Chandhini Muthukumar, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Education
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, 2024
- M.S. in Renewable Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, 2019
- B.E. (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, 2018
Research interests
Dr. Muthukumar works at the intersection of materials science, catalysis, food safety, and sustainability. Her interests include functional and waste-derived materials, photocatalytic and antimicrobial technologies, advanced oxidation processes, and atomic force microscopy. She also applies techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment to evaluate the scalability, environmental impact, and practical value of emerging food-safety and water-treatment technologies.
Current research
- Examining how environmental stress alters morphology, surface properties, and antimicrobial responses of foodborne pathogens using atomic force microscopy.
- Characterizing dry-surface biofilms on food-contact materials and evaluating their responses to sanitation interventions.
- Evaluating postharvest interventions using food-safety, techno-economic, and life-cycle assessment criteria.
Outside the lab
Enjoys baking, badminton, long drives, exploring different cuisines, sewing, and crocheting.