Assist.Prof.Dr RUMA DAS | Graphene Quantum Dots | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Haldia Institute of Technology, India

Dr. Ruma Das is an Assistant Professor at Haldia Institute of Technology, West Bengal, India. With a passion for material science and nanotechnology, she specializes in the study of nanostructures, quantum dots, metal-semiconductor heterostructures, and charge transfer dynamics. Dr. Das completed her PhD in Physics (Material Science) from IIT Guwahati in 2021, following an MSc in Physics (2015) from the same institution and a BSc (Physics Hons.) from the University of Calcutta (2013). She has over 7 years of research experience and 3 years of teaching experience. Dr. Das has made significant contributions to the development of advanced materials for bio-sensing and optical applications. Apart from academia, she is skilled in software tools like Microsoft Office, Origin, and Adobe Creative Cloud, which she integrates into her teaching and research work. Her academic work is centered on advancing innovative technologies with practical applications in science and healthcare.

Profile

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Strengths for the Researcher Award

1. Strong Academic Foundation:
   • Dr. Das holds a PhD in Physics (Material Science) from IIT Guwahati, which indicates a solid and advanced understanding of both theoretical and applied physics.
   • Her MSc in Physics and BSc in Physics Hons. from prestigious institutions further underscore her deep grounding in the field of physics, particularly in material science.
2. Expertise in Cutting-edge Research Areas:
   • Her research areas are highly relevant to current trends in material science and nanotechnology. She specializes in nanostructures, quantum dots, metal-semiconductor heterostructures, and bio-sensing—fields with significant potential for practical applications.
   • The focus on charge transfer dynamics and optical applications suggests a strong grasp of fundamental physics and its applied aspects, which are crucial for innovations in electronics, sensing, and biotechnologies.
3. Research Publications and Impact:
   • Dr. Das has contributed to notable publications in high-impact journals such as Carbon (2024) and Journal of Materials Chemistry C (2020), reflecting her active involvement in impactful research.
   • Her research on sensitive detection of metal ions and bio-sensing applications through novel materials like nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots showcases the cutting-edge nature of her work.
   • The inclusion of interdisciplinary aspects like machine learning for sensing and bio-detection further strengthens her profile, indicating a cross-domain expertise and innovative approach.
4. Teaching Experience and Contributions:
   • With over 3 years of teaching experience, Dr. Das has effectively contributed to educating the next generation of scientists and engineers, specifically in the areas of physics.
   • Her involvement in teaching core courses such as Physics-1 and Physics-1 Lab showcases her commitment to academia and her ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
5. Recognitions:
   • Dr. Das has earned recognition in the form of competitive exams such as GATE in Physics (2015) and CSIR-NET in Physics (2016), which demonstrate her expertise and competitiveness in the field.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Research Collaborations:
   • While Dr. Das has made significant contributions in material science, expanding collaborations with international research groups or industry partners could further broaden the scope and impact of her research.
   • Greater interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with researchers in the fields of bioengineering, machine learning, or materials science, could enhance the real-world applications of her work, particularly in sensors and diagnostics.
2. Increased Research Visibility:
   • While she has made valuable contributions to journals, Dr. Das could consider engaging in more global forums, conferences, and research seminars. Presenting her findings at international stages would help raise her profile and foster connections for future collaborations.
3. Development of Patents and Commercialization:
   • Given the applied nature of her research on sensing and biosensing, it may be beneficial for Dr. Das to pursue opportunities for patenting her innovations and exploring commercial applications. This would not only increase the societal impact of her work but also contribute to the advancement of technology in real-world settings.
4. Mentorship and Guidance for Young Researchers:
   • As an assistant professor with over 3 years of teaching experience, Dr. Das could consider establishing more formal mentoring programs for graduate students and junior researchers. Providing such guidance will help cultivate the next generation of researchers in her field.

Education 

Dr. Ruma Das pursued her PhD in Physics (Material Science) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, completing it in 2021. Her doctoral research focused on cutting-edge topics like nanostructures, quantum dots, and charge transfer dynamics. She obtained her MSc in Physics in 2015 from IIT Guwahati, where she developed a strong foundation in material science, solid-state physics, and quantum mechanics. Prior to that, she earned a BSc in Physics Hons. from the University of Calcutta in 2013. Dr. Das’s academic journey has been marked by a deep interest in the intersection of theoretical physics and applied material science, particularly in the fields of nanomaterials and bio-sensing. Through her higher education, she cultivated the skills required for research in innovative materials, which she now applies to her academic and research endeavors at Haldia Institute of Technology.

Experience 

Dr. Ruma Das has over 7 years of research experience and 3 years of teaching experience in the field of material science and nanotechnology. After completing her PhD at IIT Guwahati, Dr. Das joined Haldia Institute of Technology as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Science, where she imparts knowledge in the field of physics. She teaches undergraduate courses such as Physics-1 (PH 101/201) and the corresponding Physics-1 Lab (PH 191/291), playing a pivotal role in the academic development of her students. Dr. Das’s research experience spans various facets of material science, including quantum dots, metal-semiconductor heterostructures, and their applications in bio-sensing. She has worked on developing advanced nanomaterials with a focus on their optical properties, charge transfer mechanisms, and their use in sensitive detection technologies. Her academic and research roles have allowed her to bridge theoretical concepts with practical, real-world applications in science and technology.

Awards 

Dr. Ruma Das has earned several prestigious awards and honors throughout her academic career. In 2015, she cleared the GATE examination in Physics, a highly competitive national exam, which recognized her aptitude in the field of physics. This was followed by her success in the CSIR-NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test) in Physics in 2016, further cementing her academic credentials. These achievements reflect her strong understanding of theoretical and applied physics, and they opened the door for her to pursue advanced research. Dr. Das has been an active participant in various national and international conferences, where her work on nanostructures and quantum dots has gained recognition. These accolades not only highlight her research excellence but also reinforce her contributions to advancing the field of material science. Her career continues to be marked by academic distinction, innovation, and commitment to teaching and research.

Research Focus 

Dr. Ruma Das’s primary research focus lies in the field of nanomaterials, particularly nanostructures and quantum dots, and their applications in advanced technologies. Her research interests include the development of metal-semiconductor and semiconductor-semiconductor heterostructures, with a focus on charge transfer dynamics, which are critical for the functioning of modern electronic devices and sensors. A key area of her work involves the optical properties of nanomaterials and their use in bio-sensing and environmental monitoring. She has made significant strides in the development of innovative sensing platforms, including the use of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots for the selective detection of metal ions. Her research also delves into the integration of machine learning frameworks for improving the sensitivity and selectivity of sensors. Dr. Das’s work has both scientific and practical implications, especially in fields like healthcare, environmental monitoring, and the development of new materials for next-generation electronic devices.

Publications

1. Machine Learning Framework for Selective and Sensitive Metal Ion Sensing with Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots Heterostructure
   Carbon (2024)
   [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119800] 🧪
2. Quantitative Understanding of the Ultra-sensitive and Selective Detection of Dopamine using a Graphene Oxide/WS2 Quantum Dot Hybrid
   Journal of Materials Chemistry C (2020)
   [DOI: 10.1039/D0TC01074J] 🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Ruma Das is a highly qualified and dedicated researcher whose work in the fields of material science, nanotechnology, and biosensing is both cutting-edge and impactful. With a strong academic foundation, a diverse range of research interests, and notable publications, she is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” While there is room for growth in areas like global collaborations, visibility, and patenting, her achievements to date position her as a promising and valuable asset to the academic and research community.