Honey John Research Group

Professor Honey John

Prof. Honey leads this group at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kerala.

A few words about Professor Honey John

Prof. Honey, presently the professor at Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology (PS&RT), CUSAT, hold the honorable directorship of Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices (IUCND). She held the Headship of PS&RT during 2017 - 2020. She is a Life member of Indian Science Congress, Society of Polymer Technologists [SPOT], Executive member of Thiruvananthapuram Chapter of MRSI, Life member of Society of Polymer Scientists, India [SPSI], and Indian Rubber Institute, India.

Prof. Honey was born on May 27, 1971 in Kerala, India. She received her postgraduate in chemistry from School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University. She then joined Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology where she received her M.Tech. in 1996, and later her doctorate in 2004 under the guideship of Prof. Rani Joseph, Department of PS&RT, and Prof. K. T. Mathew, Department of Electronics, CUSAT.

Honey began her professional career in 1997 as a Lecturer at Dept. of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology. Later in 2007 she moved to Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Trivandrum, where she joined first as a Reader and worked to the grade of Associate Professor till July 2015. In 2015, she rejoined Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, CUSAT as professor. In 2017, she became the honorary director of IUCND. Her current research areas are triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators, 2D nanoscrolls with magnetic nanoparticles, hydrogen production and CO2 photoreduction, aerogels for supercapactors and pollutant removal, magnetoplasmonics and green tyres.

Research Collaborations

	International Collaborations
1	Prof. Mats Andersson
2	Prof. Youhong Tang, Flinders University
3	Prof. Dr. Suresh C Pillai, Atlantic Technological University, Ireland
4	Prof. Anand Gadre
	Interdepartmental Collaborations
1	Dr. C. P. Regunadhan Nair, Emeritus Scientist, CUSAT (Retd. Scientist, ISRO)
2	Dr. Saji K J, Assistant Professor, International school of Photonics, CUSAT
3	Prof. Dr. Manoj N, Department of Applied Chemistry, CUSAT
4	Prof. Dr. M K Jayaraj, Department of Physics, CUSAT
5	Prof. Dr Pramod Gopinath, International School of Photonics, CUSAT

Reviewer / Editor of Journals

1	Chemical Engineering Journal, Publishers
2	Results in Engineering, Elsevier Publishers
3	ChemCom
4	ACS Nano, ACS publishers
5	Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, RSC Publishers
6	Journal of Physical Chemistry, ACS Publishers
7	Journal of Materials Chemistry, RSC Publishers
8	CARBON, Elsevier Publishers
9	Materials Chemistry and Physics, Elsevier Publishers
10	ActaAstronautica, Elsevier Publishers
11	Materials Letters, Elsevier Publishers
12	ACS Rubber Chemistry and Technology, ACS Publishers
13	Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Wiley Publishers
14	Journal of Molecular Structure, Elsevier Publishers
15	Polymer Science and Engineering Journal, Wiley Publishers
16	Polymer Composites, Wiley Publishers
17	International journal of Polymeric Materials, Taylor and Francis Inc.
18	Journal of Elastomers and Plastics, Wiley Publishers

International / National Conferences Organized

1	Convenor - International Workshop on Energy Materials: Design, Characterization and Applications, September 16-17 2025, Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices, CUSAT
2	Conference chair - International Symposium on Innovative Materials for Energy and Environment (IMEE-2024), December 11-13th 2024, Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices, CUSAT
3	Conference chair and coordinator: International Conference ‘NANOicon2022’ held from 11 - 15 January 2022
4	Conference Chair and organizing committee member: National conference on Current Trends in Polymer Science- CTPS 2022, 6 - 7 May 2022, Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, CUSAT
5	Organizing committee member: SIET Kerala - Tech Talent 2022, 10 - 12 March 2022, Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices, CUSAT
6	Conference Chair: International Conference on Advances in Polymer Technology - APT ’21, 27-29 May 2021, Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, CUSAT
7	Conference Chair and Coordinator: International Conference on Optoelectronic And Nanomaterials For Advanced Technology, icONMAT , 3-5 January 2018.
8	Coordinator: National conference on Innovations in Nanoworld: Neoteric Vision and Emerging Nanotechnologies (INNVENT 2017), Dec 13-15, 2017.
9	Coordinator: National conference on Current trends in Polymer Science CTPS, in 2020, 2019 and 2018.
10	Coordinator: EPOCH 19, conducted in March 2019.
11	Organizer: International Conference on Advances in Polymer Technology –APT’16, in March 2016.

