Natish Kumar | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Natish Kumar | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

IIT Jammu - India

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Summary

Natish Kumar is an emerging researcher in the field of Chemical Engineering with a focus on biomedical diagnostics. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, he combines expertise in microfluidics, biotechnology, and sensor technologies to address global healthcare challenges. His work bridges engineering and life sciences to develop innovative lab-on-a-chip systems and portable diagnostic devices. With a multidisciplinary background and a strong research track record, Natish is poised to make impactful contributions to point-of-care diagnostics and translational biosensor research.

Educational Background

Natish Kumar is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at IIT Jammu, with research centered on developing a LAMP-based microfluidic platform for point-of-care detection of viral nucleic acids. He holds a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (2015–2017), where he worked on genetic diversity analysis and clinical genetics case studies. His undergraduate education was completed at the University of Jammu (2012–2015) with a strong foundation in biological sciences. Natish has also attended specialized training programs in diagnostic cytogenetics, molecular biology, microfluidic fabrication, MATLAB, and bioinformatics, enhancing both his technical and analytical capabilities.

Professional Experience

Before beginning his doctoral studies, Natish worked as a Project Assistant-II at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, from 2018 to 2020. He was actively involved in national-level research initiatives, including the CSIR-Phytopharmaceutical Mission and projects on aromatic crop value addition in the Bundelkhand region. His work focused on plant tissue culture and molecular diagnostics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to the Infectious Diseases Division at CSIR-IIIM, where he played a crucial role in the development of RT-LAMP assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection. These experiences solidified his interest in translational biosciences and diagnostic innovation.

Research Interests

Natish Kumar’s research spans across a diverse set of biomedical and engineering domains. His core interests include the design and integration of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems for real-time biomedical sensing. He is especially focused on point-of-care diagnostics using isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques like LAMP, integrated with functional hydrogels. He also explores the application of CRISPR-Cas systems (Cas12/Cas13) for rapid molecular detection, and is developing fluorescence, electrochemical, and colorimetric readouts for portable biosensors. Additional interests include organ-on-a-chip technologies, molecular cloning, and the commercialization of biotech innovations through patents and translational research.

Author Metrics

Natish has published over 11 peer-reviewed research articles in prestigious journals such as Biosensors & Bioelectronics, Biomicrofluidics, Molecular Biotechnology, and Analytical Methods. His publications highlight contributions to the development of microfluidic cartridges, nucleic acid detection tools, and biosensing systems. He has also co-authored book chapters published by Springer Nature on biosensors and bioelectronics for personalized healthcare. His patent portfolio includes three Indian patent applications related to microfluidic diagnostic platforms for infectious and cardiovascular diseases. His active presence in the academic community is marked by presentations at top-tier conferences including MicroTAS, ADT-2024, and India Pharma Expo.

Awards and Honors

Natish Kumar has been widely recognized for his innovative contributions to diagnostics and healthcare technology. He won First Prize at the IDAPT Health-Tech Hackathon 2023 at IIT-BHU for developing a microfluidic-based SARS-CoV-2 biosensor. He was honored with the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Award 2023 for a portable diagnostic platform for infectious diseases. His entrepreneurial acumen was also recognized through the Start-Up Idea of 2025 competition, where he secured the top spot. He is a CSIR-UGC NET (2019) Life Sciences qualifier and received the SERB Travel Grant to present his research internationally at MicroTAS 2024 in Canada. Additionally, he received the Best Paper Poster Award at the International Conference on Electrochemical Science and Technology (IISc Bangalore, 2024), showcasing the depth and impact of his research.

Conclusion

Mr. Natish Kumar is strongly recommended for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His innovative, interdisciplinary research in biomedical diagnostics, combined with a proven record of publications, patents, and awards, marks him as a rising leader in translational biosensor development. With minor enhancements in international collaboration and entrepreneurial execution, he stands to make a global impact in healthcare technology.

Bolaji Oladipo | Mechanical Engineering

Mr. Bolaji Oladipo: Leading Researcher in Mechanical Engineering

Summary:

Bolaji Oladipo is a dedicated and accomplished mechanical engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island, USA, where he maintains an impressive GPA of 3.74/4.00. His academic journey includes a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University, New Jersey, USA, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Bolaji has made significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in areas such as auxetic metamaterials, corrosion assessment, and material interface adhesion. His expertise extends to machine learning, finite element analysis, and materials modeling, as evidenced by his presentations at various conferences and workshops. He has showcased research findings through poster presentations on topics like auxetic TPU metamaterials and efficient strengthening of concrete cylinders.

