My Resume

THOPPAY KRISHNAMOORTHY BALAJI

Phone 09994286410

E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected] Website:www.easewithchemistry.hpage.com

Objective

A challenging and performance oriented senior level position in teaching preferably in an International School as Teacher/ Head of the Department.

Synopsis

Veteran in teaching higher level Chemistry with more than 19 years of experience in the field of high school education in various curricula such as IBDP, IGCSE, A Level, ICSE, ISC (NEW DELHI), MATRICULATION BOARD (Tamil Nadu), CBSE AND STATE BOARD (Tamil Nadu).

Has successful proven record in inculcating conceptual thinking in Chemistry amongst students, guiding co-teachers as a Head of the Department in maintaining good rapport with parents and with the management to ensure smooth functioning of day to day activities.

A smart go getter, self-reliable with abilities in novel teaching methodologies. A strong self oriented planner with exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.

As a Head of Research and Development, Introduced Skill Based Curriculum for middle level students of TVS Schools. 

Most suitable person to work with any curriculum and to take up a challenge to deliver promising results.

Can process any dull heads with innovative methodology to get them to succeed in their academic goals and has a willingness to work extensively in any part of the world.

Work History

Good Shepherd International School, Ootacamund, Tamilnadu, INDIA

Head of the Department-Chemistry, 2013 till date.

Teaching IBDP Chemistry HL/ SL and IGCSE Chemistry

The Cathedral Vidya School, Lonavla, INDIA

Head of the Department-Chemistry, 2011 to 2013.

IBDP Interim coordinator

Teaching IBDP Chemistry HL/ SL and IGCSE Chemistry

KiiT International school, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, INDIA

Head of the Department-Chemistry, 2010 - 2011.

Taught IGCSE and IBDP Chemistry

P.P.Savani Cambridge International School, Abrama, Surat, Gujarat, INDIA.

Head of the Department-Chemistry, 2005-2010.

Taught IGCSE and A level Chemistry

Lakshmi School, TVS Lakshmi Vidya Sangham, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

P.G.T. Chemistry – 2001 to 2002.

Head of the Department- Chemistry – 2002 to 2005

Birla VXL Limited, Jamnagar, Gujarat, INDIA.

Technical Coordinator – 1994 to 2001

Key Performance Areas

Handling higher level Chemistry of various curricula as mentioned above.

Good in making teaching aids. I have made my own teaching aids for solid state Chemistry, atomic structure, orbital hybrids, molecular orbital etc.

Watch words, acronyms, slogan methods and snap shot memory techniques are my highlights in teaching.

Planning and executing various educational visits to relevant places.

Managing administrative budget to ensure effective functioning of the Chemistry department

Organizing local events, programs, training and other activities in the School related to Chemistry Department.

Preparing MIS for effective functioning of the Department.

Steering smooth delivery of lessons and other academic activities through the team.

Developing novel methodologies in class room teaching and training the teachers accordingly.

Mapping educational aid requirements and student’s performance.

Conducting performance analysis of students and rendering sustained advisory services for continuous improvement.

Managing internal audits to ensure lesson compliance for successful academic year completion.

My Educational Philosophy

I love my role as a Teacher. I love being with my students and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I am meant to teach special needs children; I know this in my heart.

I have a great deal of patience and know that little steps in learning go a long way.

I know my students well and they are comfortable and at ease with me. They enjoy having me as their teacher and look forward to going to school each day.

I provide a non-threatening, welcoming environment that nurtures each of the students I work with.

I understand my students. I know what motivates them and I know how to scaffold activities to ensure that maximum learning occurs.

I take each student from where they are and provide experiences that will maximize success. I am always discovering new things about my students.

I am very comfortable working with exceptional learners and learners with diverse needs.

I thrive on challenge; can easily build relationships with my students and my student's parents.

I am a life-long learner and committed to the profession.

I have a never-ending willingness to ensure that all students reach their maximum potential. I constantly strive to 'reach and teach' every student under my care.