Administrative Responsibilities

1	Faculty member in the collaboration signed between CUSAT and M/s Mane Kancor Ingredients Private Limited to resolve issues in their process.
2	Member academic council CUSAT [2017-2020]
3	Member, Board of Studies, St. Teresas College, Ernakulam [2018-till date]
4	Member, Research Council, CAM, CUSAT [2015-2020]
5	Member, Internal Compliance Committee, CUSAT [2018- 2020]
6	Member Secretary, IIST Research Board [2010-2015]
7	Member Secretary, IIST Research Council [2008-2015
8	Convenor, Peer Review Committee [2008-2013]
9	Biodiversity club Coordinator & Executive Committee member [2013-2015]:
10	Member, Students welfare and Cultural council, IIST (2009-2011)
11	Member, Micro Quality Assurance Cell (MQAC) [20012-2013]
12	Member, Purchase Committee, IIST (2009-2011)
13	NAAC Accreditation Committee, IIST (2010-2011)
14	Member, Standing Review Committee for Infrastructure Development, IIST [2009-2010]
15	Member, Board of studies, Polymer Science and Rubber Technology [2017-till date]
16	The Technical expert in the purchase committee of Common Facility Centre of West Malabar Plywood Manufacturers Cluster Services Pvt. Ltd.

Awards and Honors

1	PAT Award 2023 by Plastic Control Mission
2	Academic Excellence Award in DRDO Awards 2020
3	Best Paper Award in International Conferences: 5; National Conferences: 9
4	Listed in the book ‘WOMEN ACHIEVERS IN SCIENCE’ published by Department of Science and Technology, Kerala State with IIST affiliation (2012).
5	Winner of Women Scientist Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India in 2006.
6	Winner of YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD 2003 at 15th Kerala Science Congress at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, January 29-31, 2003.

Invited for Talks

1	Invited for talk on “Nanomaterials for Optoelectronic/ Energy Application” for Refresher Course in Material sciences, Kerala University, on 22-10-2020.
2	Invited for talk on “Photocatalytic organic/inorganic binary hybrids of graphene”, Centenary Webinar Series Talk, Union Christian College, Aluva, 29/09/2020.
3	Invited for talk on “Photocatalytic binary hybrids of graphene with semiconductor metal oxides”, International Conference on Applied Catalysis and Chemical Engineering (ACC-2019), Dubai, UAE, April 8-10, 2019.
4	Invited for talk on “walk with Scholar Programme”, Marthoma College for Women, Perumbavoor dated 10-12-2019.
5	Inauguration and nvited for talk on “Advancement and challenges in Polymer Science and technology”, NSS college, Karamana, dated 27-11-2019 (forenoon).
6	Invited for talk on “Polymer based Nano composite for Optoelectronic / Energy Application” for Refresher Course in Material sciences on 27-11-2019 (afternoon).
7	Chief Guest, Science Seminar and Exhibition, Govt. Girls’ HSS, North Paravur, 15th November 2019.
8	Invited for talk on ‘Polymers: Impact on environment’, Prof. A.J. Benjamin Memmorial Lecture Series 2018, December 13, 2018.
9	Invited for talk on ‘Beauty of good research’ in National Level Research Orientation Programme [ROP 2018], Maharajas college, Ernakulam, February 17, 2018.
10	Inauguration and Invited for talk on ‘Science and Technology for sustainable development’, in National Science Day BODHI-2018, Sacred Heart Thevara, February 26, 2018.
11	Invited lecture on ‘Polymer nanocomposites for environmental applicaions’, in refresher course on Material Science, Kerala University, November2, 2018.
12	Invited for talk on ‘Nano materials in concrete’, Short term course conducted in TKM engineering college, Kollam, December 18, 2018 Invited for talk on ‘Plastic Debris: Impact on environment’ in National Seminar on ‘Municipal Solid Waste Management and its Impact on Ecosystems’
13	Invited for talk on ‘Energy and Environment’ in ‘ENCON’, St.Paul’s College, Kalamassery, 28th July 2017ecember 18, 2018.
14	Invited for talk on ‘Polymer based photocatalyst and its application in solar cells’ in One day International Seminar on “Recent Advances in Solar Energy Applications” [RASE-2016]
15	Invited for talk on ‘Nano composites for optical applications’, in National seminar on ‘Smart Materials for Futuristic Electronics and Information TechJanuary 15, 2016.
16	Invited for talk on “ Nanopolyaniline/graphene hybrids for optical applications” in Workshop on Nanophotonics, Dept. of Physics, CUSAT, March 18-19, 2016.
17	Invited lecture on ‘Polymer based nanocomposites for optoelectronic/energy applicaions’, in refresher course on Material Science, Kerala University, December 5, 2016.
18	Invited for talk on “Bio-nano composites: Challenges and opportunities” in National TechnologyDay (NTD) 2016 on 13th May 2016 organized by CBPST.
19	Invited for talk on ‘Polymer nanocomposites’, St. Alberts College, October 15, 2015.
20	Invited for talk on ‘Nano composites for optical applications’, in National seminar on ‘Smart Materials for Futuristic Electronics and Information Technology’, Cochin College January 15, 2016.
21	Invited for talk on “Nanopolyaniline/graphene hybrids for optical applications” in Workshop on Nanophotonics, Dept. of Physics, CUSAT, March 18-19, 2016.
22	Invited for lecture on ‘Polymer based nanocomposites for optoelectronic/energy applicaions’, in refresher course on Material Science, Kerala University, December 5, 2016.
23	Invited for talk on “Bio-nano composites: Challenges and opportunities” in National TechnologyDay (NTD) 2016 on 13th May 2016 organized by CBPST.
24	Invited for talk on “Nanopolyaniline/graphene hybrids for optical applications” in Workshop on Nanophotonics, Dept. of Physics, CUSAT, March 18-19, 2016.
25	Invited for talk on ‘Nano composites for optical applications’, in National seminar on ‘Smart Materials for Futuristic Electronics and Information Technology’, Cochin College January 15, 2016.
26	Invited for talk on ‘Polymer nanocomposites’, St. Alberts College, October 15, 2015.
27	Invited Lecture on “Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites” in a Refresher Course conducted by ‘UGC-Academic Staff College’, University of Kerala on 4th December 2015.
28	Invited for talk on “Nanotechnology for Space applications” in a National conference on ‘CNT-2011’, organized by St. Theresas College, Ernakulam, 29th July 2011.
29	Invited for talk on “Electrically conductive polymers” in a National conference on ‘Emerging Trends in Material Chemistry’ organized by Holy cross College, Nagercovil, 19th February 2010.
30	Invited for talk on “Empowering Nanoscience and Technology” in a National conference on ‘Quantum Chemistry and Nanotechniques’ organized by S N College, Maliyankara, 29th November 2009.
31	Invited for Lecture on “Electrically Conductive Polymers” at the National Seminar on ‘Emerging Trends and Vistas in Polymer Science’, conducted by Govt. Attingal college, on February 14th 2008.
32	Invited for Lecture on “Conducting Polymers” in a Refresher course for college teachers organized by Maharajas Govt. College, Ernakulum, on 25th February 2008.

