A chemistry genius

Prof A. Jayashree, Director of Institute of Science and Technology (IST) and Head, Centre for Chemical Sciences and Technology (CCST), JNTU, Hyderabad, was recently awarded the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry, London. Jayashree has received this award for her contributions in the field of academia (Science). She is the first woman from the JNTU University to receive the award.

“The honour has made me more responsible now and I feel what I have contributed so far is little,” says the Prof. “This is only a recognition for my contributions in the field of science and technology, in the form of publishing papers, organising national and international conferences and spreading the awareness and inspiring the students towards research in science, for the last 30 years,” she elaborates, adding, “So, the award has encouraged me to further inspire students to take up research in science education.”

What does the honour signify? “Since I am a fellow of the Royal Society, we can now access their vast database — journals, articles, papers, thesis and books of renowned professors, etc.”

Apparently, it was her father who inspired her to take up teaching. “I was married in my first year of post-graduation, but I have struggled a lot to balance my personal and professional life. I was very enthusiastic about research and hence pursued Ph.D., in molecular modelling, extraction, synthesis and biological activity, screening (invitro, invivo and exvivo) of medicinally important natural products.”

Jayashree feels that a majority of students are into professional courses — Engineering or Medicine, but not into research. “The challenge is to motivate students to pursue research in Universities. There’s a severe dearth of students in research. We have to nurture the need to pursue research among students so that the field of science and technology is not neglected. We need to come up with industry-oriented curriculums and state of the art infrastructure. Fortunately, students in JNTU are exposed to both — technology and infrastructure.”

She further explains that the student count in research is on a constant decline. “I guess there’s a growing need to introduce fellowships for M.Sc. students just like in M.Tech, so that it’ll motivate students to join this line. Also, job-oriented courses should be introduced so that our industrial sector grows,” says Jayashree.