(+91) 989166-5629

Sonali Bhandari Chemistry Tutor

Dr. Sonali Bhandari is a passionate educator and researcher with over 20 years of international experience in teaching, mentoring, and scientific research.

With a Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry from the University of Bath and teaching roles across India, the UK, the US, and Germany, she brings both depth of knowledge and a love for learning into every classroom. She is especially dedicated to making chemistry engaging for students at all levels, from school to university, including IB and IGCSE learners.

Education

  • University of Bath, Bath, UK – Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry (1994–1998)
  • Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA – M.S. in Organometallic Chemistry (1992–1994)
  • University of Cambridge, UK – M.A. (Cantab) in Chemistry (1989–1992)

Schooling

  • Frankfurt International School, Frankfurt, West Germany – International Baccalaureate Diploma (1987–1989)
  • Delhi Public School, New Delhi, India – All India Secondary School Examination (CBSE, 1987)

Work Experience

  • March 2018 – Present | Postgraduate Teacher at Alliance World School, Noida, India (Cambridge International Assessment Education)
  • Dec 2018 – March 2019 | Consulting Content Writer at Arsiga Konics, Faridabad, India
  • March 2016 – July 2018| Associate Professor, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University, Gurugram, India
  • July 2011 – April 2015 | Associate Professor, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
  • July 2009 – June 2011 | Assistant Professor, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
  • July 2008 – June 2009 | Manager, Shasun Pharmaceuticals, Chennai, India
  • March 2006 – June 2008 | Deputy Team Leader, Pesticides India (PI) Ltd., Udaipur, Rajasthan
  • Aug 2002 – Sept 2005 | Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
  • June 2000 – July 2002 | Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Göttingen, Germany
Work Experience (continued)
  • Jan 1999 – May 2000 | Research Associate at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, India
  • July – Dec 1998 | Research Scientist at Ranbaxy Research Laboratories, New Delhi, India
  • Oct 1994 – Feb 1998 | Postgraduate Researcher & Natural Sciences Demonstrator, University of Bath, UK.
  • Aug 1992 – Sept 1994 | Graduate Student Researcher & Teaching Assistant, Yale University, USA
  • June 1991 – Sept 1991 | Teacher, Delhi Public School, New Delhi, India

Scholarships / Fellowships / Awards

2022 – Lavender Festival, Bhaderwah, Jammu & Kashmir (Aroma Mission-2, CSIR-IIIM)

  • Recognised Bhaderwah as the Lavender capital of India
  • Promoted interaction among scientists, technologists, farmers, and entrepreneurs
  • Expanded lavender cultivation goal: 1500 hectares by 2024
  • Supported the creation of the National Institute of High-Altitude Medicine
  • Job generation and new research avenues in Bhaderwah

2018 – Happiness Curriculum (Govt. of Delhi Schools, Nursery–VIII)

  • Improved student mental well-being
  • Promoted mindfulness, socio-emotional learning, critical thinking, and relationship-building
  • Built emotional awareness for better decision-making
  • Focused on awareness, reflection, and confidence-building

2015 – India International Science Festival (Govt. of India & Vijnana Bharti)

  • Promoted scientific temper among the masses
  • Engaged the public with STEM solutions
  • Showcased Indian science & technology contributions
  • Created platforms for young scientists
  • Encouraged collaboration in research
  • Fostered the joy of working together for societal welfare
  1. 2018 – Mentored undergraduate student for PM’s Swacch Bharat Summer Internship
  2. 2014 – Invited Lecture, International Symposium on Conservation & Management of Pollinators (NAS Complex, Pusa, New Delhi)
  3. 2014 – Keynote Lecture, National Conference on “Earth and Environmental: Pollution & Prevention” (Amity University + Ministry of Earth Sciences, Noida)
  4. 2013 – Poster Presentation: Blended Learning – Exhibitions as Pedagogical Tools, FICCI Higher Education Summit
  5. 2013 – NNMRS Course on Remote Sensing (RS) & Geographic Information Software (GIS), ISRO, IIRS Dehradun
  6. 2003–2004 – Selected for L’Oréal Women in Science Fellowship (FWIS)
  7. 2002–2005 – Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Kentucky, USA
  8. 2000–2002 – Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship, Universität Göttingen, Germany
  9. 1999 – Young Scientist’s Award, Dept. of Science & Technology, India
  10. Jan 1999 – May 2000 – CSIR Fellowship, IIT Delhi, India
  11. 1994–1998 – Fellowship/Teaching Assistantship, University of Bath, UK.
  12. 1992–1994 – Fellowship/Teaching Assistantship, Yale University, USA
  13. 1989 – Fellow of Cambridge Commonwealth Trust
  14. 1989–1992 – Cambridge Nehru Centenary Scholarship
  15. 1989 – Otis Thorndike Award (Highest GPA, Frankfurt International School, West Germany)
  16. 1989 – American Women’s Club Award (All-Rounder, Frankfurt International School)
  17. 1986 – Junior Science Talent Scholarship, Directorate of Education, Delhi
  18. 1986 – Sanskrit Scholarship, Directorate of Education, Delhi

