Shrikha Karuppiah

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SHRIKHA KARUPPIAH

I am a first year PhD student at the University of St Andrews, working on optimising thermoelectric properties in materials using machine learning. I graduated in Chemistry with Molecular Physics from Imperial College, and have prior research experience in fluorescence imaging and the synthesis of nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications. My Master’s project aimed to improve thermal stability in organic photovoltaics, as we try to move away from the more expensive, traditional Silicon-based solar cells. My previous research experiences include working on making sustainably sourced Lithium-Sulfur batteries, as well as synthesising transition metal oxides for use in supercapacitor electrodes. Outside the field of energy, I have worked with fluorescent molecular rotors to investigate the viscosity of lipid bilayers through various spectroscopic techniques, which is particularly relevant in monitoring progress in cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.My commitment towards science extends beyond the laboratory, I have worked in a team under Royal Society of Chemistry’s Missing Elements Grant Scheme, an initiative to bring light to underrepresented minority chemists that have helped shaped the field to what it is today.Passionate about driving positive change, my interests align with the pursuit of sustainability for a greener future.