Priyanka Das | Autonomous systems | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Ms. Priyanka Das | Autonomous systems | Best Researcher Award

Manufacturing Engineer at Ford Motor company

Summary:

Priyanka Das is a skilled robotics and controls engineer with expertise in autonomous systems, manufacturing automation, and advanced robotics. Currently a Manufacturing Controls Engineer at Ford Motor Company, she has previously contributed to innovative automation solutions at Tesla. A researcher and thought leader, Priyanka has authored multiple publications in controls engineering and localization techniques. Her technical acumen, combined with her passion for community engagement and STEM advocacy, underscores her commitment to advancing technology and empowering the next generation of engineers.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Priyanka Das holds a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, with a major in Robotics, from the University of Cincinnati (2019–2021). During her studies, she specialized in advanced topics such as Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Navigation and Controls, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), Kalman and Particle Filters, and Robot Operating System (ROS). She was awarded the prestigious Graduate Incentive Award (GIA) valued at $10,640 USD. Priyanka also earned her Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology, India (2015–2019), where she actively participated as a student representative and served as captain of the women’s sports team.

Professional Experience:

Priyanka is an accomplished engineer with experience in controls, robotics, and automation across leading organizations. She currently works as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer at Ford Motor Company (April 2024–Present), where she oversees the implementation and validation of assembly and machining controls for global Powertrain Operations (PTO) programs. Her responsibilities include leading engineering meetings, driving cross-functional collaboration with Tier I suppliers, and delivering new model programs across plants worldwide.

Previously, Priyanka worked as a Controls Engineer at Tesla Inc. (November 2021–February 2024). There, she developed automation programs for inverter and battery manufacturing lines, optimized robotic processes for improved production efficiency, and debugged control systems using advanced tools like Beckhoff and Siemens PLCs. She has also contributed to path-planning research and quadcopter localization as a volunteer Guided Navigation and Control Researcher at the University of Cincinnati’s RISC Lab. Earlier, she interned at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station, India, assisting with testing and calibration of power generation equipment and developing solutions for smart power management.

Research Interests:

Priyanka’s research interests lie in autonomous systems, advanced robotics, and controls engineering. She has a particular focus on developing robust localization techniques, path-planning algorithms, and machine learning models for GPS-denied environments. Her expertise spans fields like Sensor Fusion, SLAM, PID, and LQR controls.

Author Metrics and Awards

Priyanka Das has authored five research papers with significant contributions to the fields of robotics, controls engineering, and autonomous systems. Her work has been published in reputed journals like IJIRMPS and IJCEM, and her research is widely referenced in the academic community.

Top Noted Publication:

Modelling of ultra-wide stop-band frequency-selective surface to enhance the gain of a UWB antenna

  • Authors: P. Das, K. Mandal
  • Published in: IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, Vol. 13, Issue 3, pp. 269-277 (2019).
  • Citation count: 62
  • Summary: This paper presents the design and modeling of an ultra-wide stop-band frequency-selective surface (FSS) to improve the gain of an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna. The study demonstrates how FSS structures can suppress unwanted radiation and improve the antenna’s radiation efficiency and performance across a wide frequency range.

Single-layer polarization-insensitive frequency-selective surface for beam reconfigurability of monopole antennas

  • Authors: P. Das, K. Mandal, A. Lalbakhsh
  • Published in: Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, Vol. 34, Issue 1, pp. 86-102 (2020).
  • Citation count: 49
  • Summary: This research introduces a single-layer, polarization-insensitive FSS designed to enable beam reconfigurability for monopole antennas. The structure is simple and compact, showing significant versatility for applications in wireless communication systems.

Metamaterial loaded highly isolated tunable polarization diversity MIMO antennas for THz applications

  • Authors: P. Das, A.K. Singh, K. Mandal
  • Published in: Optical and Quantum Electronics, Vol. 54, Article 250 (2022).
  • Citation count: 26
  • Summary: The paper investigates a metamaterial-loaded MIMO antenna design that offers high isolation and tunable polarization diversity for terahertz (THz) applications. This design addresses challenges in THz communication by improving isolation and enabling efficient polarization management.

Beam-steering of microstrip antenna using single-layer FSS-based phase-shifting surface

  • Authors: P. Das, K. Mandal, A. Lalbakhsh
  • Published in: International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering (2021).
  • Citation count: 26
  • Summary: This work demonstrates a novel beam-steering technique for microstrip antennas using a single-layer FSS-based phase-shifting surface. The proposed method achieves efficient beam steering with minimal design complexity, making it suitable for modern wireless systems.

Gain enhancement of dual-band terahertz antenna using reflection-based frequency-selective surfaces

  • Authors: P. Das, G. Varshney
  • Published in: Optical and Quantum Electronics, Vol. 54, Article 161 (2022).
  • Citation count: 25
  • Summary: The paper focuses on using reflection-based FSS to enhance the gain of a dual-band terahertz antenna. The approach leverages FSS structures to improve radiation characteristics and efficiency, optimizing the antenna’s performance for dual-band THz applications.

