Mentoring undergraduate studentsNaomi Sahle (now enrolled in UPenn graduate program)Marianny Zavala (Undergraduate student, University of Houston)

• Developed matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry imaging method of small biomolecule detection using light absorption properties of nanomaterials• Studied volatile organic pollutants' role in preservation of ancient artworks and cultural heritage

• Was a PI of a govt. agency-funded project on treatment of pharmaceutical pollutants in water using metal-organic nanohybrids and conducted optical spectroscopic study of nanomaterial-drug molecule interaction, stimuli responsive delivery and ways to combat antibiotic resistance • Developed a smart nanomaterial-based delivery systems for smart nutrient delivery to crop plant • Created a strong foundation for studies on charge transfer at mineral-organic matter interfaces

• Worked on quantifying odor-generating aromatic hydrocarbons in air samples surrounding Hyundai-KIA urban painting booths of Seoul and developed a nanomaterial-based GC-MS method of detection of formaldehyde in mixture of low and high molecular weight C1 to C5 aldehydes • Investigated odorant removal mechanisms of adsorptive removal and ozonation and recommendations were prepared for Hyundai-KIA automobile company based on the research outcomes• Was a part of a green chemistry research aimed at developing metal-organic frameworks from spent electrode materials of alkaline batteries

• Won Gold medal for presenting application of sensors for high-resolution measurement of pore-scale O2 dynamics at the Indian Biodiversity Meet• Worked on statistical design of experiments for biological and environmental sciences• Initiated the development of a biochar production unit and mentored graduate students

• Successfully investigated linkages between hydro-geologic flow parameters and biogeochemical properties in artificial groundwater recharge systems of Llobregat river, Barcelona • Tested novel non-invasive imaging technique (Visisens) developed by Presens Inc., Denmark for its application in spatiotemporal study of O2 in vadose soil zone

•Over 100 hours of laboratory TA experience spanning over 3 semesters•The role involved laboratory and field studies, study of soil pits and important physicochemical properties and performance assessment of more than 30 undergraduate students per week•Assisted the course instructor for lectures and demonstrations for 1 semester

•Conducted field-based research and laboratory experiments on GHG emissions from coal mine lands of Pennsylvania reclaimed with carbon-rich organic amendments. My primary interests were the controls and factors driving the emissions with particular interest on soil processes, pathways and on how all these processes interact•This study engaged GHG monitoring techniques development in laboratory and field settings, extensive sampling and gas chromatographic detection of GHGs (CO2, N2O, CH4). Samples were collected periodically using headspace sampling over a period of 6 to 8 weeks and GHG concentrations were determined using gas chromatography•This study involved the first time use of Static Chamber Method of GHG measurements in mine soils representing >30% rock fragmentsPublications[1] Dutta T, Dell CJ, Stehouwer RC (2015) Nitrous oxide fluxes from mine soil reclaimed with manure-based materials. Land Degradation & Development 27: 427-437. [2] Dutta T, Stehouwer RC, Dell CJ (2014) Linking organic carbon, water content and nitrous oxide emission in a reclaimed coal mine soil. Land Degradation & Development 26: 620-628.

Project 1: Characterization of soil affected by seawater ingression Project 2: Long-term field trial with jute-rice-wheat cropping system under an All India Coordinated Research Project at CRIJAF, Barrackpore, IndiaResponsibilities included soil quality assessment based on physico-chemical and microbiological parameters such as soil organic matter, microbial biomass, respiration and enzymes