Dr. Shrinwantu Pal

  • BSc (Hons.)
  • MS
  • PhD

Inorganic; Organometallic; Catalysis; Reaction Mechanisms; DFT calculations

Research Summary

My long-standing research interest is developing organometallic complexes for catalysis related to sustainability. I routinely use computational chemistry (DFT calculations) to rationally design molecules and I really enjoy looking at how reactions progress and products evolve in experiments. In other words, I enjoy tracking reactions atom-by-atom - this allows us to account for all the steps in reactions and support our hypotheses. Some of my favourite analytic methods are NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS - these techniques let you 'see' the molecules you make! Occasionally, I enjoy getting caught up in old chemistry that hasn't been updated or revised in a while, especially in the light of more modern theories and instrumental techniques - some of these adventures have a strong educational component, too! My research activities are typically catalyzed by coffee and 90s playlists, although these preferences are slowly evolving towards green tea (after having lived in Japan for four years) and softer instrument-focussed styles. I also enjoy cheesy jokes, and I will stop here with one that reflects how important chemists are in that 'we have all the solutions'.

Courses Taught

  • Inorganic Chemistry 18:274
  • Inorganic Chemistry 18:374
  • Organometallic Chemistry

Teaching Summary

I enjoy teaching because it enables me to inspire and nurture the growth of young minds, igniting their passion for learning. Witnessing the moment when a concept (read: curly arrows) clicks and a student's eyes light up is incredibly rewarding , relegated perhaps only in instances where the concepts taught in class translate to findings in cutting-edge research. I view teaching as directed conversation, and particularly enjoy the aspect where I am able to modify or even improve concepts based on questions I get from students - for this reason, I make my classes as interactive as possible!

Service Activities

  • Anti-racism Task force: As a person of a visible minority group, I serve as a member of ATF where I contribute by attending regular meetings and discuss steps we as a community should take towards making BU (and academia, in general) a safe place where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies: I am a member of the faculty of graduate studies where I contribute to the Master of Science in Environment and Life Sciences program by promoting discussions at the Science Seminar Series, presenting topics related to Climate Change and Sustainability, and serving on thesis committees.