Shobhana Narasimhan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shobhana Narasimhan
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma mater | Harvard University, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai |
| Awards | Stree Shakti Samman Science Award, 2010, Kalpana Chawla Woman Scientist Award of the Government of Karnataka, 2010 |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Computational Nanoscience |
| Institutions | Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research |
| Doctoral advisor | David Vanderbilt |
Shobhana Narasimhan is a brilliant Indian scientist. She is a Professor of Theoretical Sciences at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore, India. Her main work is in a field called computational nanoscience. This means she uses computers to study tiny materials.
Her research looks at how materials change when they become super small. Imagine something so tiny you can barely see it! She studies how its properties change. Dr. Narasimhan is a respected member of many important science groups. These include the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Physical Society.
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Her Journey in Science
Shobhana Narasimhan started her science journey in Mumbai, India. She earned her first degree in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai in 1983. Then, she got her Master's degree from IIT Bombay in 1985.
She later went to Harvard University in the USA. There, she earned her Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics in 1991. After her Ph.D., she worked as a researcher in the USA and Germany. In 1996, she joined the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore. She even led the Theoretical Sciences Unit there for a while!
Exploring the Nano World
Dr. Shobhana Narasimhan and her team study very tiny materials. These are called "nanoscale" materials. They explore how these tiny materials behave in new and exciting ways.
They use powerful computer programs based on quantum mechanics. This helps them design new materials with special abilities. They can predict how a material will act just by knowing its basic parts. This is like building with LEGOs, but on a super small scale!
Their work helps create new things. For example, they design tiny catalysts for clean energy. Catalysts help chemical reactions happen faster. They also design magnetic materials for storing data in computers. This research is part of condensed matter physics. It's a field that studies how matter behaves.
Her team is also trying to find simpler ways to understand materials. They use machine learning, which is like teaching computers to learn. This helps them predict how materials will work without doing long calculations.
Cool Discoveries
- Designing Catalysts: Her team found that tiny gold particles change shape. This happens when you add certain elements to the surface they sit on. This discovery helps make better catalysts.
- Mixing Metals: They showed that some metals can mix on surfaces. This happens even if they don't usually mix in larger forms. Magnetism can actually help them combine!
- Storing Gas: Dr. Narasimhan's group also studies how to store gases like hydrogen. Hydrogen is a clean energy source for the future. They use computer models to find the best ways to store it.
Her team is also looking into spintronics. This is a new way to use the spin of electrons. It could lead to new types of electronics and data storage.
Teaching and Helping Women in Science
Dr. Narasimhan loves to teach and share her knowledge. She has led many workshops around the world. She has taught about solid state physics and density functional theory. These workshops help students in Asia and Africa learn about advanced science.
She is also very passionate about helping women in science. She has worked to make sure more women join and stay in scientific careers. She has suggested important changes to government policies. These include having women on hiring committees. She also pushes for flexible work hours and longer maternity leave. These changes help women balance their careers and family life.
Dr. Narasimhan has organized many workshops for women physicists. These workshops help women grow in their careers. She has also studied why women sometimes leave physics. She explores ways to keep talented women in science.
Awards and Recognition
In 2022, Shobhana Narasimhan was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. This is a big honor! She received it for her important work. She helps promote diversity and fight unfairness in physics. Her workshops have truly changed the careers of many women physicists.
Public Talks
Dr. Narasimhan often gives talks to share her knowledge. She talks about how catalysts work and how to design new nanomaterials. She also gives talks about the challenges and successes of women in science.
See also
In Spanish: Shobhana Narasimhan para niños
