Pownraj C | Renewable Energy | Sustainable Innovation Champion Award

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Dr. Pownraj C | Renewable Energy | Sustainable Innovation Champion Award

Thiagarajar College of Engineering- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. C. Pownraj embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vickram College of Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Nanoscience and Technology from K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology. His interest in nanotechnology and tribology led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Nanolubricant Tribology at Thiagarajar College of Engineering under the supervision of Dr. A. Valan Arasu. His doctoral thesis focused on the experimental investigation of tribological and thermo-physical properties of coconut shell carbon/SAE20W40 nanolubricant.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Pownraj gained valuable post-doctoral experience as a Senior Research Associate at Jain University, Bangalore, under DST, India funding. Here, he contributed to the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, focusing on nano and material sciences applications.Currently, Dr. Pownraj serves as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, where he leads research in Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering. His current research spans various areas including nanolubricant tribology, nanoparticle synthesis, bio-char synthesis, graphene nanosheets, and green fuel preparation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pownraj’s research contributions are significant in advancing nanotechnology applications in tribology and materials science. His work on nanolubricants, surface functionalized nanoparticles, and laser surface texturing has practical implications for improving lubrication efficiency and surface properties in engineering applications. His research on bio-char synthesis and green fuel preparation underscores his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental impact mitigation.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Pownraj has received recognition for his contributions to the field, including awards and honors for his innovative research in nanolubricants and nanoparticle synthesis. His publications in reputed journals and presentations at international conferences highlight his scholarly impact and academic standing in the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Through his research, Dr. Pownraj has influenced advancements in nanotechnology by bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His collaborative efforts with industry and academic institutions demonstrate his ability to translate research findings into technological innovations.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Pownraj aims to continue his research trajectory in developing sustainable nanotechnological solutions. His focus on CO2 reduction, bio-lubricants, and water harvesting technologies from atmospheric moist air underscores his commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative research. His future contributions are poised to further enhance understanding and applications of nanomaterials in diverse fields, impacting industries and contributing to sustainable development goals.

Dr. C. Pownraj’s dedication to research excellence and his multidisciplinary approach in nanotechnology are pivotal in shaping the future of materials science and engineering applications globally.

Citations

A total of 46 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         46
  • h-index           4
  • i10-index        3

Notable Publications 

Effect of dispersing single and hybrid nanoparticles on tribological, thermo-physical, and stability characteristics of lubricants: a review

C Pownraj, A Valan Arasu
Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry

Preparation and characterization of low cost eco-friendly GAO grafted bio‑carbon nanoparticle additive for enhancing the lubricant performance

CPAV Arasu
Diamond and Related Materials

A comprehensive investigation on wear and thermo-physical properties of bio-char/SAE20W40 nanolubricant

CPAV arasu
Biomass conversion and biorefinery

Cu MOF-biocarbon functional catalysts as adsorbent for oxygen-linked carbon capture via thermo-catalytic pyrolysis: A low-carbon fuel synthesis strategy

C Pownraj, B Prabhu, KJ Kumar, S Suresh, AV Arasu
International Journal of Thermofluids,

Investigation of tribo-thermal properties of inter-mixed AYSZ nanoceramic composite/SAE20W40 nanolubricant

C Pownraj, A Karthik, S Suresh, AV Arasu, JK Katiyar
Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry

Konduru Ashok Kumar Raju | Biomaterials | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Konduru Ashok Kumar Raju | Biomaterials | Editorial Board Member

National Institute of Technology Rourkela | India

Dr. Konduru Ashok Kumar Raju is a researcher in biomaterials whose work integrates mechanical engineering, materials science, and biomedical innovation. He holds a strong academic foundation with bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering, followed by advanced research training in biomaterials with a focus on functionalized coatings for medical implants. With professional experience as an educator and researcher in mechanical engineering departments, he has contributed to CAD/CAM, heat transfer, implant surface engineering, and computational modeling. His scholarly output includes studies on corrosion-resistant Ti6Al4V coatings, biomaterial characterization, antibacterial surface modifications, biodiesel engine performance, and finite element modeling of biological tissues. Demonstrating a multidisciplinary research profile, he has served as a scientific peer reviewer for leading publishers, strengthening the integrity of scholarly communication. His work has earned notable recognitions, including national engineering awards and fellowships supporting scientific merit. With 102 citations, an h-index of 6, and an i10-index of 5, his publications continue to influence advancements in biomaterial coatings and medical implant technologies. His ongoing research aims to enhance implant biocompatibility, integrate antibacterial strategies, and develop novel materials for regenerative and tissue engineering applications. His continued contributions are shaping the future of biomaterials research, healthcare innovation, and academic excellence.

