Prof. Honey John Header
Professor Honey John
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
1Prof. Mats Andersson
2Prof. Youhong Tang, Flinders University
3Prof. Dr. Suresh C Pillai, Atlantic Technological University, Ireland
4Prof. Anand Gadre
Interdepartmental Collaborations
1Dr. C. P. Regunadhan Nair, Emeritus Scientist, CUSAT (Retd. Scientist, ISRO)
2Dr. Saji K J, Assistant Professor, International school of Photonics, CUSAT
3Prof. Dr. Manoj N, Department of Applied Chemistry, CUSAT
4Prof. Dr. M K Jayaraj, Department of Physics, CUSAT
5Prof. Dr Pramod Gopinath, International School of Photonics, CUSAT
Reviewer / Editor of Journals
1Results in Engineering, Elsevier Publishers
2ChemCom
3ACS Nano, ACS publishers
4Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, RSC Publishers
5Journal of Physical Chemistry, ACS Publishers
6Journal of Materials Chemistry, RSC Publishers
7CARBON, Elsevier Publishers
8Materials Chemistry and Physics, Elsevier Publishers
9ActaAstronautica, Elsevier Publishers
10Materials Letters, Elsevier Publishers
11ACS Rubber Chemistry and Technology, ACS Publishers
12Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Wiley Publishers
13Journal of Molecular Structure, Elsevier Publishers
14Polymer Science and Engineering Journal, Wiley Publishers
15Polymer Composites, Wiley Publishers
16International journal of Polymeric Materials, Taylor and Francis Inc.
17Journal of Elastomers and Plastics, Wiley Publishers
International / National Conferences Organized
1Conference chair and coordinator: International Conference ‘NANOicon2022’ held from 11 - 15 January 2022, Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices, CUSAT
2Conference 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
3Organizing committee member: SIET Kerala - Tech Talent 2022, 10 - 12 March 2022, Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices, CUSAT
4Conference Chair: International Conference on Advances in Polymer Technology - APT ’21, 27-29 May 2021, Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, CUSAT
5Conference Chair and Coordinator: International Conference on Optoelectronic And Nanomaterials For Advanced Technology, icONMAT , 3-5 January 2018.
6Coordinator: National conference on Innovations in Nanoworld: Neoteric Vision and Emerging Nanotechnologies (INNVENT 2017), Dec 13-15, 2017.
7Coordinator: National conference on Current trends in Polymer Science CTPS, in 2020, 2019 and 2018.
8Coordinator: EPOCH 19, conducted in March 2019.
9Organizer: International Conference on Advances in Polymer Technology –APT’16, in March 2016.
Administrative Responsibilities
1Faculty member in the collaboration signed between CUSAT and M/s Mane Kancor Ingredients Private Limited to resolve issues in their process.
2Member academic council CUSAT [2017-2020]
3Member, Board of Studies, St. Teresas College, Ernakulam [2018-till date]
4Member, Research Council, CAM, CUSAT [2015-2020]
5Member, Internal Compliance Committee, CUSAT [2018- 2020]
6Member Secretary, IIST Research Board [2010-2015]
7Member Secretary, IIST Research Council [2008-2015
8Convenor, Peer Review Committee [2008-2013]
9Biodiversity club Coordinator & Executive Committee member [2013-2015]:
10Member, Students welfare and Cultural council, IIST (2009-2011)
11Member, Micro Quality Assurance Cell (MQAC) [20012-2013]
12Member, Purchase Committee, IIST (2009-2011)
13NAAC Accreditation Committee, IIST (2010-2011)
14Member, Standing Review Committee for Infrastructure Development, IIST [2009-2010]
15Member, Board of studies, Polymer Science and Rubber Technology [2017-till date]
16The Technical expert in the purchase committee of Common Facility Centre of West Malabar Plywood Manufacturers Cluster Services Pvt. Ltd.
Awards and Honors
1PAT Award 2023 by Plastic Control Mission
2Academic Excellence Award in DRDO Awards 2020
3Best Paper Award in International Conferences: 5; National Conferences: 9
4Listed in the book ‘WOMEN ACHIEVERS IN SCIENCE’ published by Department of Science and Technology, Kerala State with IIST affiliation (2012).
5Winner of Women Scientist Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India in 2006.
6Winner of YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD 2003 at 15th Kerala Science Congress at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, January 29-31, 2003.
Invited for Talks
1Invited for talk on “Nanomaterials for Optoelectronic/ Energy Application” for Refresher Course in Material sciences, Kerala University, on 22-10-2020.
2Invited for talk on “Photocatalytic organic/inorganic binary hybrids of graphene”, Centenary Webinar Series Talk, Union Christian College, Aluva, 29/09/2020.
3Invited 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.
4Invited for talk on “walk with Scholar Programme”, Marthoma College for Women, Perumbavoor dated 10-12-2019.
5Inauguration and nvited for talk on “Advancement and challenges in Polymer Science and technology”, NSS college, Karamana, dated 27-11-2019 (forenoon).
6Invited for talk on “Polymer based Nano composite for Optoelectronic / Energy Application” for Refresher Course in Material sciences on 27-11-2019 (afternoon).
7Chief Guest, Science Seminar and Exhibition, Govt. Girls’ HSS, North Paravur, 15th November 2019.
