Sujata Basyal | Control System | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sujata Basyal | Control System | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at Auburn University, United States

Sujata Basyal is a passionate mechanical engineer and researcher from Nepal, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Auburn University. With a strong foundation in nonlinear control and robotics, she works at the CARE Lab developing robust, adaptive, and intelligent control strategies. Sujata’s journey spans from mechanical design roles in Nepal to cutting-edge research in the U.S. She has co-authored numerous journal and conference papers on exoskeletons, deep neural networks, and control systems. Beyond academia, she’s a community leader, active volunteer, and a dedicated advocate for women in engineering and STEM education. 🌍🤖📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

Sujata holds a Ph.D. (in progress) and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, where she’s a Graduate Research Assistant in the CARE Lab. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Automobile Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her academic path is marked by merit scholarships, fellowships, and an impressive research portfolio. Through her studies, she has gained deep expertise in nonlinear systems, control theory, and rehabilitation robotics. Her educational journey reflects a blend of academic rigor and hands-on innovation, both in Nepal and the United States. 🎓🇳🇵

Professional Background

Sujata’s experience ranges from research-intensive roles in the U.S. to industry-level engineering in Nepal. At Auburn, she designs robust control systems for rehabilitation robotics. Before that, she worked as a Warranty Executive at Agni Group and as a Mechanical Design Engineer and Project Supervisor at multiple firms in Kathmandu. Her roles included product design, team leadership, and service engineering. She has also interned at Go Ford, gaining hands-on experience with vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. Her career blends practical skills, technical depth, and global exposure. 🔧🌐📈

Awards and Honors

Sujata has been recognized with prestigious honors like the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship and EPSCoR Graduate Scholars Program at Auburn University. She received the 100+ Women Strong Travel Fellowship and multiple merit scholarships throughout her undergrad. In Nepal, she secured a national RDI grant and won robotics competitions, including at IIT Bombay and Robotics Association of Nepal. These awards reflect her excellence in academics, leadership, innovation, and her commitment to advancing women and technology in engineering. 🥇🎖️👩‍🏫

Research Focus

Sujata’s research focuses on developing robust and adaptive control strategies using Lyapunov theory, deep neural networks, and concurrent learning. Her work addresses challenges in uncertain, nonlinear, and switched dynamic systems with applications in rehabilitation robotics, such as exoskeleton control, and networked control systems. She integrates artificial intelligence and control theory to build systems that are intelligent, responsive, and resilient. Her innovative research aims to enhance human-robot interaction, particularly for medical and assistive technologies. 🤖📊🧠

Publication Top Notes

📘 Robust Control of a Nonsmooth or Switched Control Affine Uncertain Nonlinear System Using a Novel RISE-Inspired Approach
 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 4

🦿 Deep Neural Network Based Saturated Adaptive Control of Muscles in a Lower-Limb Hybrid Exoskeleton
 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 2

🧠 Neuromuscular Model-free Epistemic Risk Guided Exploration (NeuroMERGE) for Safe Autonomy in Human-Robot Interaction
 Year: 2024 | Cited by: 1

⚙️ RISE-Like Saturated Control for Non-Smooth and Switched Non-Linear Systems
 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 1

Conclusion

Sujata Basyal is an outstanding emerging researcher whose academic journey, innovative contributions, and community engagement collectively mark her as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong academic foundation through her ongoing Ph.D. and prior M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, her work focuses on nonlinear control, rehabilitation robotics, and neural networks—fields at the forefront of engineering innovation. She has authored 3 journal papers and 18+ conference publications in top-tier venues like ACC, CDC, ICORR, and IMECE, showcasing both depth and breadth of research. Her work on adaptive and Lyapunov-based control strategies not only advances theory but also translates into impactful real-world applications such as hybrid exoskeleton systems. Recognized through prestigious fellowships like the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship and the EPSCoR GRSP, Sujata has also demonstrated excellence through national and international robotics awards. Her leadership roles, mentoring, and active membership in organizations like ASME and SWE underscore a commitment to academic, professional, and community development. In every dimension—scholarship, innovation, leadership, and impact—Sujata Basyal exemplifies the caliber of a Best Researcher Award recipient.

Manila Mallik | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manila Mallik | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at VEER SURENDRA SAI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, BURLA, India

Dr. Manila Mallik is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. She earned her Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, in 2016, with a focus on lead-free solder materials and their characterization. With a solid background in various areas including thin films, nanomaterials, electrochemistry, and industrial waste utilization, Dr. Mallik has actively contributed to both research and teaching. She has published several research papers in renowned journals, presented at numerous national and international conferences, and is an expert in materials characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction, SEM, and atomic force microscopy. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, and has guided several Ph.D. and M.Tech students. Dr. Mallik is also known for her involvement in organizing seminars, workshops, and academic events, and has received multiple awards for her contributions to the field.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Manila Mallik’s educational journey reflects her dedication to the field of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. She completed her Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Metallurgical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, in 2009, where she developed a strong foundation in materials science. Dr. Mallik then pursued her Master’s degree (M.Tech) in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, graduating in 2011. Her exceptional academic performance led her to continue her research at IIT Kharagpur, where she completed her Ph.D. in 2016. Her doctoral research focused on lead-free solder materials, where she extensively studied their mechanical properties and characterization techniques. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Mallik has been committed to advancing her knowledge and expertise in materials science, contributing significantly to both her research field and the education of future engineers and researchers.

Professional Experience

Dr. Manila Mallik has extensive professional experience in the field of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, with a focus on both academia and industry. She began her career as a Lecturer in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, where she contributed to teaching and research from 2011 to 2014. Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Mallik worked as an Assistant Professor at the same institution, where she continued to teach and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students while advancing her research on materials science. Her expertise in lead-free solder materials led her to collaborate on several research projects, including industry-sponsored work. Dr. Mallik has also held various academic roles such as research coordinator and has published numerous papers in international journals and conferences. Her career is distinguished by her commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in materials engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Manila Mallik’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, metallurgy, and engineering, with a particular focus on the development and evaluation of lead-free solder materials. Her work investigates the mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties of these materials, exploring alternatives to traditional lead-based solders for use in electronics and other industrial applications. Dr. Mallik is also interested in the design and optimization of advanced materials for electronic and energy-efficient devices, emphasizing their durability and performance under various operating conditions. Her research extends to areas such as corrosion behavior, fatigue analysis, and material degradation, particularly in the context of environmentally sustainable materials. Additionally, Dr. Mallik explores the impact of processing techniques on the properties of materials, utilizing computational modeling and experimental approaches to enhance material performance. Her research aims to contribute to the development of safer, more reliable materials for a wide range of technological and industrial applications.

Award and Honor

Dr. Manila Mallik has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her significant contributions to the fields of materials science and metallurgy. Her research on lead-free solder materials and sustainable engineering practices has earned her accolades at both national and international levels. Dr. Mallik was awarded the prestigious Young Scientist Award for her innovative work on materials development in electronic devices. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Excellence in Research Award for her pioneering research in the field of corrosion behavior and materials degradation. Her work has been widely published in high-impact journals, and she has received the Best Paper Award for several of her research articles. Dr. Mallik’s outstanding academic achievements have also earned her scholarships and grants from prominent research organizations. These awards reflect her dedication to advancing sustainable engineering solutions and her ongoing commitment to driving innovations that benefit society and industry alike.

Conclusion

Dr. Manila Mallik exhibits a solid academic background, diverse research interests, and strong hands-on technical expertise, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to materials science, particularly in lead-free solder materials and nanocomposites, demonstrate her commitment to addressing global challenges through scientific innovation. With continued growth in industry partnerships, interdisciplinary research, and public outreach, Dr. Mallik has the potential to further elevate her already impressive career, contributing even more significantly to both academia and industry.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Substrate effect on electrodeposited copper morphology and crystal shapes
    Authors: S Banthia, S Sengupta, M Mallik, S Das, K Das
    Year: 2018
    Citation: 39
  • Title: Effect of current density on the nucleation and growth of crystal facets during pulse electrodeposition of Sn–Cu lead-free solder
    Authors: M Mallik, A Mitra, S Sengupta, K Das, RN Ghosh, S Das
    Year: 2014
    Citation: 35
  • Title: Investigation on lithium conversion behavior and degradation mechanisms in Tin based ternary component alloy anodes for lithium ion batteries
    Authors: S Sengupta, A Mitra, PP Dahiya, A Kumar, M Mallik, K Das, SB Majumder, …
    Year: 2017
    Citation: 19
  • Title: Effect of anodic passivation at high applied potential difference on the crystal shape and morphology of copper electrodeposits: thermodynamics and kinetics of …
    Authors: A Mitra, M Mallik, S Sengupta, S Banthia, K Das, S Das
    Year: 2017
    Citation: 15
  • Title: Corrosion inhibition behavior of dual phase steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution by Carica papaya peel extracts
    Authors: S Sahoo, S Nayak, D Sahoo, M Mallik
    Year: 2019
    Citation: 8
  • Title: Potential utilization of LD slag and waste glass in composite production
    Authors: M Mallik, S Hembram, D Swain, G Behera
    Year: 2020
    Citation: 7
  • Title: Pseudo lamellae of Cu6Sn5 on the crystal facet of Sn in electrodeposited eutectic Sn-Cu lead-free solder
    Authors: M Mallik, K Das, RN Ghosh, S Das
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 3
  • Title: Effect of temperature and pressure on diffusivity of nitinol pellet bonded with steel plate
    Authors: I Tripathy, SP Rout, M Mallik
    Year: 2020
    Citation: 3
  • Title: Production of copper powder by electrodeposition with different equilibrium crystal shape
    Authors: B Nanda, M Mallik
    Year: 2020
    Citation: 2
  • Title: Fatigue Crack Initiation and Growth Behavior of 7475 Aluminium Alloy in Air and Aggressive Environment
    Authors: RPK Verma B.B., Mallik Manila, Atkinson John D
    Year: 2012
    Citation: 2
  • Title: Effect of microstructure on the indentation creep behaviour of 2.25 Cr-1Mo and its comparison with modified 9Cr-1Mo ferritic steel
    Authors: M Mallik
    Year: 2011
    Citation: 2
  • Title: Effect of Cetyl Trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) amount on the Nanoindentation creep behaviour of Sn-cu-Y2O3 nanocomposite Lead-free solder
    Authors: M Mallik, K Das, RN Ghosh, S Das
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 1
  • Title: 3D Printing of Smart Materials: A Path toward Evolution of 4D Printing
    Authors: M Mallik
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Electrochemical behavior of 250-grade maraging steel by using Cascabela Thevetia as an organic inhibitor
    Authors: S Sahoo, AA Sahu, A Pradhan, SR Barik, A Mohanty, M Mallik
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanocomposite coating by electrodeposition route: a state of the art review
    Authors: BK Karali, S Das, G Behera, M Mallik
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Flexible PMN-PT/rGO/PVDF-TrFE based composites for triboelectric and piezoelectric energy harvesting
    Authors: S Das, M Mallik, K Parida, N Bej, J Baral
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Microstructural characteristics of flexible ceramics
    Authors: S Das, K Parida, N Bej, M Mallik
    Year: 2023
    Citation: 1

Desen Özkan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Desen Özkan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Desen Özkan, University of Connecticut, United States

Dr. Desen Özkan is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, with an affiliate position in the Neag School of Education. He is also the Graduate Program Director for the Engineering Education Ph.D. program. Dr. Özkan’s research focuses on sociotechnical identity development, equity in engineering education, and offshore wind energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech and has held postdoctoral roles at Tufts University. Dr. Özkan’s work bridges engineering, education, and social justice, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive curricula. 🌍⚙️📚💡🌱

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Desen Özkan holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2020), where she focused on transdisciplinary approaches in interdisciplinary faculty teaching. She has an extensive academic background with courses from prestigious institutions. Dr. Özkan completed projects on offshore wind energy economics at the University of Massachusetts and structural engineering at Tufts University. She also studied environmental chemistry, microbiology, and mathematical modeling at the University of Tennessee. Her B.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering was earned at Tufts University in 2013. Dr. Özkan’s work merges engineering, education, and sustainability. 🌍⚙️🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Desen Özkan has diverse research experience in both engineering and social sciences. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tufts University, she analyzed job development in Maine’s offshore wind industry, producing the report Floating to the Top (2021), and contributed to a study on equity in offshore wind job development, invited by Connecticut State Legislators (2022). At Virginia Tech, she worked on the NSF-funded Revolutionizing Engineering and Computer Engineering Departments project (2018-2019) and contributed to the Science, Technology, and Society department’s undergraduate degree proposal (2019). Additionally, Dr. Özkan conducted water quality research at the University of Tennessee, focusing on wastewater reclamation. 🌊💡🔬

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Desen Özkan has received multiple nominations for Tufts University’s Significant Impact Awards, recognizing her outstanding contributions to STEM education. Her dedication to mentoring and promoting diversity within the field has been a hallmark of her career. Additionally, Dr. Özkan was selected to participate in the prestigious New Energy Summer Summit at Dartmouth, further highlighting her commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability. These accolades underscore her impactful work in fostering inclusive environments and pushing boundaries in science and technology. Her achievements inspire future generations of diverse STEM leaders. 🏆👩‍🔬🌍💡

Conference Activity

Dr. Desen Özkan has presented at numerous conferences, focusing on sociotechnical engineering education and diversity in the field. Notable presentations include “Positionality, Empathy, and Subjectivity in Research” at the 2024 Compassion and Global Citizenship Conference, and “What is a Job? Deconstructing Offshore Wind Jobs” at the 2024 Petrocultures Conference. Additionally, Dr. Özkan co-presented papers on worker safety in offshore wind at the ASEE Annual Conference and explored environmental racism in engineering courses. Her work also includes teaching design through sociotechnical perspectives, with a focus on student experiences in first-year engineering courses. 🎤🌍📚

Research Focus

Dr. Desen Özkan’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of engineering education, diversity, and sociotechnical systems. Her work explores how contextualization and cultural considerations can enhance learning experiences in engineering education. She investigates methods like persona-based curricular design and emphasizes the importance of addressing reality gaps in senior design projects. Additionally, Dr. Özkan examines the positionality of researchers in engineering education and the teacher-learner dynamic. Her research aims to make engineering education more inclusive, effective, and adaptable, particularly for minoritized groups. 🛠️📚💡🎓

Publication Top Notes

Positionality statements in engineering education research: A look at the hand that guides the methodological tools

Contextualization as virtue in engineering education

Using personas as curricular design tools: Engaging the boundaries of engineering culture

Contextualization in engineering education: A scoping literature review

Teacher learner, learner teacher: parallels and dissonance in an interdisciplinary design education minor

Reality gaps in industrial engineering senior design or capstone projects

Perspectives of Seven Minoritized Students in a First-Year Course Redesign toward Sociotechnical Engineering Education

Hakim Azizi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Hakim Azizi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ziane Achour Djelfa university,  Algeria

Azizi Hakim is an experienced academic and researcher currently serving as a Maitre de Conférences Classe A at Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Algeria. Born on August 8, 1985, in Taher, Algeria, he has devoted his career to teaching and research in the field of electrotechnics. His work primarily focuses on the impact of electromagnetic disturbances on high-power equipment and the development of intelligent diagnostic systems for industrial applications.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

PhD in Electrotechnics from the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers (2020). His doctoral thesis focused on the influence of external electromagnetic disturbances on high-field equipment. Magister in Electrical Engineering from the Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers (2011). His thesis explored the design of a measurement cell for evaluating radiated electromagnetic disturbances. Engineering Degree in Electrotechnics from Jijel University (2009), where he specialized in electrical networks and graduated with honors.

Experience 💼

Teaching practical and theoretical courses in electrotechnics, electromagnetic wave propagation, and algorithmic systems at institutions such as the Military Polytechnic School of Algiers and the University of Médéa. He has held academic positions at Ziane Achour University since 2013 and has conducted scientific research stays at the prestigious Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France (2016-2017, 2018-2019).

Research Interests 🔍

Electromagnetic systems, with a particular focus on how disturbances affect industrial equipment. Electrical power networks and the design of diagnostic tools for fault detection in high-power installations. Machine learning applied to industrial diagnostic systems, with a strong focus on intelligent monitoring and control systems.

Awards 🏆

A highly honorable mention for his doctoral thesis on electromagnetic disturbances. Acknowledgments for his contributions to the advancement of electrotechnic diagnostics and innovative approaches to electrical systems engineering.

Publications Top Notes📚

  1. Arc plasma energy evolvement in 60 kV network circuit breakers | Ocena energii łuku plazmowego w wyłącznikach sieciowych 60 kV
    • Authors: Belkhir, S., Ziani, A., Azizi, H., Moulai, H.
    • Year: 2022

 

  1. Sequential adaptive sampling based on cubic spline interpolation to accelerate the near field scanning
    • Authors: Kihal, M.C., Moulai, H., Azizi, H., Smartt, C., Thomas, D.W.P.
    • Year: 2022

 

  1. Analytical and numerical models compared with measurements for analysis of electromagnetic radiation through apertures of a metallic enclosure
    • Authors: Azizi, H., Chebout, M., Moulai, H., Bréard, A., Vollaire, C.
    • Year: 2020

 

  1. A model assisted probability of detection approach for ECNDT of hidden defect in aircraft structures
    • Authors: Chebout, M., Azizi, H., Mekideche, M.R.
    • Year: 2020

 

  1. Electromagnetic shielding performance of a metallic enclosure with apertures
    • Authors: Azizi, H., Chebout, M., Moulai, H., Bréard, A., Vollaire, C.
    • Year: 2020

 

  1. Electromagnetic interference from shielding effectiveness of a rectangular enclosure with apertures – Circuital approach, FDTD and FIT modelling
    • Authors: Azizi, H., Tahar Belkacem, F., Moussaoui, D., Bendaoud, A., Bensetti, M.
    • Year: 2014