Welcome to Dr. Parmanand Ahirwar's ePortfolio

Thanks for visiting my site. I am excited to share my passion for education and my commitment to scientific research. Within this portfolio, you will find a collection of materials that showcase my research experience, skills, teaching experience, and instructional strategies.

Dr. Parmanand Ahirwar

A driven researcher

I am a driven researcher in the field of Medicinal Chemistry, with a focus on developing innovative solutions for addressing pressing biomedical challenges. My research journey, spanning from my integrated B.S.-M.S. in Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to my recent doctoral work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), showcases my deep commitment to interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and biology especially microbiology.

I have recently completed my PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where my research focused on developing novel solutions to combat dental caries through the design and synthesis of hydrogel-encapsulated biofilm inhibitors. My doctoral work involved a multifaceted approach, integrating computational screening, organic synthesis, and microbiological assays to identify and optimize small molecule inhibitors targeting Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase enzymes. This endeavor culminated in promising in vitro and in vivo results, underscoring the potential for clinical translation.

Prior to my doctoral studies, during my master’s tenure at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, I delved into the design and synthesis of histidine kinase inhibitors targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae, with a focus on thwarting bacterial drug resistance mechanisms. Additionally, my industry experience at Cerflux Inc. has equipped me with valuable skills in screening potential cancer drugs and conducting dose-dependent drug treatments using advanced robotic platforms.

In summary, my journey in Medicinal Chemistry, from my integrated B.S.-M.S. at IIT Bombay to my recent doctoral work at UAB, reflects a steadfast dedication to interdisciplinary research bridging chemistry and biology, particularly microbiology.

See research section for more details.

A passionate teacher

With six plus years of experience as an educator, I have had the privilege of working with diverse groups of students ranging from middle and high schools to undergraduate classes. My teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that every student has unique strengths, abilities, and potential waiting to be unlocked. I strive to create a student-centered classroom where all learners feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full academic and personal potential. I am specially fascinated about modern learning models like students as partners and flipped classrooms. Technology integration is also a significant part of my instructional approach, as I believe it enhances student engagement and facilitates deeper learning experiences.

I am a recent PhD graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and currently working as instructional laboratory coordinator at UAB Chemistry.

In addition to my academic and classroom pursuits, I am a travel enthusiast and have covered 42 states in the United States, mostly on wheels. Adventure outdoor activities like hiking, river rafting, camping etc. are my definitions of leisure. I am also creative writer and have been consistently wining Hindi creative writing general championship at IITB for five years. Non-fiction, philosophy and history are my genre of books.

I hope the materials presented here provide you with a comprehensive understanding of my teaching philosophy, instructional abilities, and commitment to students' and my own growth.

More: Teaching philosophy

List of courses I teach/taught:

1. CH 105 Introductory Chemistry

2. CH 117 General Chemistry II

3. CH 238 Organic Chemistry Lab II

4. General Chemistry Lab I

5. General Chemistry Lab II

Recent Awards

Outstanding General Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, April 2023

Excellence in Graduate Research Award, April 2023

Alabama Section American Chemical Society Outstanding Graduate Student Fellow Award, April 2022

First Place, Three Minute Thesis Competition, Department of Chemistry, UAB, Nov 2022

Testimonials

"Our lab sections typically have 40 students in the lab space at one time, and each graduate teaching assistant is responsible for three sections of lab. That’s 120 students to keep motivated, and Parmanand makes a point of learning every single one by their names. He makes sure to learn about them and determine how to best help them learn chemistry and grow their confidence in their chemistry knowledge. As one of our most experienced TAs in the department, he is always willing to help the new graduate students find their teaching style as a TA and helps them learn how to develop pre-lab lectures and classroom management skills. He has a unique way of nurturing the small seed of chemistry interest in his students into saplings, and it is a talent that enables him to connect to every single one of his students and his undergraduate TAs at a profound level."

Ellen A. Humphreys, Instructional Laboratory Coordinator, UAB Chemistry

"Parmanand was a great research mentor. During my time working with him, he always would take the time to show me how to do something the right way. He also allowed me to have a lot of freedom run experiments by myself and learn on my own. For someone who was very busy themselves, he never cut corners and went above and beyond to help me reach my goals."

Bradley Thigpen, Former undergraduate research trainee, Velu Group, UAB

Students' Anonymous Feedbacks

"His knowledge and patience makes him an amazing TA, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from him and to have his guidance. Parma also took time to learn about all of our post-college plans, hobbies, and interests, which is something that I know many students in our section appreciated. I also have friends in other lab sections who have Parma as their TA, and we often talk about how wonderful he is."

"Parma greatest strengths is that he loves chemistry, so he was always energetic and fun in lab. He also made sure that we all understood the lab and did a good job explaining what to do. Parma is a great TA and teacher, and I would wish he could be my TA for every class."

"Parma is AWESOME. Quite literally the ONLY reason that I found any joy in this lab at all. He is one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. He knows how to give tough love and he knows how to teach. I wish him nothing but the best in all of his endeavors because he is one of the all-around best people I know. He is very well rounded, very approachable, very well-spoken. And, you can tell he really cares about his students. He believed in me when I did not believe in me, and he encouraged me when others and myself were discouraging me. He deserves utmost recognition and pay."

"He was more than helpful and extremely patient with his students. He was eager to assist students and made sure everyone felt confident in conducting the experiments. He was seriously the best TA and everyone (including various labs) praise Parma for his great patients and eager helpfulness."

"I really respect how Parma tries to get us students to really understand the concepts and reasoning behind our experiments. Parma tries to connect the concepts to real world examples and breaks it down to the layman. I think he is really good at explaining things to us and tries to give us room to correct our mistakes."

"Parma is probably one of the most helpful and respectful teachers I have ever met. He is extremely knowledgeable on chemistry and is always willing to help wherever he can, whether it be helping with checking calculations or helping setting up the equipment."

"Parma is the best TA I have ever encountered. He is very knowledgeable about the topics presented in the lab. His lectures before the experiment are very helpful and they clear up any confusion prior to attending the lab. During the lab, he walks around to ensure that everyone understands the procedures and he answers all questions very thoroughly. He is a joy to work with and he often likes to crack jokes to keep the mood light. If Parma was the TA for every lab section offered, the lab would be ten times more enjoyable."

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse