Functional Organic Synthesis Group (FunOS)

Functional Organic Synthesis Group (FunOS)

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We design and synthesise functional organic molecules for therapeutic applications and sustainable energy technologies, including redox-active materials for next-generation flow batteries.

Functional Organic Synthesis Group (FunOS) focuses on the design and synthesis of functional organic molecules for applications in human health and sustainable energy technologies. Our research integrates synthetic organic chemistry, molecular design, and materials innovation to develop next-generation therapeutics and redox-active materials for flow batteries.

Our mission is to create impactful molecular solutions to global challenges through innovative organic synthesis. We aim to bridge fundamental chemistry with translational applications by training future researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and advancing technologies that improve health outcomes and energy sustainability.

Research areas

Energy Storage Materials

Design and synthesis of redox-active organic molecules and functional materials for redox flow batteries and next-generation sustainable energy storage technologies.

Medical and Therapeutic Chemistry

Development of functional organic molecules and nanomaterials targeting neurodegenerative diseases and cancer for advanced therapeutic applications.

Sustainable Materials and Processes

Development of sustainable materials and environmentally responsible processing technologies, including supercritical carbon dioxide systems for efficient extraction, formulation, and advanced material fabrication.

People

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Afzal .

Afzal .

PhD Candidate

    Afzal works on functional organic molecules and electroactive materials for sustainable energy storage systems, contributing to next-generation redox flow battery technologies. His research also explores structure–property relationships to improve charge transfer efficiency and long-term electrochemical stability.
    Sarika Birajdar

    Sarika Birajdar

    PhD Candidate

      Sarika develops porous and functional polymer-based materials for electrochemical energy storage, focusing on improving redox performance and system stability. Her work additionally targets scalable material architectures that enhance ion transport and operational lifetime.
      Liyana Arachchilage

      Liyana Arachchilage

      Masters Candidate

        Liyana focuses on organic materials and molecular systems for improving the performance of redox flow battery technologies. His work also explores tuning molecular redox properties for enhanced energy density and cycling stability.

        Vincent Walter

        Vincent Walter

        PhD Candidate

          Vincent develops advanced delivery systems for improving the transport and effectiveness of therapeutic molecules in biomedical applications. His work also focuses on enhancing bioavailability and controlled release mechanisms.
          Venkatesh Muthukumar

          Venkatesh Muthukumar

          PhD Candidate

            Venkatesh works on bioactive molecular systems for therapeutic applications, including cancer-related drug development. His research additionally explores targeted molecular interactions to improve therapeutic selectivity and efficacy.
            Anushka Vashishth

            Anushka Vashishth

            PhD Candidate

              Anushka works on functional small molecules for therapeutic applications targeting neurodegenerative disease pathways. Her research further examines molecular mechanisms underlying protein aggregation and neuronal dysfunction.
              Leonardo Machado Hugen

              Leonardo Machado Hugen

              PhD Candidate

                Leonardo investigates molecular interactions and biological systems to support rational drug discovery and therapeutic development. His work integrates computational and experimental approaches to better understand ligand–target interactions.

                Sohilkumar Patel

                Sohilkumar Patel

                PhD Candidate

                  Sohilkumar develops sustainable synthetic routes for producing key chemical building blocks from renewable resources. His research further supports the transition toward greener and more efficient chemical manufacturing processes.
                  Millaniyage Peiris

                  Millaniyage Peiris

                  PhD Candidate

                    Millaniyage works on the design of catalytic and functional systems for clean synthesis applications and sustainable electrochemical processes. Her studies also aim to optimise reaction pathways for improved synthetic efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
                    Ibrahim Said Hamed Humaid Al Waili

                    Ibrahim Said Hamed Humaid Al Waili

                    PhD Candidate

                      Ibrahim works on converting waste materials into valuable carbon-based functional materials using sustainable processes. His research further explores upcycling strategies for circular economy applications.
                      Severin Dupuche

                      Severin Dupuche

                      PhD Candidate

                        Severin will be investigating the use of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to accelerate and control organic chemical reactions. His research aims to develop faster, more energy-efficient, and sustainable synthetic methodologies for the preparation of valuable organic molecules.

                        Anika Amir Mohana

                        Anika Amir Mohana

                        2022–2026

                          Anika develops analytical and characterization methods for complex industrial materials in environmental and processing systems. Her research also enhances precision in detecting material degradation and composition changes.
                          Zachary Deller

                          Zachary Deller

                          2021–2024

                            Zachary studies emissions and environmental impacts of construction materials and approaches for their mitigation. His work further contributes to lifecycle assessment frameworks for sustainable building practices.
                            Ashis Chhetri

                            Ashis Chhetri

                            2020–2024

                              Ashis designs and studies functional triazine-based materials for applications in advanced materials systems. His work also investigates their tunable electronic and structural properties for targeted applications.
                              Anthony Dahdah

                              Anthony Dahdah

                              2019–2023

                                Anthony studies molecular mechanisms related to protein aggregation and its inhibition for therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative disease. His work further contributes to identifying small-molecule modulators of amyloid formation.
                                Ilya Joohari

                                Ilya Joohari

                                2018–2022

                                  Ilya works on polymer-based materials for infrastructure applications, focusing on improving durability and performance. Her research also evaluates long-term material behaviour under environmental stress conditions.
                                  Chandramohan Reddy Bandi

                                  Chandramohan Reddy Bandi

                                  2016–2026

                                    Chandramohan contributes to the synthesis of complex molecular architectures with potential applications in anticancer research. His work further explores synthetic strategies to improve molecular diversity and biological activity.
                                    Umadevi Kizhakke Purakkel

                                    Umadevi Kizhakke Purakkel

                                    2016–2021

                                      Umadevi works on heterocyclic compounds and functional molecules for antimicrobial and therapeutic applications. Her research also focuses on designing novel scaffolds to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
                                      Pradeep Kumar Geetala

                                      Pradeep Kumar Geetala

                                      2016–2021

                                        Pradeep focuses on the synthesis of functional heterocyclic molecules using sustainable and metal-free organic chemistry approaches. His work also aims to develop greener reaction pathways with improved atom economy.
                                        Ramaraju Andhavaram

                                        Ramaraju Andhavaram

                                        2016–2021

                                          Ramaraju works on developing synthetic methodologies for constructing complex nitrogen-containing molecular frameworks. His research further enables access to biologically relevant scaffolds for pharmaceutical applications.
                                          Nilamuni De Silva

                                          Nilamuni De Silva

                                          2017–2021

                                            Nilamuni works on functional molecular systems for therapeutic applications targeting protein misfolding and neurodegenerative diseases. Her research also investigates molecular inhibitors that can modulate aggregation pathways in disease progression.

                                            Group activities

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                                            Contact

                                            Subashani Maniam profile image.Dr Subashani Maniam

                                            Phone number: +61 3 9925 5688

                                            Location: Building 3, Level 2, Room 10H
                                            City campus, 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000

                                            Email: subashani.maniam@rmit.edu.au

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                                            RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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