Ramana Raja Buddala | Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala | Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala, IIT Bombay, India.

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala is a Ph.D. candidate at IIT Bombay, specializing in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). His research focuses on damage detection in composite honeycomb sandwich structures using ultrasonic guided waves. With a background in Structural Engineering (M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur), his work integrates AI and ML applications in SHM. Dr. Buddala has published extensively in leading journals such as Scientific Reports and Smart Materials and Structures. His expertise in signal processing, AI, and mentoring students demonstrates his significant contributions to the field of structural engineering and his commitment to academic excellence.

👨‍🏫Professional Profile:

🌟Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala is an exceptional candidate for the Excellence in Research Award, possessing a strong academic foundation and a diverse range of research interests, particularly in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). His doctoral work at IIT Bombay, focused on damage detection in honeycomb composite sandwich structures using ultrasonic guided wave propagation, highlights his innovative approach and advanced technical expertise. With over five publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings, Dr. Buddala has made significant contributions to the field, including the integration of AI and ML techniques in SHM applications. He is well-versed in advanced signal processing, ultrasonic testing, and finite element modeling, alongside proficiency in programming languages like MATLAB and Python. Dr. Buddala has demonstrated mentoring capabilities and has also contributed to academia through teaching roles at various institutes.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala completed his Ph.D. at IIT Bombay (2019–2024), where his research focused on the damage detection and assessment of honeycomb composite sandwich structures using ultrasonic guided wave propagation. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned an M.Tech in Structural Engineering from IIT Kharagpur (2006–2011), where he worked on improving the delamination resistance capacity of sandwich composite columns. Dr. Buddala also completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kharagpur through a dual-degree program, gaining a solid foundation in engineering principles that supported his subsequent research and academic career.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala has extensive teaching and industrial experience. As a Teaching Assistant at IIT Bombay from 2019 to 2024, he contributed to courses such as Non-Destructive Testing of Materials and Structural Mechanics. Previously, he taught at NIT-AP and ANITS, covering subjects like Concrete Technology and Structural Analysis. In industry, Dr. Buddala worked as a Structural Engineer at NMDC and United Gulf Construction Consortium, where he gained hands-on experience in large-scale projects like an 8-lane expressway and a 1.2 MTPA pellet plant. His diverse background bridges academic excellence and practical engineering applications.

🌍Research Contributions On Engineering 

Dr. Buddala’s work on the non-destructive evaluation of composite materials, including his contributions to the development of unsupervised deep learning frameworks for temperature-compensated damage assessment, highlights his innovative approach to SHM. His pioneering research on the interaction between ultrasonic-guided waves and structural damage has advanced the understanding of damage detection techniques, which are crucial for industries relying on composite and metallic structures. With multiple publications in top-tier journals, including Scientific Reports and Smart Materials and Structures, his contributions have established him as a thought leader in his field.

💡Recognition and Impact:

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala has made significant contributions to the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), earning recognition for his innovative research on damage detection in composite structures using ultrasonic guided waves. His work has been published in prestigious journals, such as Scientific Reports and Smart Materials and Structures, highlighting the impact of his findings on both academia and industry. Dr. Buddala’s application of AI and ML in SHM has opened new avenues for advanced structural assessments. His mentorship and technical expertise have influenced numerous students, enhancing the broader engineering community’s research capabilities.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ramana Raja Buddala’s impressive blend of academic achievements, impactful research, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and dedication to mentorship underscores his eligibility for the Excellence in Research Award. His continued contributions to the fields of structural engineering and health monitoring through innovative methodologies make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

 

📚Publication Top Notes

Multi-stage guided wave technique for estimating the shape and size of multiple damages in honeycomb sandwich structures

Journal: Measurement

DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2025.116724

Year: 2025 📅

Contributors: Ramana Raja Buddala, Rohan Soman, Siddharth Tallur, Sauvik Banerjee

