Dr. Annu Thomas is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of chemistry, currently serving as the Vice-Principal, Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Chemistry at Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kerala, India. With a Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Germany, her expertise spans biomimetic growth, nanomaterials, and environmental chemistry. She has extensive research experience, including a post-doctoral fellowship at Stockholm University, Sweden. Dr. Thomas has contributed significantly to scientific literature, with numerous conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. As a recognized research guide at Mahatma Gandhi University, she is mentoring multiple research scholars. Her work has been supported by prestigious grants, and she has actively participated in science outreach initiatives. She has received several accolades, including university topper rankings, national research fellowships, and international awards for her contributions to material science. An active member of professional organizations, Dr. Thomas plays a key role in promoting scientific advancements. Her dedication to interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation makes her a prominent figure in academia. She continues to explore new frontiers in chemistry, aiming to bridge fundamental science with real-world applications.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Annu Thomas has an impressive academic background in chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Germany, under the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Technical University Dresden. Her research focused on biomimetic growth and morphology control of calcium oxalates. She previously obtained an M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry from the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, where she secured the first rank in her university. Prior to that, she completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kerala, again achieving the top rank in her university. In addition to her formal education, Dr. Thomas has engaged in research training at various prestigious institutions, including Stockholm University, Sweden, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore. Her academic achievements have been recognized through multiple fellowships and scholarships, including the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India. Her educational journey reflects a strong foundation in chemistry, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research and practical applications in material science, nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry.
Professional Experience
Dr. Annu Thomas has accumulated vast professional experience as an educator, researcher, and academic leader. She is currently the Vice-Principal and Associate Professor at Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, where she also serves as the Head of the Department of Chemistry. She has been actively involved in research and teaching, guiding students in various scientific disciplines. Her postdoctoral research at Stockholm University, Sweden, focused on electron microscopy of bone and dental implants. Additionally, she worked as a Research and Development Assistant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, on mesoporous material synthesis. She has also undertaken research at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, focusing on polyimide-encapsulated calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Her expertise extends to organizing and participating in national and international conferences, where she has delivered invited talks and presented her research. Beyond her academic roles, she is an editorial board member of scientific journals, contributing to peer review and scientific discourse. Dr. Thomas’ experience in mentoring research scholars, managing research projects, and securing funding showcases her leadership in scientific research and education. Her professional journey highlights a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in chemistry and interdisciplinary sciences.
Research Interest
Dr. Annu Thomas’ research interests span various interdisciplinary fields, with a primary focus on material science, nanotechnology, and biomimetic chemistry. She specializes in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications. Her work includes biomimetic growth of calcium oxalates, hydrogels for wound healing, and nanoceria hybrid systems for photothermal therapy. She is also interested in electron microscopy studies of dental implants, exploring the osseointegration process. Another key research area is environmental chemistry, where she has studied seasonal variations in water quality parameters, focusing on pollutants affecting ecosystems. Dr. Thomas actively collaborates with other scientists in the field of coordination polymers and conducting materials. Her research integrates fundamental chemistry with real-world applications, including medical treatments, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials for industrial use. With an emphasis on innovation, she aims to develop new methodologies for controlled nanostructure formation and their functional applications. Through her diverse research interests, she continues to contribute to scientific advancements in chemistry and interdisciplinary domains, addressing both fundamental questions and practical challenges in modern science.
Research Skills
Dr. Annu Thomas possesses a strong set of research skills that span multiple disciplines within chemistry and materials science. She has expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, particularly in biomimetic growth and morphology control of calcium oxalates. Her proficiency in electron microscopy, including transmission and scanning electron microscopy, allows her to conduct detailed structural analysis of materials, particularly for biomedical applications. She is skilled in spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, UV-Vis, and X-ray diffraction for material characterization. Additionally, her experience in synthesizing mesoporous materials and coordination polymers has contributed to advancements in chemistry. Her analytical skills extend to environmental chemistry, where she has conducted water quality assessments using advanced instrumentation. As a research guide, she is adept at mentoring students in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing. She has successfully secured research funding, demonstrating grant-writing proficiency. Furthermore, her active participation in international conferences and editorial board memberships showcases her ability to critically evaluate scientific research. With a strong background in interdisciplinary research, Dr. Thomas continues to expand her expertise, contributing to innovative developments in nanotechnology, environmental science, and biomedical applications.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Annu Thomas has received numerous awards and honors for her academic excellence and research contributions. She was the university topper during both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. She was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and also qualified for the CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) for lecturing at postgraduate institutions. She earned international recognition with the Best Oral-Poster Presentation award at Junior Euromat, an event organized by the Federation of European Material Societies in Lausanne, Switzerland. Her Ph.D. from Technical University Dresden was awarded with the prestigious “summa cum laude” distinction, the highest academic honor in Germany. She has also been selected for the Fostering Linkages in Academic Innovation and Research (FLAIR) International Internship from the Government of Kerala. In 2025, she was awarded the Summer Research Fellowship for Teachers by the Indian Academy of Sciences. These accolades highlight her dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and contributions to the field of chemistry.
