Assoc. Prof. Dr. Venu Mankad | Density Functional Theory | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor at GITAM University, India
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Venu Mankad is a distinguished physicist specializing in nanomaterials and computational physics. His earned his Ph.D. in Physics from M.K. Bhavnagar University in 2013, focusing on nanoscale phonon engineering. his completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Physics, Karl-Franzens University, Graz (Austria), in collaboration with CNR, Pisa (Italy). Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at GITAM (Deemed to be University), Hyderabad, Dr. Mankad has received several accolades, including the DST-SERB Fast Track Young Scientist Award and the IUPAP Travel Grant. His research integrates density functional theory (DFT) to study ultrathin oxides and heterogeneous nanocatalysts. An active member of several scientific societies, his also serves as a reviewer for reputed journals and mentors young researchers.
Professional Profile:
Suitability of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Venu Mankad for the “Best Researcher Award”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Venu Mankad demonstrates strong eligibility and is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on a multi-faceted record of academic excellence, research innovation, and scholarly contributions. His credentials align with the award’s core evaluation pillars: academic achievement, research originality, impact, leadership, and community engagement.
π Education
Ph.D. in Physics (2013) β M.K. Bhavnagar University, Gujarat, India
Thesis: βEngineering Nanoscale Phonon and Phonon Assisted Properties of Nanoparticles and Nanofluidicsβ
π
Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014) β Institute of Physics, Karl-Franzens University, Graz (Austria), jointly with CNR, Pisa (Italy)
π§ͺπ
M.Sc. in Physics (2009) β Bhavnagar University π§
B.Sc. in Physics (2007) β Bhavnagar University π
πΌ Professional Experience
Assistant Professor (Aug 2017βPresent) β GITAM (Deemed to be University), Hyderabad Campus π«
Lecturer (2013β2014) β CIPET, Ahmedabad
Teaching Assistant (2013) β SVNIT, Surat
π Major Achievements, Awards & Honors
π₯ DST-SERB Fast Track Young Scientist Award (2015β2018) β βΉ31 lakh project grant
βοΈ IUPAP Travel Grant (2015) β For conference on Women in Physics at ICTP, Italy
ποΈ Senior Research Fellowship (SRF-Direct) β CSIR, India (2012β2013)
π§ͺ Junior Research Fellow (JRF) β DST-SERC project (2010β2011)
π§« Project Fellow β UGC Project (2009β2010)
π₯ Gold Medalist β Topper in M.Sc. Physics (2009) π
π§βπ¬ First Prize β Poster Presentation at CSMCRI (2007)
π Research Focus & Contributions
Specialization in:
Density Functional Theory (DFT) π§ π»
Heterogeneous Nanocatalysts βοΈ
Ultrathin Oxides & Phonon Engineering
Reviewer for:
Chemical Physics Letters, Journal of Nanomaterials, DAE-SSPS (AIP)
Mentoring Ph.D. scholars and undergraduate research projects π
π§© Professional Memberships
-
π¬ Society for Materials Chemistry (SMC) β Life Member
-
π Indian Physics Association (IPA) β Life Member
-
π Organization for Women in Science in Developing Countries (OWSD) β Life Member
π§ Workshops & Conferences
-
Participated in 20+ national and international conferences and workshops on nanoscience, materials chemistry, high-pressure physics, and spectroscopy
-
Delivered invited talks in India and abroad (e.g., Erlangen-Nuremberg University, Germany)
-
Organized national webinars on Research Skill Development and Blended Learning π£οΈπ‘
πPublication Top Notes
Toxic gas whisperers: Sensing dynamics of pristine and alloyed Cu nanoclusters