Shalaka Dewan

Shalaka Dewan

Shalaka joined the PhD program in the Department of Chemistry at Temple University after completing her M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry from University of Mumbai, and a short stint as a science editor for research papers. The idea of using ultrafast lasers to study chemistry fascinated her and led her to the Borguet Group. Shalaka’s research interests are in applying non-linear optical spectroscopy techniques to visualize molecular interactions at surfaces and interfaces that are not accessible with linear spectroscopies.

As a Ph.D. student, Shalaka worked on sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy with a focus on understanding the structure and dynamics of water at mineral interfaces. Such insights have important implications in many geochemical and biological processes that are controlled by “interfacial water.” 

After graduating she worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the labs of Dr. Chao Wang and Dr. David Gracias at Johns Hopkins University, to reestablish the picosecond laser lab and carry out in-situ surface-specific SFG spectroscopy of electrochemical systems. Her love and knack for hands-on laser work and training in non-linear optics in the Borguet group ultimately led her to her current role as Laser Scientist at IPG Photonics Corp, where she works on new product development of UV lasers.

Shalaka’s CV

 

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