Sooraj Patel

I am an established researcher with a proven track record of active involvement in both academic and industrial domains. Presently, I am engaged in a doctoral research project at the University of Oklahoma, OK, USA, focusing on grain-boundary engineering and defect behavior in proton-conducting oxide ceramics for electrochemical energy applications. The primary objective of this work is to improve ionic conductivity by designing the electrode-electrolyte interface and enabling them to operate at reduced temperatures. This work links processing conditions, crystallographic texture, grain-boundary population, and local defect behavior in proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes. My recent grain-boundary hydration project integrates experimentally measured grain-boundary character distributions with foundation-model-potential-based hydration energetics to evaluate whether frequently occurring boundary geometries preferentially stabilize hydrated defect configurations. In a related project on Y-doped BaZrO3, I examined vacancy-modulated proton trapping under partially hydrated conditions, showing that oxygen-vacancy topology can alter local proton migration behavior beyond conventional dopant-trapping descriptions.

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During my tenure as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Gandhinagar), my focus of study involved Friction Stir Welding and Processing (FSW&P), with specific emphasis on Friction Stir Channelling (FSC) of copper. The FSC technique has demonstrated its capability in fabricating intricate heat sinks that exhibit enhanced heat dissipation performance. Our investigation encompassed the analysis of various tool geometries to ascertain the tool-shoulder influence on the mechanical properties of the friction-stirred channels. Furthermore, I possess research experience in the realm of additive manufacturing of metals and the study of centreline segregation in aluminum alloys.

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I have pursued my masters in Materials Science and Engineering from IIT Gandhinagar. My prior educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. My professional experience as an Executive Engineer at Sagar Drugs and Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. has contributed to the development of my abilities in project planning and execution, leadership, and management.