Niharika MP | Physics of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Niharika MP | Physics of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at VIT-AP Universitty, India

Dr. Niharika M.P. is a dedicated researcher in the field of nanomaterials and material science, with a focus on electrochemical sensors, energy harvesting, and photocatalysis. She has authored multiple research papers in reputed journals such as Physica Scripta and Materials Today: Proceedings and holds granted and pending patents on metal oxide nanostructures for biosensing applications. She has presented her work at national and international conferences and has received several awards for her contributions, including Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards. Beyond research, she is actively involved in volunteering and mentoring students in STEM education.

Publication Profile

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Educational Details

Dr. Niharika M.P. holds an MSc in Physics from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal University (2018–2020), where she achieved a CGPA of 8.7. She completed her BSc in Physics at Acharya Institutes of Graduation Studies, Bengaluru University (2015–2018), with a CGPA of 9.1. Prior to that, she secured 91% in her Pre-University education at Mahesh PU College and 91.5% in her high school education at Maruti Vidya Kendra under the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.

Professional Experience

Dr. Niharika is currently a researcher at VIT-AP University, Amaravati, India, where she has been actively involved in developing metal oxide nanostructures for biosensing and photocatalytic applications. Her expertise includes electrochemical analysis, sensor fabrication, and material characterization using advanced techniques such as FTIR, UV, XRD, Raman, and PL spectroscopy. She has worked on several funded projects focusing on the commercialization of metal oxides for industrial applications. Previously, she conducted research on Cu-SnS thin films for solar cells during her postgraduate studies at Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

Research Interest

Dr. Niharika specializes in nanomaterials synthesis, electrochemical sensing, and photocatalysis. Her current research focuses on the development of heterojunction metal oxide nanostructures for biosensing applications and hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical water splitting. She has a strong interest in energy materials, functional nanomaterials, and their industrial applications.

Author Metrics

  • Publications: Published in Physica Scripta, Materials Today: Proceedings, and International Journal of Engineering Technology and Management Sciences
  • Patents: 3 patents (1 granted, 2 pending) in metal oxide nanostructures for biosensing applications
  • Citations & h-index: (To be retrieved from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, or Web of Science)
  • Conference Presentations: Delivered oral and poster presentations at IIT Madras, IISER Berhampur, and Manipal University

Top Noted Publication

1. Hydrogen Production on g-C₃N₄ Nanoflakes via Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

  • Authors: MP Niharika, R Garlapally, K Ruthvik, M Velaga, BM Rao
  • Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings (2023)
  • Citations: 7
  • DOI: Link

Abstract:

This study investigates graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanoflakes as a promising photoanode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The research highlights the bandgap tuning, morphological enhancements, and electrochemical performance of g-C₃N₄, demonstrating its potential for sustainable hydrogen generation. The optimized nanoflakes exhibit enhanced charge separation efficiency and improved photocurrent density, making them a viable candidate for PEC applications.

2. Recent Advances in Anodically Fabricated Amorphous TiO₂ Nanotubes Crystallization Techniques and Their Applications

  • Authors: R Garlapally, MP Niharika, BM Rao, M Channegowda, B Venkateswarlu, et al.
  • Journal: Physica Scripta (2024)
  • Citations: 3
  • DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/ad3583

Abstract:

This review presents a comprehensive study on anodically fabricated amorphous TiO₂ nanotubes, focusing on crystallization techniques and their diverse applications. The study covers thermal, hydrothermal, and plasma-assisted crystallization methods, analyzing their impact on structural stability, photocatalytic efficiency, and electrochemical properties.

3. Anodized CuO Nanoflakes for Antibacterial and Antifungal Applications

  • Authors: MP Niharika, BM Rao
  • Journal: Heliyon (2025) (Upcoming publication)

Abstract:

This study explores the anodization-based synthesis of CuO nanoflakes and their potential as antimicrobial agents. The CuO nanostructures exhibit strong antibacterial and antifungal properties due to their high surface area, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and biofilm inhibition capabilities. The findings suggest CuO nanoflakes as a promising candidate for biomedical and environmental applications.

Conclusion

Dr. Niharika M.P. is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional contributions to nanomaterials, biosensors, and energy research. Her patents, research publications, conference presentations, and mentoring activities showcase her as an emerging leader in material science. By focusing on higher-impact publications, funding acquisition, and industry partnerships, she can further strengthen her profile for prestigious research awards.