Kanagasubbulakshmi Sankaralingam, PhD

Validating and refining a quantum-AI catalyst discovery platform through QV Studio’s Validate Program, with a focus on environmental remediation deployment pathways. Leading technical validation, application scoping, and early customer discovery to assess commercial pathways for quantum-enabled materials design, with an initial focus on high-impact environmental challenges. Engaging with mentors, ecosystem partners, and industry stakeholders to refine technology readiness, market positioning, and deployment strategy.

Provide materials science consulting for early-stage carbon capture and CO₂ separation technologies, supporting pre-commercial validation and technical decision-making. Scope of work: - Evaluate CO₂ adsorbents and composite materials (sorption capacity, porosity, thermal stability, regeneration) - Assess cyclic performance and degradation risks relevant to scale-up and pilot deployment -Translate laboratory data to system readiness insights across TRL progression - Perform preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and techno-economic screening to contextualize materials performance. Focus on science-backed validation and materials-level advisory at the concept-to-pilot interface.

Serving as the primary point of contact for Global PCCS in Canada, driving business development and regulatory compliance services for clients across diverse industries.

At UBC, I advanced cellulose-based nanocomposites for air filtration and sensor applications, improving PM2.5 capture efficiency by 55% through tailored interface control. I engineered piezoelectric paper sensors with ceramic–polymer integration, achieving a 43% increase in performance in partnership with industry collaborators. My work emphasized scalability and industrial applicability, moving beyond proof-of-concept toward real-world deployment. Alongside experimental design, I gained deep expertise in nanocomposite fabrication, soft matter systems, and mechanical–optical property optimization, while mentoring junior researchers and contributing to knowledge transfer.

2019 – 2020 | Missouri, USA At Missouri S&T, I investigated 2D materials (MoS₂) and their interface chemistry to optimize optical and surface properties for sensing and photonic applications. I developed custom optical instrumentation and employed advanced characterization techniques to map nanoscale interactions to functional performance. This role deepened my expertise in surface modification, thin-film materials, and optoelectronic properties, positioning me to contribute to industry sectors leveraging photonic materials, bioimaging, and nanosensors.

As Assistant Professor, I taught Environmental Engineering, covering air and water pollution control, soil contamination, solid waste management, and carbon management systems. My teaching emphasized the integration of pollution prevention technologies with materials chemistry, preparing students to approach sustainability challenges with both scientific and applied perspectives. I also introduced modules on carbon credit systems and regulatory frameworks, linking corporate and government mechanisms for emissions reduction to environmental science fundamentals. In parallel, I led research projects in biosensors for environmental monitoring, advancing nanomaterial-based detection platforms in collaboration with national agencies. This role strengthened my ability to bridge technical knowledge with regulatory and sustainability applications, while mentoring students and fostering academic–industry engagement.

At DRDO, I specialized in the synthesis and functionalization of quantum dots and metal oxides (ZnO, CdTe, CdS/ZnS, carbon QDs), tailoring their optical, electronic, and surface properties for applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and environmental monitoring. I integrated QDs into polymer composites and hybrid scaffolds, demonstrating performance in detection and biomedical tagging. My work combined surface modification, polymer–nanoparticle integration, and advanced characterization, laying the foundation for my expertise in functional nanomaterials for industry-relevant sensing and imaging technologies.

1. Developed a novel protocol to synthesize multifluorescent quantum dots and characterized its optoelectronic properties. 2. Constructed a radiometric biosensor platform for visual determination of dopamine in human serum. 3. Developed a paper-based biosensor platform using antibodies and aptamers as bioreceptors.

Coursework: Climate Change, Air and Water Pollution, Environmental Microbiology, Ecological Restoration, GIS and Remote Sensing, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Physics, Soil Science, Environmental Biology, Environmental Policy and Law. Research work: "Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil and water of an industrial area" -Investigated the levels of heavy metal contamination in the soil and water of an industrial area and proposed remediation methods – Training from Central pollution control board, India

Coursework: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry,Microbiology, Genetics, Bioinformatics • Research Project: "Synthesis of silver nanopartciles using plant extract and its antimicrobial activity” • Relevant Courses: Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Immunology, Nanotechnology, Biostatistics, microbiology