Sushil Kumar

Dr. Sushil Kumar is an inorganic and organometallic chemist with expertise in photoluminescence sensing, photoinduced catalysis, and hybrid material development. He completed his Ph.D. at IIT Roorkee, where he investigated the photochemistry of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes for controlled nitric oxide release. 

His postdoctoral research in France advanced oxygen activation chemistry and the design of redox-active sulfur-rich ligands and transition-metal complexes. A recipient of the DST-INSPIRE Faculty Award, he developed light-driven Fe-Ru catalytic systems enabling dioxygen activation without external reductants. 

Currently a Senior Associate Professor at UPES Dehradun, he has extensive teaching experience and has supervised multiple Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. projects. His research contributes to molecular design strategies for catalysis, sensing, and bioinorganic applications. 

Dr. Sushil Kumar is Senior Associate Professor at UPES Dehradun, working in inorganic, organometallic, and hybrid materials chemistry. He served as DST-INSPIRE Faculty at Doon University (2016–2021), leading research on visible-light-driven dioxygen activation using Fe-Ru photosensitizer systems. 

He completed postdoctoral fellowships at Université de Bretagne Occidentale and Université de Franche-Comté, France, where he worked on oxygen activation, redox-switchable ligands, and transition-metal complex design. His experience includes advanced synthesis, catalysis, spectroscopy, and supervising research scholars across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. 

Photoluminescence sensing | Photoinduced catalysis | Organometallic chemistry | Bioinorganic chemistry | Hybrid functional materials. 

Dr. Kumar’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and practical understanding in chemistry. He emphasizes interactive learning, bridging fundamental concepts with real-world applications to inspire students at all levels. 

By integrating theory with hands-on experiments and problem-solving, he aims to develop analytical skills and scientific confidence. He values mentorship and encourages continuous learning, guiding students to become independent researchers and innovators. His approach promotes a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures intellectual growth and prepares students for diverse careers in science. 

Dr. Kumar has taught a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding, s- and p-Block Elements, Coordination Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Analytical Chemistry, and Organometallic Chemistry at the undergraduate level. 

For postgraduate students, he has delivered courses on Inorganic Biochemistry and Reaction Mechanisms, Structure and Properties of Metal Complexes, and Advances in Analytical Chemistry. His teaching includes both theoretical lectures and practical laboratory sessions, emphasizing conceptual clarity and hands-on experience. 

INSPIRE Faculty Award, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (2016–2021). 

Junior and Senior Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India during Ph.D. at IIT Roorkee (2008–2013). 

Scholarly Activities: 

Dr. Sushil Kumar has contributed extensively to curriculum development and academic planning. He participated in national initiatives such as the HBCSE-TIFR Resource Generation Camp (2018) for Olympiad-level chemistry question development. He completed faculty development training at NITTTR Bhopal (2021) and led student outreach programs at UPES Dehradun (2022). 

He has published research in high-impact journals and actively supervises Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. projects. With international postdoctoral experience in France, he continues advancing research in photoluminescence sensing, catalysis, and hybrid materials. 

sushil.k@ddn.upes.ac.in