Mr. Muhammad Sheraj | Heterocyclic Molecules | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Muhammad Sheraj is a senior research scholar pursuing a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, with a focus on exploring weak non-covalent interactions through the design of flexible heterocyclic molecules. His research spans diverse applications, including drug delivery systems, molecular sensors for ions and biomolecules, self-assembled nanomaterials, supramolecular catalysis, and materials science such as hydrogels and liquid crystals. He also works in medicinal chemistry, designing potential lead molecules using computer-aided drug design, followed by synthesis and biological evaluation. He holds an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Chemistry from Banaras Hindu University and has qualified the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship and the GATE examination in Chemistry, demonstrating a strong academic foundation. He is skilled in synthesizing heterocyclic organic molecules through one-pot and multi-step methodologies, purifying compounds using column chromatography, and elucidating structures via NMR and HRMS. His expertise extends to spectroscopic techniques including UV, fluorescence, IR, and Raman, crystallization methods, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using OLEX software, and computational studies with Gaussian software. He is also experienced in scientific writing and mentoring junior researchers. Sheraj has contributed to high-impact publications, including studies on DPP-4 inhibitors and ultrasound-assisted ring opening of epoxides in the Journal of Molecular Structure. He has actively presented his work at national and international conferences, including the International Conference on Chemistry for Sustainability at IIT Hyderabad and the Brainstorming Meeting on Chemistry at the Interface at BHU. Recognized for his service as an evaluator for the National Camp of Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan organized by Vijnana Bharti, he combines a strong academic and research foundation with practical experience in supramolecular chemistry, organic synthesis, and interdisciplinary applications in materials and medicinal chemistry.