Research Experience

2016 – Present- Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, India

  1. Research in pedagogical tools and cognitive science
  2. Geospatial research with the aid of Remote Sensing and GIS

2011 – 2015- Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India

  1. Research in pedagogical tools and cognitive science
  2. Geospatial research with Remote Sensing & GIS
  3. Metal phosphide nanoparticles as corrosion-resistant reagents

2009 – 2011- Sharda University, Greater Noida, India

  • Research in pedagogical tools and cognitive science

2008 – 2009- Shasun Pharmaceuticals, Chennai, India – CRAMS (Contract Research & Manufacturing Services)

  • Worked on organic synthesis, stereochemistry, NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC
  • Feasibility reports prepared
  • Reactions performed:
    • Friedel–Crafts acylation
    • Buchwald–Hartwig amination
    • Resolution of diastereomers
    • Oxidation of aldehyde to acid (Jones reagent)
    • Bromination with NBS
    • PTSA protecting group addition

2006 – 2008- Pesticides India Ltd., Udaipur, Rajasthan – CRAMS Research & Development

  • Knowledge of named reactions, stereochemistry, NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC
  • Projects scaled up to pilot and plant stage
  • Prepared: Feasibility reports, TOP (Tentative Operating Procedure), SOP, Material Balance Sheets
  • Translated technical documents (German → English)
  • Reactions performed:
    • Epoxide ring opening with amines
    • Chlorination with thionyl chloride
    • Piperazine formation
    • Grignard reagent prep (bromobenzene)
    • Tertiary alcohol prep (carbinol) from Grignard reagent
    • Dione prep (maleic anhydride + hydrazine hydrate)
    • Mercapto-phenol synthesis
    • Azidation

2002 – 2005- University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA – Organometallic, Environmental, Materials, Nanoscience

  • Projects:
    1. Tetra-metallic molecules [Al{µ-OEt)₂AlR₂}₃] → nano-alumina
    2. Five-coordinate organo-aluminium compounds (catalysis potential)
    3. Sulphur–nitrogen ligands for Hg remediation
    4. Uranyl remediation with boron agents (nuclear waste handling)

2000 – 2002- Universität Göttingen, Germany – Organometallic Catalysis

  • Synthesised solid-supported metal complexes (catalysts)
  • Low-coordinate organo-Nickel complexes (catalysis)
  • Used glove box & Schlenk techniques

1999 – 2000-IIT Delhi, India – Organo-Tellurium & Organo-Selenium compounds (air-sensitive synthesis)

1998 (July – Dec) Ranbaxy Research Labs, Delhi, India – Drug synthesis, purification, and biological activity evaluation

1994 – 1998-University of Bath, UK – Organometallic tetrazoles

  • Organo-tin tetrazoles & thio-tetrazoles
  • Organo-lead tetrazoles
  • Organo-thallium tetrazoles
  • Supramolecular arrays observed

1992 – 1994- Yale University, USA – Transition metal-boryl compounds

  • Catecholborane to Ru-alkyls (mechanistic studies)
  • Tungstanocene boryls (air-sensitive synthesis + kinetics)

1991 – 1992- Cambridge University, UK – Supervised undergraduate project on X-ray crystallography

