Good day, Dr. Deepak Kumar Gorai. I'm Arjun. I've had a look through your background and your professional record. I'm interested in hearing more about your work and how you see yourself fitting in here with our faculty. Ready to start?

Yeah, I'm Deepak Kumar. I born and brought up in Ranchi Harkan.

Please start by introducing your professional journey in academia.

And my schooling everything is over done from the ranch itself. Then I completed my B.Tech from the Social Technological University, Bangalore. Then I joined from IM Tech National Institute of technology.

And in 2022 I completed my PhD from Universal Technology Kharagpur and I made PhDs Areas are modern solution of materials mainly in the area of green energy, sustainability, sustainability.

And functional materials. And for this I joined IIT Kanpur as a project scientist in the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering.

Emily worked there in the area of batteries either solicited or liquid state and catalysis for energy applications. Presently I'm working as a fellow fellow fellow in the Department of Material Science Engineering, IIT Kanpur. And my research areas are mainly catalysis, that is nitrogen reduction for ammonia production and safe memory alloys. And even I'm working on the areas of like sodium sulfur batteries.

So these are the my special license and.

Able to talk about the like my many special. Then my main special is matrix modeling and simulation using different quantum mechanical tools like DfT, MD and I'm also trying to apply some machine learning approaches for faster material discovery.

And regarding the software I feel I used like I mean you would pass for DfT calculations and CP2K questions. There are also some tools I used, mainly I'm working on 1st.

For this DfT modeling part of matrix property predicts.

Yes.

Let's move forward.

Sorry.

So sorry, can you repeat the emotion?

No problem, Professor. Please share your thoughts whenever you're ready.

I maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout this interview, Professor. There's no emphasis on particular emotions, just professionalism and precision in evaluating your expertise and teaching ability. Let’s proceed with the verification of your skills. Could you explain the fundamental principles governing quantum materials and their applications?

In terms of quantum materials.

Literally I want to work on this C2D materials OK like and this.

For energy applications and for this for that calculation part, we can use like the FTMD and you can merge all these tools for the calculation of materials and they will also help for material discovery. And we can accelerate this as I said earlier by using AIML tools, OK. So in case of like quantum materials like for example, we can work on high temperature superconductors. They are the conduct type of conductors which work much on without resistance at very high temperature. Next is like 2D materials. You can use 2D materials for like energy application because in 2D materials when you do we can tune their property by just simply modifying or simply using some dopants. For example, in my PhD work I do opt with the decision with some like transition metal element and some non metals and I find out. That there is great change.

In their property the is like for example, like optical properties clearly enhanced either in terms of optical conductivity or and similarly like if you talk about the nonlinear optical property that also is correctly enhanced even catalytic like for this photo degradation and diode degradation there. But also I find out that cartilage working very nicely OK, for example, I, I adopt with lithium and phosphorus and kind of that if you compare.

System of the pristine core, we find out that is a great enhancement in the properties, okay, so we can use this strategy for doping or defect engineering to enhance the property of 2D materials that comes under materials and also we can go through some work related to like superconductor as I said, which has very less resistance compared to semiconductor very high temperature so we can.

We can use that type of results also and therefore regarding the tool I can use like as I said I might expertise like TFTMD and this simulation part.

So we can use this tool set find out like normal catalyst or normal materials which can you can be for different application based on the demand. Okay like for industry purpose we can design the material based on the requirement. Like recently I work in my first portal 1 battery work that is sodium sodium solar battery. There be designed electrocatalyst for electrolyte based on the necon based on the demand.

Industry they knew like that we need higher ionic conductivity but initial in secon the ionic conductivity relays but when we modified with Ruthenium doping, the conductivity enhances 8 times. So it shows that the great enhancement and we can design by using this modeling tools.

Look like OK, so these tools are very very helpful for designing this type of materials. And here I'm planning to use same type of tool or.

On some other new tools also for design or discovery of new materials.

Yes.

Given your expertise, let’s examine your approach to teaching. How would you simplify the concept of high-temperature superconductors for undergraduate students while ensuring they grasp its practical applications?

I will start with the basic one. First I'll introduce the student regarding this like what are different type of materials and what are different types of for example, metal, insulator and semiconductor and what is the difference between them? Okay, first I will explain them this things very carefully and very nicely so that it will be easy for them to understand regarding the high temperature superconductors. But they have they have to understand what is metal, what is insulated, what is semiconductor, what is the basic differences and how we can.

