Dr Rajesh Ramanathan
Dr Ramanathan’s research relates to the development of new nano-biosensors/diagnostic devices with particular emphasis on detection of heavy metal ions, biomolecules, and infectious agents.
Materials science; physical/inorganic chemistry; microbiology; biotechnology.
His research in the area of bio-electrochemistry has led to the use of different bacteria as ‘nano-factories’ to achieve eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles.
Dr Ramanathan employs electrochemistry to understand bio-geochemical processes within individual bacterial cells leading to the discovery of new enzymes involved in biogeochemical processes and gaining new insights into microbial biogeochemical pathways.
In addition to collaborations with CSIRO and other national research institutions, Dr Ramanathan has developed an extensive international network of collaborators at institutions such as University of Waterloo (Canada), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (USA), University of Massachusetts (USA) and Martin Luther University (Germany).
Dr Ramanathan was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2015 and is based in the School of Science.