Instruments purchased during Directorship of Inter University Centre For Nanomaterials and Devices (IUCND)

1	Electrochemical workstation – CH Instruments
2	Electrospinning unit - PICO
3	Electrometer – Keithly
4	Doctor blading

Best practises implemented during headship in the Department of polymer Science and Rubber Technology

1	Implemented ISO-2015 certification in 2017
2	Conducted regular Department council meeting
3	Regular Doctral Advisory Committee assessment for PhD students
4	Implemented regular common seminars for PhD students
5	Constituted Class Committe for Btech and Mtech Students
6	Implemented Mentoring systems for Btech and Mtech students
7	Implemented valuation camp for exam evaluation
8	Coordinated Department for Chancellors Award, IQAC activities
9	Implemented Course diary for monitoring syllabus coverage for individual faculty in the department
10	Implemented faculty-feedbacks from students
11	To promote students curricular and co-curricular activities like conducting arts festival in the department
12	Re-activated all placement activities for B.tech and M.tech students
13	Syllabus revision in 2016
14	Involved NAAC accreditation activities of CUSAT as Sub-committee
15	Papers handled for B.tech and M.tech courses include macromolecular science, polymer synthesis, polymers for environment, polymer nanocomposites, and advanced Polymer Science.

Instruments purchased in the Dept. of PS&RT during Headship

	Under RUSA
1	Deep Freezer, Cryocube F570-86, purchased under RUSA Scheme
2	Deep Freezer, Cryocube F570-86, purchased under RUSA Scheme
3	Milli Q Water System, Millipore Direct 8UV, purchased under RUSA Scheme
4	High Speed ccentrifuge, Hermle Z36HK, purchased under RUSA Scheme
5	Lyophilizer, CHRIST – ALPHA 24 LD PLUS, purchased under RUSA Scheme
	Under FIST
1	Electrochemical Workstation, CH Instruments, CH660E, purchased underDST-FIST programme.
2	FTIR spectrophotometer,IR-GCMS-QP2010 ultra HS-20, purchased under DST-FIST programme.
	Under PURSE
1	Contact Angle Goniometer, RAME HART Model 290,purchased under PURSE Grant
2	Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Thermoscientific iCE 3000 series, purchase under DST-PURSE Grant.
	Under Improving Infrastructural facilities for Research Intensive Departments
1	Gas Permeability Tester, GTR-7002, purchased under DST-FIST programme

Major funds brought for the department during Headship

1	Deployed FIST funding of 88 Lakhs
2	RUSA funding – 30 Lakhs
3	Improving Infrastructural facilities for Research Intensive Departments – 25 Lakhs
4	PURSE Grant – 80 lakhs
5	Signed MoUs with Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) and Bamboo Corporation

Using these funds Modernisation of various laboratories done such as Materials and characterisation lab, Synthesis lab, Mechanical and Characterisation Lab in the department.

Instruments purchased during Directorship of Inter University Centre For Nanomaterials and Devices (IUCND)

1	Solar Simulator, XES-5051-RY, ATOS Instruments.
2	Microwave Synthesiser, Anton Paar,GMBH
3	Glove Box, MB UnilabPro SP(2000/780), MBRAUN Inert Gas System,GMBH.
4	Vacuum Oven VO 2B, Scientific Enterprises.
5	Ultrasonic Processor, Sonics and Materials Inc.

Programmes implemented during directorship of Inter University Centre For Nanomaterials And Devices

	Started Inter departmental elective course for MSc and Mtech Students
1	“Nanotechnology – concepts and applications” offered on odd semester for M.Tech. students
2	“Nanotechnology: From fundamentals to modern applications” offered on even semester for M.Sc. Students.

Ph.D.s awarded – 11