Zahr Zahir

Chemistry PhD graduate from the University of Melbourne with expertise in computational and experimental inorganic chemistry. Skilled in DFT-based modeling, organic and inorganic molecular synthesis, and characterization techniques for switchable and smart materials. Experienced in using various experimental instruments and cloud computing for efficient data analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated ability to conduct cross-disciplinary research on molecular systems, electronic structures, and material properties.

• Best poster award at ACMM-II-2022, Bhopal, India (2022).
• Oral presentation winner (1st place) in VicInorg symposium, Australia (2022).
• Best oral presentation award in M4 symposium, Australia (2022).
• Science abroad travelling scholarship (2022).
• RACI postgraduate travel award (2022).
• Best poster award at ACMM2020, Fukuoka, Japan (2021).
• Melbourne research scholarship, university of Melbourne, Australia (2018).
• University award for academic excellence, university of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2015).
• Prof. H.W. Dias scholarship for the best performance in inorganic chemistry, university of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2014).
• Chemistry graduate studentship for the best performance in chemistry, ALUMNI association of university of Peradeniya (AAUP) (2013).

• Zahir, F. Z. M.; Hay, M. A.; Janezki, J. T.; Gable, R. W.; Goerigk, L.; Boskovic, C. Predicting Valence Tautomerism in Diverse Cobalt-Dioxolene Complexes: Elucidation of the Role of Ligand and Solvent. Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 5694–5710.
• Summers, A.; Zahir F. Z. M.; Turner, G.; Georigk, L., Boskovic, C.; Moggach, S. Putting the Squeeze on Valence Tautomerism in Cobalt-Dioxolene Complexes. Nat Commun. 2024, 15, 8922.
• Janetzki, J. T.; Zahir, F. Z. M.; Gable, R. W.; Phonsri, W.; Murray, K. S.; Goerigk, L.; Boskovic, C. A Convenient DFT-Based Strategy for Predicting Transition Temperatures of Valence Tautomeric Molecular Switches. Inorg. Chem. 2021, 60, 14475–14487.
• Fischer, E. T.; Janetzki, J. T.; Zahir, F. Z. M.; Gable, R. W.; Starikova, A. A.; Boskovic, C. Tuning Valence Tautomerism in a Family of Dinuclear Cobalt Complexes Incorporating a Conjugated Bridging Bis(dioxolene) Ligand with Weak Communication. Dalton. Trans. 2024, 53, 3104–3117.
• Zahir F. Z. M.; Goerigk, L.; Boskovic, Robus DFT based Strategies for Exploring Valence Taumoerism in Dinuclear Cobalt-Dioxolene Complexes. Manuscript in preparation.
• Bandara, A.; Zahir, Z.; Gamage, S.; Kumara, A.; Perera, I. R. Hybrid Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Graphene - A Convenient Method to Seal Liquid State Devices. J. Renew. Sustain. Energy 2018, 10, 043504.

Presented research at 15+ international conferences and symposiums across Asia, Europe, and Australia, including invited plenaries, oral talks, flash talks, and posters. Highlights include:

Invited Plenary

• DFT Methods for Valence Tautomerism” – Chemistry Graduate Research Conference, University of Melbourne, Australia (2022)

Oral Presentations

• “Predicting Valence Tautomeric Complexes using DFT” – VicInorg Symposium & M4 Symposium, Melbourne, Australia (2022)
• “DFT Benchmarking for Valence Tautomerism” – Congress-2022, Brisbane; IC21 (RACI), Australia; CHEM2020, Australia
• “Predicting Transition Temperatures in Valence Tautomeric Complexes” – 2B-Switch (Flash Talk), Bordeaux, France & Bayreuth, Germany (2021)

Poster Presentations and Early Career Talks

• ACMM Conferences – India (2022) and Japan (2021)
• RACI Victorian Inorganic Symposium – 2018 and 2022
• Melbourne Meeting of Molecular Modellers (M4 Symposium) (2022)

• Student ambassador for the royal Australian chemical institute (RACI) (2021- 2023).
• Member of Melbourne university chemical society (MUCS).
• Student member of royal Australian chemical institute (MRACI).
• Full life member of university of Peradeniya science alumni association (UPSAA), Sri Lanka.
• Member of chemical society (CHEMSOC), university of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.