Conclusion:

Priyanka Das is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with notable strengths in impactful research, technical innovation, and industry experience. Her work in advanced robotics and FSS technology has made significant contributions to academia and industry alike. While there is room to expand her publication base and professional recognition, her dedication to engineering excellence and STEM advocacy makes her a strong contender for the award.

 

 

Gokul Pandy | Robotics and AI | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Mr. Gokul Pandy | Robotics and AI | Best Researcher Award

Application Development Manager at Accenture, United States

Summary:

Mr. Gokul Pandy is a dedicated and innovative IT professional with a comprehensive career at Accenture. His strategic mindset and hands-on expertise in application development, testing, and project management have positioned him as a leader in delivering high-quality solutions. Known for his ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams, Mr. Pandy’s work continues to impact the field through both practical application and contributions to industry standards.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Mr. Gokul Pandy holds a robust academic foundation in software engineering and application development, which has been pivotal throughout his extensive career at Accenture.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Mr. Pandy has accumulated over 14 years of progressive experience in the IT sector, with a focus on application development, project management, and quality assurance. He currently serves as an Application Development Manager at Accenture, Richmond, where he has been leading a team of 35+ resources since December 2023. In this role, he has successfully steered complex projects, secured new contracts through successful project delivery, and contributed to the IEEE P3407 Working Group, shaping industry standards for testing.

Previously, as an Application Development Associate Manager (2019-2023), Mr. Pandy oversaw the full lifecycle of application development projects, managing onshore and offshore teams, ensuring on-time delivery, and maintaining client satisfaction. His tenure as a Test Engineering Specialist (2017-2019) and Senior Analyst (2014-2017) saw him implement innovative test automation frameworks, mentor junior engineers, and integrate testing processes within CI/CD pipelines to support continuous deployment.

Starting his career as an Associate Software Engineer (2010-2011) and progressing through roles as Test Engineering Analyst and beyond, Mr. Pandy demonstrated early expertise in developing and executing tests, managing defect tracking, and enhancing testing protocols to improve project outcomes.

Research & Industry Contributions:

Mr. Pandy’s technical acumen is exemplified by his active participation in industry standardization through the IEEE P3407 Working Group. His contributions have shaped the direction of application testing practices.

Skills & Core Competencies:

  • Technical Leadership & Project Management: Expertise in leading large-scale, cross-functional teams and ensuring projects are delivered within scope and budget.
  • Application Development: Full lifecycle management of application development with a strong track record in client management and contract negotiations.
  • Quality Assurance: Proven proficiency in test strategy development, automation frameworks, and defect resolution.
  • Risk Management: Conducting thorough risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies to maintain project timelines.
  • Mentorship & Team Development: Committed to developing talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

Key Achievements:

  • Enhanced project efficiency by implementing goal-oriented team practices.
  • Spearheaded the integration of advanced quality assurance measures that improved software reliability.
  • Successfully delivered numerous high-stakes projects, securing ongoing client relationships and new contracts.

Top Noted Publication:

  • Reverse Engineering and Backdooring Router Firmwares
    Authors: A. Adithyan, K. Nagendran, R. Chethana, G. Pandy
    Conference: 2020 6th International Conference on Advanced Computing and Communication
    Summary: This paper examines the process of reverse engineering router firmware to identify security vulnerabilities and the subsequent backdoor insertion for penetration testing purposes. The authors outline the methodologies used for extracting firmware, the tools employed for reverse engineering, and the process of creating backdoors to test the robustness of network security. The research underscores the critical need for secure coding and firmware hardening in embedded systems.
    Citations: 12
  • Advancements in Robotics Process Automation: A Novel Model with Enhanced Empirical Validation and Theoretical Insights
    Authors: G. Pandy, V. Jayaram, M.S. Krishnappa, B.S. Ingole, K.K. Ganeeb, S. Joseph
    Preprint: arXiv (2024)
    Summary: This paper proposes an innovative model for enhancing Robotics Process Automation (RPA) through empirical validation and theoretical development. The study integrates machine learning to improve decision-making processes and workflow automation. Results from case studies and data analysis illustrate significant enhancements in operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness using the proposed framework.
    Citations: New publication, citations are pending.

Conclusion:

Mr. Gokul Pandy exemplifies a professional whose career embodies a blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and significant contributions to industry practices. His work with IEEE and successful project management at Accenture position him as a leader in Robotics and AI application development. To amplify his candidacy for prestigious research awards, expanding his body of peer-reviewed research and engaging more directly in AI and robotics-centric studies would be beneficial. Nevertheless, Mr. Pandy’s substantial industry contributions, leadership in advancing standards, and commitment to team development make him a commendable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.