The Department of Chemistry, Miranda House was established in 1948. It currently has three modern and well-equipped Chemistry laboratories. It also has an Instrumentation Laboratory with various instruments enabling the students to carry out all the experiments included in the new syllabus as well as some simple projects. Facilities of a modern computer laboratory are also available to the Department. There is a well-stocked store for apparatus and another for chemicals. The Department Library has a good collection of chemistry books which supplements the wide range of books available in the main library of the College. There is also a reading room equipped with ten computers and comfortable seating arrangement. The faculty is highly qualified and motivated. Some of the faculty members are currently involved in research. They have been recognized as PhD Supervisors and have also presented papers in international conferences. The Department has designated laboratory spaces for experimental work undertaken by the faculty and PhD students. There is also an Instrumentation Lab with state-of-the-art instruments such as Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Photocatalytic Reactor, Microwave Oven and Rotary Evaporator. A few faculty members have also authored Chemistry textbooks for undergraduate students. In keeping with the traditions of the Department, the non-academic staff is hardworking, helpful and committed.
The Chemical Society Rasayanika arranges guest lectures by reputed scientists from India and abroad. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Govardhan Mehta, Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Dr. M.G.K. Menon, Professor Yash Pal, Dr. Samir K. Brahmachari and Dr. A. S. Matharu of York University, UK are some of the renowned speakers who have addressed the students and faculty over the years. Rasayanika also runs a wall magazine, publishes a printed annual magazine, Rasayani and organises the annual inter-college Chemistry Festival Pratikriya, which is enthusiastically attended by students from institutions all over Delhi.
Every year the majority of Miranda House Chemistry students graduate with First Division and some of them achieve university positions. Several students receive the University Science Meritorious Students’ Award every year. The Department also has a number of INSPIRE scholars in I Year, II Year and III Year. While pursuing the undergraduate Chemistry programme in Miranda House, some students are selected for summer training at the IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. A number of Miranda House Chemistry graduates are pursuing post-graduation and PhD at the IITs, IISc and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai and Hyderabad. Some are also doing PhD at top-ranking universities in the US, UK and Europe. Many Chemistry alumnae are faculty members in various colleges, universities and institutions in India and abroad. A number of alumnae are engaged in research work at reputed pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories in India and abroad. They are also well-represented in diverse fields such as computer applications, management, law and the civil services.
A Bridge Course for the students of First Year Chemistry Honours on Laboratory Safety and Handling of Equipment is organised by Department of Chemistry every year. In 2019-20, the Bridge Course was also conducted for the First Year Life Sciences students, for whom Chemistry is one of the three main subjects. The Department also offers add-on certificate courses of contemporary interest. For a number of years, Green Chemistry was being offered as an add-on course. Over the past several years, Nanochemistry add-on course is being offered.
Teaching-Learning
Teachers use following tools/methods to get the effective teaching and better understanding.
Active learning models
Use of PowerPoint presentations whenever possible
Assigning presentation topics to students and holding students’ presentations followed by discussion
Use of tactile models for better understanding of molecular structures, stereoisomerism and crystal structures
Use of special software where applicable
Testing students’ level of knowledge and understanding through pre- and post-lecture and pre- and post-lab quizzes
Providing students additional study material, practical handouts and Question Banks
Bringing out the fun in learning Chemistry through interesting events such as the Labwork competition
Capacity Building
Department of Chemistry organizes conferences/hands–on workshops for
students every year.
