Current Role: Technologist
PhD: Chemistry (P-F1P0)
Zivani is currently working as a Technologist at Infineum. Before that, she was a Research Fellow at Warwick and her list of publications can be found below. She is a highly motivated and outgoing researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistry and a passion for scientific communication. In October 2024, Zivani completed her PhD in the Becer Group, sponsored by Infineum. Her PhD project was focused on synthesising 2-oxazoline/2-oxazine based polymers with specific functionality.
Email: z.varanaraja@warwick.ac.uk
LinkedIn profile: Zivani VaranarajaLink opens in a new window
Research group profile: Becer GroupLink opens in a new window
Publications:
1. C. Nutting, J. Lefley, Z. Varanaraja, G. Yilmaz, R. Becer, Effect of Molar Mass of Poly(2-oxazoline) based Glycopolymers on Lectin Binding, Polymer Chemistry, 2024, 15, 5023-5031.Link opens in a new window
2. M. Godzina, R. Terracciano , Z. Varanaraja , D. MacKinnon , R. Becer, Self-assembled nanoparticles of PEG and poly(2-oxazoline) based lactide block copolymers, European Polymer Journal, 2024, 221, 113517.Link opens in a new window
3. Z. Varanaraja, J. Lefley, S. Vural, R. Becer, G. Yilmaz, in Click Chemistry in Polymer Science: Designs to Applications, N. Singha, P. Mondal, R. Hoogenboom, 2024, ch. 14, pp. 378-403.Link opens in a new window
4. Z. Varanaraja, R. Gadaga, J. Lefley, T. Rheinberger, F. Wurm, R. Becer, Degradable Polymer Architectures based on Polyphosphonate, Poly(2-oxazoline) and Poly(2-oxazine), Macromolecules, 2024, 57, 9853-9866Link opens in a new window.
5. R.Terracciano, Y. Liu, Z. Varanaraja, M. Godzina, G. Yilmaz, J.C.M. van Hest, R. Becer, Poly(2-oxazoline)-Based Thermoresponsive Stomatocytes, Biomacromolecules, 2024,25,6050–6059.Link opens in a new window
6. Z. Varanaraja, R.Terracciano, N.Hollingsworth, R.Green, J.Beament, R.Becer, Utilization of Anthracene-Functionalized Poly(2-oxazolines) as a Dispersant of Carbon Black in Water and Dodecane, Macromolecules, 2024, 57 (12), 5769-5779.Link opens in a new window
7. J.Lefley, R.Terracciano, Z. Varanaraja, J.Beament, R.Becer, Self-Assembly Behavior of Amphiphilic Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-isostearyl-2-oxazoline) Block Copolymers, Macromolecules, 2024, 57 (12), 5881-5891.Link opens in a new window
8. J.Lefley, Z. Varanaraja, B.A.Drain, S.Huband, J.Beament, R.Becer, Amphiphilic oligo(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s via straightforward synthesis and their self-assembly behaviour, Polymer Chemistry, 2023, 14, 4890-4897.Link opens in a new window
9. Z. Varanaraja, N.Hollingsworth, R.Green, R.Becer, Poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)-Based Copolymer Library with a Thermoresponsive Behavior in Dodecane, ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2023, 5, 5158–5168.Link opens in a new window
10. Z. Varanaraja, J.Kim, R.Becer, Poly(2-oxazine)s: A comprehensive overview of the polymer structures, physical properties and applications, European Polymer Journal, 2021, 147.Link opens in a new window
Roles:
Technologist, Infineum
Technologist specialising in driveline fluids & e-mobility solutions, with a strong record in R&D, product development, customer account leadership, and scientific consulting. Skilled at blending deep technical expertise with project management, partnering with global OEMs and multinational clients to deliver innovative technologies that are sustainable, exceed performance requirements, and strengthen market position.
Research Fellow, The University of Warwick
- Leading the development of polymeric materials with tailored functionalities for specific applications.
- Conducting COSHH assessments of chemicals and ensuring compliance with the university policies to minimise risk.
- Assessment of dispersants and materials’ conductivity via film formation.
- Assisting the PI with the management of the research group and mentoring the younger Masters and PhD students.
- Collaboration with industry and external academics, including the organisation of internal and external outreach events e.g. YRM.
Academic Background:
PhD Polymer Chemistry (2020-2024), Becer Research Group, The University of Warwick
Supervisor: Professor Remzi Becer
PhD project was funded by Infineum and focused on synthesizing 2-oxazoline/2-oxazine polymers with specific functionality.
MSc Chemistry with Scientific Writing (2019-2020), The University of Warwick
Modules: Polymer Laboratories, Focused Scientific Writing, Extended Scientific Writing, Science Communication, Polymers in the Real World, Team Research Project: Real World Analysis, Thinking Water (IL905) and Research Project.
BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (2016-2019), The University of Warwick
