You were born in 1990 in Hyderabad, India. Tell us a bit about this city of ten million people, where you grew up.
Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state in India, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, culture, and technological advancements. Founded in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, it boasts historical landmarks such as the Charminar monument and Golconda Fort. The city is famous for its Hyderabadi biryani, a culinary delight, and its thriving pearl and diamond trading industry. Hyderabad is also a major IT hub, often referred to as “Cyberabad”, housing numerous multinational companies and a bustling tech industry. The city’s unique blend of traditional and modern influences, along with its diverse cultural heritage, makes it a significant urban centre in India.
You received your bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, in 2011. Why did you decide to do your MSc in Europe instead of India?
I chose to pursue my master’s in Germany due to its renowned education system, emphasis on research and innovation, and the opportunity to study in a diverse international environment. German universities offer cutting-edge programmes, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous scholarships, making high-quality education more accessible. Additionally, Germany’s strong industry connections and focus on practical experience provide excellent career prospects.
You graduated from the Technical University of Freiberg in Germany in 2015 with a degree in Computational Materials Science. How did you get in touch with ELI ALPS, and what were your hopes and goals when you came to Szeged?
After completing my master’s degree in Germany, I began applying for suitable PhD positions. During this process, I came across an online advertisement for a PhD position posted by ELI ALPS. After joining ELI, I was eager to gain knowledge in the field of computational materials science and to achieve a PhD degree in this area.
Was it easy to settle in? How do you see this country?
Settling in was a smooth process overall, although it did come with a few challenges. Adapting to a new environment always requires some time and effort, but the welcoming nature of the people made the transition much easier. Learning the local language and understanding cultural nuances were initial hurdles, but they also provided valuable opportunities for personal growth and deeper integration into the community. Staying in Hungary for over seven years has been a rewarding experience, offering a strong academic environment, and numerous professional opportunities. The welcoming community had made it a great place to live and grow both personally and professionally.
In the Theory and Simulation Group, your research focuses on studying the electronic structure, laser–matter interactions, and associated ultrafast electron dynamics in materials, with a particular focus on ultrafast electron emission processes. As a theoretical/computational materials scientist you have authored several publications in journals of international repute and has presented your findings at numerous workshops. Which of your achievements do you consider the most important?
We studied laser–matter interactions and associated electron emissions by implementing theoretical models in Python. The results of this work were accepted for publication in the journal Applied Surface Science, which was a significant and gratifying achievement.
In 2023, you won the Research Scholarship for Doctoral Candidates and Postdoctors under the New National Excellence Programme (Új Nemzeti Kiválóság Program – ÚNKP). You achieved this as a foreigner, congratulations! How did ELI ALPS contribute to this success?
I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Mousumi Upadhyay Kahaly. Without her guidance and support, achieving the UNKP scholarship would not have been possible.
Your thesis, titled “Ultrafast Electron Emission and Associated Electron Dynamics from Low Dimensional Nanostructures,” explores innovative approaches to understanding and manipulating electron behaviour at the atomic level. What practical implications might this have?
Through the numerical simulations presented in this dissertation, we aim to mimic real-time laser–matter experiments, overcoming experimental challenges. These simulations provide a complementary tool to experiments, enhancing our understanding of ultrafast electron dynamics in metals, atoms, and two-dimensional materials for future applications.
Your long-term goal of advancing the field of computational materials science through applied research. What are you thinking?
My long-term goal is to advance the field of computational materials science by conducting applied research that leads to new discoveries and practical applications, ultimately contributing to technological innovations and improving our understanding of material properties.