Some of the recent ones are:
One day workshop on Analytical Instrumentation Techniques, 23 April 2024
IUPAC GWB2024: International Lecture series on Catalyzing Diversity in Science, 26, 28 February 2024
Seminar on Nanomaterials and Eco sustainability, 27 February 2024
An interactive session with Chemistry Nobel Laureate 2022, Prof. Morten P. Meldal, 1 February 2024
Lecture Series on Chemistry For Life: Bonding Through Chemistry, 19-20 October 2023
International Conference on Smart Consumption and Sustainable Living (ICSCSL 2023), 23-24 August 2023
Seminar on From Benchtop to Bedside Nitric oxide releasing material for Prevention of Thrombosis and Infection of Medical Devices, 17 July 2023
Webinar on Intellectual Property Rights under International Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) 6, 12 June 2023
An interactive session with Alumna, Rasayanika Rebonding, 25 May 2023
Seminar on Women in Science, 2 April 2023
IUPAC GWB2023: International Conference on Recent Trends in Chemical Science, 14-15 February 2023
Seminar on Metal and Modern Medicine, 29 March 2022
IUPAC GWB2022: Recent Advances in Chemistry, 16 February 2022
National Webinar: IPR, Patent and Chemistry, 11 August 2021
IUPAC GWB2021: International Webinar on Empowering Diversity in Science, 12 February 2021
A Virtual International Conference on Chemistry-The Catalyst for Change, 19-20 February 2021
National Webinar: Learnings from the Corona Pandemic, 24-25 September 2020
IUPAC GWB2020: Symposium on Bonding to Create Future Leaders in Sciences, 12 February 2020
National Workshop Nano Road Show-2020, February 2020
Substantial participation from Chemistry students and faculty in INSPIRE Science Conclave 2019, 16 - 18 January 2019
Symposium on Empowering Women in Chemistry as a part of the Centenary Celebration of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), 12 February 2019.
Chemistry students and faculty members participated in and helped in the organizational work for the Biodiversity for Everyone’s Life Conclave, August 2018
Indo-Hungarian symposium on Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biology (INHCAB-2017), 11 December 2017
One-day workshop on using Gaussian Software in Undergraduate Education conducted, 3 August 2017
One-day workshop for school teachers on Online Labs for School Experiments in collaboration with Amrita University, Kerala, 11 April 2017
Summer Workshop Flavour of Research organized for undergraduate students of Delhi University for six weeks every year
Add-on Certificate Course in Nanochemistry conducted every year
Bridge Course on Lab Safety and Handling of Equipment for I Year students organized every year in the first week of August
INSPIRE Internship programme held for school children in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017
All the conferences and workshops give students and faculty exposure to
contemporary areas of scientific research in addition to the basic concepts
associated with interdisciplinary topics. Students also participate in oral
paper presentation and poster presentation competitions held as a part of
the workshops/conferences. In the computer-based workshops, students learn
the use of a variety of software such as ChemDraw, Argus Lab and
Gaussian.
Chemistry students actively participate as mentors in the INSPIRE programme
for high school science students. Chemistry undergraduates are usually
associated with five different workshops for high school students under
INSPIRE. Every year, several renowned scientists and academicians from
Chemistry and associated fields are invited to deliver talks to the
students. During Pratikriya, the annual Inter-College Chemistry
Festival organized for the students, Rasayanika hosts an
inter-college Scientific Paper Presentation Competition Eureka!Pratikriya also has other co-curricular activities such as
Prayog
, the lab work competition. The departmental magazine Rasayani
provides a platform for students to write articles on diverse scientific
topics and about their experiences in college. Students and teachers went
to Kullu, Manali, Manikaran in 2023, Kullu-Manali and Kasol, Himachal
Pradesh in 2019, Dalhousie, Khajjiar and McLeod Ganj in 2018, Rajasthan in
2017, Kullu-Manali in 2016, Mussoorie in 2015 and Chandigarh in 2013 for
education-cum-sightseeing field trips. The field trips also included visits
to Yakult Danone Pvt. Limited, Sonipat, TERI Gram, Gurgaon, TERI
University, New Delhi, National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon, ITC
Green Centre, Gurgaon, Airports Authority of India Paper Recycling Unit,
Ruchi Vihar, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi and other interesting sites.