Professional Profiles: Scholar |Scopus |Linkedin |Researchgate

Featured Publications

Raju, K. A. K., & Biswas, A. (2023). Corrosion behavior of self-organized TiO₂ nanotubular arrays grown on Ti6Al4V for biomedical applications. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 305, 128011.

Raju, K. A. K., & Biswas, A. (2025). Surface modifications and coatings to improve osseointegration and antimicrobial activity on titanium surfaces: A statistical review over the last decade. Journal of Orthopaedics.

Raju, K. A. K., & Biswas, A. (2024). Structural and corrosion analysis of copper/chitosan coating on nanotubular TiO₂/Ti6Al4V implant surface. Surface and Coatings Technology, 482, 130673.

Raju, K. A. K., & Biswas, A. (2024). Evaluation of structural and corrosion behavior of chitosan/silver coating on Ti6Al4V/TiO₂ nanotubular surface. Surface and Coatings Technology, 476, 130262.

Raju, K. A. K., Reddy, M. V. K., & Nagaraja, A. (2014). Design optimization of cross flow heat exchanger. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 3(2), 26–33.

Raju, K. A. K., Biswas, A., Singh, A. K., Mahton, Y., & Saha, P. (2024). Enhanced corrosion resistance of 58S bioglass integrated TiO₂ nanotubular arrays. Next Nanotechnology, 6, 100070.

Sowthily Chandrasekharan | Electrical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Assist Prof. Dr. Sowthily Chandrasekharan- Rohini College of Engineering and Technology - Electrical Engineering 🏆

Assist Prof. Dr. Sowthily Chandrasekharan : Electrical Engineering

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

She embarked on her academic journey with a keen focus on Instrumentation and Control Engineering. Graduating with an impressive 88% in SSLC (Class X) from St. Joseph’s Convent Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil, she laid a robust foundation for her educational endeavors. Her pursuit continued with B.E in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Saranathan College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, where she achieved a noteworthy 80.1%.

Professional Endeavors :

Her academic pursuits extended to encompass an M.E in Control and Instrumentation Engineering from JJ College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, where she excelled with a remarkable CGPA of 8.62. Subsequently, she furthered her educational trajectory with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the prestigious National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, showcasing her dedication and commitment to scholarly pursuits.

Contributions and Research Focus in Electrical Engineering:

Her research expertise spans over two years as a Project Assistant in a DST-funded project, displaying her proficiency in "Design and development of ICT-enabled Cloud-based mobile applications for the self-promotion of products developed by self-help groups” at the National Institute of Technology, Trichy. Her focus on harnessing technology for societal upliftment underscores her commitment to innovative and impactful research.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her academic prowess has been recognized through various achievements, including securing Rank-I in the department level - M.E - II & IV Semester during the academic year 2014-2016. Additionally, she received the esteemed Best Paper Award for her exemplary work on “Detection of Line-Line Fault and String Fault in Solar Photo-Voltaic Systems” at the First International Interdisciplinary Conference on Energy, Nanotechnology, and Internet of Things (ENT 2023) held at the National Institute of Technology Puducherry.

Impact and Influence :

Her contributions to academia and research are notable, marked by her significant impact on the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Her research endeavors, coupled with her teaching experiences at esteemed institutions like Mookambigai College of Engineering, have contributed to shaping the minds of future engineers and researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

As a dedicated professional and academician, her legacy lies in her commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. Her future contributions are poised to further the boundaries of technology, particularly in the areas of ICT-enabled applications for societal development, renewable energy systems, and fault detection methodologies in energy systems. She continues to inspire and mentor aspiring engineers, leaving an indelible mark on academia and the research community.

Notable Publications :

Amrita Bhattacharjee | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Amrita Bhattacharjee - Best Researcher Award - Biography🏆

Assist Prof. Dr. Amrita Bhattacharjee : Energy

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

She embarked on her academic journey with a Master of Engineering degree in Illumination Engineering from Jadavpur University. This foundational education laid the groundwork for her deep exploration into lighting design, evident in her thesis on "Studies and design of Energy-efficient Museum lighting," setting the tone for her subsequent research and academic trajectory.

Professional Endeavors :

Transitioning from academia to professional roles, Dr. Bhattacharjee served as an Assistant Professor at Birbhum Institute of Engineering and Technology, where she honed her pedagogical skills, guiding students through projects like the "Design of energy-efficient corridor lighting incorporated with emergency lighting in college premises." Her brief yet impactful tenure at ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, as an Invited Lecturer for the Creative Lighting Design Programme further enriched her international exposure, allowing her to deliver lectures on "Lighting Design and Visual Perception."

