Q. Please tell us about yourself. What brought you to your current position?
I’m a senior product manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific focused on molecular spectroscopy solutions, including FTIR and FT–Raman technologies. My background is in biophysics and analytical spectroscopy. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping scientists apply advanced analytical tools to solve practical challenges in research, quality control (QC), and compliance. My experience working across scientific applications naturally led me to a role where I can connect technology innovation with customer and industry needs.
Q. What is your favorite part of the work you’ve done in this field?
What I enjoy most is helping customers use FTIR and FT–Raman spectroscopy to solve real-world problems with greater confidence and efficiency. It’s rewarding to see how FTIR and related technologies support everything from product quality and regulatory compliance to sustainability initiatives and advanced materials research. I also enjoy working across industries because every application brings a unique scientific challenge.
Q. What is your talk about?
My presentation, FTIR Spectroscopy in Action: Where Innovation Meets Compliance, focuses on how FTIR spectroscopy supports material identification, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across industries.
The talk highlights practical applications of FTIR in raw material inspection, final product testing, and failure analysis, along with best practices that improve reliability and product performance. I also discuss FTIR’s growing role in sustainability efforts, including the analysis of recycled materials and microplastics, and how laboratories can use these workflows to support both compliance and sustainable product development.
Q. Why do you think it’s important to discuss this topic with our audience?
QC and materials analysis teams are under increasing pressure to deliver reliable results while meeting regulatory and sustainability goals. FTIR spectroscopy is a critical tool that helps organizations quickly identify materials, verify product quality, investigate failures, and support compliance requirements.
This topic is especially relevant now, as industries place greater emphasis on sustainable manufacturing, recycled materials, and environmental accountability. Professionals in pharmaceuticals, polymers, chemicals, manufacturing, and environmental testing can all benefit from understanding how FTIR can strengthen analytical workflows and support better decision-making.
Suja Sukumaran, PhD, is a product manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She earned her PhD in biophysics from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Germany through the International Max Planck Research School. She brings extensive expertise in molecular spectroscopy, fluorescence, and visible imaging, as well as protein and lipid biochemistry, to her role.
Register today for free to attend Suja’s and other insightful webinars at the 2026 LabXpo | Product Testing & Regulatory Compliance digital event.