Certifications/Memberships

IBDP Examiner for Higher Level Chemistry Paper 2 and for Higher Level Internal Assessment.

IBDP Chemistry Internal assessment November 2011- Online Professional Development Workshop 30 hours Cathedral Vidya School Lonavla.

IBDP Online workshop 36 Hours; so, you are a coordinator now Cathedral Vidya School Lonavla.

IBDP Chemistry Category 2; 3 days’ face to face November 2010.

IBDP Chemistry Internal Assessment Category 2 online workshop March 2013.

IBDP Chemistry The role of the supervisor in extended essays online category 3 March 2013.

IBDP Chemistry Online category 2 workshop January 2013.

IBDP Chemistry an Introduction Category 1 online workshop February 2009.

IBDP TOK in-house Workshop June 2016.

Subject Specific Seminar Category 3 on IBDP Chemistry new syllabus February 2014.

Stage 1 online professional development course on IGCSE Chemistry (0620) December 2008.

Stage 2 online professional development course on IGCSE Chemistry (0620) February 2009.

Stage 1 online professional development course on A Level Chemistry (9701) April 2009.

Stage 2 online professional development course on A Level Chemistry (9701) November 2009.

Internal Auditor and advisor of 5S.

Member, TVS Innovative Teachers Academy.

Hi-tech teaching, Certificate programme in using Multi Media and other computer aided tools and techniques in teaching.

ISO Lead Auditor, ISO 9001/2001 Lead Auditor in the implementation of ISO and maintaining.

Publications and Editorial

Published work books for IGCSE Chemistry, Cambridge Checkpoint, IBDP, ICSE and ISC Chemistry.

Editor of Chemistry Work Books from Grade 1 to 12 of CISCE, CIE and IBDP.

Research Work/ Project:

Topic: Facile Synthesis and Characterizations of Semiconductor Selenites and Perselanates (School of Advanced Sciences, B.I.T.S Pilani

Supervisor: Dr Vijayaraghavan (Ass Dir of Centre of Nonmaterial, B.I.T.S Pilani, Commonwealth fellow Oxford University)

 Duration August 1993 – January 1994

Authors: Balaji Thoppay, Mahesh Kumars & Vijayaraghavan

Abstract:  The chemistry of selenites and perselanates of binary cations specially Cadmium selenite and perselenate is not widely studied in the recent times to the best of our knowledge in this study we devised a one-pot synthesis route for both cadmium selenite and cadmium perselanate. We have characterized these using XRD. Cadmium Selenite is an interesting material and its novelty enables metal selenites to be applied as anisotropic, semi-conductive coatings, photo-voltage sources, or photoelectric devices. We successfully synthesized and characterize Cadmium Selenide an interesting nano-material (with application in Quantum dots) by reducing the prepared cadmium selenite.

Topic: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects of divalent transition metal hydroxides School of Advanced Sciences, B.I.T.S Pilani

Supervisor: Dr. Vijayaraghavan (Ass Dir of Centre of Nonmaterial, B.I.T.S Pilani, Commonwealth fellow Oxford University)

Duration: January 1994 – May 1994

Authors: Balaji Thoppay, Saunak Das & Vijayaraghavan.R

Abstract: Hydroxides of divalent metals (Zn+2, Cd+2, Cu+2, Ni+2) find application in varied fields. Cadmium Hydroxide is generated in storage battery anodes, in nickel-cadmium and silver-cadmium storage batteries in its discharge. Similarly, Zinc Hydroxide is used to coat metals for protection. They are often used as precursors for the synthesis of many nano-crystalline metal oxides with varied shapes and sizes. We have observed the rapid conversion of zinc hydroxide to its oxide at room temperature and other standard conditions when zinc chloride is treated with sodium hydroxide. Thereby, we proposed to study the thermodynamics and kinetic studies of this probable dehydration using quite a few methods. The hydroxides and the dehydrated oxides were characterized next using XRD, FTIR, DTA, SEM methods.

