After completing my master’s degree in India, I pursued PhD opportunities abroad, but without success. I then joined Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research as a research assistant under Sebastian C. Peter, where my research focused on the synthesis and characterization of intermetallic and organic–inorganic materials. This work resulted in several publications and helped me secure a position at the University of Alberta under Arthur Mar.

My research at Alberta focused on developing rational synthetic design principles for new chalcogenides to study their optical and magnetic properties. Moving to Canada came with several challenges, including adapting to the cold, language, and teaching. However, a supportive scientific community played an important role in my personal and professional growth.

As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Riverside under Boniface Fokwa and later at Northwestern University under Mercouri Kanatzidis, my work focused on multi-group collaborations that led to new synthetic methodologies and the structural stabilization of high-performing nonlinear optical materials.

Outside of research, I enjoy sports, especially Cricket (I used to remember obscure stats from the late ’90s and early 2000s!) and Association football. I am also a fan of Manchester United F.C. — yes, we used to be great! I love classic rock, especially Pink Floyd, as well as crime dramas. My current serious endeavor is CrossFit.

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Vidyanshu obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. He joined the group in July 2024. Before this, he served as a Research Scientist at SeeO2 Energy Inc. in Calgary while concurrently holding a Postdoctoral Fellow position at the University of Alberta. 

Dr. Mishra specializes in X-ray crystallography, machine learning, and quantum calculations for the design of new materials. His current research focuses on metal chalcogenides for water remediation and leveraging machine learning techniques to accelerate the discovery of materials. 

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Mishra has a keen interest in photography. 

Dewin is a Master’s student in the group. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Manitoba. 

His research focuses on developing rational design principles for the synthesis of new noncentrosymmetric chalcogenides.

Outside of research, Dewin enjoys watching horror and thriller movies. His favorite action movie series is the Bourne film series!

Vinuja is a PhD candidate in the group. He obtained his Master’s degree from Boston College, where he studied the mechanism of water oxidation in Ir-based molecular catalytic cycles.

His research focuses on the synthesis of new noncentrosymmetric chalcogenides by combining stereochemically active lone-pair-containing cations with other acentric units.

Outside the lab, he enjoys travelling, politics, collecting foreign coins, public speaking, announcing, and teaching.

Nyx is a third-year undergraduate majoring in biochemistry. Her interests lie in environmental biochemistry and wildlife toxicology. She is currently expanding her knowledge of laboratory and research techniques while exploring related fields of study.

Her research focuses on the crystal growth of two-dimensional materials using chemical vapor transport. Watch this space for some pretty crystals!

Outside of her studies, Nyx enjoys going to concerts, practicing Karate, and walking her dog. She is dedicated to furthering her education and contributing to the scientific community through environmental remediation strategies.

Mateo is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry. 

His research focuses on the synthesis of organic–inorganic chalcogenides for water remediation applications. 

Outside of his studies, Mateo enjoys soccer and is a FC Barcelona supporter.