Vidya Nandikolla | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Excellence

Best Researcher Award

Dr Vidya Nandikolla
Affiliation California State University Northridge
Country United States
Scopus ID 8339231200
Documents 25
Citations 136
h-index 5
Subject Area Engineering
Event International Academic Excellence Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-4151-4783

Dr Vidya Nandikolla
California State University Northridge,United States

Dr Vidya Nandikolla is an engineering researcher affiliated with California State University Northridge in the United States. Her documented research output includes work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), reflecting an interdisciplinary interest in intelligent robotic and autonomous systems. Available bibliographic indicators record 25 documents, 136 citations, and an h-index of 5.

Abstract

Dr Vidya Nandikolla’s research profile is situated within engineering applications involving robotics, autonomous systems, human-machine interaction, and computational sensing. Her publication record includes research on a hybrid EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) arm manipulator controlled through ROS and work concerning autonomous vehicles and LiDAR-based localization. These topics connect sensing, control, perception, and intelligent automation, all of which are central areas of contemporary engineering research.

Keywords

Robotics; autonomous vehicles; LiDAR; SLAM; brain-computer interface; ROS; robotic control; engineering; localization; intelligent systems.

Introduction

Modern autonomous and robotic platforms depend on reliable perception, localization, control, and human-machine communication. SLAM methods allow robotic systems to estimate their position while constructing representations of an environment, while BCI technologies investigate alternative mechanisms for controlling assistive robotic devices. Nandikolla’s documented work intersects these engineering challenges, providing a research profile that combines robotics with emerging sensing and control technologies. [2]

Research Profile

The available record identifies Engineering as the principal subject area. Her research themes include ROS-enabled robotic control, EEG-based BCI systems, autonomous vehicle technologies, and LiDAR SLAM. ROS is widely used as a framework for developing modular robotic applications, making its use relevant to experimental robotics and autonomous-system research. [3]

Research Contributions

  • Research involving a hybrid EEG-based BCI arm manipulator and ROS-based robotic control.
  • Investigation of autonomous vehicle technologies, including custom battery-pack design using solar energy.
  • Evaluation of Extended Kalman Filter odometry for improving the performance of 2D LiDAR SLAM algorithms. [1]

Publications

Evaluating the Impact of Extended Kalman Filter Odometry on the Performance of 2D LiDAR SLAM Algorithms is listed as a working paper and carries. Another documented publication is Teleoperation Robot Control of a Hybrid EEG-Based BCI Arm Manipulator Using ROS, published in the Journal of Robotics in 2022 and reported with five citations in the supplied record. A conference paper, Design and Analysis of an Custom Battery Pack Using Solar Energy for an Autonomous Vehicle, further demonstrates an application-oriented engineering focus.

Research Impact

The reported bibliometric record of 136 citations across 25 documents indicates measurable scholarly visibility. An h-index of 5 provides an additional bibliometric indicator of citation distribution. These metrics should be interpreted alongside publication quality, research relevance, technical contribution, and broader application potential rather than as standalone measures of research excellence. [4]

Award Suitability

Dr Vidya Nandikolla demonstrates characteristics relevant to consideration for a Best Researcher Award in Engineering, particularly through a research portfolio connecting robotics, autonomous mobility, BCI systems, and localization. The combination of published research, interdisciplinary engineering applications, and documented citation activity provides a reasonable academic basis for recognition. Final award assessment should consider the complete submitted evidence and the evaluation criteria established by the International Academic Excellence Awards.

Conclusion

Dr Vidya Nandikolla’s documented research reflects an engineering-oriented approach to robotics, autonomous systems, human-machine interfaces, and intelligent localization. Her publication activity and bibliometric indicators support recognition of sustained research engagement, while her work addresses practical challenges in emerging robotic technologies.