Teaching Experience

2019 – Present- Alliance World School, Noida, India

  • Teaching AS & A-Level and IGCSE Chemistry

2016 – 2018

Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, India

  • M.Sc. (Chemistry) – Inorganic Chemistry (I Year)
    • Stereochemistry & bonding in main group compounds
    • Thermodynamic/kinetic aspects of metal complexes
    • Ligand substitution (octahedral & square planar)
    • Isopoly/heteropoly acids of Mo & W
    • Crystal structures, metal–ligand bonding
    • Electronic spectra & magnetic properties of transition metals
    • Metal clusters & metal-π clusters
  • M.Sc. (Chemistry) – General Spectroscopy
    • EM radiation, interaction with matter
    • Rotational, vibrational, electronic, and NMR spectroscopy
    • Infrared spectroscopy applied to inorganic compounds
  • B.Sc. (Chemistry) III Year – Inorganic Chemistry
    • Metal–ligand bonding, kinetics, magnetism, electronic spectra
    • Organometallic chemistry, HSAB concept, silicones, phosphazenes
    • Bioinorganic chemistry
  • B.Sc. (Chemistry) II Year – Inorganic Chemistry
    • Chemistry of I, II, III row elements
    • Coordination compounds, non-aqueous solvents
    • Lanthanides & actinides, qualitative/quantitative analysis, solid state
  • B.Sc. (Chemistry) II Year – Organic Chemistry
    • Alcohols, epoxides, phenols, UV spectroscopy, and carboxylic acids
  • B.Sc. (Chemistry) I Year – Physical Chemistry
    • Fundamentals of kinetics & electrochemistry
  • B.Tech. I Year – Applied Chemistry
    • Same syllabus as Shiv Nadar & Sharda Universities

Practical Courses Taught

  • M.Sc. Inorganic Chemistry (qualitative, quantitative analysis)
  • B.Sc. Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, Physical experiments)
  • Topics included redox titrations, colourimetry, gravimetric analysis, paper chromatography, preparation of organic compounds, enthalpy of reactions, solubility studies, distribution of iodine, viscosity, surface tension, sublimation, etc.

Additional Academic Roles

  • Prepared question papers (B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD entrance) per IQAC guidelines
  • Designed multiple assessment question types (MCQs, short/long answers)
  • Drafted Department IQAC Annual Report (2016–17)
  • Compiled CBCS syllabi (B.Sc., M.Sc., M.Tech Nanoscience)
  • Organised field trips (Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Faridabad; Aug & Feb 2017)
  • Techfest stalls on Bravais lattices and Transition Metal Complex Colours

2011 – 2015- Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India

  • Taught Applied Chemistry to B.Tech. (I Year)
    • Topics: Water technology, polymers, electrochemistry, corrosion, fuels & combustion
    • Practical experiments: Hardness of water (EDTA), alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorine estimation, calorimetry, TDS, viscosity, flame photometer, calorific value of fuel, etc.
  • Taught Physical Chemistry to B.S. (I Year)
    • Topics: UV, IR, NMR, mass spectroscopy; electrochemistry; phase rule
  • Taught Environmental Studies (UGC compulsory)
    • Pollution (air, water, nuclear, marine, noise, thermal)
    • Human population, environment, health, and human rights
  • Taught Research Methodology (Ph.D. I Year)
    • Research methods, hypothesis design, sample design, data analysis
  • Taught Advanced Spectroscopy (Ph.D. I Year)
    • Principles of NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectroscopy
  • Conducted Field Trips (UGC mandatory)
    • Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Park, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur Sanctuary

2009 – 2011- Sharda University, Greater Noida, India

  • Environmental Studies (UGC compulsory) for B.Tech. I Year
  • Applied Chemistry for B.Tech. Civil Engineering (water, polymers, corrosion, ceramics, steel, cement, biopolymers, nanotechnology)
  • Inorganic & Physical Chemistry for B.Sc. II Year (acids/bases, transition elements, lanthanides, coordination compounds, liquids, solutions, phase rule)
  • Nanomedicine (M.Tech. Nanotech)
  • Bionanotechnology (M.Tech. Biotech)