Output: First prize and award for best paper presentation at 6th International Conference at B.I.T.S Pilani 1994.

Topic: Synthesis and Characterization of Bis(4,5-diazafluorene-9-one thiosemicarbazone)palladium – a potential precursor for dinuclear η6- Arene ruthenium compounds School of Advanced Sciences, B.I.T.S Pilani

Supervisor: Dr. Arya [Associate Professor, Material Science Department, B.I.T.S Pilani,]

Duration: July 1995 – December 1995

Authors: Balaji Thoppay, Dr. Arya

Abstract: 

4,5-Diazafluoren-9-ketone can be synthesized by the oxidation of 1,10- Phenanthroline monohydrate  in presence of alkaline -KMnO4 in water medium.4,5 -Diazafluoren- 9-Ketone is then further reacting with Thiosemicarbazone  to produce 4,5-Diazafluorene-9-one. Thiosemicarbazone in presence of catalytic amount of Acetic Acid water as the solvent. This 4,5- Diazafluorene-9-one Thiosemicarbazone is then further treated with Pd metal precursor [PdCl2(CN)2], to produce palladium based metal complexes and the complexes further react with ruthenium para cymine dimer to form multinuclear complexes.

Topic: Photo physical Study of Phenolic Compounds:

Inorganic Chemistry Department, B.I.T.S Pilani,] Supervisor: Dr. Adity Bose Duration: December 1995 to May 1996

Authors: Balaji Thoppay, Adity Bose

Abstract:

Derivatives of phenolic compound  have significant biological activities like anti- inflammatory properties, effective antimicrobial action etc. They have finite fluorescence behavior which can be utilized in studying some of their properties. They are reported to cause rupture of bacterial membrane. These Photophysical studies of these compounds in micelles and reverse micelles which are known to mimic biological membrane are possible. Again, the behavior with the other small bio molecules or small proteins in different media can also be studied which may help to elucidate their mode of function.

Project Name: Functional Annotation and Characterization of Enzymes within the Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Superfamily

Faculty Mentors: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description: Enzymes within the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily catalyze a dazzling array of chemical transformations that proceed via free radical intermediates. Radical SAM (RS) enzymes use radicals derived from SAM to initiate catalysis by abstracting hydrogen atoms from their respective substrates. This project will focus on developing methods to annotate the functions of RS enzymes catalyzing unknown reactions. Students will learn how to generate sequence similarity and genome neighborhood networks to provide insight into function via 9 bioinformatics methods. They will also learn molecular biological techniques, such as cloning and site directed mutagenesis and gene expression. Lastly, they will learn how to purify and manipulate these oxygen-sensitive proteins under anaerobic conditions and characterize them using UVvis, EPR, ENDOR, HYSCORE and M?ssbauer spectroscopies, x-ray crystallography and techniques.

Project Name: Elucidating the broad reaction profiles of iron and 2-(oxo)glutarate-dependent enzymes

Faculty Mentors: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description. Iron- and 2-(oxo)glutarate-dependent (Fe/2OG) enzymes activate dioxygen and couple oxidative decarboxylation of 2OG to many reactions of importance to agriculture, bioremediation, and even blockbuster natural-product drugs. The Bollinger/Krebs and Boal research groups are deploying an arsenal of structural, biochemical, spectroscopic, and computational approaches to understand the structures and mechanisms of these and similar enzymes. The most exciting new directions concern several enzymes that mediate two or three distinct reaction types (e.g., hydroxylation followed by cyclization and/or desaturation) or drastically different outcomes in parallel (e.g., production of ethylene and three equivalents CO2 from 2OG in parallel with a "standard" hydroxylation of L-arginine). These sequential and divergent reactivities are certain to involve dynamic repositioning of substrates within the enzyme active sites to enable different substrates, different positions on the same substrates, or different outcomes to be targeted within the same active site. The combination of novel chemical mechanisms and active-site structural dynamics will make for rich vehicles for excited, aspiring young biochemists and biophysicists to study modern enzymology.