References

  1. Nandikolla, Vidya K. et al. (2026). Evaluating the Impact of Extended Kalman Filter Odometry on the Performance of 2D LiDAR SLAM Algorithms. Preprints.
    https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202607.1435.v1
  2. Cadena, C. et al. (2016). Past, Present, and Future of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping: Toward the Robust-Perception Age. IEEE Transactions on Robotics, 32(6), 1309–1332.
    https://doi.org/10.1109/TRO.2016.2624754
  3. Quigley, M. et al. (2009). ROS: an open-source Robot Operating System. ICRA Workshop on Open Source Software.
  4. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Vidya Nandikolla, Author ID 8339231200. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/8339231200
  5. Nandikolla, Vidya K., and Medina Portilla, Daniel A. (2022). Teleoperation Robot Control of a Hybrid EEG-Based BCI Arm Manipulator Using ROS. Journal of Robotics.
  6. Nandikolla, Vidya K. et al. Design and Analysis of an Custom Battery Pack Using Solar Energy for an Autonomous Vehicle. Conference paper.

Sumaraj S | Engineering | Academic Excellence Award

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Dr. Sumaraj S | Engineering | Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Sumaraj is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with over a decade of academic and research experience, specializing in water and environmental sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, where his doctoral research contributed to advancing sustainable approaches in water and wastewater treatment systems. His strong academic foundation also includes a Master of Technology in Environmental Engineering and Management from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, where he graduated with distinction, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore. Dr. Sumaraj’s research interests span water and wastewater treatment engineering, sustainable technologies, nutrient contaminant remediation, carbon-based materials such as biochar and activated carbon, adsorption mechanisms, surface chemistry, analytical chemistry, and air pollution monitoring. His work reflects an interdisciplinary approach that integrates environmental science, engineering solutions, and sustainability-driven innovation, leading to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and award-winning student research projects. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Dr. Sumaraj is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and academic leadership. He has designed and delivered courses in green technology, environmental sustainability, wastewater treatment, water supply engineering, and research methodology. Beyond the classroom, he plays a key role in industry–academia collaboration, skill development initiatives, and sustainability-focused training programs. A recipient of multiple scholarships and honors, including the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship and recognition under national and international sustainability programs, Dr. Sumaraj is also a certified Green-Belt Career and Higher Education Counsellor. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to research excellence, environmental stewardship, and the development of future-ready engineers.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

160

80

40

10

0

Citations
154

Documents
9

h-index
4

 

 

Citations                Documents

h-index



View Google Scholar Profile

 

Featured Publications

Eddy Chevallier | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eddy Chevallier | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

LAMIH – UPHF/CNRS 8201 | France

Dr. Eddy Chevallier is a distinguished researcher in Engineering Sciences, specializing in electromechanical systems that utilize static or dynamic electrical contact as a channel for information or power transmission. Currently serving as an Ingénieur de Recherche at the LAMIH Laboratory (UMR CNRS 8201, UPHF) in Famars, France, he focuses on understanding how surface topography influences multi-physical phenomena occurring at interfaces. His work spans electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, integrating experimental measurement, numerical programming, and theoretical modeling to advance industrial applications that rely on surface-dependent interactions. His research aims to identify and quantify the relationships between topographic parameters and functional surface behavior, enabling the development of hybrid methodologies for optimizing surface designs based on precise performance requirements. Dr. Chevallier is qualified in the French national academic sections 28 (Physics of Materials), 60 (Mechanics), and 63 (Electrical Engineering), reflecting the interdisciplinary breadth of his expertise. He earned his Doctorate in 2014 from the Université de Picardie Jules Verne, where his thesis, supervised by Jérôme Fartin and co-advised by Robert Rouzereau and Valéry Bourny, focused on defining quality indices for metallic sliding contact using electrical signatures of surface condition. His doctoral work received the distinction of “Très Honorable.” He also holds a Master’s degree in physical characterization and modeling of complex materials from the same institution. Dr. Chevallier has contributed to leading scientific journals such as Tribology International, Journal of Tribology, Journal of Applied Physics, and has presented his work at numerous international and national conferences, reinforcing his role as a key contributor to tribology and electromechanical interface research.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Chevallier, E., Bourny, V., Bouzerar, R., Fortin, J., Durand-Drouhin, O., & others. (2014). Voltage noise across a metal/metal sliding contact as a probe of the surface state. Journal of Applied Physics, 115(15).

