Early Life and Education

Dr. Urosa Latief is an Indian physicist with a strong academic and research foundation in the field of experimental condensed matter physics and nanomaterials. Her early education in Jammu and Kashmir laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to scientific research and innovation.
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry from the University of Jammu (2012–2015), graduating in First Class with Distinction. Her curiosity about the structural and optical behavior of functional materials inspired her to pursue a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, where she achieved 85.2% marks and received multiple academic awards and honors, including the Certificate of Distinction, a Silver Medal, and cash prizes for academic excellence.
Continuing her academic journey, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi, under the supervision of Prof. Mohd. Shahid Khan. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Study of Luminescent and Functionalized Quantum Dots for Photonic Applications,” explored the synthesis and optical properties of quantum dots for use in photonics, sensing, and solid-state lighting. She submitted her thesis in June 2023, successfully defended it in October 2023, and was formally awarded the degree in November 2023.

Academic Background

  • Ph.D. in Physics (2019–2023)
    Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
    Thesis: Study of Luminescent and Functionalized Quantum Dots for Photonic Applications
    Advisor: Prof. Mohd. Shahid Khan

  • M.Sc. in Physics (2015–2017)
    Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, Jammu
    Thesis: Structural and Optical Properties of CaZnO₂ Doped with Tb³⁺ Nanophosphor
    Advisor: Prof. Vinay Dhiman

  • B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry (2012–2015)
    University of Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir
    Graduated with First Class and Distinction

Research Focus and Interests

Dr. Urosa Latief’s research interests encompass experimental condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, and energy harvesting systems. Her work integrates the design, synthesis, and application of nanostructured materials for sustainable technologies.
Her main areas of expertise include:

  • Solid-State Lighting (SSL): Developing eco-friendly and energy-efficient luminescent materials as alternatives to rare-earth-based phosphors.

  • Nanomaterial-Based Sensing: Creating smart nanomaterials as probes for detecting heavy metal ions and environmental pollutants.

  • Piezoelectric Nanogenerators (PNGs): Designing PVDF-based nanocomposites for harvesting mechanical energy from human motion.

  • Photonic and Optoelectronic Devices: Engineering multifunctional materials for self-powered and energy-efficient applications.

Her current research at IIT Delhi focuses on optimizing the piezoelectric performance of PVDF-based nanogenerators by using hybrid fillers such as Barium Titanate and Carbon Nanotubes to enhance energy output and durability.

Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Latief has contributed to teaching and mentoring activities during her time at Jamia Millia Islamia, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi.
She has supervised and guided postgraduate and undergraduate students in:

  • Materials synthesis and characterization techniques

  • Optical spectroscopy and photoluminescence analysis

  • Fabrication of flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators
    She continues to collaborate with research groups, encouraging young scientists to pursue innovation in physics and materials science.

Major Contributions and Innovations

  1. Development of Eco-Friendly Quantum Dots: Synthesized non-toxic, rare-earth-free luminescent materials for optical sensing and photonic applications.

  2. Hybrid Nanocomposites for Energy Harvesting: Designed multifunctional piezoelectric composites incorporating Barium Titanate and MWCNTs, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency.

  3. Advanced Optical Sensors: Developed carbon quantum dots with multi-color emission for dual-mode sensing of metal ions.

  4. Green Synthesis Techniques: Pioneered sustainable methods for producing functionalized nanomaterials without hazardous solvents or heavy metals.

  5. Multifunctional Lead-Free Perovskites: Contributed to the development of perovskite-based materials for biomechanical energy harvesting and piezo-optoelectronic systems.

Publications and Research Papers

Dr. Urosa Latief has an impressive record of peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals such as ACS Applied Nano Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Spectrochimica Acta Part A, and Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A.
Her works are widely cited and contribute significantly to advancements in nanomaterials, photonics, and sustainable energy devices.

Full Publication Links:

Selected Publications:

  1. Urosa Latief et al., Hybrid Fillers of Barium Titanate and Functionalized Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Incorporated Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanocomposites for Piezoelectric Nanogenerators, ACS Applied Nano Materials 8(9) (2025) 4784–4800.

  2. Suvankar Mondal, Urosa Latief et al., Multifunctional Lead-free Halide Perovskite Based PVDF Composites for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Piezo-Optoelectronic Applications, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 17(12) (2025) 18813–18830.

  3. Urosa Latief, Mohd. Shahid Khan et al., Environment Friendly Co/Ag@ZnS Quantum Dots with High Quality Emission and Application for Selective Sensing of Hg²⁺, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 445 (2023) 115038.

  4. Urosa Latief, Shafi Ul Islam, Mohd. Shahid Khan, Rare-earth Free Solid-State Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots: Multi-color Emission and its Application as Optical Dual-Mode Sensor, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 941 (2023) 168985.

  5. Urosa Latief et al., Luminescent Manganese/Europium Doped ZnS Quantum Dots: Tunable Emission and their Application as Fluorescent Sensors, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 910 (2022) 164889.

  6. Urosa Latief et al., A Facile Green Synthesis of Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots as Fluorescent Probes for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Fe³⁺ Ions, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 262(15) (2021) 120132.

  7. Md Amanullah Saifee, Urosa Latief et al., Tri-chalcogenides (Sb₂S₃/Bi₂S₃) Solar Cells with Double Electron Transport Layers: Design and Simulation, Discover Energy, 4 (2024).

  8. Book Chapter: Strategy to Synthesize Tunable Emissive ZnS QDs Enabled by Cobalt Doping, in Recent Advances in Nanomaterials, Springer Proceedings in Materials, 27 (2023), pp. 209–214.

Grants, Projects, and Collaborations

  • SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF), Department of Science and Technology, India (2024–2026).

  • Collaborative projects with Prof. Arup Ranjan Bhattacharyya (IIT Bombay) on piezoelectric nanocomposites and Prof. Jitendra Pratap Singh (IIT Delhi) on photonic device applications.

  • Participation in interdisciplinary projects combining physics, nanotechnology, and materials engineering to develop sustainable energy solutions.

Awards and Recognitions

  • SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF), 2024–2026.

  • Certificate of Distinction, SMVDU (2017).

  • Silver Medal for Academic Excellence, SMVDU (2017).

  • UGC Merit Certificate and Cash Award, SMVDU (2016).

  • Qualified GATE (Physics), with 90.68 percentile (2019).

  • Best Poster Presentation Award, International Conference on Recent Advances in Functional Materials (RAFM-2022), University of Delhi.

Professional Affiliations and Memberships

  • Member, Indian Physical Society (IPS).

  • Active Research Contributor, ACS Publications Network.

  • Participant in Springer Materials Community and other academic collaborations.

  • Regular presenter at international conferences and workshops on Nanotechnology, Photonics, and Functional Materials.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Dr. Latief is actively involved in scientific outreach programs promoting STEM education and women’s participation in research. She has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences, including events hosted by IIT Hyderabad, University of Kashmir, and ARSD College (University of Delhi).
She has also contributed to several online and offline training programs on solid-state physics, nanomaterial synthesis, and energy applications, fostering collaboration and innovation among early-career researchers.

Dr Urosa Latief | National Post doctoral Fellow Indian institute of technology Delhi