Conclusion
Dr. Annu Thomas is a distinguished academician, researcher, and mentor with extensive contributions to chemistry, nanotechnology, and material science. Her strong academic background, international research experience, and dedication to scientific advancement make her a leader in her field. With expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, biomimetic chemistry, and environmental research, she has successfully bridged the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. Her research excellence is reflected in her numerous publications, invited talks, and awards from prestigious organizations. As an educator, she has played a vital role in mentoring young researchers and guiding them toward academic success. Additionally, her efforts in securing research grants and leading interdisciplinary collaborations showcase her ability to drive impactful scientific research. Dr. Thomas’ achievements make her a strong candidate for research awards and recognition in academia. Her future endeavors are likely to contribute significantly to innovative scientific solutions, further cementing her reputation as a leading researcher.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Biomimetic Growth of Calcium Oxalate Hydrates: Shape Development and Structures in Agar Gel Matrices
Authors: Annu Thomas, Paul Simon, Wilder Carrillo-Cabrera, Elena Sturm
Year: 2025 (Accepted)
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Title: Edible Nanocoating of Dextran/Lipid and Curcumin for Enhanced Shelf Life of Fresh Produce
Authors: Sana Kabdrakhmanova, Robin Augustine, Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Aiswarya Sathian, Annu Thomas, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Sabu Thomas, Joshy K.S, Anwarul Hasan
Year: 2025
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Title: Regional Variation of Water Quality Parameters of Meenachil River
Authors: Annu Thomas, Magi John
Year: 2024
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Title: In Silico Studies of Remdesivir Triphosphate on Hemorrhagic Fevers and Molecular Dynamic Simulations of Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses
Authors: Aishwarya Joy, Aby Jimson, Annu Thomas
Year: 2023
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Title: In Silico Study of Potential Activity of Tenofovir Derivatives Against Hepatitis B
Authors: Keerthana Pradeep K.V, Aby Jimson, Annu Thomas
Year: 2023
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Title: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Study of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Aisha Jaino, Gayathri B. Raj, Sandra A., Aby Jimson, Annu Thomas
Year: 2023
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Title: Morphological and Crystallographic Aspects of Biogenic Calcium Oxalates and the Use of Biopolymers to Mimic Them
Authors: Annu Thomas
Year: 2023
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Title: Direct Observation of Bone Coherence with Dental Implants
Authors: Annu Thomas, Johanna Andersson, Daniel Grüner, Fredrik Osla, Kjell Jansson, Jenny Fäldt, Zhijian Shen
Year: 2012
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Title: Mimicking the Growth of a Pathologic Biomineral: Shape Development and Structures of Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate in the Presence of Polyacrylic Acid
Authors: Annu Thomas, Elena Rosseeva, Oliver Hochrein, Wilder Carrillo-Cabrera, Paul Simon, Patrick Duchstein, Dirk Zahn, Rüdiger Kniep
Year: 2012
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Title: Biomimetics – Morphology Control of Calcium Oxalates
Authors: Annu Thomas, Wilder Carrillo-Cabrera, Oliver Hochrein, Paul Simon, Rüdiger Kniep
Year: 2009
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Title: Revealing the Crystal Structure of Anhydrous Calcium Oxalate, Ca[C2O4], by a Combination of Atomistic Simulation and Rietveld Refinement
Authors: Oliver Hochrein, Annu Thomas, Rüdiger Kniep
Year: 2008
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Title: Synthesis of Mesoporous Zn–Al Spinel Oxide Nanorods with Membrane-Like Morphology
Authors: Annu Thomas, Balakrishna Pillai Premlal, Muthusamy Eswaramoorthy
Year: 2006