
Nandhitha Selvakumaran
Scientific
Services offered
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.
Experience
- Lab Technician at Kinectrics
- 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. - Performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of Fe-55 and Sr-90 isotopes in bioassay.
- Performed gamma study on bioassay samples and quantified radioactive isotopes.
- Compilation and Quantification of results from various analysis.
- Operation of analytical instruments such as Alpha and gamma spectrometer,
proportional flow counter, and liquid scintillation counter. - General lab maintenance, ensuring safety guidelines in the storage and preparation of
various reagents. - Sample preparation and dissolution techniques for bioassays
- Worked in the Alpha Dosimetry Lab, in the detection and quantification of actinides (Am-
- Intern at National Institute of Technology, Trichy
- Observed synergistic effects between two or more surfactants and salts, on the algae
Spirulina Platensis. - Experimentally determined maximum lysis achievable with minimal
chemical use. - Cultivated and Harvested strains of Spirulina P. And Chlorella V.
- Determined protein content in Spirulina P. using Lowry's Method
- Observed synergistic effects between two or more surfactants and salts, on the algae
- Intern at Petrofac, Chennai
- Studied the operation and working of an upstream oil and gas processing plant, as part of final year project
- Designed a three-phase separator and heat exchanger and performed cost analysis, and gave required recommendations.
Education
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
- Cultivated, Harvested, and studied the growth kinetics of Porphyridium Purpureum
- Set up cultures of different salinities and performed Protein and Taurine analysis
- Analysed the production of Taurine in P. purpureum as a primary/secondary
metabolite - Propose an optimized culture method for producing a maximum amount of Taurine
from P. purpureum - Operated Equipments such as UV-IR Spectrometer and Lyophillizer
- Protein analysis done using Modified Lowry's Method and Taurine analysis using Ion Exchange chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy
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