Preferencial Kala | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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)

Ravikiran Nowduru | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ravikiran Nowduru | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials | India

Dr. Nowduru Ravikiran is a dedicated researcher in the field of materials engineering with a strong academic foundation, holding a B.E. and M.E. in Mechanical Engineering followed by a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering. Currently serving as a Research Associate at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, his work primarily focuses on carbon nanomaterials, tribology, and energy storage systems. He has authored 16 peer-reviewed journal papers, contributed multiple book chapters, and filed 2 patents, with his research achieving 76 citations, an h-index of 6, and 16 documents indexed in global databases. His significant contributions include the sustainable kilogram-scale production of graphene and nanocarbons from industrial waste, which has been successfully applied in lubrication and energy storage applications. He has collaborated with premier institutions including BITS Pilani and IIT Hyderabad, and is an active member of the Indian Carbon Society and The Electrochemical Society. His research interests span nanocarbons, tribology, energy storage materials, composites, and sustainable processing technologies. Recipient of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship, he has also earned recognition for best poster presentations and scientific innovation. Overall, his career reflects a strong commitment to advancing sustainable material solutions with industrial impact.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Nowduru, R., Bodapati, B. R., Penumakala, P. K., Malladi, S. R. K., Jain, P. K., & Srikanth, V. V. S. S. (2022). Carbon soot nanoparticles derived from wasted rubber: An additive in lubricating oil for efficient friction and wear reduction. Diamond and Related Materials, 126, 109050.

Padya, B., Ravikiran, N., Kali, R., Narasaiah, N., & Jain, P. K. (2021). High thermal energy storage and thermal conductivity of few‐layer graphene platelets loaded phase change materials: A thermally conductive additive for thermal energy harvesting. Energy Storage, 3(1), e199.

Nowduru, R., Pant, H., Padya, B., Jain, P. K., & Srikanth, V. V. S. S. (2024). Novel top-down kg-scale processing of 2D multi-layered graphene powder and its application as excellent lubricating additives in commercial engine oils. Diamond and Related Materials, 141, 110634.

Ravikiran, N., Padya, B., Rao, A., Kali, R., & Jain, P. K. (2023). Classification of phase change materials. In Multifunctional phase change materials (pp. 95–112). Woodhead Publishing.

Padya, B., Kali, R., Ravikiran, N., Narasaiah, N., & Jain, P. K. (2021). Constructing graphene-coupled nitrogen-doped carbon-based all-carbon hybrid for hybrid Li-ion supercapbattery: An investigation and insight into “charge-averaged” charge/discharge voltage analysis. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 872, 159660.

Kavyashri Joshi | Nanotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Kavyashri Joshi | Nanotechnology | Women Researcher Award

PVP College, Pravaranagar- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kavyashri Bhalchandra Joshi, a dedicated biotechnologist, embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Ahmednagar College, University of Pune, achieving first-class honors in July 2009. She continued her studies at KTHM College and Research Centre, Nasik, earning a Master of Science in Biotechnology with a commendable 62.15% in July 2011. Her early interest in biotechnology set the stage for a prolific academic career, further solidified by her M.Phil in Science from Savitribai Phule Pune University in March 2018.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Joshi’s professional experience began as an Assistant Professor in Biotechnology at P.V.P. College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Pravaranagar, where she served from March 2012 to October 2013. During her tenure, she delivered lectures on a range of subjects, including Recombinant DNA Technology, Fermentation Technology, Plant Tissue Culture Technology, Biodiversity, Cell Biology, Stem Cell Techniques, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Additionally, she played a significant role in conducting practical sessions and participated in university examination work as an examiner and moderator.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Joshi’s research journey is marked by significant contributions to biotechnology. As a full-time Ph.D. research scholar at the Department of Biotechnology, PVP College and Research Centre, Pravaranagar, from February 2020 to January 2024, she focused on the “Synergistic effect of copper nanoparticles on bacterial blight disease of pomegranate.” Her M.Phil research, completed at KTHM College, Nasik, also revolved around bacterial blight disease of pomegranate, highlighting her consistent interest in plant pathology and biotechnological solutions.

Dr. Joshi has expertise in various experimental techniques, including plant tissue culture, recombinant DNA techniques, DNA and RNA isolation, and bioprocess engineering. Her industrial training includes quality control of fertilizers at Rama Agricultural Chemicals, Pune, practical applications of biotechnology at Biozoom, Pune, and in-silico drug discovery and chemoinformatics at RASA Life Science Informatics, Pune.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Joshi’s work has been recognized through several publications and conference presentations. She has published research papers in renowned journals such as Materials Today Proceedings, Ad. Plant Sci., and the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. Her notable publications include:

  1. “Synergistic Effect of Copper, Silver Nanoparticles and Hydrogen Peroxide on Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae” (2023).
  2. “Copper Nanoparticles Entrapped Beads Antibacterial Activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae” (2021).
  3. “Knowledge and Attitude of Indian Expatriate working at Gondar, Ethiopia regarding Yellow Fever Vaccination: a Survey” (2020).
  4. “Antistress activity of petroleum ether, methanolic and aqueous extracts of fruits of Benincasa hispida in experimental animals” (2018).
  5. “Efficiency of antibiotics and bordeaux mixture against bacterial blight of pomegranate” (2016).
  6. “Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticle Against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae” (2020).

Impact and Influence

Dr. Joshi’s research has had a significant impact on the field of biotechnology, particularly in plant pathology. Her work on bacterial blight disease of pomegranate and the application of nanoparticles in combating this disease has provided valuable insights and potential solutions for agricultural biotechnology. Her academic projects, such as the in vitro propagation of salt-tolerant cell lines and the study of phytonutrients like lycopene, demonstrate her broad research interests and expertise.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Joshi’s legacy is marked by her dedication to advancing biotechnology through research, teaching, and practical applications. She has guided several undergraduate and postgraduate projects, including the purification and characterization of tyrosinase from potato, isolation and characterization of endophytes from herbal plants, degradation of phenol using fungi and bacteria, and the study of medicinal plants for mosquito repellent preparation.As she continues her research and academic career, Dr. Joshi is poised to make further contributions to biotechnology, with potential future projects likely to explore new biotechnological applications and solutions to pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. Her expertise, combined with her commitment to education and research, ensures that she will remain a significant figure in the field, inspiring future generations of biotechnologists.