These materials for this higher temperature superconductor application and what is high superconductor that one also I'll, I'll try to kiss them and I'll try to make them understand like what are the basic needs and what are the modifications which is required for this high temperature superconductivity and how we can reduce the resistance for this conductivity?

I like this. I will introduce I will try to introduce the concept of this item is a superconductivity on the students. And regarding this other like energy part like green energy and battery, all the things I will start from this very basic things like what is there literally how it will work and all that. What is why is sodium sulfide working only? Why not lithium sulfide battery? What is the requirement and how it is important compared to this solution for battery and what are different parts of this and how it will helpful and how it will.

Help us in the future course in green sustainment and green environment. OK, Basically my main motto is to understand the student. Make them understand that green sustainability and green climate is very important for survival of human beings, not only the human beings for entire spaces. So we have to focus on the green energy and green sustainability so that we can sustain in the soil. So these are the some steps I will take it even I will also add some like.

Innovative pools while taking classes like.

Yeah, I will try to arrange some like seminars and lectures from the expert, OK. And even I'll try to use some like model tools like I'll try to use PPTS and presentations for them so that it will be very easy to make them understand like how it will work and how what is going on behind this and they.

I'll try to arrange like some visits also some likely if possible, I'll try to make some visit to industry and all the things so that they can see and they can understand like basic things what is going on inside that one.

Yes, yes, yes. So hands on or also will be there and we'll get running for them for basic pools like for DfT supposed to start start with I'll try to understand DfT then then I'll give some hand on for DfT also too like for some free open softwares are already available like Quantum explosion, CP2K open. We can give the hand-on to students so they can easily understand what is going on behind this. And for theory part, I will suggest them some there are many poor books are there so we can go through that books and you can understand the basic theory for that one. OK and.

Yes.

I see it. There are many free open software available where you can do some basic calculations based on the DfT and we can learn how to find out the optical conductivity, how to find out the resistance, how to find out the electric conduct, how to find out the metas and band gap and density of state plots and all the things, even adsorption energy. So we'll do small snow calculation and.

For them, not only in this time, it will help in them in the future.

I'll try to make them understand like how this tool are useful.

For the technology for guiding the student regarding this part generally, I used to like first I used to explain the student. It's just I want to give the deep explanation like this where these are the different areas we can start your research and based on the interest of the student, Okay, based on the interest of the student and mutual understanding, we can take a project and we can start the work. And it's also depend the capability of the student. Suppose he does not have. Knowledge of the tool, then I'll try to tease him the basic things and try to help him.

Your approach demonstrates a thoughtful integration of theory, practical applications, and exposure to computational tools like DFT and open-source software. It highlights your ability to not only teach foundational concepts but also equip students with skills applicable to their future academic and research pursuits. Let’s move forward to verify your experience in guiding student projects and research. Could you discuss the strategies you typically employ to mentor students effectively in long-term academic or research projects?

And I also try to talk to with them and to find out like which area they are more, more interested so that we can mutually find out the gap between that and we can try to resolve the issues. And so that they will get more interested regarding the project and they will do it nicely. And regarding the long term or long term also we'll plan. But at the time I can say that for long time. And it will also it will help, but at the same time, I'll also plan for some small project so that they will get motivated. Because sometimes it will take long term plan shouldn't get demotivated that there are some research area is not always necessary that we'll get the results. Sometimes we will not get the result and sometimes we're getting a negative result. So that time it will get, you can get demotivated. So to get the student motivated, I'll try to arrange some small project and try to give some small topical source for that. They will get some good results and they will get motivated at the same time. And for long term project they will.

To get motivated and to learn that tool so that he can involve that that that work and he can finish his project nicely.

And they can finish their work and for example period or M tech. So it will take a long time. So for this I'm thinking that I will take two technologies. I want this long time. I want to short time for short time project for just for motivate the student and long time for their like it will help for their career or their in future their to pursue any industrial like industry position or academic position.

Continue their work for long time and afterwards.

Yes. So regarding the subject, uh, thing I'll like, uh, I want to go through this like what about the like cost? And suppose I want to share the question papers and I don't go through the whatever is there in the book. OK, I'll try to make the question by myself so that it will design such that it will, it will require the basic things. OK, So the students will go through the basic things and they will understand the, how the basic approaches they can use and they can solve this problem. So it will be mainly on the basic.

