evaluated by optical microscope. Due to its high surface area, vaterite aggregates in water, limiting its benefits. Covalently modified the crystals with silane coupling agents to overcome this limitation. Analyzed reaction solution polymer growth kinetics through dynamic light scattering (DLS). Performed FT-IR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm successful modifications. Evaluated hydrophobicity of the modified crystals through contact angle measurements. By stabilizing rapidly dissolving vaterite, we can transform it into a material for applications ranging from biomedicine to cosmetics to polymer composites.

Transition metal adsorbed TiO2 nanoparticle: synthesis, characterization, and study on photocatalytic activity Mar 2021 – May 2021

Pondicherry University

Synthesised cobalt (III) complex by precipitating cobalt chloride hexahydrate and propylenediamine ligands. Characterized the complex using UV-vis, FT-IR, photoluminescence (PL), and Raman spectroscopy to confirm ligand coordination. Investigated adsorption properties onto TiO2 nanoparticle at different time intervals using spectroscopic techniques. Analyzed changes in spectral behaviour to deduce the physisorption mechanism of the metal complex onto TiO2 surface.

• National Symposium on Recent Advances in Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India, 02/2020
• National Seminar on Recent Advances in Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India, 03/2019

Age Well East - Essex Jun 2023-Present

Volunteer for mental health support, collaborating with a diverse team and engaging in regular training sessions to enhance interpersonal and communication skills.

Ignite Futures Ltd – Nottingham Feb 2023

Volunteer

Volunteer at Nottingham FOSAC 23 Science Festival: Supported STEM education activities, assisted in demonstrating innovative experiments addressing global warming.

Contributor Feb 2024

Conducted the workshop "Colourful Chemistry: Into the World of Surprises". Explored practical experiments with common household items, making fundamental chemistry principles vibrant and practical.

PU SHARE (Pondicherry University Students for Hospitality Assistance and Relief Everywhere)

Jun 2019 – Mar 2020

Tutored children at orphanages.

Pint of Science – Nottingham Awaiting (May)

Presenter at Pint of Science Festival, highlighting master's project research findings.

Dr.Andrey Antonchick