Research Work
Inimitable curiosity based on the spirit of inquiry, coupled with a love for learning new things, have always been a quintessential part of my personality. Over the years, these have manifested as quests for knowledge through several research ventures. Uncovering the elusive mysteries of our universe and reaching a deeper understanding of humans, is always alluring and extremely fascinating for me.
Intern at DIC India
June 2023
A one-month internship at Dainippon Ink and Chemicals (DIC) India saw me working in their industrial ink testing laboratory. I made printing inks of different colours and tested their viscosity, shade, adhesion, blocking and bond strength to match them with known standards. I also performed gas chromatography, in their analytical lab, to find the components and their relative quantities in unknown solvent mixtures.
Research paper on ‘Neurobiological Role of Chemical Imbalances in the Brain in Schizophrenia’
May-June 2023
My research project in the interdisciplinary fields of psychology and biochemistry, focused on how chemical imbalances alter brain chemistry, in particular, the extent to which dopamine, glutamate and other neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA cause schizophrenia. My research paper was published by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR) in their Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Science (IOSR-JPBS).
https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jpbs/papers/Vol18-issue3/Ser-3/D1803032126.pdf
Research paper on ‘Use of chemical substances and procedures in Forensic science’ for Chemistry, ISC Board
June 2023
Having been an avid reader of mystery books all my life, with a penchant for the works of Agatha Christie, I was curious about how chemical processes and techniques are interwoven into forensic sciences. Therefore, for my second ISC board project, I wrote a research paper on how forensic scientists use chemical substances and procedures to analyze fingerprints, and trace physical evidence like bodily fluids, fibers as well as drugs, at crime scenes.
Study on ‘Attitudinal differences between older and younger generations towards LGBTQIA+ community’ for Psychology, ISC board
June 2023
In this project, I studied the attitudinal differences between the older and younger generations in terms of acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community. I concluded that the younger generation is, on the whole, more open-minded and conscious than the older generation, which is characterized by relatively conservative beliefs, preconceptions and stereotypes of the community, as well as less exposure to individuals from the community.
Project on ‘Dark matter and its impact on the quantum mechanics’ for Physics, ISC board
May 2023
In this project, I studied dark matter, with an emphasis on current theories and knowledge, and its impact on the quantum mechanics that govern our universe. I examined the various candidates hypothesized to constitute dark matter, from Massive Astrophysical Compact Halo Objects (MACHOs) and Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) to cold dark matter axions. In addition, I analysed the ‘Hidden Valley’ theory and new research and developments in the field of dark matter.
Project on ‘Stress and Stress Management’ for Psychology, ISC board
May 2023
I compared the stressors and the effects of stress for the class (group) and a subject Taylor (individual), using Mooney’s Checklist. By analysing the data, I concluded that the highest effects of stress for the group, in order, were Social and Recreational Activities (SRA), Personal Psychological Relations (PPR) and Adjusting to School Work (ASW). However, the highest stressors for the individual were Personal Psychological Relations (PPR), Home and Family (HF) and Curriculum, Teaching Procedure (CTP). As this pinpointed the most conspicuous stressors and effects of stress for the group and individual, it, in turn, provided valuable insights into how they can manage stress in a targeted, efficient way.
Study on ‘Primacy and Recency Effect of Memory’ for Psychology, ISC board
Oct-Nov 2022
In this research project, I studied the primacy and recency effects of memory through free recall experiments on 5 subjects, using two lists of 15 meaningful words and one list of 15 nonsense syllables. In the majority of the subjects, primacy enabled better and more efficient recall of the words at the beginning of the list and recency did the same for words at the end of the list.
‘Reviewing Learning disabilities with case studies on Dyslexia’ for Psychology, ISC board
Sep-Oct 2022
I did a research project to determine the extent to which biological and environmental factors play a role in the development of the learning disability, dyslexia. By analysing two case studies, I concluded that biological factors are the fundamental, root cause of dyslexia. However, environmental factors undoubtedly affect its acuteness and continuance over time.
Research project on ’Testing of radiation detectors at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi’
June 2022
During the summer of 2022, I interned at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, under the mentorship of a senior scientist. My research project on the testing of radiation detectors helped me gain a more comprehensive understanding of radioactivity.
In this project, I studied how radiation detectors receive and interpret pulse signals resulting from the alpha and gamma decay of radioactive isotopes of elements. To do this, I conducted two experiments. First, I detected alpha particles emitted by Americium-241 (activity: 10 microcuries; supplied by: BRIT India) using a Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS) Detector. Next, I detected gamma radiation emitted by Caesium-137 (activity: 10 microcuries; supplied by: BRIT India) using a Sodium Iodide (NaI) Scintillation Detector. Each time, I observed the resulting pulse signal and spectrum and calculated the resolution in keV. Thereafter, I wrote a research paper on the same, detailing the functioning of the radiation detectors and compiling a project report of the experiments conducted. I also submitted this for my ISC chemistry board project.
This project provided me with unique insights into the chemistry involved in radioactive processes and radiation detection. Most importantly, it gave me exposure to hands-on research work in a controlled laboratory setting, under the guidance of a senior scientist. It also enabled me to enhance my practical and analytical skills as I operated the detectors and interpreted the pulse spectra produced.