Your approach reflects adaptability and consideration toward students' individual interests and capabilities. By balancing short-term milestone-driven projects with long-term academic goals, fostering motivation through achievable outcomes while equipping them for deeper research, you demonstrate effective mentorship strategies. Let us now verify your proficiency in student evaluation and exam duties. Could you explain the process you adopt to design and assess examinations that evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving abilities in a subject like quantum materials?

And phenomena so, so that it will also help them to understand the themes. Because the only theory is not that much effective as per my point of view is also required some practical knowledge and also require some information. So pre examination point of view and practical knowledge I'll decide I will make the posting papers like that they will go through it that time they will understand these basic things are required. And these basic things are very, very important. So next time enable they will come they will understand the important of this basic concept and basic theories and it will also help them.

Concept.

In the future also, so as I said, I'll design the question paper, whatever The thing is by myself itself. I'm not copy and paste or I'll not repeat whatever the questions are there in the test book itself.

But like what's for defect engineering? Suppose iron dot is defect engineering topic in the classroom, Then first I'll start with a very simple defect. OK, the very simple defect is nothing but the vacancy. OK, We'll talk about a different type of way. There are different type of effects are there, Although like if I can see and destruction positions, okay, there are also known as one defect. And 2nd is lines line defect in line, there are dislocations and all the things are there. And similarly, there are surface effect and volume. But when I start this course, first I'll start with the very simple this bond defect and then I'll try.

You emphasize creating original, application-focused examinations designed to strengthen foundational understanding and integrate practical relevance—this reflects your ability to craft assessments that challenge students while preparing them for real-world academic or industrial demands. It’s clear you aim for a balance between theoretical comprehension and experiential learning. Let’s evaluate your communication skills and structured teaching approach. Could you provide an example of how you would structure a lecture on defect engineering in materials science to ensure clarity and engagement for graduate students?

Yes.

To explain them like what is the defect on how it will affect the properties of the material. For example, I will take an example. Let's suppose in case of iron, suppose G filter with one car carbon that property this harness will increase. Similarly, for example you consider semiconductor. In semiconductor, suppose we will drop a small impurity element at the P type or north type greatly enhances sign conductivity. OK, so based on these things I can explain them. OK, so I'll start with defect. One more example is like allowing if you allow the element.

I'm going to change the properties also. I'll try to give them a simple example like NaCl, if you'll take their NaCl. In case of NaCl, there are cations and anions are there and it depends on their defect creation like you know, Frenkel defect or Scotty Parsley not defect. Okay, so and how it will help how our friend will depend or as a point defect, what is vacancy? And in vacancy, how created and proposed will create the vacancy, how they reflect the property of the material, Either it's compressive or tensile stress will generate.

Structure and try to experience this phenomena with like simple diagram. I'll I'll draw a simple diagram in the blackboard or this whiteboard and I'll try to explain them. Even I try to some like some like for example, try to them some real life example. Suppose in the library you can go to the library, there are still for keeping the book. And if you take a book and that part, it will adjust an example of like. Edge dislocation. Similarly, the spiral staircase they're they're showing the example of.

Uh, some real life applications here. I'm object so so that they can basically they can. It will be easy for them to understand like how the effects are generated and how they are helpful in the metric properties.

School dislocation so so like this I will try to give them.

Yes, regarding my PhD in COPIC, this is titled my this is title while density function theory of dog 2 dimensional graphite in carbonated and their applications. Okay, so and the key output regarding the key output major outcomes of my from a pad. This is that in my PhD thesis first time I explained the multifunctionality of lithium and post protocol.

Your approach to structuring a lecture on defect engineering is thorough, combining theoretical concepts with practical examples and relatable real-life analogies. Integrating diagrams, applications, and interactive elements like library visits demonstrates your structured and engaging teaching methodology. Let’s validate the next skill: your PhD specialization. Could you briefly explain the title and key contributions of your doctoral research? How do those contributions align with advancing quantum materials or 2D material applications?

I yeah, approved, I applied this approach to find out the applicability of lithium and postpress code of being in the GC in different areas, For example, nonlinear optical properties in photocatalyst or even hydrogen storage. So I stated 3 different areas and find out that after doping the lithium and postproduct this, you can use this material as a multifunctional material. So this is the first one. Second one I explored the.

