I'm Chandan K. Tiwari, a passionate chemist with a diverse background and an insatiable curiosity for exploring the wonders of the molecular and nano-world. My journey in this captivating field has been a thrilling rollercoaster ride, one that has taken me from the historic city of Bihar to the oldest cultural city of Varanasi via the vibrant landscapes of Kolkata, to the breathtaking landscapes of Israel and finally to the land of dreams and opportunity the United States of America.
Academic Journey: My journey in chemistry began at Banaras Hindu University, where I pursued a major in Chemistry and minors in Physics, Mathematics, Life Science, Statistics, and Computer Science. It was here that I first fell in love with the intricate dance of atoms and molecules, seeking to understand their behavior and harness their potential.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I delved deeper into the realm of Biomimetic Chemistry at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata. Under the guidance of Prof. T. K. Paine, I focused on the bioinspired oxidation of oximes to nitric oxide with dioxygen using a nonheme iron (II) complex. This research allowed me to explore the fascinating world of bioinorganic chemistry and develop essential skills in handling complex reactions and techniques.
Doctoral Pursuit: Seeking further knowledge and expertise, I embarked on a thrilling doctoral journey at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, under the mentorship of Prof. Ira A. Weinstock. My research was focused on the captivating domain of polyoxometalates (POMs) and their complexation with Gold and CuO nanocrystals. With a passion for host-guest chemistry and photo-electro-catalytic applications, I drove to uncover the hidden potentials of these nanomaterials.
Throughout my doctoral studies, I have immersed myself in the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of POMs and their nanocrystal complexes. I've explored the intriguing worlds of photo- and electro-catalysis and self-assembly studies, all with the aim of pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this fascinating field.
Diverse Expertise: My academic pursuits have taken me to various corners of the globe, enriching my knowledge and skill set. I had the privilege of honing my expertise in a bioinorganic lab during my MS, where I learned to work with precision in a glove box and utilize schlenk line techniques. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in creating super-dry organic solvents using the freeze-pump-thaw process, and synthesis of extremely air-sensitive compounds.
In the United States, at the University of Rochester, NY, I delved into exciting projects involving macrocyclic compounds, MOFs, PAFs, organo-germylenes, silylenes, and N-heterocyclic-carbenes for catalysis. This multidisciplinary exposure allowed me to approach chemistry from diverse angles, enhancing my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Research Passion: I am passionate about independent research, where I thrive on taking the lead in my work while valuing the valuable insights and guidance of my mentors. Working in a multidisciplinary environment has been an exhilarating experience, as I believe that diverse perspectives and collaborations can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.