AISSQ 2024
Speakers
Special Lecture
List of Speakers
Prof. Hans Liljenström
SLU, Sweden
Prof. Dr. Ramesh Srikonda
Director, SPA Vijaywada
Dr. G. Mohana Charyulu
VFSTR (Deemed to be University)
Prof. Shiva Prabodh
NRI Medical College, Guntur
Dr. Nagaraju Kaja
SPA Vijayawada
Prof. R. Ramakrishna
NRI Medical College, Guntur
Dr. M. Banu Chitra
SPA Vijayawada
Prof. T.V. Pavan Kumar,
NRI Academy of Sciences, Mangalagiri
Prof. Dr. Usha Rani
VFSTR (Deemed to be University)
Prof. Ramjee Repaka
IIT Dharwad
Dr. Debashis Khan
IIT (BHU) Varanasi
Dr. Jayanarayana Tudu
IIT Tirupati
Dr. Dube Dheeraj
IIT Mandi
Mr. Segar Millindar
Director, NVIERA Bangalore & Faculty
Sri K. Vasudeva Rao
President, Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata
Mr. Prabhakar Ballapalle
Senior Technologist,
Western Digital, Bangalore
Dr. Sasi Kumar Kotagiri
MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
Sri Varun Agarwal
Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata
Dr. Roshan Tiwari
Research Scientist,
Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata
Sri Sushant Sharma
Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata
and many more…
Prof. Reinhard Genzel
Nobel Laureate in Physics
Professor Dr. Reinhard Genzel is a distinguished astrophysicist and Nobel Laureate, serving as one of the Directors at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, Germany. He has held the position of Honorary Professor of Physics at Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU) in Munich since 1989. Between 1998 and 2016, he was a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2017, he was appointed Professor of the Graduate School at UC Berkeley.
Prof. Genzel earned his PhD in physics and astronomy in 1978 from the University of Bonn, with a dissertation in radio astronomy conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR). From 1978 to 1980, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, where he specialized in very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and mid-infrared studies of galactic star-forming regions. Subsequently, as a Miller Fellow at UC Berkeley (1980–1982), he focused on far-infrared spectroscopy. He later joined UC Berkeley’s Physics Department as an Associate Professor in 1981 and became a Full Professor in 1985, leading pioneering research in infrared and submillimeter astrophysics and studies of the interstellar medium.
Prof. Genzel’s research spans multiple domains in astrophysics, including: The astrophysics of galactic nuclei and massive black holes, Star formation and galaxy dynamics and Observational and experimental infrared, submillimeter, and millimeter astronomy.
In 1986, Prof. Genzel returned to Germany as a Director at MPE, where he established a world-class research group focusing on the Galactic Center, active galactic nuclei, and star formation in distant galaxies using cutting-edge infrared instrumentation developed at the institute. Genzel is renowned for his work on the Galactic Center, specifically tracking stellar orbits around Sagittarius A*, leading to the discovery of a supermassive compact object—a black hole. His studies provided pivotal confirmations of general relativity and insights into the dynamics of galactic nuclei.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Genzel’s contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Nobel Prize in Physics (2020) (shared with Andrea Ghez) for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of the Milky Way.
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (1990), the most prestigious German research award.
- Shaw Prize in Astronomy (2008) for his contributions to the study of massive black holes and galaxy formation.
- Crafoord Prize in Astronomy (2012) for research on black holes and galaxy evolution.
- Herschel Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (2014) for outstanding contributions to observational astronomy.
- Memberships in esteemed organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences (USA), the Royal Society (UK), and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Genzel continues his work as a director at MPE and as an Honorary Professor at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. He is celebrated for fostering large-scale, collaborative research projects and mentoring generations of astrophysicists.
Prof. Hans Liljenstrom
SLU, Sweden
Prof. Hans Liljenström (born in 1956) received his MSc in Engineering Physics in 1982 and PhD in Theoretical Physics in 1987 at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden. He spent a postdoc period with Prof. John Hopfield at Caltech, 1989-90, developing computational models of the olfactory cortex. In the 1990′ he had a position as an associate professor in Theoretical Biophysics at KTH, and is since 2001 a full professor in Theoretical Biology and Biophysics at the Dept. of Energy and Technology, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden.
Liljenström is also the founding director of Agora for Biosystems, an international research center administered by the Sigtuna Foundation. His research interests include mathematical modeling of biological systems and processes at the cellular, network, and macroscopic system levels, in particular complex dynamics, including oscillations and chaos, as well as the link between neural and mental processes. Lately, his work is focusing on neurocomputational models of decision making, with relevance to consciousness and volition. In 2019-2023, he was the PI of an international Templeton-Fetzer project on the Neurophilosophy of Free Will. He has been working and publishing in the field of cognitive neurodynamics for 35 years, and organized a great number of conferences and workshops, including the First International Conference on the Neuroscience of Free Will in Sigtuna, Sweden, in 2017, and the Agora Conference on Panpsychism and Non-local Consciousness in 2024. He has all the time also been involved in numerous dialogues between science and religion/spirituality.
Prof. Dr. Ramesh Srikonda
Director, SPA Vijaywada
Dr. Ramesh Srikonda was born on Aug 26th, 1960 in Andhra Pradesh, India. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in 1982 with first class distinction from JN Technological University, Hyderabad, AP. He completed his Post-Graduation in Town and Country Planning from Anna University, Madras with first class in 1984. He also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Ecology and Environment from the Institute of Ecology and Environment, Delhi.
Dr. Srikonda conducted extensive research on “Energy Conservation Studies in Buildings through Components / Materials and Space Conditioning Options” at IIT Delhi, which is crucial for energy saving, conserving fossil fuels, and addressing climate change. He earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
He joined the Central Government Service through UPSC – Central Architectural Services (CAS) in 1985 (Central PWD) and served in various capacities, including Deputy Architect, Architect, Regional Architect, Senior Architect, Chief Architect, and Director of Planning, and additionally held the position of Director (Slum & JJ) for the Government of India.
In 2010, he joined the Department of Architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, where he served as Head of the Department of Architecture, Head of the Department of Planning, Dean of Studies, Chief Warden, Vigilance Officer, among other roles. In September 2022, he was appointed Director of the School. Dr. Srikonda played a key role in the development of the Post-Graduate Programme M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture), a unique program in the region addressing contemporary issues of climate change and energy crises.
He has published numerous technical papers in reputed international journals and presented at various national and international conferences. He is credited with leading several research and consultancy projects, including works for the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Institutional Consultancy Cell of SPA Vijayawada.
Dr. G. Mohana Charyulu
VFSTR (Deemed to be University)
Dr. Gomatam Mohana Charyulu, a distinguished trilingual scholar from South India, currently serves as Professor of English in the Department of English, Indian and Foreign Languages, School of Applied Sciences and Humanities, VFSTR Deemed to be University, Vadlamudi, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy for his thesis titled “A Study of Concepts: New English Criticism in the Light of Indian Poetics.”
Dr. Charyulu has presented over 100 research papers on English Language Teaching and Comparative Literature at various national and international conferences. His scholarly contributions include 109 research articles published in prestigious journals indexed in SCOPUS, Web of Science, and UGC CARE. He is also a regular columnist for English and Telugu daily newspapers, writing extensively on social, cultural, and literary topics.
As a mentor, Dr. Charyulu has guided 14 scholars to the successful completion of their doctoral degrees. In addition to heading the Department of English, he holds multiple academic and administrative roles within the university, reflecting his dedication to education and scholarship.
Prof. Shiva Prabodh
NRI Medical College, Guntur
Dr. V. Siva Prabodh is the Principal, Professor, and Head of the Department of Biochemistry at NRI Medical College in Chinakakani, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. He holds an MBBS degree from Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada and an MD in Biochemistry from Kurnool Medical College. Dr. Prabodh has completed an Advanced Course in Medical Education (ACME) at St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore. With extensive academic experience, he has served as Principal, Vice-Principal, and Coordinator of the Medical Education Unit at NRI Medical College.
Dr. Prabodh has also held various positions, including Chairman of the Institutional Ethics Committee and Member of the Board of Studies for PhD and PG studies. He has organized several conferences, workshops, and CMEs, and has delivered numerous guest lectures. Dr. Prabodh has published 42 research papers and is a reviewer for eight peer-reviewed medical journals. He is also the President of the AP Association of Medical Biochemists of India (AMBI) and General Secretary of the AP Medical Educators Association.
Dr. Nagaraju Kaja
SPA Vijayawada
Dr. Nagaraju Kaja is an Architect with specialization in Construction Management and Sustainable Architecture having more than 20 years of multidisciplinary experience in the fields of Architecture and construction both in academics and Industry. As an architect he was involved in the design and execution of various architectural and interior designing projects. He has acquired Bachelor of Architecture from School of Planning and Architecture, JNTU, Hyderabad, Master of Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) from University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad and holds a PG Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development (PGDESD) from IGNOU, New Delhi. His Ph D thesis is on ‘Evaluation thermal comfort in naturally ventilated classrooms of higher education in hot and humid climate’.
He has been working in School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada (SPAV), an institute of National Importance, MHRD, Govt of India since 2009.He is involved in various academic and administrative responsibilities in the School. He is a member of various Academic committees like Board of Studies, JNTU Kakinada, Expert committees of Council of Architecture and jury member for various institutes like NIT, Trichy, NIT Calicut, SPA Bhopal, GITAM University and ANU to name a few.
He is the recipient of a prestigious ICCU-UNESCO fellowship for a study program by the Ministry of cultural affairs, govt of Japan. He was the coordinator for the International Project Building Inclusive Communities (BInUCom), an Erasmus Plus project funded by the European Union. He has travelled to many countries and attended various conferences and other academic programs. He has published many research papers in peer reviewed international journals and presented his work in many International & National conferences. He is a member of various prestigious organizations like Council of Architecture (CoA), Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID), Indian Institute of Lighting Engineers (ISLE) and Indian Society for Technical Education (MISTE) etc. He is a resource person for APHRDI, HUDCO etc., His research interests include Sustainable Architecture, Energy efficiency in buildings, Conservation & restoration of traditional structures and vernacular Architecture.
Prof. R. Ramakrishna
NRI Medical College, Guntur
Dr. R. Ramakrishna is a senior Professor and Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at NRI Medical College in Chinnakakani, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. Born on January 1, 1961, he holds an MBBS degree from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam (1983) and an MD in TB and Respiratory Diseases from the same institution (1987). With over 35 years of clinical experience, he has worked as a specialist chest physician in Libya and Guntur, and has been a Professor of Pulmonology since 2013.
He has guided 35 MD students and published 48 research articles in national and international journals. Additionally, he has produced 620 YouTube videos on various subjects and stories in Telugu, and holds various administrative positions in educational institutions.
Dr. M. Banu Chitra
SPA Vijayawada
Dr. M. Banu Chitra is a Landscape Architect with over a decade of academic experience. She has held diverse roles across organizations, making significant contributions to the fields of landscape architecture and environmental design. Her publications span topics such as landscape architecture, urban landscapes, soundscapes, environmental psychology, and urban design. Notably, Dr. Chitra has authored book chapters exploring the perception of soundscapes in landscapes and the cultural significance of doors in Odisha’s tribal communities.
She recently published a book titled Fundamentals of Research Methodology: A Glimpse into Architectural Research. Her research focuses on the complex interplay between landscapes and soundscapes. Her notable works on Soundwalk as a Method to Uncover the Interplay between Landscape and Soundscape, was presented at prestigious international conferences in Dubai and Chicago, USA. Her research interests also extend to environmental sustainability, sensory gardens for autistic children, impact of classroom window views on academic performance, carbon sequestration, GIS applications in analyzing landscape and soundscape interactions, and cognitive skills and environmental sensitivity in children through nature-based travel etc .Dr. Chitra has delivered guest lectures on topics including urban landscapes, acoustics, outdoor soundscapes, and environmental perspectives, contributing significantly to the advancement of landscape architecture and sustainability. Her excellence has been recognized with the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award and the Best Researcher Award by the Technical Forum of the Research Foundation. Currently, she serves as the Dean of Research and Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada (SPAV).
