Aastha is a PhD scholar at IIT Delhi, India and The University of Queensland, Australia, specializing in Raman spectroscopy–driven molecular sensing, nanomaterial design, and data-enabled analysis. Her research focuses on the rational design of SERS-active substrates and the development of advanced Raman enhancement strategies, including the introduction of magnetoelectrically induced enhanced Raman spectroscopy (MIERS), to enable ultrasensitive and reliable molecular detection.

Her work involves engineering nanostructured platforms and functional scaffolds, including covalent organic frameworks (COFs), to precisely control light–matter interactions and enhance signal amplification. She has demonstrated detection at nanomolar concentrations for trace-level analytes, addressing critical challenges in identifying environmentally and biologically relevant molecules such as plasticizers, which have significant ecological and health implications due to their persistence and bioaccumulative nature. In parallel, she investigates biomolecular interactions, including proteins and other biological systems, to understand interfacial behavior and improve sensing specificity.

She integrates experimental spectroscopy with advanced analytical frameworks, leveraging AI and machine learning to decode complex spectral signatures, improve signal discrimination, and enhance reproducibility. Alongside her Raman-focused work, she has substantial experience in designing optical nanoscaffolds using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and fluorescence-based systems, enabling complementary approaches for sensitive detection and energy transfer studies.

Her research is driven by a fundamental interest in probing light–matter interactions and harnessing optical phenomena to their full potential for next-generation sensing technologies. She aims to contribute to globally relevant scientific advancements by combining material innovation with intelligent data analysis while engaging with the broader scientific community across disciplines and geographies.