Student Progression
Some of our alumni who are pursuing M.Sc in reputed institutions across India and overseas
2023-2024
Stuti Chaturvedi (M.Sc, University of Bonn, Germany)
Navyatha Jenu J (M.Sc, NIT Puducherry)
Nandana P (MS in Data Science, University of Liverpool, UK)
Megha Roy (Integrated Ph.D, IISc)
Sai Dolly Hindoliya (M.Sc, IIT Gandhinagar)
Nandana Narayanan (M.Sc, NIT Calicut)
Isu (M.Sc, IIT Roorkee)
Vishakha rani (M.Sc, IIT BHU)
Sophiya Asem (M.Sc, IIT Madras)
Shreya (M.Sc, IIT Roorkee)
Aastha Bhasin (M.Sc, IIT Guwahati)
Anandita Sharma (M.Sc, Jamia Milia Islamia)
Surbhi Gahtori (M.Sc, University of Delhi)
Isu (M.Sc, IIT Roorkee)
Rashi ( M.Sc,IIT ISM Dhanbad)
Fidha P (M.Sc, IIT Guwahati)
Tamanna (M.Sc, IIT Roorkee)
2022-2023
Madhoolika Singh (M.Sc, IIT Delhi)
Tanu Yadav (M.Sc, IIT Bombay)
Ganga Patel (M.Sc, IIT Roorkee)
Kritika Gaur (Integrated Ph.D, IISc)
Supriya Patel(M.Sc, IIT ISM Dhanbad)
Shivangi Malviya (M.Sc, IIT Delhi)
Shweta Gopan C (M.Sc, University of Queensland, Australia)
Nasha Punkanddi (M.Sc, Tata Institute of Social Sciences)
Urfi Aaliya (M.Sc, University of Delhi)
Devika PS (M.Sc, University of Queensland, Australia)
Several Chemistry faculty members of Department of Chemistry, Miranda House have been invited as guest speakers by various reputed national and international institutes to present their research work. They have also participated as resource personnel in online faculty development programmes (FDP’s) and short-term training programmes. Their experiences have motivated students to build careers in science
2020-2021
Dr Kalawati Saini, invited speaker,Gyan Ganga Programme, Government of Rajasthan, 27-28 January 2021
Dr Smriti Sharma Bhatia, best oral presentation award,International Conference on Molecular Structure and Instrumental Approaches, Gujrat, 26-27 November 2020
Dr Smriti Sharma Bhatia, Resource Person, online FDP,Application of ICT in Teaching and Chemical Research, 6-10 October 2020
Dr Mallika Pathak, invited talk,Journey towards Quality in the workshop on Quality Enhancement in Autonomous Colleges in AP, Commissionerate of Collegiate Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, 29 September 2020
Dr Sharda Mahilkar Sonkar and Dr Sujata Sengupta, invited lecture, Online Workshop cum Guest Lecture series on Chemistry Education for Undergraduates: Opportunities and Career Prospects, Sibsagar College, Joysagar, Assam, 17 December 2020
2019-2020
Dr Mallika Pathak and Dr Malti Sharma conducted a hands-on workshop for school students of Classes IX and X, School of Excellence, Khichdipur to illustrate the concept Science as Fun, 14 January 2020
Dr Sharda M. Sonkar and Dr Sujata Sengupta, Best Poster award, ACS workshop Greening Our Education System, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi in association with Hindu College, 19 December 2019
Dr Mallika Pathak, resource person, Student Science Village, India International Science Festival, Kolkata, 5-8 November 2019
Dr Poonam, invited speaker, International Workshop on Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates, Nucleic acids and Antibiotics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Mátrafüred, Hungary, 22 May 2019
Dr Poonam, Visiting Fellow, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Hungary, 21- 29 May 2019
Dr Kalawati Saini, invited speaker, International Conference on Advanced Materials(ICAM), Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology(CNN), Jamia Millia Islamia, 6-8 March 2019
Apart from research papers in reputed journals, some Chemistry faculty members have also published books. Dr Malti Sharma published the book titled Chemistry: Inorganic and Organic (Volume VI) in 2019. Dr Sharda M. Sonkar and Dr Sujata Sengupta published the book titled Green Chemistry: An Introduction in April 2019.