Doping effect of oscillium platinum and platinum in the gecithinium core in the area of Anocase and sync because they know that anode gas is a toxic gas and is also results in acid rain. So this is very very important to detect and avoid this nog. So I still need the.

Analges sensing application of this nonmetal decision for and try to find out this applicability. Next application is first time I discovered that. Like.

Functionality of this type of dopant in decision 4, where you can view this material in two different areas, either as a photocatalyst or as a spontaneous device.

I just said I can use my tools like the FTMD and ML for the material discovery for factor degree. As I said I can use like from a senior link and in DfT MD tools are very important tool for material changing quantum scale because you know you know that quantum in quantum materials you have to study the property at the quantum level and quantum level study. We need a tool which can access the quantum mechanical property and that times that DfT and MD they are invari.

Your PhD research focused on the multifunctionality of doped 2D graphite-carbon systems, with significant contributions in nonlinear optical properties, photocatalysis, hydrogen storage, and anode gas sensing applications. Exploring diverse applications while employing a density functional theory approach showcases your depth in advanced computational techniques and material discovery within quantum materials. Let’s now assess your experience with research publications. Could you elaborate on the subject focus of your most significant publication? How did it contribute to advancements in quantum materials or their applications?

Control because this is DfT nothing which is a quantum mechanical tools where you can easily access the quantum properties of the material and the quantum level. So it will help in designing new quantum materials in future either is in the area of cream energy or sustainability or in any different area. For example, if you I'm working in presently, I'm working safe maybe always. So you can use safe memory. Alloy is not only in the area of actuator even people are using now safe mode.

Energy applications OK and even like in aerospace applications also there so these tools like DfT and MD we can use.

For faster W, this is quantum materials.

Yeah, yeah. As I said like last time, I whatever the project I worked for my first post that is your industry project itself, that is a project from SCRB Government of India where they they have.

Thank you, Professor, for elaborating. Your emphasis on density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), and AIML tools for quantum-scale material studies highlights your robust methodology. The application of such advanced computational tools demonstrates your potential for transformative contributions in quantum materials research, including green energy and advanced alloy applications. Let us now discuss your experience with industry projects or consultancy. Could you elaborate on an industrial collaboration you’ve been part of? Specifically, how did your knowledge in quantum materials contribute to that project?

So we selected 2 thinium based on our study and based on our trial and error method. And if 100 approved the lithium broking, the tool enhances 8 times food source, a great enhancement. And to find out the mechanism behind this enhancement, we use DfT 2. And from the DfT we find out that these are the mechanism, these are the things going on inside this synthesic 1. Hence the connectivity increases. So it helps upgrade to find out the mechanism inside this type of phenomenon. Because from the experiment you can find out the enhancement you can.

Told us that that we have we want to electrocute light that have any conductor in the range. So we try to improve the conductivity of like pristine massacre by doping with foreign element.

What is the investment? We can find out this but if suppose you want to see the inside, then you need some tool which you can go through this quantum level and from there from where they can find out the main reason they are behind this and from where we can explore the properties and nicely and and we can understand the basic things, basic mechanism so that it will help us to further design and development of the fundamentally.

Your industry collaboration with SCRB, focusing on enhancing the ionic conductivity of pristine electrolytes via doping, illustrates how advanced computational tools like DFT can uncover underlying quantum-level mechanisms behind phenomena. This ability to bridge experimental observations with theoretical insights demonstrates a strong application of your expertise in quantum materials toward real-world challenges. Having verified all necessary skills, we'll conclude technical evaluation here. Thank you for your detailed inputs.

OK, so may I know which role I will get?

Our scheduled time for the interview is now up. Before we conclude, do you have any questions related to the role or the company?

I'll need to review the exact details of the role. One moment.

The role you're being evaluated for is Professor specializing in Quantum Materials. Key responsibilities include teaching theory and laboratory courses, evaluating students, guiding research projects, publishing in reputable journals, and contributing to R&D and consultancy activities. Preferred qualifications include expertise in areas like Quantum Materials, 2D and 3D Functional Materials, and Theoretical Simulations, along with a PhD in a relevant specialization. Would you like to add any more questions related to this role?

No. OK. Thank you.

So.

Will that be all, Professor? If you'd like to conclude the interview, please confirm explicitly.

OK. Thank you so much.

You're very welcome, Professor. Could you confirm explicitly if you'd like me to end the interview?

Yes, yes.