Shivanand Chettri earns PhD from Sikkim University, brings academic glory to Darjeeling

In a proud moment for Darjeeling, Shivanand Chettri, a resident of 7 Oaks Rose Bank, has been awarded the prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree by Sikkim University. The honor was conferred upon him for his original and impactful research titled “Understanding Structure–Activity Relationship in First-Row Transition Metal Compounds–Catalyzed Reactions.” The research was conducted under the able guidance of Dr. Anand Pariyar from the Department of Chemistry, Sikkim University.

Chettri, son of Ram Bahadur Chettri and Smt. Gitanjali Pradhan, explored one of the most vital areas of modern chemistry — catalysis. His work focuses on first-row transition metals and their applications in catalyzing chemical reactions, which are essential in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy. His findings establish vital correlations between the molecular structures of metal complexes and their catalytic performance, offering new insights into how catalysts can be made more effective, sustainable, and suitable for industrial use.

The research also delves into surface reactivity of metal oxides, the role of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs), and the unique behavior of cobalt-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), especially their reactivity based on dimensional structures. These themes are of increasing global interest, particularly in the context of green chemistry and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.