Punit Sharma

Postdoctoral Researcher

I’m a Postdoctoral Fellow at UMass Lowell and a former Fulbright Fellow. I earned my PhD Energy Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi, where I worked on hybrid semiconductors for optoelectronic devices. My research covers perovskite and organic photovoltaics, flexible electronics, and wearable tech, with multiple publications in ACS, Wiley, and IEEE journals. Right now, I’m exploring textile-based energy solutions and physiological monitoring.

Lasya Maganti

Postdoctoral Researcher

August 2024 — Ongoing

My research is focused on advancing multifunctional materials that integrate solar energy harvesting, physiological signal sensing, and fire-retardant capabilities for e-textiles. I hold a background in analytical chemistry from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal, India, and earned my Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Hyderabad, India. Prior to my current appointment, I completed postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt University, USA, where I worked in the field of colloidal science.

Krishna Suleria

Postdoctoral Research Associate

May 2025 — Ongoing

I’m a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I earned my Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Delhi in 2022 and completed postdoctoral research at the City College of New York (2023) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2025). My previous work contributed to drug discovery programs in nanocarrier development, neuropathic pain, RPE-65 inhibition, COVID-19, and PROTAC-based protein degradation, as well as nucleotide and nucleoside modifications. My research has been published in journals by ACS, Elsevier, and Wiley. Currently, I’m developing flame-retardant and antimicrobial coatings for high-performance fabrics such as nylon, NyCo, and cotton.

Vishal Suresh

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

I hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UMass Lowell, with a focus in Design & Manufacturing and a secondary concentration in Energy Engineering. I currently work as an Assistant Researcher in Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan’s group, contributing to projects on organic photovoltaic (OPV) wire-based textiles and advanced barrier-film development. My research involves polymer systems, OPV active materials, and exfoliated mica fillers, with hands-on experience in fabrication and characterization techniques such as SEM and XRD. I’m building a strong foundation in clean-energy materials and advanced manufacturing, with a growing interest in scalable, practical engineering solutions.

Kedar Bagewadi

Doctoral Candidate

January 2022 — Ongoing

I am a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, working with Prof. Ram. My current research topic is ‘dry electrodes for physiological monitoring,’ and I have also made a significant contribution to the development of antiviral face masks. I earned my B. Tech. in Surface Coating Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, which provided me with a strong foundation in polymers and coatings. At UMass Lowell, I have also expanded my expertise in polymer processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming.

Koteswar Rayachur

Doctoral Candidate

Sep 2023 — Ongoing

I’m a doctoral student in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, working with Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan. My research focuses on developing multifunctional fabrics using cotton, polyester, nylon, and NyCo substrates, with emphasis on antimicrobial, flame-retardant, and chem-bio protection. I earned my B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from Sri Venkateswara University, where I built a strong foundation in polymers and process engineering. At UMass Lowell, I’m advancing textile finishing and polymer processing strategies to transform lab-scale chemistries into durable, field-ready materials.

Jainam Shah

Graduate Student

May 2025 — Ongoing

I am a Graduate student currently in third semester pursuing Masters in Plastics Engineering from University of Massachusetts Lowell currently working in Professor Ram’s research group on developing sustainable and durable multi-functional fabrics. I have earned my Bachelors in Polymer Science and Engineering degree from ICT Mumbai. Along my degree, I have gained very good experience with twin-screw extruders and their screw designs.