Short Bio: I am currently working as a scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Prior to this, I was a postdoctoral researcher (through the SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship) at the Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India. Before joining IIT Kharagpur, I was a research associate in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), India. I received my Ph.D. from IIT Bombay in 2022. I hold a master's degree from IIT Kharagpur and a bachelor's degree from North Orissa University, both in Geology. Additionally, I worked as a visiting research fellow at the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, as well as a research fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India.

I conduct research on physical hydrologic processes, both on the surface and in the subsurface of the earth. My work integrates structural geology, near-surface geophysical techniques, hydrogeologic measurements, and statistical methods to explore a wide range of processes, including fault zone processes, groundwater flow/recharge-discharge in fractured rock, contaminant transport, groundwater-surface water exchange, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), and other interdisciplinary projects that fall under the umbrella of earth’s critical zone science.

My CV does not reflect the bulk of my academic efforts — it does not mention the exams I failed, my unsuccessful PhD or fellowship applications, or the papers never accepted for publication. At conferences, I talk about the one project that worked, not about the many that failed. 

-Melanie Stefan (Nature, v.468, p.467, 2010)

Research Positions available! 

If you’re interested in working with me, please consider sending me an email with 1) your CV, 2) a brief summary of your background, and 3) why you are specifically interested in working with me and/or at NCESS. 

*Note: I’m not interested in your grades and scores, but I am looking for evidence of your curiosity, ideas, skills, communication, perseverance, and independence.

a) Post-graduate students (M.Sc./M.Tech) interested in pursuing their dissertations are encouraged to contact me!

b) Students are encouraged to contact me for summer/winter internships! 

[Note: At NCESS, applications for internships/training/dissertations for students can be submitted during February and September every year.] Visit us: https://www.ncess.gov.in/opportunities.php application is closed now!

c) Postdoctoral fellows/RAs/Visiting researchers: NCESS is a great place to learn and grow, especially if you can come with your own funding - please get in touch!