CFAL Research Centre
People
The researchers, advisors, and institutional leaders who are building the CFAL Research Centre. Each name links to their full profile, research areas, and publications.
Scientific Advisory Council
Senior researchers from India's leading institutions who provide external oversight on research quality, ethics, and institutional direction.
Prof. K.R. Sridhar
Professor, Mangalore University
Mycologist
Prof. Sanjay Chandrasekharan
Professor, TIFR Mumbai
Cognitive Science
Dr. Prajval Shastri
Formerly, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
Astrophysicist
Dr. Sasikumar Menon
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The Advisory Council meets quarterly to review projects, approve priorities, and audit research quality and ethics.
Research Team
Five doctoral researchers — each bringing deep disciplinary expertise to applied sustainability and education.
Dr. Rashmi Rao
Environmental Scientist
Background: Neuroscience & Biotech (anxiety, USVs in murine models)
Groundwater quality · Chemical pollutant mapping
Dr. Rashmi Bhat
Ecologist · AMARA Lead
Background: Wildlife Biology (tiger tracking, elephant conflict)
Urban tree census · Herbarium · Phylogenetics
Dr. Asha Crasta
Environmental Modeller
Background: Applied Mathematics (hypersonic flow, delta wings)
Fluid dynamics · Urban drainage · Heat island modelling
Dr. Devadas
Sustainability Lead
Background: Physics & Urban Planning (solar energy, urban systems)
Energy-water-waste integration · City-scale sustainability
Dr. Nikhil
Technical Lead
Background: Applied Science (instrumentation, sensor design)
Field sensors · Geotagging tools · Data infrastructure
Institutional Leadership
Vijay Moras
Trustee, CFAL · Strategic Advisor
AMARA leadership · Governance · 20+ years building CFAL
Sonia Moras
Trustee, ELC · Learning Design
Early childhood · Nature-integrated pedagogy
Nandita Jayaraj
Science Communicator
Co-founder, Life of Science · The Wire Science
Mervin Rosario
Science Curriculum Head
CFAL IGNUS · Secondary School Principal
Photo
Richard Fernandes
Pedagogy Lead, Physics
Nuffield-method experimental curriculum
Jayashree
Director, IMTC
Teacher training · Montessori · Reggio Emilia
Mallika Sen
Language Program Head
TLC · ICSE School Inspector