Sakthipriya Balu | Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sakthipriya Balu | Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

Sakthipriya Balu at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, India

Dr. Sakthirpiya Balu is an Associate Professor at Annasaheb Dange College of Engineering and Technology (ADCET), Maharashtra, specializing in green hydrogen production, solid-state hydrogen storage, and their applications in aerospace and mechanical engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, focusing on nanostructured catalysts for alkaline water electrolysis. Dr. Balu brings a blend of academic excellence and practical expertise, with previous research roles at NTUST and industry experience at CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). Her core competencies include material synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and advanced catalysis. A recipient of the NTUST full scholarship, she is committed to fostering innovation and sustainable energy solutions through teaching, research, and global collaboration.

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Sakthipriya Balu

Dr. Sakthipriya Balu exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong academic foundation in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, she has advanced her research expertise in hydrogen energy systems, specifically focusing on green hydrogen production and solid-state hydrogen storage—critical technologies for sustainable energy and aerospace innovation.

🎓 Education

  • 🧪 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
    National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Thesis: Tailoring Inorganic Nanostructured Catalysts for Alkaline Water Electrolysis (2019–2024)

  • 🛩️ M.E. in Aeronautical Engineering
    Nehru Institute of Engineering and Technology, Anna University (2017–2019)

  • ✈️ B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering
    Srinivasan Engineering College, Anna University (2013–2017)

👩‍🏫 Work Experience

  • 🧑‍🏫 Associate Professor
    ADCET, Ashta, Maharashtra (Aug 2024–Present)
    • Achieved ~90% student success rate
    • Teaching & exploring green hydrogen and solid-state hydrogen storage applications in aerospace

  • 🔬 Research Assistant
    National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (2019–2024)
    • Mentored master’s and Ph.D. students in hydrogen-related research

  • 🏭 Research Intern (Aerospace)
    National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL–CSIR) (2018–2019)
    • Used CAD, OpenVSP & MATLAB for aircraft design optimization and fuel efficiency improvement

🔬 Research Expertise & Interests

  • 💧 Green Hydrogen Production & Storage

  • 🔩 Catalytic Water Splitting

  • 🧪 Nanocomposite Synthesis & Characterization

  • ⚙️ Control Systems, Phase Transformation, and Material Science

  • 🚀 Aerospace Applications of Hydrogen Technology

🧫 Analytical & Lab Skills

  • 🧲 XRD, Raman Spectroscopy, FE-SEM

  • 🔥 TGA/DSC, High-Temp Furnace

  • 🧤 Glovebox Handling, Sievert Apparatus

  • 🧪 Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials

💻 Software Proficiency

  • 📊 Origin, DIFFRAC.EVA, AutoLAB-NOVA

  • 🎨 Adobe Suite (Illustrations)

  • 🧮 Microsoft Office & Google Suite

  • 🧑‍💻 MATLAB, OpenVSP

🏆 Achievements & Honors

  • 🎓 Full Research Scholarship Recipient, NTUST (2019–2024)

  • 🧪 Designed & tested efficient nanocatalysts for HER/OER with low overpotential

  • 🧠 Mentored early-stage researchers in hydrogen technologies

  • 📈 Contributed to high-quality scientific publications and conference proceedings

  • 💡 Advocated green hydrogen for sustainable aerospace applications

📚Publication Top Notes

Surface engineering of reduced graphene oxide onto the nanoforest-like nickel selenide as a high performance electrocatalyst for OER and HER

Cited : 27

Improved Oxygen Redox Activity by High-Valent Fe and Co3+ Sites in the Perovskite LaNi1–xFe0.5xCo0.5xO3

Cited : 23

Construction of Fe-substituted CoZn layered double hydroxide as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction

Cited : 4

SANDHYA MADDERLA | Heat Transfer | Best Researcher Award

Dr. SANDHYA MADDERLA | Heat Transfer | Best Researcher Award

RESEARCH ASSISTANT at Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia.

Dr. Sandhya Madderla is a dedicated Mechanical Engineer and Design Engineer with expertise in CAD/CAM, EDM, and nanotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering from University Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, where she developed advanced hybrid nanofluids for radiator cooling applications. With a strong background in nanoparticles, hybrid nanofluids, and additive manufacturing, she has contributed to cutting-edge research in heat transfer and lubrication. Dr. Madderla has published several peer-reviewed journal articles, worked as a Research Assistant and Assistant Professor, and received multiple awards for innovation and research excellence. ✨📚

Professional Profile:

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Education & Experience 🎓💼

📍 Ph.D. in Mechanical and Automotive EngineeringUniversity Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (2019-2023)
🔹 Research on hybrid nanofluids for enhanced thermal conductivity and automotive cooling.
🔹 Published 6 peer-reviewed journal articles on nanofluid development.

📍 Master’s in Design Engineering (M.Tech)Kakatiya Institute of Technology & Science, India (2012-2014)
🔹 Studied optimization of EDM machining parameters for Nimonic super-alloys.
🔹 Published 2 journal articles on material processing techniques.

📍 Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (B.Tech)Kakatiya Institute of Technology & Science, India (2008-2012)
🔹 Designed and fabricated a semi-automatic welding fixture for TIG welding.
🔹 Published 1 journal article based on the project.

📍 Research Assistant – University Malaysia Pahang (2022-2023)
🔹 Conducted research on nanofluids for automotive cooling.
🔹 Assisted in scientific writing and data analysis.
🔹 Published 2 research papers under funded projects.

📍 Assistant Professor – DRK Engineering College, Hyderabad (2015-2017)
🔹 Taught Engineering Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and CAD.
🔹 Guided students in research and technical writing.

📍 Lecturer – Aarushi Group of Institutions, Warangal (2012-2014)
🔹 Delivered lectures on Engineering Drawing, Strength of Materials.
🔹 Managed a CAD lab, achieving high student satisfaction.

Professional Development 🚀📖

Dr. Sandhya Madderla has been actively involved in research and technological innovation, specializing in nanomaterials, heat transfer, and advanced cooling technologies. She has contributed to funded research projects on nano-lubricants, graphene additives, and hybrid nanofluids for enhanced engine efficiency. As a research assistant, she worked on groundbreaking projects funded by University Malaysia Pahang, leading to high-impact publications. Dr. Madderla has also participated in international conferences, workshops, and training programs, showcasing her expertise in material science and computational modeling. Her passion for teaching and mentorship has guided many students toward research excellence. 🌍🔍

Research Focus 🔬⚙️

Dr. Madderla’s research primarily focuses on mechanical engineering, thermal fluid sciences, and nanotechnology. Her work involves designing and developing hybrid nanofluids with graphene nanoplatelets and cellulose nanocrystals to improve heat transfer efficiency in automotive radiators. She is also deeply involved in nano-lubricants for friction reduction, EDM machining optimization, and renewable energy applications. With expertise in SolidWorks, Catia, and Ansys, she integrates computational modeling with experimental analysis. Her research aims to enhance industrial cooling, improve machining efficiency, and promote sustainable energy solutions through advanced nanomaterials. 🌱⚡

Awards & Honors 🏅🎖️

🏆 Silver Medal – Poster Competition at CITReX 2021, University Malaysia Pahang.
🥇 Gold Medal – Invention of “BIO-HYBRID ENGINE COOLANT” at ITEX’21, Malaysia.
📜 Published in high-impact journals on nanofluids and heat transfer.
🎓 Funded researcher for nano-materials and automotive cooling projects.
🚀 Recognized for innovative research in hybrid nanofluids and lubricants.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Ultrasonication an intensifying tool for preparation of stable nanofluids and study the time influence on distinct properties of graphene nanofluids–A systematic overview
    📌 Authors: M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Sudhakar, K. Kadirgama, W. S. W. Harun
    🔢 Citations: 139
    📅 Year: 2021

  2. A systematic review on graphene-based nanofluids application in renewable energy systems: Preparation, characterization, and thermophysical properties
    📌 Authors: M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Sudhakar, K. Kadirgama, M. Samykano, et al.
    🔢 Citations: 61
    📅 Year: 2021

  3. Experimental study on properties of hybrid stable & surfactant-free nanofluids GNPs/CNCs (Graphene nanoplatelets/cellulose nanocrystal) in water/ethylene glycol mixture for …
    📌 Authors: M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Kadirgama, W. S. W. Harun, R. Saidur
    🔢 Citations: 29
    📅 Year: 2022

  4. Heat transfer enhancement by hybrid nano additives—graphene nanoplatelets/cellulose nanocrystal for the automobile cooling system (radiator)
    📌 Authors: C. T. Yaw, S. P. Koh, M. Sandhya, K. Kadirgama, S. K. Tiong, D. Ramasamy, et al.
    🔢 Citations: 16
    📅 Year: 2023

  5. Heat transfer performance of a radiator with and without louvered strip by using Graphene-based nanofluids
    📌 Authors: S. Madderla, D. Ramasamy, K. Sudhakar, K. Kadirgama, W. S. W. Harun
    🔢 Citations: 13
    📅 Year: 2021

  6. An approach for the optimization of thermal conductivity and viscosity of hybrid (graphene nanoplatelets, GNPs: cellulose nanocrystal, CNC) nanofluids using response surface …
    📌 Authors: C. T. Yaw, S. P. Koh, M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Kadirgama, F. Benedict, et al.
    🔢 Citations: 11
    📅 Year: 2023

  7. Assessment of thermophysical properties of hybrid nanoparticles [Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)] in a base fluid for heat transfer applications
    📌 Authors: M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Kadirgama, W. S. W. Harun, R. Saidur
    🔢 Citations: 11
    📅 Year: 2023

  8. Enhancement of the heat transfer in radiator with louvered fin by using Graphene-based hybrid nanofluids
    📌 Authors: M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Sudhakar, K. Kadirgama, W. S. W. Harun
    🔢 Citations: 11
    📅 Year: 2021

  9. Enhancement of tribological behaviour and thermophysical properties of engine oil lubricant by Graphene/Co-Cr nanoparticle additives for preparation of stable nanolubricant
    📌 Authors: M. Sandhya, D. Ramasamy, K. Kadirgama, W. S. W. Harun, M. Samykano, et al.
    🔢 Citations: 6
    📅 Year: 2021