The overarching problem we face is, how can we design and develop next-generation materials to enable scalable and sustainable clean energy generation and storage solutions for an energy secure future !

Brindha Ramasubramanian, our next pathbreaker, Research Scholar at A*STAR (Singapore), mainly works on battery storage challenges, as well as supports projects in hydrogen production and solar cells.

Brindha talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about how her master’s thesis focused on improving the efficiency of Magnesium-air batteries, paved the way for a career in research !

For students, fall in love with problems, not jobs that chase the highest-paying role. Ask yourself what problems keep you awake at night.

Brindha, can you share your background with our young readers?

My name is Brindha Ramasubramanian, and I’m an energy researcher passionate about solving one of humanity’s biggest challenges – how to power our world cleanly and sustainably.

I grew up in a middle-class family in Chennai, India, where my father worked as a mechanical engineer and my mother was a high school biology teacher. Both my parents valued education deeply, but they also taught me to question everything around me. As a child, I was the kind of student who would wonder how life was formed and how energy transfer happens.  In school, I was equally fascinated by physics and chemistry. I loved participating in science fairs and would often spend hours building small wind turbines or solar-powered toys. My friends thought I was a bit crazy for getting excited about energy experiments, but those early curiosities about how energy and matter works and where it comes from established the seeds for my career path.

My parents always encouraged my scientific interests, even when they didn’t fully understand them. My mother would say, ” if you’re passionate about it, find a way to make it help people.” This has guided every decision I have made since.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I hold a BTech in Nanoscience and Technology (2019) and an MTech in Nanoscience and Technology (2021) and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from NUS, Singapore. 

I completed my undergrad in Nanoscience and Technology from Anna University affiliated college in Tamil Nadu. Think of technology as learning the language of how to transform raw materials into useful products whether it’s turning crude oil into fuel, or in my case, learning how to convert sunlight or wind into usable energy.

What made you choose a career in Energy Research?

The biggest influence was Dr. Selvam, my professor during undergrad. He didn’t just teach energy systems, he explained how essential it is to address the global energy crisis with practical examples. He showed me research papers about how affordable and clean energy access could lift entire communities out of poverty. He also trained me in electrochemistry and batteries. 

The 2015 Chennai floods were a wake-up call. Our city was underwater for days, and the entire power grid collapsed. I spent weeks without electricity, watching how energy poverty affects everything from hospitals unable to function to students unable to study. That’s when I realized energy research isn’t just about science; it’s about human needs.

The moment I decided that this was my life’s work was during a village visit as part of my undergrad college project. We were installing solar panels in a remote Tamil Nadu village that had never had reliable electricity. When the lights came on for the first time, I saw people’s faces light up and their celebrations. That single moment also motivated me to further continue my research in energy.

During my undergraduate years, I realized that traditional technology jobs excite me. The turning point came during a summer internship at National Institute of Ocean Technology and at Mahidol University. 

At NIOT, I was introduced to the challenges of biofouling in marine environments, particularly how barnacle adhesion on ships and underwater structures leads to significant energy losses, increased maintenance costs, and environmental concerns due to the use of toxic antifouling paints. I worked on nanomaterial-based coatings, that could resist barnacle attachment without harming marine ecosystems. At Mahidol University, I synthesized ZnO nanotetrapods via a microwave-assisted method. This approach offered a rapid, scalable, and energy-efficient route to produce nanostructures with well-defined morphology and high surface area. The tetrapod structure of ZnO, with its interconnected arms and porous architecture, provided unique advantages for electron transport, catalytic activity, and structural stability.

I investigated their application as catalyst and cathode material for Zn–air batteries. The challenge with Zn–air technology lies in the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the air cathode. ZnO nanotetrapods, with their tailored surface chemistry and defect engineering, showed promise in improving catalytic kinetics, and extending cycle life.

Seeing the massive environmental impact firsthand made me question, what if instead of refining fossil fuels, I could work on creating clean energy alternatives using nanomaterials ?

This led me to pursue a Master’s in Nanotechnology at Central University of Pondicherry, with a specialization in applying nanomaterials to engineer advanced battery chemistries. It was like discovering a whole new world where science meets environmental responsibility. My master’s thesis focused on improving the efficiency of Magnesium-air batteries. Basically, I was trying to make energy storage efficient and more practical for everyday use.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path

My philosophy was simple, “Follow the problems, not the paychecks” Instead of planning a linear career path, I focused on solving increasingly complex challenges at each step.