Distinguished Alumnae
A number of students after completing their post-graduation and PhD serve as college and university teachers and research scientists. Many complete MBA and go on to become managers. Yet others become IAS officer, Air Force pilots, lawyers, computer professionals etc. Some students get extremely prestigious awards and scholarships to enable them to carry out postgraduate and doctoral studies in national/international institutions. Some alumnae who are pursuing/have completed PhD in India/abroad
Archana Kumari (2021), Integrated PhD, Indian Institute of Science, Bangaluru
Shallu Verma (2020), PhD Chemistry, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Karisma Agarwal (2019), PhD, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
Priyanka Jain (2019), PhD, Institute of Physiology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany
Pooja Gakhad (2019), PhD, Indian Institute of Science, Bangaluru
Deeksha (2018), PhD Chemistry, University of Arizona, USA
Ojasvi Verma (2018), PhD Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
Shaileyee Bhattacharya (2017), PhD Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institüt, Villigen, Switzerland
Kriti Kapil (2017), PhD Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA
Ishita Chandra (2017), PhD Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
Jyoti Aggarwal (2016), PhD Leadership Studies, University of Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
Geetika Dhanda (2016), PhD Antimicrobial Research Lab, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru
R. Kartik Lakshmi (2015), PhD Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, USA
Swati Sharma (2015), PhD Polymeric Biomaterials, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Sakshi Mehta (2015), PhD Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Kritika Katyayan (2015), PhD Public Policy & Management, Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
Gurpreet Kaur (2014), PhD Chemistry, University of Oslo, Norway
Tenzin Tsering (2014), PhD Environmental Science, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland
Shreemoyee Kumar (2014), PhD, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
Nisha Hasija (2013), PhD Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, USA
Sweta Gehlot (2013), PhD, IRCELYON University of Lyon, France
Neelakshi Shaku (2013), PhD, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Shalini Kumari (2012), PhD Chemistry, Freie Universität, Berlin
Omanjana Goswami (2012), PhD Earth & Environmental Science, Rutgers-Newark University, New Jersey, USA
Monika Chongtham (2012), PhD Neuroscience, Max Planck Institüt, Germany
Rumia Basu (2011), PhD Soil Science, Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Aditi Banerjee (2010), PhD Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne, USA
Garima Shukla (2009), PhD Chemistry, LRCS, University de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
Pallavi Kiran (2008), PhD Chemistry, Freie Universität, Berlin
Manasa Rath (2008), PhD Chemistry, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA
Tvisha Misra (2007), PhD Chemistry, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Ramya Srinivasan (2006), PhD Chemistry, University of Vermont, USA
Soumya Rastogi (2006), PhD Chemistry, University of Maryland, USA
Ankita Narain (2005), PhD Science Policy, University of Maryland, USA
Chandreyee Saha (2005), PhD Chemistry, University of Bristol, UK
A large number of alumnae hold academic positions including teaching and research in Indian and international Universities/research institutes/government organisations. Some are also associated with school education in both teaching and administrative positions. A small illustrative list is given below:
Pankhuri Jain (2020), Associate QA Scientist, Schrödinger Industry, New York, USA
Nidhi Chaudhary (2017), Scientific Assistant, Indian Meteorological Department, Mumbai
Dr Manaswee Barua (2015) Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Connecticut, USA
Dr Shivali Banerjee (2014), Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne, USA
Mannu Mann (2013), Scientific Officer, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai
Dr Sandhya Bhatia (2013), Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Texas, USA
Dr Monika Dhankhar (2013), Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania, USA
Dr Aditi Krishna Dave (2012), Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Tubingen, Germany
