Kerala Student Lena Prasannan Wins ₹6 Crore PhD Scholarship at University of York in UK

KOLLAM Sept 18: Kollam-born chemistry researcher earns prestigious four-year scholarship at the University of York after competing with applicants from around the world. 

A proud moment for Kerala’s higher education community, Lena Prasannan, a student from Kollam, has secured a scholarship worth more than ₹6 crore for a four-year PhD programme at the prestigious University of York in the UK. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in her academic journey and highlights the opportunities available to Indian students pursuing international research careers.

A native of Mundakkal West, Kollam, Lena emerged successful from a highly competitive selection process involving approximately 250 international applicants. Her academic excellence, research experience and strong recommendations from professors helped her earn a place at one of the UK’s leading Russell Group universities.

From Kollam to IISER: The Beginning of a Research Journey

Lena completed her Plus Two education at SN Trust Central School, Karbala, Kollam, before pursuing a five-year BS-MS dual degree in Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram.

She is the daughter of V. R. Prasannan and S. Reema of Mundakkal East Puthanazhikam, who worked in the Gulf. Her brother, Dr Alan Prasannan, is a doctor at Upasana Hospital in Kollam.

After completing Plus Two, Lena spent a year undergoing entrance examination coaching at Pala Brilliant. She successfully cleared both the medical entrance examination and the IISER entrance examination. Her brother Alan’s encouragement played a significant role in motivating her to pursue scientific research.

“It was my brother’s big wish that I join IISER and pursue scientific research. That’s how I joined IISER, Thiruvananthapuram, for the five-year BS-MS programme.”

During the initial years of her degree, Lena studied a range of subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and humanities. She eventually chose chemistry for her master’s specialisation, driven by her interest in the subject since Plus One.

Specialising in Supramolecular Chemistry

During her master’s studies, Lena developed a strong interest in supramolecular chemistry, a field of chemistry that focuses on how molecules interact and assemble into organised structures and the applications of these molecular systems.

She expanded her research experience through internships and academic projects at leading institutions across India. Her research journey included:

• IIT Palakkad: Initial internship experience.

• IIT Guwahati: Research project experience.

• IIT Bombay: Advanced research project.

• IISER Thiruvananthapuram: Final-year comprehensive master’s research project.

These experiences helped her strengthen her laboratory skills and gain practical exposure to advanced chemical research.

University of York PhD Scholarship: Selection After Global Competition

While completing her final year of master’s studies at IISER, Lena came across a PhD opportunity at the University of York. The proposed research project closely aligned with her work and academic interests in supramolecular chemistry, prompting her to apply.

She was shortlisted from approximately 250 international applicants. Following two rounds of interviews with the supervising professor and university panel members, her selection for the PhD programme was confirmed.

Letters of recommendation from professors at the IITs, along with her research performance at IISER, supported her application.

What Does Lena’s Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship package includes several forms of financial support for her four-year doctoral programme:
Full international tuition fees: Tuition coverage for all four years of study.

Monthly stipend: Regular financial support during the PhD.

Additional research funding: Special funding from her professor for research-related requirements.

International conference support: Travel and accommodation expenses for attending international conferences.

Lena’s Study Strategy: Consistency Over Last-Minute Preparation

Lena believes that effective preparation begins well before examinations. Rather than relying on last-minute studying, she follows a planned and consistent approach to learning.

Her study habits include:

• Preparing personal notes on the same day as classes.

• Reviewing lessons regularly instead of waiting until examinations.

• Using YouTube videos and additional books to clarify difficult concepts.

• Taking short breaks of five to ten minutes after every hour of study.

• Spending Sundays revising the topics covered throughout the week.

She also recommends using study breaks for activities such as talking with friends, listening to music or playing simple games instead of spending excessive time on social media.

According to Lena, proper planning from the beginning is more effective than depending on intensive preparation just before examinations.

“Hard Work Has No Substitute,” Says Lena

Reflecting on her research journey, Lena acknowledges that setbacks and failed experiments are a natural part of scientific research. She says that her master’s project included difficult phases when she considered giving up, but persistence and positive thinking helped her continue.

“Hard work is important. Even if we want to do smart work, there is no substitute for the hard work we put in every day. I have gone through many tough phases during my master’s project. Sometimes I wanted to stop, but I kept going. I believed in myself and thought positively.”

Lena credits her family for providing the emotional support and guidance that helped her reach this stage.

“My family has been the biggest supporter in this journey. The emotional support given by my parents and the guidance of my brother brought me here.”

Her message to aspiring researchers and students is simple: Work hard, dream big and make consistent efforts every day to achieve your goals.

Lena’s journey from Kollam to a fully funded PhD opportunity in the UK serves as an inspiring example of how academic preparation, research experience, family support and perseverance can open doors to international opportunities.