Yogesh Shelke
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Born in:
India
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MSc.'s degree:
Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (India)
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PhD student at:
Kraft lab, Biological and Soft Matter group, Leiden University
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Contact:
shelke[at]physics.leidenuniv[dot]nl
I have obtained my Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India. As a part of my masters’ thesis, I worked on the synthesis of anisotropic colloidal particles, self-assembly and self-propelling colloids. After having built the foundation during my masters, I strongly have inculcated a desire to continue working in the field of colloids and interface science. So, I decided to do a Ph.D. for carrying out the research in this field with a vibrant and active research group.
At Leiden University, in the doctoral program, I expected that I would be applying skills and research experience garnered during my masters which would in turn amplify my knowledge in this field. Hence, applying and securing admission at Leiden's doctoral program would widen my perspective towards analyzing research problems and approaching them. In addition, expertise in this field and advance facilities available at Leiden University perpetuated the motivation to join this esteemed doctoral program. In the soft matter group at Leiden University, I am working on designing flexible colloidal molecules. Our group looks at how a mixture of different shapes and sizes of colloidal particles with specific number ratio use to control the valency, flexibility, and range of motion. Further, using flexible colloidal molecules to create switchable flexible colloidal structures is also foreseen.
The Casimir research school integrates scientific and social events and organizes events such as NanoFront Winter Retreat. I had a chance to attend and participate in the last event when I was a freshly joined Ph.D. student. In this event I had an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow researchers working in similar and allied fields.
Under expert guidance at Leiden University, I am developing as a researcher in the field. This enriching experience will help me in achieving my professional goals. The project also helping me gain deep knowledge and develop insights into research. After my PhD I am looking forward to get an opportunity in academia where I will be able to work on contemporary problems in this research field. The opportunity provided to me at Leiden and Casimir Research School would enable me to network with like researchers to help me realize my goals.