Ramesh Sharma | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ramesh Sharma | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

DRDO | India

Dr. Ramesh Chand Sharma is a highly respected Group Director & Outstanding Scientist at DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), with a vast array of experience in Laser Physics, Spectroscopy, LiDAR Technologies, and Bio-Photonics. His expertise spans over 25 years of pioneering work in research, development, and technology transfer. He has served in key leadership roles across international institutions and governmental organizations, contributing significantly to national security, environmental science, and defense technologies.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸŽ“Profile

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πŸ“š Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sharma’s academic journey started with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Garhwal, Srinagar (1989). He continued his education by completing a Master’s degree (1991) in Physics with a specialization in Electronics from the University of Garhwal, and later pursued his Ph.D. in Laser Physics from Banaras Hindu University and IIT Kanpur (1995). His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future innovative contributions in Laser Spectroscopy and Advanced Technology Development.

πŸ’Ό Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sharma’s career has been marked by his international exposure and leadership in R&D roles. He has held prestigious positions at world-renowned institutions such as IIT Kanpur, University of California, NASA, and Academia Sinica (Taipei, Taiwan). Over the years, he has advanced to top roles in DRDO, including Project Director, Technical Director, and Group Director. His leadership extends beyond national boundaries, having led significant international collaborations in laser technologies, LiDAR systems, and bio-agent detection technologies.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sharma’s research spans several cutting-edge fields, with a primary focus on Laser Physics, LiDAR, Spectroscopy, and Bio-Photonics. His pioneering work in Laser DEW (Directed Energy Weapons), LiDAR sensing, and explosive detection has led to breakthroughs in defense technologies and environmental monitoring. He has also contributed to the development of photoacoustic sensors, which have been demonstrated for bio-agent detection from 1 km standoff distance.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Sharma’s work has had a far-reaching impact, especially in the fields of national security, defense, and environmental protection. His role in developing LiDAR technologies for the detection of chemical and biological warfare agents has been crucial for India’s defense preparedness. His technologies have been transferred to industries, and they are now being used for hazardous material detection, explosive detection, and bio-threat identification. Through his research and innovation, Dr. Sharma continues to influence the scientific community, government agencies, and industry leaders.

πŸ“° Academic Citations

Dr. Sharma’s academic works have been widely cited across the globe, with publications in renowned journals such as Optics Letters, Spectroscopy Letters, and J Laser Optics and Photonics. Notable works include papers on multi-anode PMT Bio-LiDAR systems, quantum laser sensors for defense, and ultra-sensitive detectors for explosive chemicals. His works are regularly cited for their significant advancements in laser-based sensing, detection technologies, and bio-safety applications.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Research Skills

Dr. Sharma is a leader in experimental physics and applied research. His expertise spans laser technology, nonlinear optics, chemical dynamics, and biosensors. He is proficient in laser spectroscopy, THz spectroscopy, and LiDAR systems, and he is instrumental in the development and integration of complex systems. His role in product development and technology transfer showcases his skill in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, deployable solutions.

πŸŽ“ Teaching Experience

Dr. Sharma’s contributions extend to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. He has served as the course director for continuing education programs (CEP) on Lasers, Spectroscopy, and LiDAR for defense applications. As a lecturer and trainer, he has played a pivotal role in developing curricula and workshops that bridge theory with practical applications for emerging technologies in defense and industrial sectors.

πŸ† Awards and Honors

Dr. Sharma’s contributions to science and technology have been widely recognized through various prestigious awards:

  • Technology Award (LiDAR for Chemical & Biological Agent Detection) by DRDO (2011).
  • Commendation Certificate for Laser Photoacoustic Sensor Technology for explosive detection (2012).
  • Science Day Lecturer Oration Award (2019).
  • Indian Scientist Award, selected for Best Researcher Award (2022).

These accolades reflect his outstanding achievements and continued excellence in research and technology development.

πŸ… Legacy and Future Contributions:

Dr. Sharma’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and continued contributions to science and technology. His innovative work in laser-based sensing technologies has already made an impact on national defense and environmental protection. Looking ahead, he aims to expand into quantum technologies, AI-enabled sensing systems, and advanced bio-threat detection systems. As he continues his work at FACET, DRDO, his legacy of scientific leadership and technological innovation will no doubt inspire future generations of researchers.

Publications Top Notes

Temporal evolution of opto-galvanic effect in normal glow discharge of argon

  • Authors: Sharma, R.C., Das, B.K., Sharma, G., Saraswat, V.K., Thakur, S.N.
    Journal: Spectroscopy Letters
    Year: 2024

Early detection and warning of standoff bio-threats using ultraviolet laser wavelengths

  • Authors: Kumar, S., Vats, R., Parmar, A., Das, B.K., Sharma, R.C.
    Journal: Journal of Laser Applications
    Year: 2023

Photomechanical detection of bioaerosol fluorescence free-from solar background

  • Authors: Sharma, R.C., Kumar, S., Parmar, A., Singh, K.P., Thakur, S.N.
    Journal: Optics and Laser Technology
    Year: 2022

Remote mid IR Photoacoustic Spectroscopy for the detection of explosive materials

  • Authors: Mann, M., Rao, A.S., Sharma, R.C.
    Journal: Chemical Physics Letters
    Year: 2021

Standoff pump-probe photothermal detection of hazardous chemicals

  • Authors: Sharma, R.C., Kumar, S., Parmar, A., Prakash, S., Thakur, S.N.
    Journal: Scientific Reports
    Year: 2020

 

 

 

Priyanka Sahu | Experimental methods | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Priyanka Sahu | Experimental methods | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge of Technologies-RK Valley (AP-IIIT RK Valley), India

Dr. Priyanka Sahu is an accomplished academic and researcher, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (AP-IIIT), Idupulapaya, Andhra Pradesh. With a solid foundation in Physics and Astronomy (Materials Science), she holds an M.Tech degree from NIT Rourkela and a Ph.D. from IIT Indore. Her research focuses on the development of high entropy alloys and soft magnetic materials, with expertise in experimental methodologies such as sol-gel auto-combustion and mechanical alloying. Dr. Sahu has published numerous high-impact papers, presented at international conferences, and received prestigious accolades like the Best Researcher Award and Best Oral Presentation. She is a passionate educator and an innovative thinker, contributing significantly to both research and academia.

Profile:

Education

Dr. Priyanka Sahu has pursued an impressive academic journey, earning her Ph.D. in Materials Science from the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI) in 2023, where her dissertation focused on developing and characterizing high-entropy soft magnetic alloys. She holds an M.Tech (Research) degree in Physics and Astronomy with a specialization in Materials Science from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR) in 2017, during which she studied the electrical and magnetic properties of modified strontium hexaferrite. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication at the Government Engineering College Bilaspur in 2014, following a diploma in the same discipline from the Government Polytechnic College Ambikapur in 2011. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Sahu has consistently maintained high honors and distinctions, showcasing her dedication to research and learning.

 

Professional experience

Dr. Priyanka Sahu has accumulated diverse teaching and research experience. She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (AP-IIIT), Idupulapaya, Andhra Pradesh, since March 2024. Prior to this, Dr. Sahu worked as a Teaching Assistant and researcher at IIT Indore from 2017 to 2023, during which she handled multiple labs and courses related to physical metallurgy and material science. Her research experience also includes working at NIT Rourkela in a Physics Laboratory. Dr. Sahu has expertise in handling various high-end instruments such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), which are crucial in material characterization. She has also participated in numerous national and international conferences as a presenter and invited speaker, furthering her knowledge and sharing insights into her specialized research areas.

Research focus

Dr. Priyanka Sahu’s research is centered around the development of advanced materials, particularly high-entropy alloys (HEAs), soft magnetic materials, and magnetocaloric materials. Her work explores novel synthesis methods, including mechanical alloying and sol-gel auto-combustion, to develop new materials with superior thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties. Dr. Sahu has extensively studied the microstructural and magnetic behaviors of multi-component alloys, investigating the influence of elements like Si and Mn on phase evolution and magnetic properties. She also focuses on thermodynamic modeling using Redlich-Kister formalism and Miedema’s semi-empirical models for predicting phase formations in these alloys. Her research aims to apply theoretical models to experimental data for better material characterization, especially in high-entropy amorphous alloys. Dr. Sahu’s work is highly interdisciplinary, impacting fields like nanotechnology, metallurgy, and condensed matter physics.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Priyanka Sahu has received numerous accolades throughout her academic and professional career. She was awarded the prestigious “Best Researcher Award” at the 16th edition of International Research Awards in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics in 2024. Her outstanding oral presentation in the “Progress in Metallurgy & Materials (ISPMM-2023)” at IIT Indore earned her a Best Oral Presentation award. Additionally, she secured the 1st runner-up spot in poster presentation during the Research and Industrial Conclave (RIC-2023) at IIT Indore. Dr. Sahu has also received multiple honorariums for her contributions to various programs such as the QIP program at IIT Indore and TEQIP-III in 2018. She was recognized for her early academic excellence with a merit scholarship at Government Polytechnic College Ambikapur, and she ranked 1st in class during her diploma years. These honors reflect her commitment to research and academia.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Synthesis and characterization of hydrogenated novel AlCrFeMnNiW high entropy alloy
    ✍️ SK Dewangan, VK Sharma, P Sahu, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(34), 16984-16991, 2020, cited 62 times
  • Investigating the effect of multiple grain–grain interfaces on electric and magnetic properties of [50 wt% BaFe12O19–50 wt% Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3] composite system
    ✍️ R Pattanayak, R Muduli, RK Panda, T Dash, P Sahu, S Raut, S Panigrahi
    πŸ“˜ Physica B: Condensed Matter, 485, 67-77, 2016, cited 42 times
  • Microstructure and magnetic behavior of FeCoNi (Mn–Si) x (x= 0.5, 0.75, 1.0) high-entropy alloys
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Solanki, S Dewangan, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Journal of Materials Research, 34(5), 829-840, 2019, cited 30 times
  • Dielectric, ferroelectric and impedance spectroscopic studies in TiO2-doped AgNbO3 ceramic
    ✍️ R Muduli, R Pattanayak, S Raut, P Sahu, V Senthil, S Rath, P Kumar, …
    πŸ“˜ Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 664, 715-725, 2016, cited 21 times
  • Effect of grain size on electric transport and magnetic behavior of strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19)
    ✍️ P Sahu, SN Tripathy, R Pattanayak, R Muduli, N Mohapatra, S Panigrahi
    πŸ“˜ Applied Physics A, 123, 1-10, 2017, cited 15 times
  • Microstructural, magnetic, and geometrical thermodynamic investigation of FeCoNi (MnSi) x (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0) high entropy alloys
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Samal, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Materialia, 18, 101133, 2021, cited 7 times
  • Impact of Si and Mg on Microstructural and Magnetic Behavior of Fe-Co-Ni (Mg-Si)x (x = 0.00,0.1,0.2) Multicomponent Alloys
    ✍️ P Sahu, AS Bagri, MD Anoop, M Kumar, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Silicon, 12, 893-902, 2020, cited 7 times
  • Microstructural, magnetic, and geometrical thermodynamic investigation of FeCoNi (MnSi) x (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0) high entropy alloys
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Samal, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Materialia, 18, 101133, Patent NO
  • Microstructure, Non-isothermal Crystallization Kinetics and Magnetic Behaviour Study of [FeCoNi100-x(SiMn)x] High Entropy Amorphous Alloys Synthesized by …
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Samal, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Metals and Materials International, 29(9), 2684-2709, 2023, cited 3 times
  • Phase Evolution and Soft Magnetic Behavior of Mechanically Alloyed Fe–Co–Ni Medium Entropy Alloy at Different Disk Angular Velocity
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Samal, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals, 76(11), 3065-3078, 2023, cited 2 times
  • Investigation of the structural, electrical, and magnetic behavior of Co3+-Ti4+ doped strontium hexaferrite: validation of measured and theoretical models
    ✍️ P Sahu, PK Sahu, S Panigrahi
    πŸ“˜ Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 35(10), 709, 2024, cited 1 time
  • Influence of Si and Mn on the Phase Formation, Crystallization Kinetics, and Enhanced Magnetic Properties of Mechanically Alloyed NiCoFe(SiMn)x High Entropy …
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Samal, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Silicon, 15(12), 5367-5392, 2023, cited 1 time
  • An assessment of the mechanically alloyed equiatomic FeCoNiMnSi high entropy amorphous alloy for non-isothermal crystallization kinetics and magnetocaloric refrigeration …
    ✍️ P Sahu, S Samal, V Kumar
    πŸ“˜ Materials Characterization, 216, 114269, 2024

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Priyanka Sahu is a well-rounded researcher with a solid background in materials science, excellent technical skills, a significant publication record, and previous awards. Her contributions to the field of high entropy alloys and magnetocaloric materials are impressive and impactful. While focusing on securing research funding and pursuing interdisciplinary research could enhance her profile further, she is undoubtedly a deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”