Education

PhD Candidate, University of Minnesota (Expected May 2026)

Ph.D. Minors in Computer Science & Neural Engineering

Emphasis areas: Bio-photonics, Robotics, Precision Engineering, Microfabrication, Systems Integration, Systems Neuroscience.

Dissertation title: Neurotechnologies for Cortex-wide Cellular Imaging during Free Locomotion.

Committee: Dr. Suhasa Kodandaramaiah (Advisor), Dr. Tay Netoff ( Neural engineering Chair) , Dr. Jeff Tithof, Dr. Ongjen Illic, Dr. Yogatheesan Varatharajah (Computer Science Chair).

Master's in Mechanical Engineering (2019)

Thesis track: An integrated simulation of active noise cancellation using a computational fluid dynamics approach.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (2014)

Senior Capstone: Design and optimization of a pressure vessel ( Ammonia knockout drum ) ; Fertilizers and Chemicals of Travancore Ltd ( Gov. of Kerala).

Skills

Design: Solidworks, PTC Creo/ProE (6+ years hands on) and Catia.

CAE/CFD Analysis: Ansys-fluent, Star CCM+, COMSOL, INSPIRE, Ocean View.

Optical Systems Design: Ansys Zeemax Optics Builder & OpticStudio for doing optical simulations.

Robotic System Integration: ROS, NI Labview, Actuator control, Micro-processor programming.

Mechanical Testing: Zwick Roell and Instron testing equipment.

Product Life Cycle Management: ENOVIA Dassault 3D Experience.

Programming: Python- OpenCV, Pandas, Numpy, Scipy, Pyplot, Sklearn, Seaborn, Matplotlib ; C++, Matlab, R

Machine Learning: LDA, SVM, PCA, K-Means, Graphical Network Analysis, Decision Tree

Deep Learning: CNNs, Reinforcement Learning, GANs, Autoencoders, VAE.

Statistical Analysis: GraphPad PRISM, SPSS, MS Excel.

Neural Data Acquisition: 1 photon wide field Epifluorescence microscopy, Neuropixel recordings, Intan RHD 64 channel ECog recording, Inscopix

Bioimage Analysis: ImageJ, CalMan, Volpy, CNMFE

Neurobehavior Assays: Figure 8 maze - Perceptual decision making, spatial working memory, Plus maze- Spontaneous Alternation, Barnze Maze - Spatial search strategy and path planning, Water and Food deprivation, Open field experiment, Line Maze experiment.

Neurobehavior Analysis: DeepLabCut, YOLO key point tracking, Bonsai, MyRio 1900.

Animal Experimentation: Mouse Craniotomy, Reto-orbital injection, Habituation, Ketamine anesthesia.

Scientific Illustration: Illustrator, Figma.

Documentation: LATEX, Microsoft bundle, Google Docs.

Link to Complete CV

Awards:

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2024-2025)

Trainee Professional Development Award(TPDA), SfN (2025)

Janelia Conference Travel Scholarship (2025)

Arthur Erdman Design Grant, University of Minnesota (2025)

Stanford Neuroscience Travel Grant, Stanford Neuroscience (2023)

COGS Career Development Grant, University of Minnesota (2023)

COGS Travel Grant, University of Minnesota (2022)

UMN Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Fellowship (2021-2022)

M.Tech Fellowship, Ministry of Human Resources and Development, Government of India (2017-2019)

Professional Experience

Scientific Consultant, Objective Biotechnology (2025)

• Led the product design and system integration for a precision robotic microinjector platform, including structural layout, actuator selection, mechanical alignment and packaging solution.

• Completed DFM, DFA and full documentation for 50+ machined, 3D printed an sheet-metal components to ensure manufacturable, cost-effective production.

• Designed an optimized mechanical packaging solution, reducing overall material usage achieving a 35% cost reduction while maintaining structural rigidity and assembly accessibility.

• Performed GD & T and tolerance analyses and DFMEA of the sheet metal components to ensure reliability, and consistent and easy assembly across production batches.

• Collaborated with external vendors on fabrication processes, material selection and quality checks to finalize part production.

• Developed the mechanical concept architecture for a multi-stage microinjector system aimed at scaling the throughput and improving injection cycle speed.

• Designed a lightweight, mechanically robust chronic implant platform (MagKine) with focus on precision fixation and repeatable motion for specimen placement.

Doctoral Researcher - Mechanical Engineering, BioSensing and BioRobotics Lab (September 2021 - Present)

• Developed a compact, high-performance opto-mechanical system (CortexCAM) using parametric deisgn, structural optimization, and integrated mechanical-optical architecture.

• Achieved 80 % reduction in system weight through iterative geometry refinement, material re-engineering and manufacturability-driven simplifications.

• Executed full DFM, DFA and DFMEA workflows across 70 custom components to ensure robust, scalable and cost-effective fabrication.

• Designed a precision mechanical gantry system using linear bearings and load-balancing mechanisms to support > 200% payload relative to subject-mounted mass.

• Engineered multiple modular test platforms to validate system performance and mechanical reliability across operating conditions.

• Delivered benchtop-level imaging performance at a fraction of conventional microscope through efficient mechanical design.

• Developed a closed-loop cartesian robot platform for high-precision motion control for micro-scale measurement tasks.

• Designed miniaturized opto-mechanical system (mini-MCAM) using lightweight structures, compact packaging and robust alignment features for head-mounted operations.

• Manufactured custom 3D printed housings, laser-cutting and CNC-ready geometries integrating snaps and press fits and other tool-free assemblies to streamline fabrication.

• Improved mechanical fit, tolerance stack-ups and system stability to ensure reliable performance under real-world dynamic conditions.

• Integrated and programmed a 7DoF Baxter robotic arm to mechanical emulate precise, repeatable injection trajectories for validation and automated procedures.

• Designed and assembled custom mounts and brackets for additional sensor integration to meet additional hardware requirements for the robot arm.

Manager - Product Development Team, Volvo Commercial Vehicles, Indore, India ( August 2019 - May 2021)

• Designed and analyzed over 50+ mechanical components and subsystems for engine cooling, air-intake, and exhaust assemblies in Light and Medium Duty (LMD) vehicle platforms.

• Led project on design optimization for exhaust mufflers, developing a folded quarter wave tube architecture that achieved > 40% noise attenuation while making weight constraints.

• Applied GD&T, tolerance stack ups and design review (CO) processes for 300+ components to ensure manufacturability, fit, compliance and engineering standards.

• Authored 100+ technical documentation, including CAD models, drawings, BOMs and release package for new vehicle product lines.

• Collaborated with OEMs and suppliers on materials, design feasibility, and cost-optimized component strategies throughout the product development cycle.

Engineering Researcher, Sabic Research and Technology Center, India (September 2014 - August 2016)

• Developed and prototyped a novel composite 3D printing approach, integrating multi-material deposition techniques to improve structural performance and manufacturability.

• Authored one technical report on composite part fabrication using an electrostatic flocking based additive manufacturing technique.

• Made 30+ design revisions to replace sheet-metal components with thermoplastic alternatives, imporving manufacturability, weight reduction and lowering part cost.

• Conducted mechanical characterization tests on high performance thermoplastics including tensile, fatigue, impact, hardness testing

• Performed Design of Experiments and statistical analysis to evaluate the mechanical strength, variation and reliabilty across polymer formulations.

• Executed thermal and dynamic material analyses, including TGA, DMA to assess material stability, viscoelastic behavior and suitability for engineered components.