Dr Utpal Deka | Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Solar Cell | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Utpal Deka has a rich professional history that reflects his expertise in Physics and dedication to academia. His career began as a Junior Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Science & Technology under the DST organization in Guwahati, where he conducted research from August 11, 1998, to November 30, 2000. He then continued his research as a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre of Plasma Physics, Institute for Plasma Research from December 1, 2000, to April 23, 2003, before transitioning to a Post-Doctoral Research role at the same institute until November 30, 2003. Dr. Deka ventured into teaching as a Lecturer at St. Xavier’s Jr. Science College, Guwahati, where he taught Physics from January 1, 2004, to August 26, 2004. His teaching career progressed as he took on roles as a Lecturer/Assistant Professor-II, Senior Lecturer/Assistant Professor-I, and eventually Reader/Associate Professor at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology in Sikkim. During this time, he taught a range of courses at the B.Tech, M.Sc., and M.Tech levels. Dr. Deka’s commitment to academia and leadership skills were further evidenced as he took on administrative roles such as Head of the Department (Physics) and Institute IQAC Coordinator at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. His journey continued as he assumed the position of Additional Professor at the same institute, where he continued to teach and contribute to research until October 31, 2021. Currently, Dr. Utpal Deka serves as an Additional Professor at the Manipal Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, Karnataka, where he continues his passion for teaching and research. His extensive experience in both research and academia positions him as a valuable asset to the field of Physics and education.

Dr. Utpal Deka has received numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to academia and research. Notably, he was nominated for the SMU Prize Award in the Best Teacher Category in November 2018, reflecting his dedication and impact as an educator. He has also chaired sessions at prestigious conferences such as the 6th Plasma Scholars Colloquium (PSC-2018) and the 1st Springer International Conference on Emerging Trends and Advances in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy (ETAEERE-2016). Dr. Deka serves as a Subject Expert in Physics for the Sikkim Government Selection Committee for Lecturer/promotion in Polytechnic Colleges, showcasing his expertise in the field. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he was invited to write a chapter on “Acoustic Waves” for a book to be published by InTech Publishers, Italy. Additionally, he has received awards for his exemplary performance, including the Young Scientist Award under the Fast Track Scheme by DST, Govt. of India, and the Plasma Science Society of India (PSSI) award for his research work in the field of Plasma Physics. Dr. Utpal Deka’s accomplishments underscore his commitment to excellence in both academic and research endeavors.

Dr. Utpal Deka has extensive experience in teaching Engineering Physics at the B.Tech. level, covering both theory and experiments, from September 2004 to May 2019 and again from October 2021 to the present. Additionally, he has been actively involved in teaching M.Sc. Physics, encompassing both theory and experiments, since September 2004 until December 2021. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Deka has taught a wide range of subjects at the M.Sc. level, including Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Computational Physics, C-Programming, and General Physics Lab, as well as Computational Physics Lab in various semesters. His dedication to teaching and breadth of expertise make him a valuable asset in the field of Physics education.

Dr. Utpal Deka has been actively involved in various research projects that demonstrate his expertise and contributions to the field of Physics. Notably, he participated in a project funded by AICTE, Govt. of India, focusing on the Faculty Development Program on “Quantum Computing and Quantum Information Technology,” aimed at exploring new dimensions in computing technology. He also contributed as a Co-Investigator in a Departmental Infrastructure Upgradation project titled “Upgradation of Infrastructural Facilities in the Department of Physics, SMIT,” funded by D.S.T., Govt. of India under FIST, Level I. Furthermore, Dr. Deka led a Simulation Research project investigating the flaring of magnetic field lines near the divertor plates in fusion devices for redistributing the heat load, funded by BRFST-India. His research interests also extend to theoretical and computational plasma physics, as evidenced by his Theoretical Research project on “Investigation of Propagation of Ion Acoustic Wave in Plasma Sheath and Presheath,” funded by DST, Govt. of India. Additionally, he has been involved in experimental projects such as “Graphene Back Surface Field Based Low-Cost Silicon Nanowire Hybrid Solar Cell” and “Synthesis and Characterization of Semiconductor Oxide Nanostructures for Photovoltaic Applications,” showcasing his versatility across different research domains within physics.

Dr. Utpal Deka has also made significant contributions to the academic community through his editorial roles. He has served as a Guest Editor for Materials Today: Proceedings, published by Elsevier, showcasing his expertise in the field. Additionally, Dr. Deka is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Physics, Science, and Education Publishing, based in the United States. He also serves on the Editorial Board of Oriental Science and the Research Journal of Physical and Applied Sciences by Wudpecker Research Journals. Furthermore, Dr. Deka is a member of the Advisory Board for Educon Global Pvt. Ltd., an educational consulting firm based in New Delhi, India, where he provides valuable insights and guidance. His editorial roles and advisory position reflect his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and education on a global scale.