Dr Mahima Khandewal (2008), Research Professor, Material Science and Engineering Department, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
Dr Priyanka Agarwal (2008), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Asia Pacific Centre for Theoretical Physics, Pohang, South Korea
Dr Gayatri Kumari (2008), Research Associate, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Dr Ritu Gupta (2007), Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur
Dr Soumya Rastogi (2006), Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland, USA
Dr Anshita Sudershan (2005), Scientist, SABIC, Bangalore
Dr Chandreyee Saha (2005), Assistant Professor, Galgotias University, Delhi
Dr Shivangi Nangia (2003), Assistant Professor, University of Hartford, USA
Dr Sonia Gandhi (2001), Scientist D, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Dr Deepshikha Angrish (2001), Senior Scientist, Labcyte and Stanford School of Medicine, USA
Dr Vasudha Sharma (1999), Professor of Chemistry, Valencia College, Orlando, FL, USA
Dr Dipti Kakkar (1997), Scientist G, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Dr Ruchi Anand (1996), Professor, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai
Prof. Marilyn Milton (1995), Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi
Dr Amrita Kaur Sakhi (1992), Scientist, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
Dr Piyali Dasgupta (1992), Associate Professor, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, West Virginia, USA
Dr Sumita Singh (1991), Professor, Department of Chemistry, Everett Community College, Washington, USA
Dr Madhushree Ghosh (1991), Head, Business and Corporate Development, AltheaDx Biotech Company, San Diego, USA
Anu Vashisth (1989), Principal, Ramjas Primary School, Ballimaran, Delhi
Sameera Gulati (1989), Dean Academics (Academic Coordinator), Tagore International School, East of Kailash, New Delhi
Dr Sowmya Raghavan (1989), Consultant, Strand Life Sciences, Bengaluru
Prof. Mamta Sharma (1988), Principal, Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi
Urvana Menon (2009), Program Leader, Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Resilience, WWF Myanmar
Ojaswini Kapoor (2007), CEO – Marketing and Administration, Fortis-Bloom IVF Centre, New Delhi
Neha Batta (2006), Officer Sales and Marketing, Jaypee Greens, Real Estate division of Jaypee Group
Linda Kshetrimayum (2004), Group Manager, patent team, BASF
Chaoba Phuritshabam (2003), Deputy Manager in a multinational pharmaceutical company's patent team
Aarti Khanna (2003), Assistant General Manager, Hindustan Times (Media Marketing Division )
Nabamita Das Gupta (2002), Manager, State Bank of India
Arpita Kulshreshtha (2002), Patent Attorney and Partner, Anand and Anand, New Delhi
Mamta Kaushik (2001), Data Analyst, St Vincent's, Melbourne, Australia
Pritesh Dagar (2001), Artist and Founder, Art'zire, Bangalore
Deedhiti Saikia (2001), Founder Director, Laxmipriya De`cor, New Delhi
Dr Debodhonyaa Sengupta (2000), Associate Attorney at Dentons US LLP, USA
Leena Singh (1997), Director, Content Solutions, Burlington English
Gitanjali Gupta (1991), IAS officer (received the MHAA Excellence and Achievement Award in March 2017)
Somya Satsangi (1990), Board Member, Dr Lal Pathlabs Pvt Ltd
Sonali Sinha (1990), Attorney-at-Law and Legal Strategist, Humira, USA
Ranjana Chaudhary (1989), Deputy Director, Customs and Excise, Government of India
Vasumathi Thyagarajan (1989), Senior Director Projects, Cognizant, Chennai
Seema Jere Bisht (1985), Principal Additional Director General, Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence, Mumbai Zonal Unit
Miranda House alumnae who are faculty members in different University of Delhi colleges are too numerous to list. Several such alumnae are also members of the Chemistry faculty in Miranda House.
Dr Kavita Bhatia, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma
Dr Vijay Verma, Sri Venkateswara
Dr Bani Roy, Miranda House
Dr Sushmita Choudhuri, Gargi
Dr Manjula Singh, Shivaji
Dr Shuchi Sharma, Daulat Ram
Dr Anita Chugh, Gargi
Dr Keya Sur, Gargi
Prof. Kalpana Bharara, Kirori Mal
Dr Pinky, Maitreyi
Dr Shashi, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
Dr B. Vaijayanthi, Gargi
Professor N. Latha, Sri Venkateswara
Dr Sangeeta Handa, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
Professor Mamta Sharma, Principal, Aditi Mahvidyalaya
Dr Vinita Narula, Hindu
Dr Vandana Katoch, Shivaji
Dr Himanshu, Hansraj
Prof. Marilyn D Milton, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi