Nandhitha Selvakumaran

After completing my MENG in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, I worked at Kinectrics. Inc, at the Radiochemistry Department, as Lab Technologist. Testing and Detection of trace radionuclides (<0.1 mBq) mean the lab has to be in pristine conditions, with reagents being as clean as possible, to avoid any impurities. I solely handled the Alpha Dosimetry lab and maintained the QC standards set by the company. This experience helped me hone my lab practices and skills. I also learned a lot of sample dissolution techniques and operated various instruments such as Liquid Scintillation Counters, Proportional Flow Counters, etc. 

In addition to this, I had an internship opportunity during my undergraduate years where I worked closely with microalgae. I worked under a Biotechnology Ph.D. scholar to study the kinetics of cell lysis in Spirulina Platensis. My MENG project was also related to observing the growth kinetics of the Porphyridium Purpureum microalgae. I had the opportunity to handle tasks such as the cultivation of microalgal strains, determining their concentrations before and after lysis using a UV spectrophotometer, using different lysis reagents, and observing the synergistic effect between them to determine maximum lysis with minimum reagents. I also had to use FTIR Spectroscopy, Ion Exchange chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy techniques for the purification and isolation of proteins in the microalgae.

I also have a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering principles such as reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and transport phenomena. I completed a design project for Petrofac. Inc, as part of my bachelor's degree. I believe that with the amalgamation of core Chemical Engineering principles, as well as lab skills, I can contribute a lot to the position, and perform my duties diligently.

1. Lab Technician at Kinectrics
   1. Worked in the Alpha Dosimetry Lab, in the detection and quantification of actinides (Am-
      241, Cm-244, Cm 242, Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-241) in bioassays from nuclear power
      plants.
   2. Performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of Fe-55 and Sr-90 isotopes in bioassay.
   3. Performed gamma study on bioassay samples and quantified radioactive isotopes.
   4. Compilation and Quantification of results from various analysis.
   5. Operation of analytical instruments such as Alpha and gamma spectrometer,
      proportional flow counter, and liquid scintillation counter.
   6. General lab maintenance, ensuring safety guidelines in the storage and preparation of
      various reagents.
   7. Sample preparation and dissolution techniques for bioassays
2. Intern at National Institute of Technology, Trichy
   1. Observed synergistic effects between two or more surfactants and salts, on the algae
      Spirulina Platensis. 
   2. Experimentally determined maximum lysis achievable with minimal
      chemical use.
   3. Cultivated and Harvested strains of Spirulina P. And Chlorella V. 
   4. Determined protein content in Spirulina P. using Lowry's Method
3. Intern at Petrofac, Chennai
   1. Studied the operation and working of an upstream oil and gas processing plant, as part of final year project 
   2. Designed a three-phase separator and heat exchanger and performed cost analysis, and gave required recommendations.
       

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO (GPA: 3.94)
Master of Engineering Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry
(September 2021)
Relevant Coursework: Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics, Transport Phenomena,
Liquid Biofuels

MENG Project: Understanding the effects of Salinity on Taurine production in
Porphyridium Purpureum

1. Cultivated, Harvested, and studied the growth kinetics of Porphyridium Purpureum
2. Set up cultures of different salinities and performed Protein and Taurine analysis
3. Analysed the production of Taurine in P. purpureum as a primary/secondary
   metabolite
4. Propose an optimized culture method for producing a maximum amount of Taurine
   from P. purpureum
5. Operated Equipments such as UV-IR Spectrometer and Lyophillizer
6. Protein analysis done using Modified Lowry's Method and Taurine analysis using Ion Exchange chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy