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.