Karan Roy
Rising Star
What encouraged you to submit your application to the 2024 Postgraduate Research Publication of the Year?
The chance to showcase our ideas and research to a broader academic and professional audience inspired me to submit my application.
What inspired you to choose the subject of your paper?
This paper deals with harvesting energy from the ambient mechanical vibrations for powering low-power devices, which is inspired by the growing demand for sustainable, maintenance free, compact power sources. The fact that these harvesters have the potential to replace energy-limited, bulky batteries in the future drew me into this field. This intersection of sustainability, innovation, and real-world application motivated me to explore and contribute to the advancement of energy harvesting technologies.
What’s your paper about and how did you prepare for it? What role did research excellence play in your approach?
This paper revolves around the design, modelling and characterisation of novel non-linear electromagnetically transduced vibrational energy harvesters. In order to prepare for the paper, I performed Finite Element Analysis in COMSOL Multiphysics using the Solid Mechanics and AC-DC Modules followed by non-linear dynamical analysis in MATLAB.
Research excellence played a central role in shaping the methodology and quality of the outcomes. The interdisciplinary expertise at Tyndall ensured that our approach was both scientifically robust and practically relevant.
The selection for Research Publication of the Year is extremely competitive. What is your advice for those aspiring for nomination next year?
To be honest, I don’t feel I’m in any position to give advice.
However, I’d like to share a verse from The Bhagavad Gita that keeps me grounded and motivated: ‘Karmanye vadikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana,’ meaning, ‘You have the right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions.
What is the single most significant support Tyndall has been able to offer you in achieving your research goals?
The support I have received has been very comprehensive and collaborative.
During this research whenever I needed help, all I had to do was to ask for it. My supervisors, Prof Saibal Roy and Dr Andreas Amann, have consistently offered invaluable guidance and insights that helped shape my research. I even benefited from Tony Compagno who ensured smooth setup and operation of instruments in Environmental test lab. Matteo Menolotto’s critical support in the 3D printing lab was instrumental in the fabrication phase. I also had help from Dr Amit Tanwar who assisted me to get started with the initial COMSOL simulations, and Matina Piletti who provided me with the chemicals required for my devices.
Tyndall’s ecosystem of collaborative support and accessible infrastructure has been instrumental in helping me realise my potential and stay aligned with my research objectives. The culture of sharing knowledge and technical assistance has not only accelerated my progress but also enriched my learning experience significantly.