Dr. Nagaraju Kerru | Innovative Leadership | Most Cited Paper Award

Dr. Nagaraju Kerru | Innovative Leadership | Most Cited Paper Award

GITAM University | India

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nagaraju Kerru’s academic journey has been deeply rooted in the discipline of chemistry, where he built a strong foundation in both organic and physical chemistry. His initial academic training laid the groundwork for a deeper exploration of complex molecular structures, reaction mechanisms, and advanced synthesis techniques. During his doctoral studies, his research was focused on organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and green synthesis approaches, through which he developed novel synthetic methodologies and evaluated the bioactivity of heterocyclic compounds. This phase of his academic development allowed him to cultivate not only a sound theoretical base but also a sharp research acumen that combined innovation with practical relevance. His early exposure to interdisciplinary aspects of chemistry inspired him to continue advancing in areas that intersect with medicinal chemistry, catalysis, and computational studies, setting the stage for his future professional career.

Professional Endeavors

In his professional trajectory, Dr. Kerru has accumulated extensive experience as a dedicated academician and researcher. His role as an Assistant Professor at GITAM School of Sciences, Bengaluru, exemplifies his commitment to fostering learning and contributing to cutting-edge research in the field of chemistry. Prior to this, his international exposure through a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa enriched his scientific understanding under the mentorship of a globally recognized professor. His professional endeavors also extend to his contributions as an invited scientist under the prestigious Brain Pool program, funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea. Such experiences highlight his ability to adapt to diverse research environments, collaborate across borders, and bring valuable insights to the global scientific community. Moreover, his teaching roles reflect his passion for imparting knowledge and nurturing future scientists while simultaneously expanding his own research horizons.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kerru’s research contributions span a wide range of topics that hold significant implications for both academic and applied sciences. His primary research focus includes the organic synthesis and optimization of biologically active heterocycles, which serve as crucial scaffolds in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. He has also advanced the synthesis of ketene cycloaddition reactions and drug-modified frameworks, showcasing his ingenuity in developing efficient synthetic strategies. His interests extend to spectroscopy-based analysis, multicomponent reactions under green chemistry protocols, and the design of heterogeneous mixed metal oxide catalysts for environmentally sustainable solutions. In addition, his work incorporates computational methods, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT), to complement experimental studies and predict molecular behaviors. Through these contributions, he has enriched scientific literature with nearly a hundred publications, book chapters, and patents, while maintaining a balance between theoretical innovation and practical application.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Kerru’s scholarly excellence has been widely acknowledged through numerous accolades and recognitions. His role as a reviewer and guest editor in reputed international journals, including his editorial membership in Scientific Reports, underscores his influence in shaping the quality of contemporary chemical research. He has been invited to contribute his expertise as a guest editor for Molecules, a Q1 journal with a strong impact factor, further reflecting his standing in the academic publishing sphere. His extensive publication record, with patents and book chapters to his name, highlights his ability to translate innovative research into impactful outcomes. Furthermore, his efforts have been recognized through grants, invitations to present at international conferences, and opportunities to organize significant academic events, demonstrating his leadership in advancing research dialogue at both national and international levels.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Kerru’s work is evident in his strong citation record, high h-index, and active engagement with the scientific community. His research outputs have not only contributed to advancing organic synthesis and catalysis but have also provided tools and frameworks for future research in computational chemistry and drug design. His influence extends beyond publications, as he has actively mentored students, organized conferences, and participated in workshops and symposia that foster collaborative growth. His scientific work resonates across the disciplines of chemistry, medicinal sciences, and sustainable technologies, influencing peers and young researchers alike. The international dimension of his research experience has positioned him as a bridge between diverse scientific traditions, enabling knowledge exchange that has both local and global significance.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Kerru’s legacy is anchored in his continued dedication to expanding the frontiers of chemical research while inspiring the next generation of scientists. His consistent pursuit of sustainable and innovative approaches in organic and medicinal chemistry reflects a vision of research that prioritizes both societal benefit and academic excellence. As he continues to publish, mentor, and collaborate internationally, his future contributions are likely to focus on refining green protocols, exploring novel catalysts, and advancing computational chemistry for drug discovery. By combining experimental expertise with computational precision, he is poised to contribute significantly to both theoretical advancements and real-world applications. His career trajectory embodies a balance of academic rigor, impactful research, and global collaboration, ensuring that his contributions will leave a lasting imprint on the field of chemistry.

Notable Publications

Title: A review on recent advances in nitrogen-containing molecules and their biological applications
Authors: N Kerru, L Gummidi, S Maddila, KK Gangu, SB Jonnalagadda
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2020

Title: Current anti-diabetic agents and their molecular targets: A review
Authors: N Kerru, A Singh-Pillay, P Awolade, P Singh
Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2018

Title: Recent advances (2015–2016) in anticancer hybrids
Authors: N Kerru, P Singh, N Koorbanally, R Raj, V Kumar
Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2017

Title: Synthesis and antioxidant activity of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole tagged thieno [2, 3-d] pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Y Kotaiah, N Harikrishna, K Nagaraju, CV Rao
Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2012

Title: Therapeutic significance of β-glucuronidase activity and its inhibitors: A review
Authors: P Awolade, N Cele, N Kerru, L Gummidi, E Oluwakemi, P Singh
Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2020