Chevallier, E. (2014). Définition d’indices de qualité du contact glissant métallique: Signatures électriques de l’état de surface (Doctoral dissertation, Université de Picardie Jules Verne). Université de Picardie Jules Verne.

Chevallier, E. (2020). Mechanical model of the electrical response from a ring–wire sliding contact. Tribology Transactions, 63(2), 215–221.

Jonckheere, B., Bouzerar, R., Bourny, V., Bausseron, T., Foy, N., & Chevallier, E. (2017). Assessment of the real contact area of a multi-contact interface from electrical measurements. In 23ème Congrès Français de Mécanique (CFM), France.

Guessasma, M., Bourny, V., Haddad, H., Machado, C., Chevallier, E., Tekaya, A., & others. (2018). Multi-scale and multi-physics modeling of the contact interface using DEM and coupled DEM-FEM approach. In Advances in Multi-Physics and Multi-Scale Couplings in Geo-Environmental Engineering.

Shagufta Riaz | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Shagufta Riaz | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Shagufta Riaz, National Textile University, Pakistan 

Dr. Shagufta Riaz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering at National Textile University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. With a Ph.D. in Textile Engineering, she specializes in functional textiles, focusing on the use of nanomaterials for textile development. Dr. Riaz has authored several influential publications and has completed various high-impact research projects. She has worked as a researcher at the Wilson School of Textiles in the USA and is actively involved in advancing textile innovations. A member of prestigious international organizations like the Textile Institute and the Pakistan Engineering Council, Dr. Riaz is committed to sustainable textile solutions.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Suitability of Dr. Shagufta Riaz for the Research for Women Researcher Award

Dr. Shagufta Riaz is a highly accomplished researcher in textile engineering, specializing in functional textiles and nanotechnology applications. Her extensive academic background, including a Ph.D. in Textile Engineering and international research experience at the Wilson School of Textiles, NCSU, USA, demonstrates her expertise in the field. She has significantly contributed to the advancement of sustainable textile innovations, textile finishing, and the development of nanomaterials for multifunctional textile applications. As an HEC Ph.D. Approved Supervisor and a Fellow of the Textile Institute, UK, she has played a crucial role in mentoring young researchers and advancing academic excellence in textile engineering.

Her research portfolio includes several high-impact projects funded at both national and international levels, focusing on crucial areas such as RF-shielding maternity garments, recycling of cellulosic waste for graphene quantum dots, and sustainable bio-processing in textile manufacturing. Additionally, her collaborations with industry highlight her ability to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industrial applications. Notable projects include the development of antibacterial medical gauze, pesticide-resistant clothing, and UV-shielding protective garments, which showcase her commitment to improving textile functionality for real-world challenges.

