Simi Pushpan | Drug Design | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Simi Pushpan, Union Christian College Aluva, India.

Dr. Simi Pushpan is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Union Christian College, Aluva, Kerala. With a rich academic background, she holds a Ph.D. in Bio-Inorganic/Organic Chemistry from IIT Kanpur and has completed a prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship in Germany. Her research focuses on drug design and synthesis, particularly in developing antitumor therapeutic agents. In addition to her teaching, she has significant industry experience in medicinal chemistry, contributing to major pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Pushpan’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists. 👩‍🔬

Publication profile

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Scopus

Education

Ph.D. in Bio-Inorganic/Organic Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India (2001)
M.Sc. in Chemical Sciences
Pondicherry Central University, India (1996)
B.Sc. in Chemistry
Union Christian College, Aluva, India (1994)
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Universität Regensburg, Germany (2003)

Experience

Assistant Professor
Union Christian College, Aluva, Kerala (2013–Present)
Principal Research Investigator
Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bangalore (2009–2013)
Senior Research Scientist
Orchid Research Laboratories, Chennai (2005–2009)
Post-doctoral Fellow
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Chennai (2004–2005)

Suitability for The Award

Dr. Simi Pushpan K is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to her substantial contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in bio-inorganic and organic chemistry. Her academic and industrial experiences showcase her dedication to research, teaching, and innovation.

Professional Development ()

Dr. Pushpan is dedicated to professional growth and mentoring within the academic and scientific community. As a co-convener of the Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Local Chapter and a member of various academic committees, she plays a vital role in shaping the curriculum and research direction at both state and national levels. Her contributions include coordinating environmental studies programs and overseeing quality assurance initiatives at Union Christian College. Dr. Pushpan’s expertise in drug design and synthesis has positioned her as a key figure in both academic and industrial research.

Research Focus

Dr. Simi Pushpan’s research primarily revolves around drug design and synthesis, focusing on developing novel therapeutic agents with potential applications in photodynamic therapy and cancer treatment. Her work on platinum(II) complexes and core-modified porphyrinoids has made significant strides in the field of medicinal chemistry. She employs various in vitro assays and cutting-edge techniques to explore the cytotoxic and phototoxic properties of synthetic compounds. Dr. Pushpan’s interdisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to address contemporary health challenges.

Awards and Honors ()

IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists (2002)
Star Award (Bristol Myers Squibb, 2012)
Inventor Award (Orchid Pharma, 2005-2006)
Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2002-2003)
CSIR Fellowship (JRF and SRF for Ph.D. program)

Publication

Porphyrins in photodynamic therapy – a search for ideal photosensitizers (332 citations, 2002)
Tetrathia-and tetraoxarubyrins: aromatic, core-modified, expanded porphyrins (92 citations, 1997)
34π Octaphyrin: first structural characterization of a planar, aromatic [1.0. 1.0. 1.0. 1.0] Octaphyrin with inverted heterocyclic rings (77 citations, 2001)
N-Confused expanded porphyrin: first example of a modified sapphyrin with an inverted n-confused pyrrole ring (75 citations, 2001)
Inverted meso-Aryl Porphyrins with Heteroatoms; Characterization of Thia, Selena, and Oxa N-Confused Porphyrins (70 citations, 2001)
Structural characterization of meso aryl sapphyrins (57 citations, 1999)
meso-Aryl sapphyrins with heteroatoms; synthesis, characterization, spectral and electrochemical properties (55 citations, 1999)
Meso aryl heptaphyrins: the first 30π aromatic expanded porphyrins with an inverted structure (49 citations, 2000)