I have started a new position as a research scholar at ICHO PAN, Poland, working on a 4-year project under Prof. Daniel Gryko. The project is part of an ERC Advanced Grant titled ARCHIMEDES: "Approaching 20% Emission Efficiency in the NIR-II Region with Radical Chromophores."

In this project with Dr. Kaustabh Kumar Maiti, we are developing a cyclometalated 5d metal-linked phytomolecule for targeted photo-chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment. This involves linking a natural product-derived molecule to a photosensitizer via a tumor-responsive linker and encapsulating it in MnO2 nanoparticles with a targeting homing peptide. This system aims to deliver both photodynamic and chemotherapeutic effects to breast cancer cells. Since joining in April 2024, I have completed the synthesis of the therapeutic compound and nanoparticles.

As a Project Associate at CSIR-NIIST, I am actively involved in a groundbreaking project titled "Discovery and pre-clinical development of anti-virals for COVID-19 and other diseases." Under the guidance of Dr. Radhakrishnan K.V., Chief of CSTD, NIIST, my primary focus is on exploring the antiviral potential of medicinal plants, particularly Cyclea peltata and Tiliacora accuminata from the Menispermaceae family.My responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities aimed at uncovering and harnessing the therapeutic properties of these plants. This includes the extraction of bioactive alkaloids, followed by meticulous processes of isolation, purification, and characterization of the compounds. I am actively engaged in the semi-synthesis of core moieties to enhance their pharmacological activity. Additionally, my role involves conducting rigorous biological in vitro studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the isolated compounds. This entails testing on various cell lines to understand the compounds' impact on different cellular systems. By employing these comprehensive methodologies, our team strives to contribute to the development of potential anti-viral agents not only for COVID-19 but also for other diseases.In this dynamic research environment, I am continuously expanding my expertise in medicinal plant research, alkaloid extraction, and pre-clinical drug development. The collaborative nature of the project allows me to work at the forefront of antiviral research, contributing to the collective efforts to address pressing global health challenges.

worked as analytical chemist at Central Instrumentation Laboratory (CIL) at Central University of Punjab