Sure. I hold a Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering from IIT Bombay, with a focus on designing and analysing Water Distribution Networks. My academic journey also includes an M.Tech. in Hydraulics Engineering from IIT Roorkee and a B.Tech. in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada.
Flowing Excellence: IITB Post-Doc, Dr. Seelam Naga Poojitha's Award-Winning Journey in Water Resources Engineering
In the realm of Water Resources Engineering, Dr. Seelam Naga Poojitha stands as a beacon of academic prowess and innovative research. Currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the IIT Bombay, Dr. Poojitha's journey unfolds with a rich tapestry of academic achievements, professional experiences, and a deep commitment to addressing complex challenges in Water Distribution Networks. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into her educational background, the intricacies of her groundbreaking Ph.D. research, the significance of receiving the Naik and Rastogi Award, and her inspiring journey from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the forefront of water resources research.
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In the realm of Water Resources Engineering, Dr. Seelam Naga Poojitha stands as a beacon of academic prowess and innovative research. Currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the IIT Bombay, Dr. Poojitha’s journey unfolds with a rich tapestry of academic achievements, professional experiences, and a deep commitment to addressing complex challenges in Water Distribution Networks. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into her educational background, the intricacies of her groundbreaking Ph.D. research, the significance of receiving the Naik and Rastogi Award, and her inspiring journey from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the forefront of water resources research.
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What has been your professional experience, and what roles have you undertaken in your career so far?
I currently serve as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the IIT Bombay. Before this, I was a Research Associate at IITB and served as an Assistant Professor at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar.
Could you share the key focus of your Ph.D. research and the objectives you aimed to achieve?
My Ph.D. research focused on the optimal design of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) using metaheuristic algorithms coupled with chaos theory. The primary objective was to formulate a computationally efficient optimization model for the reliability-based design of WDNs, considering the challenges posed by future uncertainties.
Can you elaborate on the significance of your research in Water Distribution Networks?
The water distribution network is a critical civic infrastructure subjected to future uncertainties. Its design is a familiar non-deterministic polynomial time-hard problem requiring substantial capital investments. My research addressed the complexity of designing WDNs, ensuring they operate satisfactorily under future uncertainties by proposing robust design alternatives. The proposed models, including the innovative DE-KHA multi-objective algorithm, demonstrated competitive computational efficiency and robustness.
Can you share a bit about your background and the early influences that shaped your academic journey?
I was born and raised in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, where my parents ran a small bookshop. Despite financial constraints, my parents emphasized the value of education. Their belief in the transformative power of education motivated me to overcome challenges and excel at every level of my academic journey.
What inspired you to pursue research in this field, and how did you approach the challenges you encountered?
Growing up in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, my parents’ educational commitment inspired me. Despite initial struggles, I pursued higher education, motivated by the goal of seeing happiness in my parents’ eyes. Challenges, especially as a woman in academia, strengthened my resolve. My passion for research and the desire to see my parents and husband proud fuelled my journey.
You received the Naik and Rastogi Award for Excellence in Ph.D. Research. How did this recognition impact you, and what does it mean for your future goals?
Receiving the Naik and Rastogi Award was a moment of immense joy and fulfilment. It reaffirmed that dedication and hard work lead to success. Having an encouraging professor is bliss to shine through our Ph.D. journey. My supervisor Prof. V. Jothiprakash has tremendous faith in my abilities and helped me realize my research potential guiding and encouraging me in every aspect. I dedicate the award to my supervisor Prof. V. Jothiprakash. This recognition, combined with my research achievements, has motivated me to pursue a career goal of becoming a faculty member at one of the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology.
What are your future goals, especially in the next few months to a year?
In the coming months, I aspire to become a faculty member at one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. I am dedicated to working towards this goal, driven by a strong belief in the power of hard work and perseverance.
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In a delightful turn of events, right after our interview, Poojitha clinched yet another Best Thesis Award, this time from the Indian Society of Hydraulics, further solidifying her standing in the academic community. Simultaneously, she has embraced a new role as an Assistant Professor at NIT Calicut, striving to become a faculty member at one of the esteemed Institutes of Technology. Her trajectory mirrors the thriving ecosystem at IIT Bombay, where innovative researchers like her are nurtured and given the platform to flourish. As we congratulate Poojitha on her recent successes, we eagerly anticipate the continued impact of her research and the bright future she envisions within the dynamic landscape of water resources engineering and academia.
Onward and Upward, Poojitha!