I completed internships in several national laboratories in India and attended international research training programs in Japan, the USA, Thailand, and Singapore. 

During my academic journey, I was fortunate to gain exposure across multiple premier research institutions, both in India and internationally, which greatly broadened my perspective and research capabilities. I carried out hands-on internships at IIT Madras, NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology), CECRI (CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute), and Mahidol University, Thailand. Each of these gave me a very different technical exposure, at IIT Madras, I worked on materials and mechanical aspects; at NIOT, I explored antifouling coatings for marine applications using nanomaterials to prevent barnacle adhesion; at CECRI, I was exposed to electrochemical measurement techniques for energy storage devices; and at Mahidol, I synthesized ZnO nanotetrapods using microwave-assisted methods and studied their application in Zn–air batteries. These experiences helped me connect fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy and environment.

During my master’s, I pursued remote internships at Waseda University, Japan, and University of Texas at Dallas, USA. These opportunities gave me exposure to global research methodologies, computational methods, project planning, manuscript drafting, publication ethics, and helped me build strong international collaborations. Remote engagement required me to be very proactive in communication, data handling, and cross-timezone management, which further strengthened my adaptability. During my PhD at NUS, I expanded these networks and actively collaborated with groups at MIT (USA), University of Sydney (Australia), and few other global institutions. These collaborations were particularly impactful as they allowed me to co-develop ideas and validate findings across labs, and exposed me to state-of-the-art techniques in energy storage, nanomaterials synthesis, and electrochemical characterization.

Over the years, by learning and networking with leading researchers, I was able to enhance my skills and knowledge. During one of my research attachments, I worked on hydrogen fuel cell research, spending months focused on improving efficiency and reducing costs. Along the way, I realized that failed experiments often taught me more than successful ones, as each failure provided clues toward better solutions.

In 2021, I worked as a Junior Research Assistant, and I worked on next-generation batteries. My project involved developing a Na-ion battery that could be 30% more efficient than current Li-ion technology. 

After completing my master’s, I joined Mahindra’s R&D division as a Research Analyst, where I worked for about 8 months. This was my first professional experience in an industrial R&D setting, and it was both exciting and challenging because it demanded a different mindset compared to academic research. My primary role was to work on the design and development of power tools and automation system controls for advanced engineering applications. The work involved a combination of conceptual design, simulation, prototyping, and testing. Unlike academic projects, where timelines can be flexible, here I had to deliver outputs within tight deadlines, aligning with business and product development cycles. I worked with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate control systems into prototypes. I also had to quickly adapt to industry-standard tools, documentation practices, and quality control frameworks, which were very different from the academics I was used to. One of the biggest challenges was bridging the gap between academic R&D and industrial applications. When designing automation controls, the systems had to be integrated with multiple sensors, vibration check, thermal variations, and operator handling space, which were new to me. Another challenge was cost optimization, every design decision had to balance performance with manufacturability and affordability. 

Additionally, working in a large corporate R&D ecosystem taught me about team dynamics, cross-functional communication, and aligning innovation with customer needs. I also had to learn how to manage IP-sensitive projects and understand the implications of scaling technologies from prototype to production.

After working at Mahindra’s R&D division, I realized something important about myself. While I enjoyed solving practical engineering problems and working in an industry, I also found that I was constantly asking deeper questions that went beyond immediate product development; questions about materials at the nanoscale, and how fundamental innovations could disrupt existing technologies. Industry projects often had to prioritize deadlines, cost, and manufacturability, which meant there was limited scope to pursue exploratory or high-risk ideas. That’s when I decided a PhD was the right next step to build deeper expertise, and eventually bridge the gap between academic innovation and industrial application.

I chose Singapore, specifically the National University of Singapore (NUS), for several reasons. First, NUS is globally recognized for its strength in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy research, areas that aligned perfectly with my interests. Second, Singapore’s strong emphasis on sustainability, clean energy, and translational research resonated with my career vision of working on technologies that directly support global climate goals. Moreover, Singapore’s location and lifestyle was very comfortable to me and offered me access to world-class labs, international collaborations, and an innovation-driven ecosystem where research is closely tied to industry and policy impact.