2004 (Jan – May)- University of Kentucky, USA

  • Intro to Organic Chemistry: hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, amines, carbohydrates, proteins
  • General Chemistry II Workshop: solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids/bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, transition metals, nuclear chemistry

1999 (Jan – May)- IIT Delhi, India

  • Inorganic & M.Sc. labs, PhD lectures on Spectroscopic Methods (NMR, IR, Mössbauer)

1994 – 1998- University of Bath, UK

  • Inorganic, Organic, Physical Chemistry labs & problem-solving classes (general chemistry, organic mechanisms, lattice packing, coordination chemistry, spectroscopy, chromatography)
  • Supervised undergraduate research projects in organometallic synthesis

1992 – 1994- Yale University, USA

  • Freshman chemistry labs & problem-solving classes (titration, analysis, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, lab safety, error analysis)

1991- Delhi Public School, New Delhi, India

  • Taught high school chemistry (2 months)

Administrative Experience

2017 – 2018

  • Head of Department of Chemistry, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University
  • Member, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) Consultancy Group, SGT University
  • Member, University Research Committee, SGT University

2016 – 2018

  • Member, Core Research Committee, SGT University
  • Batch-in-charge of M.Sc. (Chemistry) I Year students

2011

  • Founding Warden of the Girls’ Hostel, Shiv Nadar University

2009 – 2010

  • Hostel Warden for the Girls’ Hostel, Sharda University

2009

  • Head Examiner for I Year B.Tech. Environmental Studies (~500 students), Sharda University

Other Skills

Languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, conversational Sanskrit and German

Computer Skills:

  • Windows, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel
  • Chemistry Windows drawing package
  • Blackboard, ArcGIS10, ILWIS9.3, ERDAS9.2
  • Databases: Cambridge Crystallography, Beilstein, Gmelin, Ovid, Chromcircle, SciFinder, CACD, Science Citation Index, etc.

Instrumental Skills:

  • Mössbauer spectrometer, glove box, Schlenk lines
  • IR spectroscopy, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, multinuclear), UV-vis spectrophotometer
  • TGA Analyser, X-ray diffraction, ICP-AAS, Atomic Absorption/Fluorescence
  • BET Surface Area Analyser

Instructional Design Skills:

  • ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation)
  • Designing engaging instructional material for diverse learners

Teamwork:

  • Coordinated examiners for marking 500+ answer sheets
  • Managed hostel staff (~200 students)
  • Coordinated with faculty for the smooth running of 21 chemistry courses
  • Conducted field trips for ~350 students
  • Organised exhibitions, Techfest stalls, food fairs, and entrepreneurial projects
  • Conducted Induction, Orientation, FDPs, Guest Lectures, Industrial Visits
  • Participated in aerobics, Bible studies, and fellowship programs
  • Worked on research teams (India, USA, Germany)

Editing Skills:

  • Edited journal articles in chemistry & material sciences (Cactus Communications, since 2022)
  • Focus on language, structure, flow, and formatting per journal guidelines

IB & IGCSE Chemistry Tutoring:

  • Taught IB Chemistry & IGCSE Chemistry (since 2020) to students in Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Greece
  • Covered the full syllabus, past papers, and Internal Assessments (IA)

Publications

  • Hartwig, J.F., Bhandari, S., Rablen, P.R. Addition of Catecholborane to Ruthenium-Alkyl – σ-Bond Metathesis with a Low Valent, Late Transition Metal. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1994.
  • Bhandari, S. et al. Organotin-substituted bis(thiotetrazoles). J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 1998.
  • Bhandari, S. et al. Tetrakis(triorganostannyltetrazoles). J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 1999.
  • Barrett, M., Bhandari, S. et al. Triphenyl(1-phenyl-5-mercapto-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazolato)lead(IV). J. Organomet. Chem., 1999.
  • Bhandari, S. et al. Functionalised (triorganostannyl)tetrazoles. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 2000.
  • Bhandari, S. et al. Thallium-substituted tetrazoles. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 2000.
  • Hao, H., Bhandari, S. et al. Pyrrolylaldiminato Complexes of Zn, Mg, Al. Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2002.
  • Singh, A.K., Bhandari, S. Tin Complexes with Nitrogen Ligands. Main Group Metal Chemistry, 2003.
  • Wang, Y., Bhandari, S. et al. Organoaluminum acetylides. J. Organomet. Chem., 2004.
  • Wang, Y., Bhandari, S. et al. Nano-alumina formation through molecular control. Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem., 2005.
  • Bhandari, S. et al. Land Capability & Crop Suitability (RS & GIS). Int. J. Geo Science & Geo Informatics, 2014.
  • Bhandari, S. Evolution of Environmental Education in India. Int. J. Humanities & Social Science, 2016.
  • Bhandari, S. Caste System & Reproductive Behaviour of Termites. Scientific India, 2019.
  • Bhandari, S. et al. Rainbow Experiment – Acids & Bases. Science Reporter, 2023.

