Current Members
Doctoral Fellows
Pankaj Khatarkar
PhD Student
Thesis Title: Fine Particulate Matter Polar Organic Aerosols over central India -Characteristics, Behaviors and Sources.
Email: pankaj22@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: My research delves into the fascinating world of organic functional groups in the atmosphere where I explore their abundance, aging processes, and intricate interactions using advanced statistical models. I also investigate polar organic aerosols in ambient air, revealing their crucial roles in pollution, chemical transformations, and impacts on human health. Beyond the lab, I enjoy exploring new places, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and embracing the beauty of nature. Each journey deepens my passion for understanding how air quality shapes our world and strengthens my connection to the very air we breathe.
Alma Mater: Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Sri Sathya Sai, Andhra Pradesh, India (B.Sc. in Chemistry) , Dr. Hari Singh Gour Wishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India (M.Sc. in Chemistry).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Sayak Patra
PhD Student
Thesis Title: Estimating Aerosol Physicochemical Mixing State and Its Effects on Select Climate Variables over Central India: Field Measurements and Machine Learning.
Email: sayak23@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: My research interest mainly aims to investigate the aerosol physicochemical mixing states and its effects on radiative forcing and precipitation pattern over central India. I use nearreal-time field measurements, PartMC-MOSAIC model, and machine learning techniques for the fulfilment of my doctoral research. Apart from that, I am an amateur astronomer and a professional musician.
Alma Mater: Vivekananda College, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India (B.Sc. in Physics); St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India (M.Sc. in Physics).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Ayush Shukla
PhD Student
Thesis Title: Chemical Characterization of Fly Ash and Biomass Ash and their impacts on Aerosol Acidity and Radiative Forcing: Implication to India's Changing Energy-Mix Scenarios.
Email: ayushs24@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: My research interest focuses on Chemical characterization of fly ash and biomass ash and their impacts on aerosol acidity and radiative forcing.
Alma Mater: Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India (B.Sc. in Physics); Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India (M.Sc. in Physics).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Kumari Seema
PhD Student
Thesis Title: Quantitative Analysis of PM2.5 Sources and Characteristics over Bhopal: Impacts of Regulatory Policies on Chemical Composition, Climate and Health outcomes.
Email: kumari24@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: My research focuses on atmospheric aerosols, with an emphasis on fine particulate matter. I am currently involved in studying PM2.5 - its sources, chemical characteristics, and impacts on climate and human health. I am particularly interested in source apportionment methodologies and the effects of policy regulations on air quality. Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a keen interest in all forms of art, whether fine or visual. I am also very intrigued by the different languages and diversity of cultures around the world.
Alma Mater: IIS (deemed to be) University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences); IIS (deemed to be) University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Priyansh Chouhan
PhD Student
Thesis Title: Tyre Wear Aerosol in India: A Hybrid Approach to Understanding its Generation and Airborne Transport Characteristics
Email: priyansh25@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: My research interests include tyre and road wear particles (TRWP), non-exhaust vehicular emissions, airborne microplastics, PM2.5 and PM10 aerosols, atmospheric transport processes, source apportionment, aerosol chemistry, exposure assessment, and the development of integrated experimental and modelling frameworks for understanding air quality impacts under Indian conditions.
Alma Mater: Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India (B.Sc. in Mathematics Honours, Physics Subsidiary); National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Keralam, India (M.Sc. in Physics).
Curriculum Vitae: Click HereMS-Thesis Students
Shagun Barkodia
MS-Thesis Student
Thesis Title: Aerosol Modulation of Contrail-Induced Cirrus Properties Over South Asia: A Satellite-based Observational Study with Implications for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption.
Email: shagun22@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: Ever wondered what those white lines behind airplanes are? Those are contrails, and I wondered the same thing. What started as curiosity led me into the fascinating world of aerosol–cloud interactions and their role in our climate system. My research interests lie in sustainability, atmospheric science, and aerosol–cloud interactions. Through studying contrails, I explore how human activities influence cloud formation and climate, and what these interactions mean for a more sustainable future. Hobbies : Beyond academics, you'll often find me watching movies and web series, going on non-stimulating walks to appreciate nature.
Alma Mater: Ajanta Public School, Sector-31, Gurugram, Haryana, India (H.S.E.).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Girish Muzalda
MS-Thesis Student
Thesis Title: Assessment of Nitrate Losses from Filter-Based PM2.5 Sampling Systems.
Email: girish22@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: Aerosol chemistry, environmental monitoring, geospatial analysis, and climate variability. My interests outside research include distance running, astronomy, and reading on philosophy and human psychology.
Alma Mater: Sainik School, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India (H.S.E).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Muskan Bhardwaj
MS-Thesis Student
Thesis Title: Source-Apportionment of Size-segregated PM (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) over Asansol industrial region in West Bengal.
Email: muskan21@iiserb.ac.in
Research Interests: My research focuses on the source apportionment and size segregation of particulate matter in the West Bengal region. I investigate the chemical characteristics of particulate matter and assess its potential impacts on air quality, human health, and the environment. Apart from that, I have an interest in playing basketball, running, and Watching Documentaries and movies
Alma Mater: Parmarth International school Baijnath, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India (H.S.E.).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
Bhagyashri Mahajan
MS-Thesis Student
Thesis Title: Integrating Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Emission Inventory.
Email: mahajan22@iiserb.ac.in
Project Lab Assistant
Priyanka Dahiya
Project Lab Assistant
Project Title: "Chemical Characterization of Road Dust Aerosols" funded by the India Resources Trust.
Email: priyanka21@iiserb.ac.in
Job Description: I am involved in chemical characterization of road dust samples from Mumbai and also, investigating the elemental composition and carbon fraction in road dust.
Alma Mater: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India (BS-MS dual degree in Environmental Science).
Curriculum Vitae: Click Here
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