Azekah Swamy

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Chemistry PhD Student
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

Profile

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington, where my research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials, like metal organic frameworks (MOFs), for applications in environmental remediation and gas capture.

I completed my Master of Science at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji. Following this, I worked as an Assistant Lecturer in Chemistry at The University of Fiji, where I gained valuable experience in teaching, laboratory supervision, and mentoring students undergraduate students. This role strengthened my passion for both research and education and provided hands on experience in nanomaterial synthesis, natural product chemistry, and water treatment applications.

Through my PhD, I aim to leverage my expertise in synthetic chemistry and materials science to develop sustainable, high-performance materials that address global challenges such as greenhouse gas mitigation and environmental pollution. Outside the laboratory, I enjoy exploring innovative approaches to scientific communication and education, helping bridge the gap between research and societal impact.

Qualifications

Master of Science majoring in Chemistry, The University of the South Pacific
Postgraduate Diploma in Science majoring Chemistry, The University of the South Pacific
Bachelor of Science double majors in Chemistry and Biology, The University of the South Pacific

Research interests

Metal organic framework synthesis, nanomaterials, kinetics gas absorption studies, plant based ligands, nanomaterials for heavy metal removal from water systems.

PhD topic

Synthesis and Characterization of Metal–Organic Frameworks for CH₄ Gas Capture Applications

Supervisor

Dr Luke Liu, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

Associated labs

Porous Materials Research Group

Publications

  1. 2022 - Glutaraldehyde and glyoxal crosslinked polyethylenimine for copper ion adsorption from water. AY Swamy, S Prasad, X Pan, MR Andersson, D Gedefaw. ChemistrySelect 7 (9), e202104318 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202104318
  2. 2024 - Extraction and Analysis of Fresh Stems and Roots of Noble Fiji Kava Plant Cultivars. VL Azekah Yashna Swamy, Desta Gedefaw, Subramaniam Sotheeswaran. https://librarycat.usp.ac.fj/client/en_GB/search/asset/6261/0
  3. 2024 - Antioxidants and Phytochemical Analysis of Drumstick Leaves (Moringa oleifera). NR Azekah YS, Ronald M., Arjun P., Ashneel AS., Shailesh K. Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment 28 (12), 13 DOI: 12.1334/Rjce.29.12.2024.01
  4. 2024 - The Pacific Island Volcanology and Its Relation to the Groundwater Features Through Magmatic Signatures. SP Ronald Maharaj,Azekah Swamy,Shailesh Kumar Singh. Sustainable Earth Trends https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_105062_62abb2d54d8bf89137464e729712f7be.pdf