Prof. T.V. Pavan Kumar
NRI Academy of Sciences, Mangalagiri
Dr. T.V. Pavan Kumar is a Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at NRI Academy of Sciences in Mangalagiri. He holds an MBBS degree from Deccan Medical College in Hyderabad, a DA degree from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, and an MD in Psychiatry from S.V.S Medical College in Mahaboobnagar. With 1 international and 15 national journal publications to his credit, Dr. Kumar also serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Indian Psychiatric Society’s AP state branch. His areas of interest include neuro-modulation, ketamine in psychiatric illness, and law and psychiatry.
Prof. Dr. Usha Rani
VFSTR (Deemed to be University)
Dr. Usha Rani Nelakuditi is a Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and the Dean of the School of Electronics and Communication Engineering (SEECE) at VFSTR (Deemed to be University), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. With 24 years of teaching experience, she has contributed extensively to academics, research, and administration in engineering and technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Imaging from JNTU, Anantapur (2013), an M.Tech in Digital Systems and Computer Electronics (2004), and obtained a B.E. in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (1993) from KITS Warangal. Her research focuses on Communication Systems, VLSI design, Image Processing, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Reconfigurable Logic, and Drones. She has supervised 28 M.Tech theses and 9 Ph.D. dissertations in areas such as VLSI, Embedded Systems, and Networking.
She played a key role in the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in collaboration with Keysight Technologies. Her academic contributions include over 62 research papers in reputed international journals and 3 patents. She is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a life member of both the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and the Biomedical Engineering Society of India (BMESI). She has served in various administrative roles, including Head of Department and Dean of Training and Placement. Her efforts have been recognized with the Best Alumni Award from KITS Warangal in 2018.
Prof. Ramjee Repaka
IIT Dharwad
Dr. Ramjee Repaka is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering at IIT Dharwad. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Andhra University, Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Rourkela and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Ropar before joining IIT Dharwad.
Dr Ramjee Repaka is also an Associate Editor for ASME Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy, Guest Editor for a special issue on Minimally Invasive Thermal Therapies of ASME Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy, Editorial Board Member of Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine and Guest Associate Editor, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Devices, Frontiers in Medical Technology. Dr Ramjee has published 75+ articles in journals of international repute and international conferences, and 3 Indian patents were granted. His research areas include Heat Transfer, Applied Thermal Engineering, Bioheat Transfer, Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy (RFA and MWA), Biofluid Mechanics, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Thermal Management of Electric Vehicles.
Dr. Debashis Khan
IIT (BHU) Varanasi
Dr. Debashis Khan received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 2007. Later he joined as an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi. Now, he is working as an associate professor in the same department. His research interests include analytical and computational methods in Engineering and Science, Solid Mechanics, Fracture Mechanics, Damage Mechanics, Continuum Mechanics and Finite Deformation Plasticity.
He was visiting researchers at University of North Texas, USA and University of Groningen, Netherlands. He is a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Indian Society for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. He has completed several sponsored research projects and consultancy works. He has numerous research publications in international journals of repute. His interests also expand over mathematical formulation of evolutionary systems and their exploration in the origin of life and consciousness which led him to work at the interface of science and spirituality in collaboration with Bhaktivedanta institute, Kolkata.
Dr. Jayanarayana Tudu
IIT Tirupati
Dr. Jaynarayan T. Tudu is currently working for IIT Tirupati as Assistant professor in the department of Computer Science and Engineering. He has completed MS and PhD from IISc Bangalore in Computer Science in the year 2010 and 2016 respectively. He does research in Dependable and Secure Processor, Machine Learning Hardware, Science and Spirituality and Consciousness. Currently he is leading the India Semiconductor Mission of Govt of India for system level tests research. He has been associated with Bhaktivedanta Institute Kolkata and in various humble capacities, he contributed to the advancement of synthesis of science and spirituality.