Contributions and Research Focus in Energy :

With a robust academic background, She entered the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati for her Ph.D. Her thesis, "A study on visual preferences for effective spotlight design: Reference to painting exhibition in Indian art galleries," underscored her commitment to exploring visual perception and its implications in lighting design. Her expertise spans across multiple facets of design, including Lighting Design, Design Thinking, Sustainable Design, and User Research, exemplified by her numerous guided projects and developed courses.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her contributions have garnered recognition, evident in her invited talks and guest appearances at prestigious international conferences and seminars. Notably, she received a letter of recognition from the 'Bellingham Sundial Mural Project,' underscoring her impact beyond academic realms.

Impact and Influence :

Her influence extends through her teaching, research, and collaborative projects, especially in her role as the Principal Investigator of the 'Nature Inspired Solar Installation' project aimed at creating energy-efficient street lighting in rural villages. Her initiatives in academia and beyond reflect her commitment to fostering sustainable design solutions and advancing knowledge in her field.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

As she continues to expand her repertoire in Lighting Design, Design Thinking, and Sustainable Design, She is poised to leave a lasting legacy through her research, mentorship, and advocacy for innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant design solutions that address pressing societal needs. Her future contributions are expected to further shape the discourse in the intersection of design, technology, and societal impact.

Notable Publications :

Citations:

A total of  317 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations    42              41
  • h-index        4               4
  • i10-index     1               1

Payal Chauhan | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Payal Chauhan - Best Researcher Award - Award Winner 2023🏆

Dr. Payal Chauhan : Energy

Congratulations, Dr. Payal Chauhan, on winning the esteemed Best Researcher Award from Research! Your dedication, innovative research, and scholarly contributions have truly made a significant impact in your field. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of research is commendable. Here's to your continued success in shaping the future of academia and making invaluable contributions to your field. Well done!

She continues to be a dedicated and accomplished professional in the realm of materials science and physics. Holding the esteemed position of a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow, she specializes in the electrocatalyst properties and storage applications of 2D materials. Her current focus revolves around investigating the deposition of 2D transition metal oxides and chalcogenides onto glassy carbon substrates, particularly exploring their hydrogen and oxygen evolution in alkaline mediums. His expertise extends to the characterization of materials and the fabrication of devices, with a keen eye on evaluating supercapacitor properties like specific capacitance, energy density, and power density. Her multifaceted approach, combining theoretical calculations with hands-on experimental work, underscores her commitment to delivering top-notch research output. Her dedication to advancing the understanding and practical applications of 2D materials positions her as an influential figure in the field, with the potential to make significant contributions to the ongoing developments in materials science and its diverse applications.

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

She commenced her academic journey with a profound interest in Physics, embarking on her Bachelor's degree at V. P. & R. P. T. P. Science College, Sardar Patel University, where she cultivated a strong foundation in the subject. This early engagement laid the groundwork for her subsequent achievements in the field.

Professional Endeavors :

Her foray into academia as a Teaching Assistant at various institutions exemplifies her commitment to disseminating knowledge. From N. V. Patel College to V. P. & R. P. T. P. Science College, Sardar Patel University, Dr. Chauhan not only imparted Bachelor-level Physics courses but also contributed significantly to the development of laboratories, nurturing the budding scientific minds of students.

Contributions and Research Focus in Energy :

Her research journey is marked by a significant focus on the synthesis, characterization, and application of 2D materials, particularly evident during her doctoral studies and subsequent positions. Her thesis on the synthesis and promotion of photoresponse properties in ternary alloys reflects her prowess in materials design, characterization techniques (TEM, XRD, SEM, XPS), and the fabrication of solid-state devices for photodetection applications.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her academic excellence and dedication to research were acknowledged through her appointment as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow, where she delved into electrocatalyst properties and storage applications of 2D materials. Her contributions to the field earned her recognition as a Postdoctoral Fellow at P. D. Patel Institute of Applied Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology.

Impact and Influence :

Her impact resonates not only through her research but also in her mentorship roles, where she counseled college students, fostering their academic and personal growth. Her dedication to teaching Bachelor-level physics courses and developing laboratories underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

Her legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in advancing the understanding and applications of 2D materials. Her commitment to academic excellence, research endeavors, mentorship, and teaching paves the way for future researchers to explore and innovate within the realm of materials physics. Her future contributions are poised to further propel advancements in materials synthesis, characterization, and their multifunctional applications.

Notable Publications :

Citations:

A total of  771 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations    386           385
  • h-index       12              12
  • i10-index    13              13