I was awarded a fully funded scholarship of around 200,000 SGD to pursue my PhD along with stipend of nearly ~150,000 SGD by ASTAR. This not only gave me financial independence but also validated my academic and research potential globally. The scholarship provided me with the flexibility to fully dedicate myself to research without constraints, and it also connected me with a wider network of scholars and research opportunities.

At present, I work as a researcher in ASTAR, Singapore. I’m basically trying to find efficient material chemistries for energy storage systems. 

I actively participate in energy conferences, join professional societies, and maintain connections with academicians and industry experts. LinkedIn became my professional platform where I share and connect with like-minded researchers worldwide.

How did you get your first break?

There was no break in my career till now. During my master’s thesis defense, after my presentation, instead of just evaluating my work, the examiners said, “We have a position open for someone exactly like you.”

But the real “break” wasn’t the job offer, it was proving to myself that I could solve a problem everyone said was impossible. My research increased fuel cell efficiency by 23%, which experts had said couldn’t be done with our budget and timeline. That success gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges. 

Getting my first break into the industry at Mahindra after my master’s was challenging, especially coming from niche research background. What helped me was the combination of relevant research experience, internships at national labs, and strong networking. During my academic projects, I worked extensively on materials and electrochemical systems, and I also gained exposure to applied engineering through internships at NIOT, CECRI, and IIT Madras. This blend of fundamental research and applied problem-solving made my profile stand out. I was very proactive in applying for opportunities, tailoring my applications to highlight how my background could translate into industrial problem-solving.

At Mahindra, I entered the R&D division as a research analyst. Though it wasn’t directly in the EV or battery domain, the role gave me my first exposure to industrial R&D, product development cycles, and the challenges of scaling solutions in a corporate environment. It also reinforced the importance of adaptability, and learning to work across disciplines and deliver under strict timelines. Parallel to that, I also served as a Battery Ambassador (BA) at Battery Associates for few months. This was a part-time, non-profit role that focused on community building and global awareness in the battery space. The initiative aimed to connect people across academia, industry, and policy who were working on different aspects of battery technologies. It wasn’t a technical R&D role but more of a strategic and community-driven position, which gave me a new opportunity to learn, develop leadership skills, build global networks, and stay updated on advancements in batteries and energy storage.

What were some of  the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: The “It’s Too Expensive” Problem – Clean energy technologies are often more expensive than fossil fuels upfront. Investors and policymakers would constantly ask, “Why spend more when coal is cheaper?”

I learned to speak the language of economics, not just science. I started calculating total lifetime costs, environmental benefits, and social impacts. I became a storyteller who could explain why paying more today means saving more tomorrow. I developed financial models showing that clean energy investments pay back within 5-7 years.

Challenge 2: The Gender Gap

Being a woman in energy research meant constantly proving myself in rooms full of older male engineers and executives. I faced subtle discrimination and had to work twice as hard to be heard.

I let my work speak louder than my voice. I focused on delivering consistent results and finding allies who value competence over gender. I also started mentoring other young women entering the field, creating the support network I wished I had earlier.

Challenge 3: The Complexity Communication Gap

Energy research is incredibly technical. Explaining why my work matters to non-scientists (including family) was initially difficult.

I practiced explaining complex concepts using everyday analogies. For example, I explain fuel cells like running a water-splitting experiment backwards to generate electricity. I started a blog and I translated research into stories anyone can understand. 

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I work at ASTAR, Singapore. We focus on technologies that produce, store, and use energy.

Every day, I work on three big puzzles, The Storage Puzzle. I work on technologies like advanced batteries and hydrogen storage systems.

The Efficiency Puzzle: How do we make these storage cheaper and more efficient. Currently working on electrochemical membrane storage. 

The Scale-Up Puzzle: How do we take laboratory findings to the commercial market? This involves everything from engineering challenges to economic modeling.

At ASTAR, my research was not limited to just one technology. Though I mainly worked in batteries, I also supported projects in hydrogen and solar cells. While these may appear as competing technologies, in reality, they are part of a larger integrated clean energy solution. The overarching problem statement we were addressing was, how can we design and integrate next-generation materials and systems to enable scalable, and sustainable clean energy generation and storage solutions for Singapore and the global market. Also, several projects at ASTAR were industry-driven, supported by both government initiatives and private sector partners. 

