Dr. Haribhau Gholap | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Fergusson College (Autonomous) Pune, India

Author Profile

• Scopus Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Haribhau M. Gholap, Ph.D. (Physics), has always exhibited a profound passion for science, particularly in the domain of materials science and nanotechnology. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics in 2002 from Jijamata College, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune). He followed this with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics in 2004 from the same university, laying a strong foundation in core physics principles such as solid state physics, optics, and material science.

Dr. Gholap earned his Ph.D. in Physics in June 2013 under the esteemed mentorship of Prof. Arun G. Banpurkar and Dr. Gauri Kulkarni at the Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University. His research was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Satishchandra B. Ogale, a renowned senior scientist at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. His doctoral thesis titled “Bifunctional Nanoparticles based on Semiconductor Quantum Dots: Synthesis & Applications” marked the beginning of a promising research career in quantum dots and nanomaterials.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune, Dr. Gholap has over 20 years of teaching experience and 12 years of post-doctoral research experience. He is also a recognized Ph.D. guide at Fergusson College, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, where he currently supervises two doctoral candidates.

Dr. Gholap has taught a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Nuclear Physics, Material Science, Experimental Techniques, Physics of Nanomaterials, and Vacuum Technology & Thin Film Physics. His efforts have significantly contributed to student engagement in on-job training (OJT) and practical laboratory work.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gholap’s research focuses on the experimental and theoretical study of nanomaterials, particularly semiconductor quantum dots, graphitic carbon nitride, metal oxides, and earth-abundant materials like CZTS. He specializes in the green synthesis of nanomaterials such as metal sulphides, and their integration into nanocomposites for various applications.

His areas of expertise also extend to nanobiotechnology, exploring antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, antibiotic degradation, and thermoelectric applications of nanomaterial-based composites. On the theoretical front, he employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) approaches to model and analyze nanostructures.

One of his notable contributions includes research in photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants using CZTS nanoparticles, published in Materials Science and Engineering B (2025), reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Gholap has received numerous awards and fellowships throughout his career:

1. UGC Raman Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the USA (2016–2017), awarded by UGC, New Delhi.

2. Visiting Fellowship at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore (2013–14).

3. Research Fellowship from Indian Academy of Science at ICMS, JNCASR, under Dr. Ranjan Datta (2014).

4. Best Oral Presentation Award – Raman Memorial Conference (RMC), Pune University (2012).

5. Best Poster Presentation Award – National Seminar on Nanoscience, Nashik (2010).

6. Travel Grant – Level One Workshop on RBPT by IISER Pune & Sheffield Hallam University (2018).

7. Best Paper Award – 4th International Conference on Global Trends in Sustainable Technology, REVA University (2024).

8. Faculty Improvement Programme Fellowship – UGC, New Delhi for PhD completion (2011–13).

9. Qualified MH-SET (State Eligibility Test) in Physical Science (2005).

Impact and Influence

As a PhD supervisor, seasoned educator, and international research fellow, Dr. Gholap has contributed immensely to the growth of nanotechnology in India. His interdisciplinary research spans energy, environmental science, biomedicine, and device physics, making it relevant to both academic and industrial stakeholders. His focus on green synthesis and sustainable technology addresses global environmental concerns, enhancing his impact beyond the academic realm.

He has played a key role in integrating nanoscience into academic curricula and has inspired a generation of students to explore careers in emerging technologies like quantum materials and nano-enabled therapeutics.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Haribhau Gholap’s enduring legacy lies in his dedication to teaching, interdisciplinary research, and mentorship. His current and future research aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of nanomaterials in real-world applications — from drug delivery and biosensing to clean energy and wastewater treatment.

As global demand for smart materials and nano-enabled solutions grows, his pioneering work in semiconductor nanostructures, DFT modeling, and biomedical nanotechnology is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of green technologies and smart health innovations.

With a strong academic lineage, a global research network, and a commitment to societal impact, Dr. Gholap continues to shape the future of nanotechnology education and research in India and beyond.