Group Members

Postdoctoral Research Associate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA (2017 - 2022)

Ph.D.: Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA (2011 - 2017)

M.E.: Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India (2009 - 2011)

B.E.: Metallurgical & Material Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India (2005 - 2009)

Dr. M. Vijay Kumar, an Enthusiastic researcher, Completed his Ph.D. in Physics at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru. Currently working as a research associate in the Nanoscale Mechanics and Materials Laboratory (NMML) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering in IISc, Bengaluru. His research is interested in Microfluidics, Fluid/Particle dynamics, Nanocomposites, Self-healing, and Smart Soft Materials.

Website: https://vijaykumar 

Sonu Dhiman, a passionate researcher, is pursuing a Ph.D. in the area of Polymer Networks and Contact Mechanics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC). With an MTech in Ballistic armour design from IIT Ropar and a BTech in Hybrid Fibre-reinforced Composite from HNBGU.

Sonu possesses a strong academic foundation. With an ardent interest in Experimental Mechanics, He strives to connect theory with real-world applications. This drive to bridge the gap is evident in his focus on contact mechanics between nanofibers in polymer networks. 

Beyond academia, Sonu is an avid exerciser. He loves to read and travel.

Website: https://sonudhiman 

Sahitya Yadav, a passionate researcher working in the field of understanding electromechanical behaviour of polymers is currently pursuing Ph.D. at Indian Institute of Science (IISc). He has completed his M.Tech. fom IIT Jodhpur in Advanced Manufacturing and Design and holds B.Tech. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management. 

Trying to understand the nature is the key driving force for his research endeavours with a goal of making the world a better place. His primary research area is polymers, soft robotics, solid mechanics.

Saujatya Mandal is a dedicated and passionate mechanical engineering student who joined M.Tech (coursework) at IIsc, but later delved into research and upgraded to a PhD at NMML@IISc. Having completed his bachelor’s degree from Jadavpur University, he has industry exposure of 1 year, working in Accenture as a backend developer. He has a strong foundation in mechanical design and a passion for creating efficient, sustainable solutions.

With a keen eye for detail, he is committed to continuous learning and thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment where creativity and problem-solving skills are valued.

Outside the Academic realm, he is a voracious reader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge across a diverse range of subjects, from history and philosophy to science fiction and innovation.

Papai Biswas holds a B.E. from Jadavpur University and an M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur, with industrial experience in Research and Development at CNH Industrial. Born in the Nadia district of West Bengal, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in fracture and fatigue at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Papai is a passionate researcher with a keen interest in Experimental Mechanics, striving to connect theory with real-world applications. His work focuses on solid mechanics in thin metal strips, reflecting his commitment to bridging theoretical concepts and practical use.

Outside of academia, Papai is an adventure enthusiast who enjoys outdoor games and traveling

Souvik Chatterjee is a driven and dedicated individual with a passion for research, a strong academic background, and a keen interest in nano-machinary. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a positive impact.

Having earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Army Institute of Technology. Throughout his academic journey, he has actively engaged in projects, seminars, and workshops.

Souvik has strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills. Additionally, he is a strong communicator, capable of conveying complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.

In addition, Souvik is a proactive team player who values collaboration and recognizes the power of collective efforts to achieve goals.

Gaurav Shinde is a passionate mechanical-engineering student currently pursuing an M.Tech at IISc. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Government College of Engineering, Karad (Maharashtra), where he immersed himself in hands-on projects and competitions, most notably SAE BAJA.

With a solid foundation in mechanical design, Gaurav is driven to develop efficient, sustainable solutions. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing cricket and badminton, tackling Sudoku puzzles, and relaxing with his favorite anime series.

Adarsh earned his Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur on January 9th, 2025. He then joined IISc Bangalore as a Senior Project Associate in the NMM Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale modelling of non-woven fabrics, structural analysis using finite element methods, and the behaviour of neat and fibre-reinforced polymer composites.

Beyond his academic pursuits, he has a passion for music, enjoys the creative process of video editing, and loves unwinding with a good movie.

 Webesite: https://Adarsh Shah 

Sridhar Palaniappan is an undergraduate student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Trichy, with a strong interest in mechanical design and simulation. He enjoys exploring system behaviour through tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, and MATLAB, applying engineering principles to model, analyse, and optimise mechanical systems.

Beyond academics, he is passionate about teaching and outreach, and actively engages with IGNITTE, NITT’s official teaching club. As part of this, he helps coach underprivileged government school students to crack the JEE, aiming to make quality education more accessible and equitable.

Shivani Saha is a final year undergraduate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIEST Shibpur. Her research interests lie at the intersection of solid mechanics, computational modeling, and materials design. She is currently working as summer intern at the NMML Lab, IISc on the frontal polymerization and fabrication of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).

Previously, She worked at IIT Jodhpur, where she explored nano-machining processes using molecular dynamics simulations.

Sumanth is a third-year Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at IIT Madras, fascinated by the mechanics and design of materials. His research interests lie in solid mechanics, sustainable materials design, and climate sciences.

At the NMML Lab, IISc, he is working on the analysis of electrospun nanofiber yarns and is exploring innovative ways to induce controlled twist in nanofiber structures, aiming to link microstructural features to material performance. Beyond research, Sumanth is passionate about space exploration and leveraging engineering to create social impact, and is always up for a game of badminton! .