I don’t think everyone realises how little time we have on Earth, says Shamik Chowdhury, 29-year-old PhD student of environmental engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). “It’s no longer an individual choice whether we should practice green initiatives or not; we are way past that. Sustainable development is the answer we are all searching for to tackle climate change.
I want my children to live in a world where economic progress isn’t the only thing people run after. We need progressive solutions to limit man-made environmental damage. That’s what pushed me into my research,” he adds. He was recently bestowed the Green Talents 2016 award, which is under the patronage of German Research Minister Professor Johanna Wanka. The award focuses on recognising talented environmental researchers across the world. His research on green synthesis of 2D graphene nano-sheets and their self-assembly into advanced 3D macrostructures for sustainable urban development won him the honour.
In 2010, while pursuing his master’s in Biotechnology at National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, he was working on his thesis. That’s when he felt he should focus on sustainable products that improve urban life. Later, he was granted the President’s Graduate Fellowship to pursue his doctoral study and research at NUS and now his doctoral thesis is in development of functional nano-materials for environmental remediation that is effective in developing cost-effective batteries, ultra-fast rechargeable electric vehicles, energy-efficient desalination, sensors for detection of pollutants, and remediation of contaminated air and water. He believes it will bring a shift towards minimising our carbon footprint.
“It’s not just the industries that should do their part for energy conservation, we should too. I make it a point to walk or use public transport. We can’t expect a drastic change unless we all do something.” He urges people to take climate change and its effect more seriously. In the future, he plans to teach.
Reach Out: shamikchowdhury04@gmail.com