Md.

Kamrul Hasan
B. Sc. (Honours), M.S (Dhaka)
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Science
Department of Chemistry
University of Dhaka
Email:
kamrul_du79@du.ac.bd
Phone: +880 1610-001662

Letter of Recommendation for Mohammad Jahirul Alam

It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Mohammad Jahirul Alam. I have known
him for more than five years. I took a practical course named Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CH-
423). He was attentive and very able to handle laboratory works.

He did his MS thesis and further research physical laboratory section. I have known him well, as
we have common research group where I was his one of the research advisors. His MS thesis
entitled “: Computational investigation of hydrated Nickel ion ligand complexes, (Ligand: H2O,
NH3,-OH,-Cl-)”, and secured A+ (4.0) in it. I must say that his extreme sincerity and impressive
ability to understand the research helped him to achieve such excellent result. He did his thesis
work independently and efficiently and within given timeline. He changed his research focus to
Computational Chemistry in MS and did well, which reflects that he is hard working quick learner.
He actively participated in several workshops and seminars both national and international levels
and shared his research work. I believe that all his experiences will certainly help him to do better
research in USA.

Mr. Alam has good research experiences with strong analytical skill. He actively participated in
several workshops and seminar both national and international levels and shared his research work,
where his research works was highly praised.

His one of the good works named ‘Investigation of the reaction mechanism of the reaction between
homophthalic anhydrides and Schiff bases by computational method’, which is in processing of
publication. I have briefly represented his findings. Addition reaction of homophthalic anhydrides
with Schiff bases produces two different products. The isolated reactants of different substituted
Schiff bases homophthalic anhydrides were optimized. The ground state structures of both
reactants in the loosely bonded form and products and probable transition state structures were also
optimized using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. The analysis
of the vibrational frequency shows that, there are only one transition state for this mechanism. So,
he founded that the study of the reaction mechanism follows the concerted reaction. He found out
various parameter. The activation energy (Eact) of the reaction with different Schiff base
containing electron donating group (EDG) has found to be more than
unsubstituted Schiff base. Similarly, higher Eact has been observed for the different substituted
homophthalic anhydride with EDG and lower Eact is observed for Electron Withdrawing Group
(EDG) substituted homophthalic anhydride. The thermodynamic parameters of Gibb’s free energy
(ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy changes (ΔS) were also calculated and HOMO-LUMO, NBO
charges of optimized structures are also investigated. This research finding is fantastic and we
(with Mohammad Jahirul Alam) are trying to publish it.

Mr. Alam can think out of the box when it comes about research. He has ability to find research
gap and generate new idea about interdisciplinary research areas. So, he can not only handle
autonomously computational calculation but also can analysis huge data of findings as he has good
aptitude for mathematics and number. Therefore, I believe that he would be an outstanding research
assistant.

As a person, Mr. Alam possesses a strong personality and carries an excellent sense of
responsibility and punctuality. I saw him helping his fellow juniors in their research work which
reflects his strong leadership abilities. He is able to think autonomously innovative idea of
research. His friendly approach helps others to work with him in a favorable environment. He
volunteered in many departmental program like Bangladesh Chemistry Olympiad, DU chemistry
get-together and also actively participated in many departmental cultural program.

I am very much confident that he has enough perseverance and intellectual creativity necessary to
complete his Ph.D. degree. He can be a good TA as he has the years of experience in tutoring ‘O’
and ‘A’ level chemistry all through his undergraduate career.

Finally, considering the above qualities coupled with his strong motivation for doing scientific
work, I have confidence in his ability to give him my highest recommendation. So, I consider him
an excellent candidate for graduate studies and research at your renowned institution. I also highly
recommend for any possible financial assistance in the form of Fellowship/ Scholarship/R.A./T.A.
For further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact with me.

Md. Kamrul Hasan