Associate Professor at Vignan’s Institute of technology (A), India
Dr. T. Lakshmana Rao is an accomplished physicist and academic with a decade-long career spanning teaching, research, and institutional development. His core expertise lies in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science, with particular focus on nanoparticle synthesis, magnetic materials, and multiferroics. Dr. Rao has demonstrated consistent academic excellence through national-level achievements, government-funded fellowships, and high-impact publications in SCI-indexed journals. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor (Selection Grade) at Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology, Visakhapatnam, where he actively contributes to academic coordination, student mentoring, and institutional innovation. His scholarly work has significantly advanced the understanding of LaFeO₃-based nanoparticles and their magnetic and electrical behavior, contributing to potential applications in sensors and quantum devices. A dedicated mentor and academic leader, Dr. Rao bridges fundamental research with real-world application, nurturing the next generation of physicists while contributing meaningfully to the broader scientific community in India and beyond.
Professional Profile
Google Scholar | ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Rao holds a Ph.D. in Physics & Astronomy from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, awarded in January 2021. His doctoral thesis explored substitution-induced changes in the structural, magnetic, and electrical properties of LaFeO₃ nanoparticles, a key area in materials research. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed an M.Tech in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering from NIT Rourkela in 2012 and an M.Sc. in Physics from Andhra University in 2009. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Mathematics, Physics, Geology) from Maharaja Degree College, Vizianagaram, followed by successful completion of Intermediate and SSC education in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. Throughout his education, Dr. Rao consistently ranked among the top performers, qualifying competitive exams like GATE and PGECET, and earning multiple fellowships from MHRD, India. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his impactful research and teaching career in condensed matter physics and materials science.
Experience
Dr. T. Lakshmana Rao brings over 10 years of experience in both teaching and research. He began his career as a Physics Lecturer at Narayana Junior College, Visakhapatnam, and subsequently served as a Teaching Assistant at NIT Rourkela during his Ph.D. program. He has taught IIT-JEE and NEET Physics at various academies and worked as Guest Faculty at a government junior college in Islampeta, Visakhapatnam. From 2021 to 2022, he held the position of Assistant Professor at Dadi Institute of Engineering and Technology. Currently, he serves as Associate Professor (Selection Grade) at Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology, where he teaches undergraduate engineering courses and contributes to curriculum design, mentoring, and institutional accreditation (NAAC/NBA). His teaching portfolio includes subjects such as Solid State Physics, Engineering Physics, and Quantum Mechanics. In addition to classroom teaching, he has actively promoted innovation through the AICTE IDEA Lab and student research mentorship programs.
Research Interests
Dr. Rao’s research interests lie at the interface of Condensed Matter Physics, Nanomaterials, and Quantum Systems. He focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, particularly LaFeO₃ and its doped variants, studying their structural, magnetic, dielectric, and optical properties. His investigations contribute to the development of advanced materials for magnetic sensors, superconductors, and optoelectronic devices. He is also exploring multiferroic materials and strongly correlated electron systems, aiming to understand complex phenomena such as magnetoelectric coupling and polaronic conduction mechanisms. Additionally, his interest in quantum computing reflects his forward-looking approach to integrating physics with emerging technological paradigms. Dr. Rao’s multidisciplinary focus, which bridges materials science, solid-state physics, and electronic engineering, supports innovative research outcomes. His laboratory work frequently involves structural refinement, grain-boundary studies, and magnetic phase transition analysis, all critical to advancing real-world applications in nanotechnology and electronics.
Awards and Honors
Dr. T. Lakshmana Rao has received multiple recognitions throughout his academic and research career. He was awarded both the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, during his Ph.D. at NIT Rourkela. He also qualified the prestigious GATE (Physics) 2010, securing an All India Rank of 503 with a 94.5 percentile, and received the GATE Fellowship during his postgraduate studies. Additionally, he achieved top ranks in regional entrance exams such as PGECET and AUCET, showcasing his academic excellence early on. Dr. Rao’s research articles are frequently published in leading SCI-indexed journals, further underlining the quality of his work. He has also played an important role in institutional innovation as the Institution’s Innovation Cell Ambassador for AICTE IDEA Lab, reflecting national-level recognition of his leadership and contribution to higher education and scientific advancement.
Research Skills
Dr. Rao possesses a diverse set of advanced research skills in materials synthesis, characterization, and data analysis. His expertise includes wet chemical methods for nanoparticle synthesis, XRD and Rietveld refinement, VSM and SQUID magnetometry, dielectric and impedance spectroscopy, and UV-Vis and PL spectroscopy. He has strong command over the interpretation of magnetic phase transitions, polaronic conduction, grain-boundary effects, and chemical pressure effects, especially in perovskite-type structures like LaFeO₃. His analytical skills extend to using software tools for material modeling and experimental data fitting. Furthermore, he is adept at drafting scientific manuscripts, performing literature reviews, and managing collaborative research workflows with co-authors from multiple institutions. These technical capabilities are supported by his involvement in multidisciplinary research, enabling him to handle complex scientific problems with confidence and precision. His mentoring skills, especially in guiding undergraduate research and innovation projects, also reflect his effectiveness as a well-rounded scientific researcher.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Probing structural and photophysical features of Eu³⁺ activated NaCdPO₄ orthophosphate phosphor
Authors: M.K. Pradhan, T.L. Rao, U.K. Goutam, S. Dash
Journal: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Volume 240, Article ID 118593
Year: 2020
Citations: 41
Title: Substitution induced magnetic phase transitions and related electrical conduction mechanisms in LaFeO₃ nanoparticle
Authors: T. Lakshmana Rao, M.K. Pradhan, U.K. Goutam, V. Siruguri, V.R. Reddy, et al.
Journal: Journal of Applied Physics, Volume 126, Issue 6
Year: 2019
Citations: 25
Title: Influence of Zn(II) on the structure, magnetic and dielectric dynamics of nano-LaFeO₃
Authors: T. Lakshmana Rao, M.K. Pradhan, S. Singh, S. Dash
Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, Volume 31, Issue 6, Pages 4542–4553
Year: 2020
Citations: 22
Title: Structural and photoluminescence behavior of thermally stable Eu³⁺ activated CaWO₄ nanophosphors via Li⁺ incorporation
Authors: P.V. Ramakrishna, T.L. Rao, A. Singh, B. Benarji, S. Dash
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1149, Pages 426–431
Year: 2017
Citations: 20
Title: Structural, magnetic, grain and grain boundary mediated conduction features of low dimensional LaFeO₃ nanoparticles
Authors: T.L. Rao, M.K. Pradhan, M. Chandrasekhar, P.V. Ramakrishna, S. Dash
Journal: Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, Volume 31, Issue 34, Article ID 345803
Year: 2019
Citations: 14
Title: Dy³⁺ Activated Nearly White Emitting NaCdPO₄ as Potential Phosphors for Solid State Light Applications
Authors: M.K. Pradhan, T.L. Rao, S. Dash
Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials, Volume 49, Issue 4, Pages 2463–2470
Year: 2020
Citations: 10
Conclusion
Dr. T. Lakshmana Rao is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a robust academic background, a strong portfolio of high-quality research publications, and over a decade of experience in teaching and mentoring, he has made substantial contributions to the advancement of materials science and condensed matter physics. His interdisciplinary research in nanoparticles and magnetic materials, along with his involvement in institutional innovation and national fellowship programs, underscores both his scholarly potential and societal impact. Moving forward, Dr. Rao is well-positioned to lead pioneering research initiatives and inspire future scientific talent, making him a compelling choice for this prestigious recognition.