Dr. K. Swarnalatha was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. She received her B.Sc. from Sri Meenakshi Govt. Arts College for Women, Madurai in 1999 and M.Sc. from The American College, Madurai in 2001. She earned her Ph.D. from Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu in 2006. Then she joined the Department of Chemistry, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli as an Assistant Professor in January 2006 and became a full Professor in 2021. From July 2022, she is holding the Headship at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli.
Her primary research interest is to gain fundamental understanding of light–matter interactions and how photo-induced processes govern chemical and electronic dynamics in functional materials and molecular systems. The systems studied range from dye-sensitized solar cells and fluorescent probes (Photochemistry and Photophysics), to molecular and nanoscale sensors (Fluorescent and Electrochemical Sensing). Her group employs a variety of spectroscopic techniques, with a focus on steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence methods, to investigate excited-state dynamics, charge separation, and energy transfer processes.
Beyond characterizing functional materials, she is interested in designing new molecular systems that respond to specific environmental or biological stimuli. This includes developing sensitive and selective fluorescent/electrochemical probes and enhancing energy conversion efficiency in photoactive devices. Current methodological developments involve improving signal quantification in sensing systems, dissecting electron transfer mechanisms in dye-sensitized assemblies, and engineering tunable photophysical properties in functional dyes.
Dr. KSL has published more than 35 research articles in international journals of repute. Her h-index is 10. She has delivered many invited lectures in the country and abroad so far. She has chaired sessions at international conferences held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2012), and Dubai, UAE (2017). A total of 7 PhD students and 12 MPhil students have graduated under her supervision. She has completed 2 national/international sponsored research projects and organized several workshops/conferences. Currently she is supervising 5 PhD students.
She has received several awards, fellowships, and recognition for her research, which include the Proficiency Prize at the undergraduate level in 1999, and qualification for the CSIR UGC-NET Lectureship in 2002. In 2003, she was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, followed by her selection as a Senior Research Fellow (CSIR-SRF) in 2005. Additionally, she has been honored with the IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship in 2008, 2009, and 2011, further acknowledging her outstanding contributions to research.
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