Mitra currently works as a lead development chemist at Ingevity Corporation. He conducts R&D projects to advance Ingevity Corporation’s specialty chemical product pipeline three molecules at a time (Rosin, Lignin, and TOFA) via new synthesis and application testing targeting new uses.

Mitra did his postdoctoral research at the Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota. There, his advisor was Prof. Theresa Reineke. Mitra conducted research projects that involved the study of interpolyelectrolyte complexes between cationic polymers and anionic biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. In addition, he studied stimuli responsive polymers that can be used as gene delivery vehicles.

Mitra’s Ph.D. adviser was Prof. Chuanbing Tang at the University of South Carolina. His graduate research and scholarly activity involved the areas of sustainable chemistry for the development of novel biomaterials. Transformation of natural biomass into antimicrobial polymeric agents and sustainable chemicals, monomers and polymers was the major focus. Through his research, Mitra has formed a strong foundation in multi-step organic synthesis, controlled polymerization techniques, and material characterization. Furthermore, his expertise includes an array of biological assay techniques in both human cell cultures and microbiology.

In addition, he served as the President of ACS POLY/PMSE Student Chapter at USC, Assistant Coordinator ACS Project SEED at USC. Furthermore, he contributed to the USC K12 outreach program for many years.

Awards and Distinctions

Innovation Award, Industrial Specialties – Ingevity Corporation 2019
ACS Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research 2017
Guy F. Lipscomb Award for Excellence in Chemistry 2017
International Student Achievement Award 2017
Preparing Future Faculty Certificate 2017
James R. Durig Graduate Student Travel Award 2017
Graduate School Travel Award, University of South Carolina 2017
ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry Outstanding Poster Award 2016
College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Dissertation Fellowship 2016
Eastman Analytical/Polymer Travel Award 2016
Graduate School Travel Award, University of South Carolina 2015
Presidential Award as an Environmental Pioneer, Sri Lanka 2006
SLAAS Environmental Award 2006

Skills and Expertise

Safety and chemical hygiene, organic synthesis and controlled polymerization (ATRP, RAFT, ROP, ROMP), thermoplastic and thermoset materials, chemical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. microbiology, gene delivery, chemical commercialization, patent filing. Instruments/methods: NMR, IR, UV-vis, GPC, DSC, TGA, Rheometer, Particle analyzer, Tensile testing, DMA, SEM, TEM, Cryo-TEM, Optical tensiometry, Spin coating, Dip coating, Fluorescence microscopy, Confocal laser scanning microscopy, Flow cytometry, Antibiotic susceptibility testing; Disk diffusion, Broth dilution, Biofilm analysis, Cell culture