Student Spotlight: Suraj Chandran, PhD Candidate in Chemical Physics
Suraj Chandran received a prestigious Hertz fellowship this year for his research probing novel quantum regimes of chemical dynamics and the development of efficient, sustainable energy conversion systems. We spoke to Suraj about his experience as a graduate student at Columbia's GSAS.
When you were younger, when did you know you were interested in science? Was there a class or experience that sparked your interest in science?
I'm not sure there was any one moment that sparked my interest in science; I feel as though I've always been immersed in it. Even back in kindergarten, some of my favorite things to read were books on biology and space. Though they never compelled me towards science, my parents' scientific backgrounds (my mom's in biology and my dad's in chemical engineering) undoubtedly had an influence. They'd often bring me along when they taught classes at local community colleges or when my dad was working in his consulting lab.
What led you to pursue Chemical Physics at Columbia?
My first research experience was actually in a biochemistry lab working on artificial electron transfer proteins, but I quickly found myself more interested in the theory of electron transfer that formed the basis of their function. My research interests shifted towards quantum dynamics in chemical systems, and I ultimately joined a theory group where I worked on projects related to spin-selective electron transfer. As I came to greatly enjoy working in theoretical and computational chemistry, I decided I would like to continue nurturing that passion through graduate study. The chemistry department here at Columbia seemed like a great environment in which to make that happen, given the department’s strong interdisciplinary materials research initiatives and tight-knit collaborative community.
How have you grown so far through your graduate studies at Columbia?
I’ve only just finished my first year, but I’ve grown immensely from a technical standpoint. Thanks to the classes I’ve taken over this past year, I feel as though there’s a huge swath of literature in my field that has become far more accessible to me. I find myself more confident discussing the state of my field and more flexible in thinking about the research going on in the many experimental groups on campus.
What do you appreciate most about your professors?
I most appreciate that my professors have a palpable passion for their respective fields. Their teaching has been charismatic and engaging; I could always feel their excitement about the material and have always gotten the impression that they want me to succeed. Although their courses aren’t easy, they teach effectively and have always been highly approachable.
Who are your personal heroes?
My personal heroes are those among us who are willing to put their lives on the line to advance knowledge: the first astronauts, scientists who refuse to compromise their work in repressive societies, journalists who travel to active war zones. To stake one’s life on truth and understanding is, to me, a deeply heroic act.
Where do you like to eat lunch near Columbia?
The Fogon food truck by the Earl Hall gate makes some fantastic burritos! I also enjoy taking a walk up to 125th and Broadway for some Caribbean food from Island Grill.
What music or podcasts have you been listening to lately?
I listen to a mix of classical, jazz, rock and metal. Recently I’ve been listening a lot to the Korngold string quartets, Mer by jizue, and Kept by Rioghan.
How do you like to spend your free time in New York?
In my free time you’ll typically find me at one of the climbing gyms near campus.