8Invited for talk on ‘Polymers: Impact on environment’, Prof. A.J. Benjamin Memmorial Lecture Series 2018, December 13, 2018.
9Invited for talk on ‘Beauty of good research’ in National Level Research Orientation Programme [ROP 2018], Maharajas college, Ernakulam, February 17, 2018.
10Inauguration and Invited for talk on ‘Science and Technology for sustainable development’, in National Science Day BODHI-2018, Sacred Heart Thevara, February 26, 2018.
11Invited lecture on ‘Polymer nanocomposites for environmental applicaions’, in refresher course on Material Science, Kerala University, November2, 2018.
12Invited 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’
13Invited for talk on ‘Energy and Environment’ in ‘ENCON’, St.Paul’s College, Kalamassery, 28th July 2017ecember 18, 2018.
14Invited 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]
15Invited for talk on ‘Nano composites for optical applications’, in National seminar on ‘Smart Materials for Futuristic Electronics and Information TechJanuary 15, 2016.
16Invited for talk on “ Nanopolyaniline/graphene hybrids for optical applications” in Workshop on Nanophotonics, Dept. of Physics, CUSAT, March 18-19, 2016.
17Invited lecture on ‘Polymer based nanocomposites for optoelectronic/energy applicaions’, in refresher course on Material Science, Kerala University, December 5, 2016.
18Invited for talk on “Bio-nano composites: Challenges and opportunities” in National TechnologyDay (NTD) 2016 on 13th May 2016 organized by CBPST.
19Invited for talk on ‘Polymer nanocomposites’, St. Alberts College, October 15, 2015.
20Invited 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.
21Invited for talk on “Nanopolyaniline/graphene hybrids for optical applications” in Workshop on Nanophotonics, Dept. of Physics, CUSAT, March 18-19, 2016.
22Invited for lecture on ‘Polymer based nanocomposites for optoelectronic/energy applicaions’, in refresher course on Material Science, Kerala University, December 5, 2016.
23Invited for talk on “Bio-nano composites: Challenges and opportunities” in National TechnologyDay (NTD) 2016 on 13th May 2016 organized by CBPST.
24Invited for talk on “Nanopolyaniline/graphene hybrids for optical applications” in Workshop on Nanophotonics, Dept. of Physics, CUSAT, March 18-19, 2016.
25Invited 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.
26Invited for talk on ‘Polymer nanocomposites’, St. Alberts College, October 15, 2015.
27Invited Lecture on “Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites” in a Refresher Course conducted by ‘UGC-Academic Staff College’, University of Kerala on 4th December 2015.
28Invited for talk on “Nanotechnology for Space applications” in a National conference on ‘CNT-2011’, organized by St. Theresas College, Ernakulam, 29th July 2011.
29Invited 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.
30Invited 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.
31Invited 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.
32Invited 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)
1Electrochemical workstation – CH Instruments
2Electrospinning unit - PICO
3Electrometer – Keithly
4Doctor blading
Best practises implemented during headship in the Department of polymer Science and Rubber Technology
1Implemented ISO-2015 certification in 2017
2Conducted regular Department council meeting
3Regular Doctral Advisory Committee assessment for PhD students
4Implemented regular common seminars for PhD students
5Constituted Class Committe for Btech and Mtech Students
6Implemented Mentoring systems for Btech and Mtech students
7Implemented valuation camp for exam evaluation
8Coordinated Department for Chancellors Award, IQAC activities
9Implemented Course diary for monitoring syllabus coverage for individual faculty in the department
10Implemented faculty-feedbacks from students
11To promote students curricular and co-curricular activities like conducting arts festival in the department
12Re-activated all placement activities for B.tech and M.tech students
13Syllabus revision in 2016
14Involved NAAC accreditation activities of CUSAT as Sub-committee
15Papers 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
1Deep Freezer, Cryocube F570-86, purchased under RUSA Scheme
2Deep Freezer, Cryocube F570-86, purchased under RUSA Scheme
3Milli Q Water System, Millipore Direct 8UV, purchased under RUSA Scheme
4High Speed ccentrifuge, Hermle Z36HK, purchased under RUSA Scheme
5Lyophilizer, CHRIST – ALPHA 24 LD PLUS, purchased under RUSA Scheme
Under FIST
1Electrochemical Workstation, CH Instruments, CH660E, purchased underDST-FIST programme.
2FTIR spectrophotometer,IR-GCMS-QP2010 ultra HS-20, purchased under DST-FIST programme.
Under PURSE
1Contact Angle Goniometer, RAME HART Model 290,purchased under PURSE Grant
2Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Thermoscientific iCE 3000 series, purchase under DST-PURSE Grant.
Under Improving Infrastructural facilities for Research Intensive Departments
1Gas Permeability Tester, GTR-7002, purchased under DST-FIST programme
Major funds brought for the department during Headship
1Deployed FIST funding of 88 Lakhs
2RUSA funding – 30 Lakhs
3Improving Infrastructural facilities for Research Intensive Departments – 25 Lakhs
4PURSE Grant – 80 lakhs
5Signed 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)
1Solar Simulator, XES-5051-RY, ATOS Instruments.
2Microwave Synthesiser, Anton Paar,GMBH
3Glove Box, MB UnilabPro SP(2000/780), MBRAUN Inert Gas System,GMBH.
4Vacuum Oven VO 2B, Scientific Enterprises.
5Ultrasonic 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 – 8