Books

  • Bhandari, S.; Malik, G.; Shankar, S. An Enchanting Trail through Wilderness (Blurb Inc., USA, 2014)
  • Bhandari, S. Aqua Apocalypses (Amazon Inc., USA, 2018)

Conference Proceedings

  • Bhandari, S. et al. Land Capability Classification & Crop Suitability (RS & GIS). ESRI India User Conference, 2013.
  • Bhandari, S. Cognitive Profiles of Students in Environmental Studies Course. EDULEARN14, Barcelona, 2014.
  • Bhandari, S. Flood Events in J&K (2014) vs. Uttarakhand (2013). ESRI India User Conference, 2014.
  • Bhandari, S. Revival of Traditional Knowledge Systems for Environmental Protection. ICISW, New Delhi, 2016.

Posters Presented

  • Transition Metal-Boron Bonds, Gordon Research Conference, USA (1994)
  • Organotin & Organolead Tetrazoles, RSC Group Discussion, London (1996)
  • Organothallium Tetrazoles, Dalton Conference, Bath (1997)
  • Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts, Shiv Nadar Univ., India (2013)
  • Multiple posters on agroforestry, biogeographic zones, medicinal plants, waste-to-energy, winemaking, etc. (2013–2017)
  • Blended Learning – Exhibitions as Pedagogical Tools, FICCI Higher Education Summit, Delhi (2013)
  • Metal phosphide nanomaterials as corrosion-resistance agents, Int. Conference on Materials, Sharda Univ. (2014)
  • Wetlands & Eco-Legacy Studies (2016–2017)
  • Spectroscopic Techniques in Transesterification Reactions, CACEE, TIFR Mumbai (2018)

Training Courses

  • Workshops: Hazard & Operability Studies (Ranbaxy, 1998), Lab Safety (PI Industries, 2007)
  • German Language (Goethe Institute, Göttingen, 2000)
  • Pilot Plant Design & Operation (PI Industries, 2007)
  • Curriculum Development & E-Learning (SSN College, Chennai, 2011)
  • ISRO Remote Sensing & GIS (IIRS Dehradun, 2013)
  • Faculty Development Programs: Teaching effectiveness, Research methodology, Cognitive skills, Leadership styles (2013–2017)
  • Online courses: Roman Architecture (Yale Open Course, 2020), Evolution/Ecology (Yale Open Course, 2022)
  • Writer’s Training: ProWritingAid Fantasy & Romance Writer’s Weeks (2021)
  • Aromatherapy & Essential Oils (MSME, Govt. of India, 2022)
Conferences / Workshops / Symposia Attended

Attended 50+ international/national conferences & workshops including:

  • Dalton Conference, Cardiff (1995)
  • Modern Trends in Inorganic Chemistry, Bangalore (2000)
  • Lecture by Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn (IIT Delhi, 2000)
  • Public Lecture by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (IIT Delhi, 2000)
  • Alexander von Humboldt Meetings (Germany, 2000–2001)
  • International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM 2010, Delhi)
  • India International Science Festival (2015)
  • Cambridge Alumni Summits (2012, 2014)
  • Numerous workshops by ISRO, TERI, FICCI, ACS, RSC, National Academy of Sciences (2010–2020)
  • Pandemic-era online science & education events (2020–2021)