Title: Recent advances in heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives
Authors: N Kerru, SVHS Bhaskaruni, L Gummidi, SN Maddila, S Maddila, …
Journal: Synthetic Communications
Year: 2019

Conclusion

Dr. Nagaraju Kerru stands out as an academician and researcher who has seamlessly integrated rigorous scholarship, impactful research, and international collaboration. From his early academic pursuits in organic chemistry to his professional endeavors across multiple countries, he has consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership. His contributions in organic synthesis, catalysis, and computational studies have already made a mark in the scientific community, and his recognition as an editor, reviewer, and invited scientist further cements his influence. With a clear vision for advancing sustainable and medicinal chemistry, his legacy is one of dedication, impact, and forward-looking contributions that will continue to shape the future of chemical sciences.

Dr. Eman Shams | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eman Shams | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award 

Faculty of science, Alexandria University | Egypt

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Eman F. Shams began her academic journey with a deep interest in inorganic and environmental chemistry, fields that inspired her to pursue higher studies at Alexandria University in Egypt. Her early education was shaped by a strong foundation in theoretical chemistry and laboratory practice, which later evolved into advanced research on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs). Through her doctoral studies, she gained expertise in designing porous materials for energy storage, catalysis, and gas separation. Her curiosity-driven approach to solving real-world problems, such as clean energy storage and environmental sustainability, defined her early academic direction. These formative years were characterized by persistence, interdisciplinary learning, and the development of a strong analytical mindset, which positioned her for significant contributions to both fundamental chemistry and applied technologies.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Shams has established herself as an active researcher and educator across multiple international institutions. She has served as a visiting scholar, instructor, and postdoctoral researcher in Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, enriching her perspective on global scientific collaboration. Her teaching has included undergraduate and graduate-level instruction in chemistry, where she has focused on integrating cutting-edge research findings into classroom education. In addition, she has authored books on chemistry education, bridging the gap between complex scientific knowledge and accessible learning for students. Her professional endeavors extend beyond academia into collaborative projects with international research groups, where she has engaged in advanced studies on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, gas-to-liquid (GTL) conversion, and innovative membrane technologies. Through these roles, she has demonstrated both versatility and leadership in adapting her expertise to diverse scientific and educational contexts.

Contributions and Research Focus

The core of Dr. Shams’ contributions lies in her innovative research on advanced materials. She has specialized in the design and application of MOFs, COFs, and ZIFs for use in energy storage, catalysis, and environmental remediation. Her projects include the development of sodium-ion battery electrode materials with enhanced conductivity, the reduction of carbon dioxide using Zr-based MOFs, and the creation of proton-conductive frameworks for fuel cell applications. Employing molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, she has provided fundamental insights into proton migration, de-intercalation processes, and material performance optimization. Beyond theoretical modeling, she has also contributed to applied chemistry by developing hollow fiber systems and membranes for energy and environmental applications. Her research embodies the convergence of fundamental science and practical innovation, with clear implications for sustainable energy technologies and climate change mitigation.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Shams has been recognized with multiple awards for her research, teaching excellence, and contributions to the chemistry community. She has received honors for her innovative teaching practices, her ability to inspire students, and her impactful research on advanced materials. Her work has been published in leading journals such as the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Discover Materials, European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, and the Journal of Molecular Structure. She also serves as an editor and reviewer for respected international journals, further validating her expertise and leadership in the scientific community. Invitations to review manuscripts and join editorial boards highlight the esteem in which her peers hold her. These accolades not only celebrate her past achievements but also underscore her continuing influence as a chemist dedicated to advancing both knowledge and practice.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Shams’ research extends well beyond academia. Her studies on MOFs and COFs contribute directly to addressing global challenges such as clean energy storage, efficient catalysis, and carbon capture. Her findings provide pathways toward sustainable energy technologies, influencing both academic research and industrial applications. By mentoring students and collaborating internationally, she has contributed to the development of young researchers and fostered cross-border scientific exchange. Her publications are widely cited by scholars in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, demonstrating her influence on global research agendas. Moreover, her interdisciplinary approach to chemistry—combining computational modeling, materials synthesis, and practical application—positions her as a leader capable of shaping future directions in energy and environmental solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Shams is poised to leave a lasting legacy in chemistry through her innovative work at the intersection of materials science and sustainable technologies. Her research trajectory suggests future breakthroughs in the design of functional porous materials for batteries, catalysis, and fuel cells. With a commitment to addressing climate change and promoting energy efficiency, she is expected to contribute further to the development of renewable energy solutions. Beyond her laboratory achievements, her continued dedication to teaching, mentoring, and publishing will ensure that her influence is felt across generations of chemists and engineers. Her legacy will be characterized by her ability to bridge fundamental chemistry with global sustainability goals, providing a blueprint for how scientific research can transform society.

Notable Publications

The dance of sodium: de-intercalation voltage in metal-organic frameworks

Authors: Eman F. Shams; Hammed H. A. M. Hassan; Abdul-Hamid Emwas; Mariusz Jaremko; Mohan L. Verma; Morsy Abu-Youssef …
Journal: Discover Materials
Year: 2025

Conclusion