Professional Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island, USA (2022 – Present) with a GPA of 3.74/4.00.
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University, New Jersey, USA (2018 – 2020) with a GPA of 3.76/4.00.
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2008 – 2014) with a GPA of 3.30/4.00.

📊 Conference Presentations: He have consistently demonstrated my expertise in machine learning, finite element analysis, and materials modeling through engaging presentations at diverse conferences and workshops. These platforms have provided me with opportunities to share and discuss cutting-edge research findings, contributing to the broader academic and professional discourse.

📝 Poster Presentations: He have effectively communicated my research insights through visually compelling posters, covering subjects like auxetic TPU metamaterials and the efficient strengthening of concrete cylinders. These presentations, showcased at various conferences and forums, have facilitated discussions and knowledge exchange within the academic and professional communities.

🔍 Journal Review: He contribute to the academic community by serving as a meticulous reviewer for the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, a prestigious publication under the American Society of Civil Engineers. This role involves evaluating and providing valuable insights into scientific research articles.

🏆 Awards and Honors: He take pride in receiving accolades for my research contributions, securing 1st place in the Sixth Rhode Island Transportation and Engineering Poster Competition. Additionally, He achieved 2nd place in the 2022 TIDC Student Poster Fan Favorite Contest, showcasing the recognition of my work within the academic realm.

🌐 Professional Memberships: As a dedicated professional, He hold esteemed memberships in reputable organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Nigerian Society of Engineers. These affiliations reflect my commitment to staying connected with the broader engineering community and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

👨‍💼 Work Experience: In the capacity of Founder and CEO of Custod Engineering Services Limited, He lead a dynamic team, providing comprehensive training in CAD/CAM software and delivering top-notch engineering consultancy services.

💼 Research Associate: Currently serving as a Graduate Research Associate at the Multiscale And Multiphysics Mechanics Laboratory, University of Rhode Island, He engage in diverse numerical simulations and experiments related to concrete cylinders. My responsibilities also include interpreting data and contributing to research articles.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience: With a background as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Teaching Fellow, He actively contribute to the education sector. My roles have involved teaching labs and lectures, grading assignments, and fostering an enriching learning environment.

🌐 Global Experience: He have showcased my research findings on a global platform by presenting virtually at international conferences. This experience reflects my commitment to a broader perspective in academia and research.

🏆 Judging Experience: He was honored to be invited as a judge at the 2023 Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) Research Symposium, where He assessed and scored research papers, particularly in the engineering category.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Corrosion assessment of some buried metal pipes using neural network algorithm

  • Authors: B.A. Oladipo, O.O. Ajide, C.G. Monyei
  • Journal: International Journal of Engineering and Manufacturing (IJEM)
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue: 6
  • Pages: 27-42
  • Year: 2017

Title: Integrating Experiments, Finite Element Analysis, and Interpretable Machine Learning to Evaluate the Auxetic Response of 3D Printed Re-entrant Metamaterials

  • Authors: B. Oladipo, H. Matos, N.M.A. Krishnan, S. Das
  • Journal: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
  • Volume: 2
  • Year: 2023

Title: Evaluating the adhesion response of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fused interface using multiscale simulation and experiments

  • Authors: J.T. Villada, G.A. Lyngdoh, R. Paswan, B. Oladipo, S. Das
  • Journal: Materials & Design
  • Volume: 232
  • Pages: 112155
  • Year: 2023

Research Focus:

Auxetic Metamaterials: Bolaji has delved into the study of auxetic materials, exploring their unique mechanical properties and potential applications. These materials exhibit negative Poisson’s ratios, making them valuable for specific engineering applications due to their ability to expand laterally when stretched.

Corrosion Assessment: Bolaji has conducted research on the corrosion assessment of buried metal pipes, employing neural network algorithms to analyze and predict corrosion behavior. This work contributes to the understanding of corrosion processes and aids in the development of effective mitigation strategies.

Material Interface Adhesion: His research extends to evaluating the adhesion response of material interfaces, specifically focusing on acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fused interfaces. This work involves multiscale simulation and experiments to enhance our understanding of material interactions.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Bolaji has expertise in finite element analysis, utilizing tools like ANSYS Multiphysics to simulate and analyze complex mechanical systems. His work involves applying FEA techniques to study the mechanical behavior of structures, such as concrete cylinders.

Machine Learning Applications: With a keen interest in machine learning, Bolaji integrates this technology into materials science and engineering. His research involves the use of interpretable machine learning to evaluate the auxetic response of 3D printed re-entrant metamaterials, showcasing an interdisciplinary approach.

Global Infrastructure and Transportation: Bolaji’s research extends to the domain of transportation infrastructure durability. He has presented findings at conferences on topics related to the efficient strengthening of concrete cylinders, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure.