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:

SCOPUS

ORCID

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.

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Physics (2013) – M.K. Bhavnagar University, Gujarat, India
Thesis: “Engineering Nanoscale Phonon and Phonon Assisted Properties of Nanoparticles and Nanofluidics”
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Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014) – Institute of Physics, Karl-Franzens University, Graz (Austria), jointly with CNR, Pisa (Italy)
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M.Sc. in Physics (2009) – Bhavnagar University 🧠

B.Sc. in Physics (2007) – Bhavnagar University 📘

💼 Professional Experience

Assistant Professor (Aug 2017–Present) – GITAM (Deemed to be University), Hyderabad Campus 🏫

Lecturer (2013–2014) – CIPET, Ahmedabad

Teaching Assistant (2013) – SVNIT, Surat

🏆 Major Achievements, Awards & Honors

🥇 DST-SERB Fast Track Young Scientist Award (2015–2018) – ₹31 lakh project grant

✈️ IUPAP Travel Grant (2015) – For conference on Women in Physics at ICTP, Italy

🎖️ Senior Research Fellowship (SRF-Direct) – CSIR, India (2012–2013)

🧪 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – DST-SERC project (2010–2011)

🧫 Project Fellow – UGC Project (2009–2010)

🥇 Gold Medalist – Topper in M.Sc. Physics (2009) 🏅

🧑‍🔬 First Prize – Poster Presentation at CSMCRI (2007)

📚 Research Focus & Contributions

Specialization in:

Density Functional Theory (DFT) 🧠💻

Heterogeneous Nanocatalysts ⚗️

Ultrathin Oxides & Phonon Engineering

Reviewer for:

Chemical Physics Letters, Journal of Nanomaterials, DAE-SSPS (AIP)

Mentoring Ph.D. scholars and undergraduate research projects 🎓

🧩 Professional Memberships

• 🔬 Society for Materials Chemistry (SMC) – Life Member

• 📘 Indian Physics Association (IPA) – Life Member

• 🌍 Organization for Women in Science in Developing Countries (OWSD) – Life Member

🧠 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 🗣️📡

📚Publication Top Notes

Toxic gas whisperers: Sensing dynamics of pristine and alloyed Cu nanoclusters