The effect of temperature on guided wave signal characteristics in presence of disbond and delamination for health monitoring of a honeycomb composite sandwich structure with built-in PZT network

Journal: Smart Materials and Structures

DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/ace40b

Year: 2023 📅

Contributors: Ramana Raja B, Sheetal Patil, Pankhi Kashyap, Siddharth Tallur, Sauvik Banerjee

 

 

 

Dong-Bin Kwak | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Dong-Bin Kwak | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Dong-Bin Kwak, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, South Korea

Dr. Dong-Bin Kwak is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, specializing in aerosol science, filtration systems, and fluid dynamics. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) from Hanyang University. His expertise spans nanoparticle engineering, air and liquid contamination control, heat transfer, and gas-to-particle conversion. With significant industry experience at Onto Innovation and collaborations with Samsung Electronics and LG, he has advanced technologies in filtration and particle measurement. Recognized through prestigious awards, he continues to drive impactful innovations in his field.

Author Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

🎓 Education:

Dr. Dong-Bin Kwak holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he conducted extensive research on aerosol science, contamination control, and filtration systems. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with summa cum laude honors from Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. Throughout his academic journey, Dong-Bin consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, receiving numerous scholarships and awards, including the National Engineering Fully Funded Scholarship. His education provided a solid foundation in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and nanoparticle engineering, enabling him to excel in both academic research and industry applications.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Dong-Bin Kwak has extensive professional experience in both academia and industry. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, leading projects in nanoparticle engineering, air filtration, and slurry filtration systems. Previously, he worked as an Applications Scientist at Onto Innovation, where he developed next-generation automated optical inspection systems for semiconductor manufacturing. During his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, he contributed significantly to contamination control, filtration efficiency, and aerosol science research. His expertise includes experimental and numerical methods, advanced filtration technologies, and fluid dynamics, showcasing his ability to bridge research and practical applications.

🌍Research Contributions:

Dr. Dong-Bin Kwak has made significant contributions to aerosol science, nanoparticle engineering, and filtration technologies. His research encompasses developing advanced air and liquid filtration systems, optimizing heat transfer processes, and improving contamination control methods. Notable achievements include the development of real-time size-resolved filtration efficiency measurement systems, hydrosol calibration methods, and numerical optimization codes for radial heat sinks. His work with industry leaders like Samsung Electronics and LG has advanced particle characterization and slurry filtration technologies. By combining experimental methods with numerical simulations, his research addresses critical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing, environmental protection, and filtration performance, driving innovation across multiple fields.

🥇Award and Honors:

Dr. Dong-Bin Kwak has made significant research contributions in aerosol science, filtration systems, and fluid dynamics, advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of these fields. His work includes developing high-precision nanoparticle measurement systems, optimizing air and liquid filtration efficiency, and innovating gas-to-particle conversion techniques. At the University of Minnesota, he contributed to contamination control, electrospun nanofiber filtration, and airborne molecular contamination detection. Currently, as Principal Investigator at SeoulTech, he leads projects on slurry filtration, real-time air filtration evaluation, and AI-driven heat sink optimization. His research impacts industries ranging from semiconductors to environmental engineering, reflecting his innovative and multidisciplinary approach.

Conclusion:

Dr. Dong-Bin Kwak is a highly accomplished researcher whose work has significantly advanced the fields of aerosol science, filtration, and fluid dynamics. His innovative contributions to nanoparticle engineering and air filtration systems have led to breakthroughs in contamination control and particle measurement. With a strong academic background, including a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and industry experience with leading companies like Samsung Electronics and LG, he has garnered widespread recognition through prestigious awards. His exceptional research, leadership, and dedication to scientific innovation make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

📚Publication Top Notes:

Nanofiber filter performance improvement: nanofiber layer uniformity and branched nanofiber

Journal: Aerosol and Air Quality Research

Citations: 36 📄

Year: 2020 🗓️

Inverse heat conduction modeling to predict heat flux in a hollow cylindrical tube having irregular cross-sections

Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering

Citations: 31 📄

Year: 2018 🗓️

Cooling performance of a radial heat sink with triangular fins on a circular base at various installation angles

Journal: International Journal of Thermal Sciences

Citations: 23 📄

Year: 2017 🗓️

Numerical investigation of nanoparticle deposition location and pattern on a sharp-bent tube wall

Journal: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Citations: 20 📄

Year: 2021 🗓️

Optimization of the radial heat sink with a concentric cylinder and triangular fins installed on a circular base

Journal: Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology

Citations: 19 📄

Year: 2018 🗓️

Natural convection flow around heated disk in cubical enclosure

Journal: Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology

Citations: 17 📄

Year: 2018 🗓️

Characterization of colloidal nanoparticles in mixtures with polydisperse and multimodal size distributions using a particle tracking analysis and electrospray-scanning…

Journal: Powder Technology

Citations: 15 📄

Year: 2019 🗓️

Influence of colloidal particles with bimodal size distributions on retention and pressure drop in ultrafiltration membranes

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Citations: 13 📄

Year: 2019 🗓️

Experimental study of nanoparticle transport and penetration efficiency on a sharp-bent tube (elbow connection)

Journal: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Citations: 10 📄

Year: 2020 🗓️

Modeling pressure drop values across ultra-thin nanofiber filters with various ranges of filtration parameters under an aerodynamic slip effect

Journal: Scientific Reports

Citations: 9 📄

Year: 2023 🗓️

Characterization of handheld disinfectant sprayers for effective surface decontamination to mitigate severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission

Journal: Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology

Citations: 9 📄

Year: 2021 🗓️

Quantitative analysis of droplet deposition produced by an electrostatic sprayer on a classroom table by using fluorescent tracer

Journal: Building and Environment

Citations: 8 📄

Year: 2021 🗓️

Study on droplet dispersion influenced by ventilation and source configuration in classroom settings using low-cost sensor network

Journal: Aerosol and Air Quality Research

Citations: 7 📄

Year: 2021 🗓️

Detection of airborne nanoparticles through enhanced light scattering images

Journal: Sensors

Citations: 6 📄

Year: 2022 🗓️

Saliva droplet evaporation experiment and simple correlation of evaporation-falling curve under different temperatures and RH

Journal: Aerosol and Air Quality Research

Citations: 4 📄

Year: 2023 🗓️

Numerical study of nanoparticle penetration characteristics in forked tubes using tracking particle identification

Journal: Powder Technology

Citations: 4 📄

Year: 2023 🗓️

Micael Nascimento | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Micael Nascimento | Engineering| Best Researcher Award

Dr. Micael Nascimento, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal.

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento is a distinguished researcher at the University of Aveiro, specializing in optoelectronics, photonics, and energy storage systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Engineering in 2019, pioneering the integration of optical fiber sensing networks for monitoring lithium-ion battery safety parameters. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Nascimento has made significant strides in developing multi-parameter optical fiber sensors for advanced battery technologies, aligning his work with EU2030+ sustainability targets. He has contributed to numerous high-impact research projects, including the EU-funded INSTABAT and ILLIANCE projects, and is set to lead the TRACKENERGY project (2025–2031). Dr. Nascimento’s scholarly contributions include >30 scientific works in leading journals, earning him >700 citations and an h-index of 11. Beyond his research, he mentors students and teaches optical technologies, bridging academia and industry with collaborations involving global institutions and companies like BMW and VARTA

