Preferencial Kala | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Indian Scientist

Prof. Preferencial Kala | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

SRM Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. C. Preferencial Kala is an accomplished Associate Professor at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, specializing in Physics and Materials Science. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, an M.Phil. from Alagappa University, and an M.Sc. from Scott Christian College. With extensive teaching experience across multiple academic levels, she has handled diverse subjects including Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Semiconductor Physics, and Materials Science. Her research primarily focuses on computational analysis of molecular electronic devices, modeling and simulation studies of organic materials for spintronic applications, and first-principles analysis of two-dimensional materials for gas and biosensor applications. Dr. Kala has authored 42 research papers with an H-index of 7 and a total citation count of 144, reflecting her impactful scientific contributions. She has also published a book chapter and actively participated in major projects funded by DST and SRMIST, including the establishment of advanced materials simulation laboratories. As a life member of reputed organizations such as MRSI, ISCA, IAPT, and SMC, she continues to contribute to the growth of material science research. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Poornimadevi, C., Kala, C. P., & Thiruvadigal, D. J. (2023). First principle analysis of toxic gas adsorption on pristine WS₂ and Fe-doped WS₂: Implications for gas sensing. Surfaces and Interfaces, 42, 103518. (Cited by 46)

Poornimadevi, C., Kala, C. P., & Thiruvadigal, D. J. (2023). Tuning the electronic properties of WS₂ monolayer by doping transition metals: DFT approach. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 157, 107339. (Cited by 35)

Poornimadevi, C., Devi, S. G., Kala, C. P., & Thiruvadigal, D. J. (2022). Ab initio study of electronic properties on WS₂ monolayer and transition metal doped WS₂. ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology, 11(7), 073003. (Cited by 21)

Poornimadevi, C., Kala, C. P., & Thiruvadigal, D. J. (2024). Industrial zone-based harmful gas sensor using pure WS₂ via doping transition metals (Co, Ni): A DFT approach. Physica Scripta, 99(7), 075245. (Cited by 11)

Viveka, N., Poornimadevi, C., Kala, C. P., & Thiruvadigal, D. J. (2025). DFT insights into the gas sensing properties of light platinum group metal (Ru, Rh & Pd) doped MoSe₂ monolayer. Surfaces and Interfaces, 106579. (Cited by 10)

Karuna Kar Nanda | Nanomaterials | Distinguished Scientist Award

Posted on by Indian Scientist

Prof. Dr. Karuna Kar Nanda | Nanomaterials | Distinguished Scientist Award

Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | India

Prof. Karuna Kar Nanda is a distinguished materials scientist associated with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and currently serving as Director of the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar. With a Ph.D. from Utkal University (Institute of Physics), his research spans nanostructured materials, optoelectronics, fuel cells, sensors, and advanced functional materials. Over his career, he has authored 264 publications, accumulating around 8,000 citations from over 6,600 documents, and holds an impressive h-index of 48, reflecting the global impact of his work. His notable research includes advancements in nanowire fabrication, hybrid nanostructures, fuel cell technologies, and high-performance supercapacitors. He has successfully led numerous sponsored projects funded by prestigious agencies such as DST, CSIR, DRDO, and BPCL. Prof. Nanda has received multiple honors, including the MRSI Lecture Medal, Samanta Chandra Sekhar Award, and IAAM Scientist Medal for contributions to fuel cells and hydrogen technology. His research excellence has also been recognized internationally by Stanford University and ScholarGPS™ rankings. Dedicated to advancing materials science and mentoring future scientists, his contributions continue to strengthen India’s scientific leadership in nanoscience and sustainable energy technologies.

Profiles: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Barman, B. K., Hernández-Pinilla, D., Dao, T. D., Deguchi, K., Ohki, S., Hashi, K., Goto, A., Miyazaki, T., Nanda, K. K., & Nagao, T. (2024). Bioinspired carbonized polymer microspheres for full-color whispering gallery mode emission for white light emission, unclonable anticounterfeiting, and chemical sensing applications. American Chemical Society (ACS). https://doi.org/10.48505/nims.4575

Ponnada, S., Gorle, D. B., Bose, R. S. C., Kiai, M. S., Devi, M., Raju, C. V., Baydoğan, N., Nanda, K. K., Marken, F., & Sharma, R. K. (2022, June 7). Current insight into 3D printing in solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries: A perspective. OpenAlex. https://doi.org/10.60692/qjk88-tab92

Senapati, S., & Nanda, K. K. (2017). Ultrahigh-sensitive optical temperature sensing based on quasi-thermalized green emissions from Er:ZnO. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 19(–), –. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6cp06608a

Barman, B. K., & Nanda, K. K. (2016). A noble and single source precursor for the synthesis of metal-rich sulphides embedded in an N-doped carbon framework for highly active OER electrocatalysts. Dalton Transactions, 45(–), –. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6dt00536e

Barman, B. K., & Nanda, K. K. (2016). Prussian blue as a single precursor for synthesis of Fe/Fe₃C encapsulated N-doped graphitic nanostructures as bi-functional catalysts. Green Chemistry, 18(–), –. https://doi.org/10.1039/c5gc01405k