Niharika MP | Physics of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

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

Assistant Professor at VIT-AP Universitty, India

Ms. 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

Orcid

Google Scholar 

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.

 

 

 

Ram Gopal | Materials Science Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Dr. Ram Gopal | Materials Science Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India

Summary:

Dr. Ram Gopal is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. He completed his Ph.D. in Physics at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad under the supervision of Prof. Jairam Manam. His research focuses on advanced materials including perovskite solar cells, photodetectors, and luminescent materials. Dr. Gopal has significant expertise in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, as well as a strong background in laser and photonics. He has also contributed to education through his role as an instructor and teaching assistant in various physics courses.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Ph.D. in Physics, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, India (July 2018 – May 2023)

  • Supervisor: Prof. Jairam Manam
  • CGPA: 8.99

M.Sc. in Physics, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, India (2016 – 2018)

  • CGPA: 8.54

B.Sc. in Physics, Patna Science College, Patna, India (2013 – 2016)

  • Percentage: 74.625%

🏢 Professional Experience:

  • Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India (February 2024 – Present)
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow, Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India (August 2023 – January 2024)
  • Ph.D. Researcher, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, India (August 2018 – May 2023)
    • Supervised by Prof. Jairam Manam
  • M.Sc. Project, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, India (January 2018 – May 2018)
    • Project Title: “Synthesis and Characterization of NdFeO3 Nanoparticles”
    • Supervisor: Prof. Soumen Basu
  • Senior Research Fellow, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India (July 2020 – May 2023)
  • Junior Research Fellow, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India (July 2018 – July 2020)

Research Expertise:

  • Perovskite Solar Cells and Photodetectors: Fabrication and performance analysis.
  • Nanomaterials Synthesis: Techniques include wet chemical methods and laser ablation in liquid.
  • Luminescent Materials: Analysis of long-persistent phosphors.
  • Characterization Techniques: Expertise in UV-Visible, Photoluminescence, FTIR, Thermo-luminescence spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, FESEM, HRTEM, and Raman spectroscopy.
  • Computational Tools: Proficient in COMSOL Multiphysics, Fullprof Suite, Origin Pro, X’Pert Highscore Plus, ImageJ, Topas, Vesta, and basic computer applications.

Teaching Experience:

  • Head Instructor and Coordinator for a 600-hour course on solar panel installation at IIT Guwahati, part of the Prime Minister Skill Development Mission of India.
  • Teaching Assistant and Lab Assistant at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, involved in setting up experiments, assisting students, and evaluating tutorials.

Research Interests:

Top Noted Publication:

Enhanced Photoluminescence and Abnormal Temperature-Dependent Photoluminescence Property of SrWO₄³⁺ Phosphor by the Incorporation of Li⁺ Ion

  • Authors: R. Gopal, A. Kumar, J. Manam
  • Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
  • Volume: 272
  • Article ID: 124960
  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 40

A Novel Blue Excited White Light Emitting SrWO₄³⁺ Phosphor for Single Phase White-LED Applications

  • Authors: R. Gopal, J. Manam
  • Journal: Ceramics International
  • Volume: 48 (20)
  • Pages: 30724-30733
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 12

SrWO₄³⁺; An Efficient Green Phosphor for LED and Optical Thermometry Applications

  • Authors: R. Gopal, J. Manam
  • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
  • Volume: 33 (27)
  • Pages: 21746-21761
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 10

Study of the Up/Down-Conversion Green Luminescence of BaWO₄³⁺ Phosphors for Non-Contact Temperature Sensing and Solid-State Lighting Applications

  • Authors: R. Gopal, J. Manam
  • Journal: Applied Physics A
  • Volume: 128 (9)
  • Article ID: 772
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 8

The Photoluminescence and Judd-Ofelt Investigations of UV, Near-UV, and Blue Excited Highly Pure Red Emitting BaWO₄³⁺ Phosphor for Solid-State Lighting

  • Authors: R. Gopal, J. Manam
  • Journal: Ceramics International
  • Volume: 49 (17)
  • Pages: 28118-28129
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 7

Materials Science

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Introduction of Materials Science:

Materials Science is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field at the forefront of scientific research, dedicated to understanding, designing, and manipulating materials to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of applications.

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology:

Nanomaterials research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of materials at the nanoscale, leading to applications in electronics, medicine, energy storage, and more. It explores the unique properties of materials when engineered at the nanometer level.

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering:

Biomaterials research is vital for developing materials compatible with biological systems, such as implants, scaffolds, and drug delivery systems. Tissue engineering seeks to create functional biological tissues for regenerative medicine.

Advanced Structural Materials:

This subfield investigates materials with enhanced strength, durability, and lightweight properties, critical for aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. Examples include composites, superalloys, and high-strength ceramics.

Energy Materials:

Research in energy materials aims to develop efficient materials for energy conversion, storage, and transmission. This includes battery technology, solar cells, fuel cells, and materials for sustainable energy sources.

Computational Materials Science:

Computational techniques are employed to model and predict the properties of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. This subtopic accelerates the discovery of new materials and their behavior under different conditions, aiding in materials design.