My major work was focused on advancing Al-ion electrode materials, electrolytes, and performance optimization. I was also involved in hydrogen production and utilization. Specifically, electrolyzer technologies, anion exchange membrane systems, and the role of nanostructured catalysts in improving their efficiency. The solar cell research was on perovskite materials and device fabrication. Here, the focus was maximizing energy conversion efficiency.

From the big-picture perspective, batteries provide short-to-medium term energy storage, hydrogen acts as a long-duration storage and industrial decarbonization vector, and solar is a primary renewable energy source. Rather than viewing them as competitors, I position these technologies as complementary pillars of the future energy market, as they offer better integration of multi-technology solutions for a more efficient future.

What are some of the skills required for your role? How did you acquire them?

I have developed a strong set of technical and soft skills through formal education, countless hours of self-study, failed experiments that often taught me more than successful ones, and mentoring from experts who generously shared their knowledge. My technical skills span across chemistry and physics, where I focus on understanding how atoms and molecules behave in energy systems; engineering, where I design and build reliable energy systems; data analysis, applying mathematics to optimize performance; Complementing this, I bring soft skills such as problem-solving, breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps; communication, explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences; project management, coordinating research teams and timelines; and persistence, as new findings in energy systems often take years, not weeks. 

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day blends the roles of scientist, engineer, and detective: mornings are spent analyzing experimental results to uncover why a reaction performed differently; afternoons are dedicated to engineering and building new experimental setups or simulations; and evenings to reading the latest research, writing reports, planning new experiments, and often communicating with investors and drafting grant applications. What I love most about this work is the “Eureka!” moment when months of failed attempts suddenly succeed like when we recently identified a catalyst combination that could make clean hydrogen production commercially viable. Beyond science, the greatest reward is knowing that each experiment has the potential to advance clean energy technologies, address climate change, and deliver sustainable solutions to communities in need.

How does your work benefit society? 

My research directly tackles three of humanity’s greatest challenges: climate change, energy access, and economic development. By advancing energy technologies, I aim to make them cheaper and more efficient, accelerating the replacement of fossil fuels. Beyond addressing environmental and accessibility issues, clean energy also drives economic growth by creating jobs and reducing energy costs, positioning countries that master these technologies at the forefront of the future economy. In essence, every small efficiency improvement achieved in the lab could eventually translate into lower electricity bills for millions of families and contribute to preventing environmental harm on a global scale.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on and one that remains very close to me was on developing high-performance aluminum-ion (Al-ion) batteries during my PhD. In this project, I focused on designing stable and efficient cathode material, and I tested the system extensively using electrochemical techniques. 

This work is particularly special to me because it wasn’t just about achieving better performance metrics; it represented a personal passion for sustainable energy solutions. Al-ion batteries are lightweight, safe, and made from abundant materials, which aligns with my vision of addressing energy storage challenges without causing further environmental strain. It gave me a sense of fulfillment that went beyond the lab results. It reminded me why I chose to be passionate in energy research. It was a clear example of science with purpose, where innovation also meets societal impact.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

First, fall in love with problems, not jobs that chase the highest-paying role. Ask yourself what problems keep you awake at night. For me, it was energy poverty and climate change, and that passion guided my career path and sustained me through moments when many others gave up. Second, science is not just for science students, you don’t have to be the topper in physics to contribute meaningfully to energy research. I collaborate with economists who model energy markets, social scientists who study community adoption of new technologies, and communication experts who simplify complex science for the public. Your unique combination of interests and skills can make a real difference. Third, embrace useful failures, because in research, most experiments fail, but each one carries a valuable lesson. I learned far more from failures than from successes, and I encourage keeping a failure journal to record the experiences gained from every setback. My bonus advice is to start now and not to postpone the agenda. Whether by starting an organization, building simple renewable projects, or being the one in your family who understands and explains climate science, your efforts and curiosity can shape the future.

Future Plans?

My immediate goal is to take my laboratory innovation to commercial demonstration within the next few years. I want to establish a few new technologies that could benefit society. I want to see India become a global leader in clean energy exports, not just an importer of fossil fuels. By 2035, I envision Indian-developed energy technologies powering communities, just as Indian IT services transformed global technology. Energy is not just science – it’s hope. Every breakthrough brings us closer to a world where clean, affordable energy is available to every human being on Earth. 

The next big breakthrough might come from curious minds asking a question no one else has thought to ask. The world needs a fresh perspective on age-old problems.

Brindha Ramasubramanian