Advent calendar - December 12th - Kushagra Gahlot

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, and technicians of our research groups - providing a glimpse into their typical day at work. In Episode 12 meet Kushagra Gahlot.

I am a doctoral student at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials in the Nanomaterials Chemistry research group. Being a part of a small dynamic group provides ‘a plenty of room’ for observational learning, comprehending, and most importantly, appreciating the science we do on per diem basis. We synthesize novel functional materials at nanoscale, investigate their characteristics, and engineer their surfaces for desired applications.

My research work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of lead-free perovskite nanocrystals. As an experimental colloidal chemist, my typical day starts with setting up a reaction and preparing instruments for measurement while a literature scan and a coffee brews on the side. There are, of course, days dedicated to data analysis and collaborative research projects. Apart from work, I love being around nature, trying out new cooking practices and play racket sports. I sincerely admire, how as an institute we worked together in these difficult times to keep our research as well as our well-being preserved.