Biography and academic profile
Umakanta Meher has earned his PhD degree in Aerospace engineering with a specialization in structures from Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, India in the year 2024. His doctoral research focuses on impedance-based structural health monitoring, particularly the application of electromechanical impedance methods for early detection of damage in engineering structures. His work aims to enhance the safety and durability of infrastructure through innovative, real-time monitoring techniques. Before joining PhD, he received Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Aerospace Engineering (Specialization-Structures) from Indian institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, India in the year 2016. His research areas include structural health monitoring, smart materials, PZT materials and composite structures. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering (Specialization-Aerospace Engineering) at KIIT Deemed to be University, an Institute of Eminence located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. As both an educator and researcher, he is committed to advancing the field by integrating theoretical insights with practical applications in structural health monitoring. At the undergraduate level, Prof. Meher teaches a diverse range of subjects, including fluid mechanics, engineering drawing, aerodynamics, space mechanics, aircraft propulsion, aircraft structures, and flight mechanics. His work combines innovative research with a commitment to fostering student understanding in both foundational and advanced aerospace topics.
