Professor ,Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham ,India
Dr. Zeena S. Pillai is a Professor of Chemistry at the Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri Campus. She joined the institution in 2009, bringing with her rich academic and international research experience. With a Ph.D. in Photochemistry from NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, and postdoctoral fellowships from prestigious U.S. institutions like the University of Notre Dame and Florida State University, she has made notable contributions to organic photochemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and phytochemistry. Her research also explores applications in photodynamic therapy, nanochemistry, and traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda. Dr. Pillai has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to several book chapters. She has been recognized with multiple accolades including the AIRA Research Award and the Best Academician Award. She actively contributes to curriculum development and national-level science education initiatives, including leading roles in virtual laboratory projects under the MHRD’s ICT mission.
Professional Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Dr. Zeena S. Pillai completed her M.Sc. in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University in 1996. She pursued doctoral research at the Photonics and Photosciences Division of the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), earning her Ph.D. in Photochemistry under the University of Kerala in 2002. Her early academic excellence was recognized with the National Talent Scholarship (1986–1988). She cleared prestigious national competitive exams such as the CSIR-UGC NET in 1997, earning Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from CSIR (1997–2001), and qualified GATE 1997. She further deepened her expertise through two postdoctoral fellowships: first at the Radiation Laboratory, University of Notre Dame (2001–2003), and then at Florida State University (2003–2005), focusing on radiation chemistry and photochemical systems. These academic and research foundations underpin her strong interdisciplinary contributions to advanced organic and supramolecular chemistry.
💼 Experience
Dr. Zeena S. Pillai has over two decades of academic and research experience in chemistry. Since January 2009, she has been serving as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri. Prior to this, she was a visiting faculty member at N.S.S. College for Women, Trivandrum (2008), and held a teaching position at R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore (2006). Her research career includes postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Notre Dame (2001–2003) and Florida State University (2003–2004), where she explored advanced topics in photochemistry and radiation chemistry. Dr. Pillai has significantly contributed to both teaching and curriculum development across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. She played a key role in national education projects, notably as a subject expert for the MHRD-sponsored Amrita Virtual Labs. Her work bridges classroom education, research innovation, and community learning.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Dr. Zeena S. Pillai has received multiple national and international honors for her academic excellence and research contributions. In 2025, she was honored with the AIRA Research Award by Amrita University. In 2023, she received the Best Academician Award from InAsc. She was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Visiting Professorship at the University of Bologna, Italy, for two consecutive years (2010 and 2011). Earlier in her career, she received several fellowships from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), including the Junior Research Fellowship (1997–1999), Senior Research Fellowship (1999–2001), and a CSIR-UGC NET award (1997). She also qualified the GATE examination in 1997 and received the National Talent Scholarship from the Department of Education (1986–1988). These accolades highlight her longstanding commitment to excellence in chemical sciences, teaching, and mentoring.
🔍 Research Focus
Dr. Zeena S. Pillai’s research bridges foundational and applied chemistry, with an emphasis on photochemistry, supramolecular systems, and green chemistry. Her current work explores the photo-physical and photo-chemical behavior of dendrimers and host–guest assemblies, development of fluorescent sensors, and synthesis of nanomaterials with biomedical applications. A significant part of her research also focuses on bioactive natural products and the chemical foundations of Ayurveda, particularly in developing plant-based pharmacological agents and evaluating the safety and efficacy of traditional formulations. She has actively contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations, including virtual lab simulations and sensor development for environmental and health monitoring. Through her diverse interests—ranging from photodynamic therapy to phytochemistry—she has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers and 7 book chapters. Her research combines synthetic strategy, spectroscopic characterization, and biological evaluation, offering sustainable solutions in chemical and medicinal sciences.
📚 Publication Top Notes
Scientific Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Panchagavya Formulation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Deepu Mohanan, P. Rammanohar, Zeena S. Pillai
Journal: International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies
Summary:This scoping review critically assesses the scientific literature on Panchagavya, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation composed of five cow-derived products. The study systematically compiles data on its pharmacological potential, safety profile, and therapeutic efficacy. It reveals evidence for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities. However, the paper highlights the need for standardized preparation methods and clinical validation. The authors advocate for multidisciplinary research to bridge traditional practices with modern evidence-based medicine.
Emerging Organic Electrode Materials for Sustainable Batteries
Authors: P. M. Hari Prasad, G. Malavika, Anuraj Pillai, Sachu Sadan, Zeena S. Pillai
Journal: NPG Asia Materials
Summary:
This comprehensive review explores recent developments in organic electrode materials for eco-friendly battery technologies. Focusing on redox-active organics, conductive polymers, and supramolecular designs, the article outlines how organic compounds offer promising advantages like environmental compatibility, structural tunability, and scalability. Challenges such as cycle life, conductivity, and stability are discussed alongside potential strategies to overcome them. The authors emphasize that organic electrodes could play a vital role in next-generation lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries for sustainable energy storage.
Conclusion
Dr. Zeena S. Pillai exemplifies a distinguished academic and research career in the field of chemical sciences. With a strong foundation in photochemistry and extensive postdoctoral experience in internationally reputed laboratories, she has successfully merged fundamental research with interdisciplinary applications. Her contributions span across supramolecular chemistry, nanomaterials, and the chemical basis of Ayurveda, demonstrating both scientific rigor and societal relevance. As a committed educator, she has played a pivotal role in advancing science education through curriculum development and virtual learning platforms. Her accolades—including the AIRA Research Award and Erasmus Mundus Professorship—reflect her impact in both academia and research. Through continuous innovation, publication, and mentorship, Dr. Pillai continues to inspire the next generation of scientists while addressing real-world challenges through chemistry.