Yaksh Dharod

Achieved room-temperature ferromagnetism in MnSi₁.₇ nanowires with a saturation magnetisation of 2.54 × 10⁻³ emu/g at optimised synthesis conditions (0.52 mbar/830 °C), demonstrating the effectiveness of 1D nanostructuring in overcoming the room-temperature ferromagnetism bottleneck in bulk manganese silicides.  Performed systematic parametric optimisation correlating growth temperature and chamber pressure with phase composition, morphology, and crystallinity. Handled vacuum systems and conducted comprehensive characterisation including Raman scattering spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to establish structure–property correlations in one-dimensional silicide systems.

Investigated the magnetic and electronic properties of one-dimensional metal silicide nanowires, with a focus on MnSi₁.₇ (higher manganese silicide) as a silicon-compatible material for next-generation spintronic and magnetic storage devices. Explored the critical challenge of simultaneous optimisation of thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and ferromagnetic order in 1D nanostructures, addressing the intrinsic property trade-off that limits bulk silicide device integration. Contributed to the development of room-temperature ferromagnetic nanowires for on-chip magnetic logic elements and high-density memory units, with emphasis on phase engineering via nucleation kinetics modulation. Gained expertise in scientific data interpretation, structure–property correlation in low-dimensional systems, and the role of 1D confinement in enabling tunable magnetism and electronic transport for silicon-integrated device applications.

Selected for the prestigious and esteemed INSA–NASI Summer Research Fellowship. Investigated the deformation behaviour of materials under mechanical loading, focusing on plasticity, microstructural evolution, and mechanical response. Worked under the supervision of Dr. B. Ravisankar, Professor, in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at NIT Tiruchirappalli, performing metallurgical characterization to understand structure–property correlations in metallic systems and materials testing and deformation mechanisms.

•Conducted advanced analysis using Type Ia supernova data to estimate the Hubble constant (H₀), and compared findings with Planck18 measurements to study the expansion history of the Universe. •Participated in research projects involving redshift-distance relations and residual analysis, contributing to cosmological modeling. •Worked collaboratively with experts in space science, enhancing technical skills in scientific computing, data interpretation, and astrophysics.

• Worked on space-related projects under expert guidance, gaining practical experience in aerospace and scientific research. • Collaborated with the team on technical tasks while enhancing skills in problem-solving and innovation.

Minor Degree - Material Science, Physics