🎓 Education

Dr. Shagufta Riaz holds a Ph.D. in Textile Engineering from National Textile University, Faisalabad, Pakistan, where she also completed her M.Sc. in Textile Advanced Materials Engineering and B.Sc. in Textile Engineering with distinctions. She further honed her skills as a researcher at the Wilson School of Textiles, North Carolina State University, USA. This educational foundation, coupled with her hands-on research experience, forms the backbone of her expertise in nanotechnology, textile finishing, and sustainable textile innovations.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Shagufta Riaz is an Assistant Professor at National Textile University, Faisalabad. She has led and collaborated on multiple research projects, including those in partnership with international institutions and the textile industry. Her professional experience spans research in textile engineering, focusing on nanomaterials and sustainable solutions. Dr. Riaz has consulted on industry projects to optimize processes in textile production, such as designing protective garments and improving fabric properties. Her role as a Ph.D. supervisor and her recognition as a Fellow of the Textile Institute, UK, highlight her significant contribution to academia and industry.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Shagufta Riaz’s academic excellence is evidenced by her recognition as a Fellow of the Textile Institute, UK, and a Lifetime Member of the Pakistan Engineering Council. She has received multiple accolades for her contributions to textile engineering, including a significant number of awards for her research in nanotechnology and textile innovations. Her work, recognized internationally, is reflected in numerous high-impact publications and the completion of major research and consultancy projects in collaboration with the textile industry.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Dr. Riaz is an expert in nanotechnology applications in textile engineering, particularly for the development of multifunctional textiles. Her research focuses on the integration of nanomaterials to enhance textile properties such as antimicrobial, UV resistance, and electrical shielding. She has completed several research projects under government and industry funding, contributing valuable advancements in sustainable textiles, functional finishes, and eco-friendly processes. Dr. Riaz’s skills extend to guiding doctoral research and publishing in prestigious journals, marking her as a leading researcher in textile engineering.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Fabrication of robust multifaceted textiles by application of functionalized TiO₂ nanoparticles

    • Authors: S. Riaz, M. Ashraf, T. Hussain, M.T. Hussain, A. Younus
    • Citations: 95
    • Year: 2019

  • Functional finishing and coloration of textiles with nanomaterials

    • Authors: S. Riaz, M. Ashraf, T. Hussain, M.T. Hussain, A. Rehman, A. Javid, K. Iqbal, …
    • Citations: 77
    • Year: 2018

  • Modification of silica nanoparticles to develop highly durable superhydrophobic and antibacterial cotton fabrics

    • Authors: S. Riaz, M. Ashraf, T. Hussain, M.T. Hussain
    • Citations: 58
    • Year: 2019

  • Electrospun nanofiber-based viroblock/ZnO/PAN hybrid antiviral nanocomposite for personal protective applications

    • Authors: A. Salam, T. Hassan, T. Jabri, S. Riaz, A. Khan, K.M. Iqbal, S. Khan, M. Wasim, …
    • Citations: 41
    • Year: 2021

  • Cationization of TiO₂ nanoparticles to develop highly durable multifunctional cotton fabric

    • Authors: S. Riaz, M. Ashraf, H. Aziz, A. Younus, M. Umair, A. Salam, K. Iqbal, …
    • Citations: 31
    • Year: 2022

  • Layer by layer deposition of PEDOT, silver and copper to develop durable, flexible, and EMI shielding and antibacterial textiles

    • Authors: S. Riaz, S. Naz, A. Younus, A. Javid, S. Akram, A. Nosheen, M. Ashraf
    • Citations: 26
    • Year: 2022

  • Multifunctional formaldehyde-free finishing of cotton by using metal oxide nanoparticles and eco-friendly cross-linkers

    • Authors: N. Sarwar, M. Ashraf, M. Mohsin, A. Rehman, A. Younus, A. Javid, K. Iqbal, …
    • Citations: 24
    • Year: 2019

  • In situ development and application of natural coatings on non-absorbable sutures to reduce incision site infections

    • Authors: R. Masood, T. Hussain, M. Umar, Azeemullah, T. Areeb, S. Riaz
    • Citations: 21
    • Year: 2017

  • Selection and Optimization of Silane Coupling Agents to Develop Durable Functional Cotton Fabrics Using TiO₂ Nanoparticles

    • Authors: S. Riaz, M. Ashraf, T. Hussain, M.T. Hussain, A. Younus, M. Raza, A. Nosheen
    • Citations: 20
    • Year: 2021

  • Simultaneous fixation of wrinkle-free finish and reactive dye on cotton using response surface methodology

    • Authors: S. Abid, T. Hussain, A. Nazir, Z.A. Raza, A. Siddique, A. Azeem, S. Riaz
    • Citations: 16
    • Year: 2018