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INTRODUCING
NMR Scientist & Science Communicator

Dr. Shallu Verma

PhD in Chemical & Process Engineering, University of Canterbury (NZ)

MSc in Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, Miranda House, University of Delhi

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About

My speciality is the molecular spectroscopy of the everyday. Whether it's the forensic chemistry that verifies seized casework, the benchtop NMR fingerprints of complex illicit drug mixtures, or demystifying the path to top global research labs, I love revealing the science and technologies that underpin our modern world.

I completed my doctoral dissertation, "Benchtop NMR Analysis of Illicit Substances," in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. My doctoral work explored benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as an accessible, rapid, and cost-effective alternative to conventional chromatographic methods like HPLC-UV for analyzing controlled substances and public health harm reduction samples.

"I am a researcher turned science communicator, intent on telling stories that center the human process of discovery. Demystifying scientific tools and opening academic doors are at the heart of everything I do."

Currently, I work as an NMR Chemist at Magritek in Wellington, New Zealand, helping researchers and industry scientists unlock the power of compact benchtop NMR spectroscopy.

Dedicated to making global research opportunities transparent and equitable for students from all backgrounds, I co-founded Grab a PhD (GAP) — an academic mentorship platform that has guided over 50+ students into funded doctoral programs across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the UK, and North America.

Science Communication

I believe science only reaches its true potential when it is clearly understood. Drawing from laboratory research and the natural world, I use clarity, storytelling, and empathy to demystify complex analytical chemistry for diverse audiences.

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Keynotes & University Talks

Invited guest lectures and workshops at premier institutions including IIT Delhi, IIT Ropar, NSUT, and Miranda House on analytical chemistry, NMR instrumentation, and academic career transitions.

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Visualise Your Thesis (VYT)

Participated in the international Visualise Your Thesis competition, presenting how benchtop NMR technology directly supports forensic laboratories and community harm reduction efforts.

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Digital Outreach & Mentorship

Creating relatable, insightful science and doctoral guidance content across platforms (@say_hi_to_serotonin) to bridge the gap between academic labs and prospective students.

NMR Research

My doctoral research at the University of Canterbury was situated at the cutting edge of applied spectroscopy and forensic analytical chemistry, investigating the capabilities of low-field benchtop NMR (60 MHz Magritek Spinsolve ULTRA).

Specifically, I evaluated benchtop proton ($^1\text{H}$) NMR for the direct qualitative identification and quantitative purity determination of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, cutting agents, and complex adulterated mixtures.

To overcome peak overlapping at lower magnetic field strengths, I utilized Quantitative Quantum Mechanical Models (QMM) and advanced spectral deconvolution, demonstrating that benchtop NMR can match the quantitative precision of traditional HPLC-UV workflows while eliminating toxic solvent consumption and lengthy sample preparation.

¹H NMR SPECTRUM δ (PPM)
7.2 4.8 2.6 1.1

Real spectral casework: peak deconvolution at 60 MHz

Publications

Select research publications, doctoral dissertation, and conference contributions.

Benchtop NMR Analysis of Illicit Substances
Shallu Verma · Doctoral Dissertation, University of Canterbury (2026)
PhD Thesis
Benchtop NMR for Forensic Chemistry & Quantitative Illicit Substance Analysis
S. Verma, D. J. Holland, B. Bogun, J. A. Robinson et al. · Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry
Journal Article
Quantitative Quantum Mechanical Modeling (QMM) for Low-Field Methamphetamine Mixture Analysis
In collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR, New Zealand)
Collaborative Research

Fellowships & Awards

Skills

Academic & Technical

Benchtop NMR (60 MHz) High-Field NMR QMM Modeling HPLC-UV Chromatography Spectral Deconvolution Forensic Casework Chemometrics & Python Bioanalytical Chemistry

Communication & Media

Public Speaking & Talks Science Writing PhD Admissions Strategy Academic CV Rebuilding Video & Audio Creation Workshop Facilitation Social Media Outreach
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Grab a PhD (GAP)

Co-founded by Dr. Shallu Verma & Abhishek Makol

50+ Placements
4.9★ Topmate Rating

"I didn't consult my way into a PhD abroad. I applied my way into one."

Through Grab a PhD, we guide students through the complex reality of applying for funded doctorates abroad — teaching how to target supervisors, craft cold emails that earn responses, rebuild CVs line-by-line, and ace interview pitches.

Video Call · 40m
1:1 Consultation

Full walkthrough of the PhD abroad path, country selection, and funding opportunities.

₹999
Book Call
Popular Video Call · 40m
CV Improvisation

Line-by-line academic CV rebuild structured the way selection committees evaluate.

₹1,299
Book CV Rebuild
Popular Video Call · 40m
Mail Drafting

Drafting cold outreach emails tailored to specific supervisors to get real replies.

₹1,299
Book Mail Drafting
Priority DM
PhD Doubts

Specific queries rather than a full call? Send your questions directly for a 2-day reply.

₹108
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Work with Me

I collaborate with universities, conferences, scientific organizations, and aspiring researchers worldwide.

Speaking & Guest Lectures

Available for university colloquia, departmental guest talks, STEM panel discussions, and science outreach events. Topics include benchtop NMR technologies, forensic analytical chemistry, and academic study abroad pathways.

Invite as Speaker

PhD Admissions Mentorship

Through Grab a PhD, I provide 1:1 sessions for applicants looking to secure funded positions abroad. Sessions include comprehensive profile evaluations, CV reviews, and cold-emailing strategies.

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Let's Connect

Always open to conversations about science, spectroscopy, and mentorship.