Shobhana Menon from Gujarat University, in India, studies functionalized crown ether assemblies and their potential as sensors.

 What inspired you to become a scientist? 

My source of inspiration is Madam Curie. I happened to read the life and works of Madam Curie whilst I was a school student. During that time I was under the impression that discovering new elements was the only field of research for chemists but I later realised that any new idea can be put into practice. This rekindled my aspiration to becoming a scientist. 

 What was your motivation behind the work described in your ChemComm article? 

For the last 10 years, I have been working on functionalised crown ethers and calixerenes. Recently, I have started working on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. 18-Crown-6 is very specific for potassium ions; however, the complex formed is colourless, so direct ion sensing is not possible. The Au-Crown assembly is coloured so it can be used for potassium ion recognition through colour change. 

 Why did you choose ChemComm to publish your work? 

It is of high quality and publishes communications quickly. It is also aimed at a general audience. 

 Where do you see your research heading next? 

I see a lot of prospect in developing similar sensors by chemical modification of various crown ethers, perhaps by the modification of cavity size. 

 What do enjoy doing in your spare time?

Classical music is my passion; I go to music lessons on a weekly basis. I also enjoy cooking exotic dishes. 

 If you could not be a scientist, but could be anything else, what would you be? 

A Musician. 

Interviewed by Emma Shiells