Meet The Team

Rizvee Yakkub joined Prof. Mandal's research group as an UGC Fellow in the School of Chemistry at IISER Thiruvananthapuram in January 2025. She pursued her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Calicut, Kerala. Her research is centered on the synthesis of organic ligands and their coordination with coinage metals to develop ligand-stabilized metal nanoclusters. Beyond her research pursuits, she is passionate about music.

Angira started her journey as a Ph.D. student in the School of Chemistry at IISER TVM in January, 2025. She completed her BSc and MSc in Chemistry from Jadavpur University, West Bengal. In her doctoral research, she is focused on incorporating nanocluster into MOFs. Beyond academia, Angira enjoys dancing, writing and poetry. She is passionate about playing chess.

Subhajit joined the group as a graduate student in the School of Chemistry at IISER TVM in August, 2024. He completed BSc in Chemistry from Ramakrishna Mission Rahara, Kolkata. He obtained Master's degree from JNCASR, Bangalore. His research focuses on synthesis of nanoclusters and studying their optoelectronic properties and catalytic applications. In his spare time, he loves listening to music and exploring new places.

Pinaki joined the group as a Junior Research Fellow funded by UGC in August, 2024. He completed BSc in Chemistry from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara. Afterwards, he pursued his Master's degree from Ramakrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur, Kolkata. His research primarily focuses on synthesis of molecular clusters and their catalytic applications. Beyond the lab, Pinaki finds solace in the world of literature and poetry.

Elizabeth joined as a Ph.D. student in the School of Chemistry at IISER Thiruvananthapuram, starting her journey in August, 2024. She completed her BSc in Chemistry from Sacred Heart College, Kochi and her MSc from Central University of Kerala. In her doctoral research, she is focused on doing ligand exchange on nanoclusters and studying the mechanism of transformation. Beyond her academic pursuits, Elizabeth enjoys reading books and listening to music.

Nandana V started her journey as a Ph.D. student in the School of Chemistry at IISER TVM in January, 2024. Nandana completed her BSc in Chemistry from Devamatha College, Kottayam and her MSc from St. Berchmans College, Kottayam. In her doctoral research, Nandana is focused on designing ligands to synthesize cluster assemblies aimed at modulating photoluminescence studies. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nandana enjoys reading books and watching movies.

Rakendu Vinod M joined as a UGC fellow in the School of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram in January, 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Nirmalagiri College, Kannur University. Rakendu's doctoral research centers on synthesizing and characterizing ligand protected bimetallic nanoclusters. Her interests span experimental characterization and theoretical modeling of materials. Beyond academia, Rakendu enjoys reading and listening to music.

Glory joined as a Ph.D. student in 2023. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University. Afterward, she pursued her Master's degree at IISER TVM in 2021. Her research primarily focuses on developing nanocomposites by incorporating metal nanoclusters into MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks). When she's not in front of the fume hood or computer, she enjoys listening to music, reading novels, and travelling .

Nida joined IISER TVM as an integrated PhD student in 2019. She is currently doing ligand exchange on gold nanoclusters and evaluating the mechanism of transformation. Afterwards, she is planning to work on the synthesis of bimetallic nanoclusters. Listening to music and reading literature makes her happy.