27Mon
Coordinator: Dean's Office
Dr. Nisha Sahane
Dr. Nisha Sahane recently completed her Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai under the guidance of Dr. Shareddha Tiwari. Her doctoral research focused on density functional theory (DFT) and molecular modeling of porphyrin-based systems, with applications in electronic structure, molecular recognition, spectroscopy, and environmentally relevant materials. She has over seven years of teaching experience in undergraduate chemistry and has mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students in chemistry and computational research.
Beyond her research and teaching, Dr. Sahane is passionate about science outreach and chemistry education. She has conducted lecture series titled "Towards Research" for students in rural and remote areas, with the aim of introducing them to research opportunities, scientific thinking, and careers in science. Her current interests lie in integrating computational chemistry into undergraduate education through molecular visualization, inquiry-based learning, and project-based approaches that strengthen conceptual understanding and connect classroom learning with real-world applications. She aspires to contribute to chemistry education by developing innovative teaching resources and fostering research-oriented learning environments.
Teaching Chemistry Through Computational Tools
Computational chemistry has become an integral part of modern chemical research, enabling scientists to investigate molecular structure, bonding, reactivity, and spectroscopy with increasing accuracy. However, its incorporation into undergraduate chemistry education remains limited despite its potential to enhance conceptual understanding and scientific inquiry. This seminar will explore how computational chemistry can be integrated into undergraduate teaching to complement experimental learning and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Using examples from my research or regular chemistry, I will illustrate how molecular modeling can help students visualize chemical concepts, interpret spectroscopic data, and understand structure–property relationships. The seminar will also discuss the use of accessible computational tools and inquiry-based learning approaches to engage students with contemporary topics such as sustainable materials, molecular design, and environmental chemistry. Finally, I will share my vision for developing computational chemistry modules and educational resources that promote research-oriented learning and prepare undergraduate students for careers in academia, industry, and interdisciplinary scientific research.