Project Name: Engineering new regulatory activities into enzyme catalysts

Faculty Mentor: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description: The Boehr lab is interested in the development and engineering of new stimulusresponsive enzyme catalysts. Enzymes can be viewed as small-world networks of amino acid residues connected through noncovalent interactions. Using solution-state NMR methods, we have identified amino acid networks that stretch from the surface of enzymes into their active sites. These networkassociated, surface residues are potential attachment points for new regulatory modules, which would tune catalysis in response to ligand-binding and/or changes to physical parameters (e.g. pH, lightactivation). An REU student on this project will learn approaches to covalently modify proteins, protein NMR methods to identify changes to the amino acid network, and kinetic and biological methods to determine changes to enzyme function. These studies can be leveraged towards designing new biological systems for improving applications in industry and biomedical research, including the biological syntheses of new fuels and pharmaceuticals.

Project Name: Probing glutathione trafficking in cell

Faculty Mentor: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description: Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous thiol-containing tripeptide present at millimolar concentrations in eukaryotes and many prokaryotes. Although the effects of alterations in GSH redox potential are well known, dramatic yet regulated fluctuations in total GSH levels also occur during apoptosis and as a part of the normal cell cycle in nuclei. GSH is also elevated in many cancers. The mechanisms and physiological targets of these redistributions are almost completely unknown. The Cotruvo lab has developed protein-based fluorescent sensors that respond to GSH selectively and that can be targeted to organelles to probe the proteins involved in GSH movement within cells. In this project, students would aid in sensor optimization and targeting to organelles of interest, and investigate putative transporters via genetic knockdown. The REU student would gain experience in a variety of biochemical and chemical biology methods such as protein engineering, protein purification, molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and transfection, and confocal microscopy.

Project Name: Understanding Macromolecular dynamics

Faculty Mentors: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description. A central problem in modern physical biochemistry is to quantify the conformational dynamics of highly flexible biological macromolecules, such as intrinsically disordered proteins, and then to establish the connection between those dynamics and molecular function. This REU project will focus specifically on the role of conformational dynamics in producing specific and reversible proteinprotein and protein-nucleic acid interactions that drive the process of gene transcription. REU students will gain experience with recombinant protein expression in bacterial cell culture as well as protein purification and characterization. Depending on the interests and background of the individual student, projects will emphasize different areas of analytical and physical chemistry, including high-resolution NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, micro-calorimetry, and functional assays involving introductory mammalian cell culture, as well as computational analyses to generated detailed molecular structure sets for highly flexible biomolecules.

Project Name: Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Chemotaxis

Faculty Mentors: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description. It has been found that receptor molecules, such as porphyrins, nanoparticles and proteins, can migrate up a concentration gradient of their corresponding ligands. This phenomenon, which is called chemotaxis, may have physiological consequences and can be exploited to create a new generation of nanomotors that respond to subtle changes in the chemical environment of the surrounding medium. We are exploring ligand-receptor binding systems to determine the underlying molecular mechanism of this process as well as to build a new generation of devices that can produce chromatographic separation of receptor materials. Significantly, many of the proteins that display chemotaxis are also enzyme-based catalysts wherein their ligand fuel may provide a direction of motion for the substrate. Students involved in this project will obtain a unique opportunity to study the motion of nanomaterials using novel spectroscopic techniques as well as help in the development of microfluidic platforms and assays.

Research Topic: New Insights into Chemical Catalysis

Project Name: Synthesis and Characterization of New Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction

Faculty Mentor: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description: The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) may provide an economical means of storing renewable energy - generated as electricity from wind or sunlight - in the form of liquid fuel. This program focuses on the discovery of better electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to small molecule feedstocks for the synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons. In this project, REU students will synthesize bi- and trimetallic alloy catalysts and characterize them structurally and electrochemically. Structural characterization techniques will include X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Students will use electrochemical methods to measure the onset potentials for CO2 reduction and proton reduction as a function of catalyst and additive composition. Product distributions will be measured by gas chromatography. The choice of catalyst materials will be guided by theoretical and mechanistic considerations.