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award through his impactful contributions to photonics, optoelectronics, and energy storage systems. His pioneering work in integrating optical fiber sensors into Li-ion batteries has significantly advanced the monitoring of critical safety parameters like temperature and strain, contributing to enhanced battery safety and efficiency. His involvement in prestigious projects, such as SIRBATT, INSTABAT, and ILLIANCE, reflects his commitment to innovation in line with EU2030+ climate targets.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento completed his Ph.D. in Physical Engineering from the University of Aveiro (UAVR) in 2019. His doctoral research focused on optoelectronics and photonics, specifically developing integrated optical fiber sensing devices for monitoring temperature and strain in lithium-ion batteries. This pioneering work laid the foundation for integrating optical fiber sensing networks into commercially available and laboratory-prepared batteries. During his academic journey, Dr. Nascimento acquired expertise in advanced sensor technologies and multi-parameter monitoring systems. His educational background reflects a strong emphasis on innovative approaches to energy storage, photonics, and sustainability, aligning with modern scientific and industrial advancements.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento has an extensive professional background as a researcher and academic in the field of optoelectronics and photonics. Since 2016, he has served as an Assistant Lecturer in the Physics Department at the University of Aveiro, teaching specialized courses on optical technologies. His research focuses on developing advanced optical fiber sensing technologies for battery safety and performance monitoring, contributing to multiple high-impact projects like SIRBATT, INSTABAT, and ILLIANCE. Dr. Nascimento has supervised numerous students in physical engineering programs and advanced specialization courses, fostering innovation and excellence in applied physics and energy storage systems.

🌍Research Contributions:

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento possesses extensive expertise in optoelectronics, photonics, and advanced energy storage systems. He specializes in developing multi-parameter optical fiber sensors, including Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and interferometry-based sensors, for applications in battery monitoring and wireless power transfer. His technical skills include designing, characterizing, and integrating hybrid sensors for thermal and mechanical monitoring. Dr. Nascimento excels in data analysis, experimental testing, and publishing high-impact research. He is adept at bridging theoretical research with practical applications, focusing on next-generation lithium/sodium batteries and solid-state technologies for electric mobility.

🥇Award and Honors:

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento has received recognition for his pioneering work in optoelectronics and photonics. His contributions to advanced optical fiber sensing technologies for battery monitoring have garnered national and international acclaim. Dr. Nascimento has been acknowledged for his role in prestigious projects, such as INSTABAT and ILLIANCE, and his innovative research has been featured in high-impact journals, earning him >700 citations and an h-index of 11. His dedication to mentoring students and advancing sustainable energy solutions has positioned him as a leading researcher, making his work integral to achieving EU2030+ climate goals.

Conclusion:

Dr. Micael dos Santos Nascimento’s exemplary contributions to optoelectronics, photonics, and energy storage technologies position him as a leading figure in his field. His pioneering work on optical fiber sensing networks for lithium-ion batteries has advanced battery safety and sustainability efforts, aligning with global energy goals.  Dr. Nascimento’s leadership in prestigious projects like INSTABAT and TRACKENERGY underscores his commitment to advancing science and mentoring future researchers. He is a deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

📚Publication Top Notes:

1️⃣ Internal strain and temperature discrimination with optical fiber hybrid sensors in Li-ion batteriesJournal of Power Sources (Cited by 167, 2019) 🔋📏
2️⃣ Internal and external temperature monitoring of a Li-ion battery with fiber Bragg grating sensorsSensors (Cited by 164, 2016) 🔋🌡️
3️⃣ Real time thermal monitoring of lithium batteries with fiber sensors and thermocouples: A comparative studyMeasurement (Cited by 118, 2017) 📊🕒
4️⃣ Temperature fiber sensing of Li-ion batteries under different environmental and operating conditionsApplied Thermal Engineering (Cited by 50, 2019) 🌡️🏞️
5️⃣ Thermal mapping of a lithium polymer batteries pack with FBGs networkBatteries (Cited by 46, 2018) 🗺️🔋
6️⃣ Simultaneous sensing of temperature and Bi-directional strain in a prismatic Li-ion batteryBatteries (Cited by 43, 2018) ↔️🌡️
7️⃣ Embedded fiber sensors to monitor temperature and strain of polymeric parts fabricated by additive manufacturing and reinforced with NiTi wiresSensors (Cited by 29, 2020) 🧬📐