From Cosmic Inquiry to Classroom Discover
Research
His research spans astrobiology, physical chemistry, and materials science, with a strong focus on questions related to the origin of life and planetary environments. He has collaborated with institutions such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contributing to studies on Titan’s atmosphere and prebiotic chemistry. His scientific work also includes research on thermodynamics and molecular systems within applied and theoretical frameworks.
Niladri also provided technical assistance to NASA/JPL engineering teams on scientific aspects of next generation space missions and worked on laboratory experiments for the detection of signs of astrobiology and the conditions behind the origin of life on earth.
For his Ph.D. dissertation, Niladri was a pioneer to work on the first systematic experiments into thermodynamic data that would ultimately replace combustion engines with environmentally-benign hydrogen fuel cells.
Selected Scientific Publications
Fluorescence spectra of Titan tholins: in-situ detection of astrobiologically interesting areas on Titan's surface Link
Organic Environments on Saturn’s Moon, Titan: Simulating Chemical Reactions and Analyzing Products by FT-ICR and Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometry Link
Titan Aerosol Analogues: Analysis of the Nonvolatile Tholins Link
Synthesis and Characterization of Binucleating Bis(amidinate) Ligands and Their Dialuminum Complexes Link
Thermodynamic Studies of Hydride Transfer for a Series of Niobium and Tantalum Compounds Link
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Hydride Transfer for a Series of Molybdenum and Tungsten Hydrides Link
Hydride and Proton Transfer Reactions of Niobium-Bound Ligands. Synthetic and Thermodynamic Studies of Ketene, Enacyl, and Vinylketene Complexes Link
Brief Research Summary
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA
Modeling of Titan's atmosphere through experimental and theoretical simulations
Development of chiral sensor technology and chiral “noses” to sniff out potential signs of life
Investigation into the conditions for the origin of life on earth
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Synthesis of novel bi-dentate Lewis acids
Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Systematic studies on the thermodynamics of metal hydride transfers
Clark University, Worcester, MA
Construction of cryogenic instruments to assist in low temperature (-269 to -196 deg Celsius) magnetic measurements
Development of isolation techniques for one of the world’s most powerful molecular magnets
Building molecular architecture with novel metals in two- and three-dimensional lattices