Project Name: Discovery of New Heterogeneous Catalysts

Faculty Mentor: Dr.Arya, Dr. Maheshkumar Hamirwasia.

Project Description: Catalysts can facilitate chemical reactions that otherwise would be kinetically and/or economically prohibitive. The discovery of new catalysts can therefore enable new types of reactions and also improve the efficiency and/or selectivity of existing reactions, which in turn can lead to new applications. In this project, REU students will engage in multi-disciplinary efforts to discover new heterogeneous catalysts that are relevant to applications in solar energy conversion, fuel cells, and target-oriented organic synthesis. Representative types of catalytic transformations include the oxygen evolution reaction, the oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction, and selective hydrogenations and oxidations. Students will first synthesize a variety of solid-state materials as nanoparticles, films, powders, and single crystals, and then analyze them using a suite of materials characterization and catalytic testing techniques. Inspiration for target catalytic materials will be drawn from computational and mechanistic predictions, as well as from structural and compositional analogies with known homogeneous and biological catalysts.

Notable Achievements

Awarded DHRONACHARYA thrice 2003, 2005 and in 2006 by TVS group of Schools.

Achieved 100% results every year and an average of 95% of Students have got above 80% in Chemistry in TVS Schools.

School sent me to attend various staff development programs and workshops conducted by different agencies on behalf of TVS Schools.

Promoted the concept of MIND MAPPING, SMART LEARNING MODULES, ASSOCIATED MEMORY TECHNIQUE and SNAP MEMORY TECHNIQUE in Class Room Teaching and therefore awarded the Best Innovative Trainer in the year 2007.

Periodically takes professional development sessions at Good Shepherd International school, Ootacamund.

Conducted a Mega Science fair at Good Shepherd International school, Ootacamund.

Project Leader in implementation and certification of ISA and British council awards at Good Shepherd International school, Ootacamund.

Designed a new lab at upcoming boy’s campus at Good Shepherd International school, Ootacamund.

Resource person for various Staff Professional Development sessions on various topics.

Promoted Google science fair in various Schools and guided them in various Science Projects. One of my student was shortlisted one among 15 in South Asia category.

Main Resource person for Cambridge C3L6 competitions and my students won every time orbital crystals each year under Individual country category.

Helped students of Design and Technology for their ergonomic designed product designing that includes Science. 

Qualifications

Degree and Date

Institute

Major and Specialization

%

Master of Science

(B.I.T.S) Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan.

Chemical Engineering

89.72%

Bachelor of Science,

(B.I.T.S) Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan.

Chemical Engineering

79%

12th state Board Exams

Sourastra Boys Hr.Sec.School, Madurai

Mat/Bio/Phy/Che

91%

Personal Details

Date of Birth

07-05-1972

References

1.   Pramod Tripathy, Principal, P.P.S.C.I.School, Surat.

E-mail: [email protected]

2.   Mrs. Siby Thomas, CIE Coordinator, Oakridge International School, Hyderabad.

E-mail: [email protected]

3.   Mr. S.Ramesh. Coordinator, The Cathedral Vidya School, Lonavala. 

E-mail: [email protected]

4.   Mr. Thomas Mathew, Head, KiiT International School, Bhubaneshwar.

E-mail [email protected]

5.   Mr. Suresh Thangarajan, Coordinator curriculum and professional development, Good Shepherd International School, Ootacamund, Tamilnadu.

Email [email protected]

6.   Dr. Palash Chakraborthy, Senior Biology Teacher, Good shepherd International School, Ootacamund, Tamilnadu.

Email [email protected]

Phone: 91-423-2550371 (10Lines)

7.   Mr. Arnab Chatterjee, Senior Chemistry Teacher, Good shepherd International School, Ootacamund, Tamilnadu.

Email a[email protected]