Prof. A. Arockiarajan is a Professor in the Department of Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering at IIT Madras. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany, after completing his B.E. and M.E. in India. His research focuses on smart materials and structures, composites, biomaterials, and computational modeling, especially electromechanical coupled systems. He has industrial experience (e.g. with TATA Motors, Infineon) and currently heads the Smart Materials Characterization Lab (SMCL) at IIT Madras, working on experimental, theoretical and computational studies in functional materials.
Dr. M. S. Sivakumar has served as a faculty member in the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras since 1994. He is an alumnus of IIT Madras and holds a Ph.D. degree from Louisiana State University, USA. His research focuses on inelasticity (specifically plasticity) of materials, smart materials and solid mechanics, in general. He has authored several refereed journal papers, textbooks and edited volumes. He has guided a number of postgraduate and doctoral students and has been on several scientific and search committees and boards in the nation.
Dr. G. Balaganesan is a Senior Technical Officer at the Central Workshop, IIT Madras, where he leads projects and training in advanced manufacturing and materials processing. His professional background integrates industry collaboration, student innovation mentoring, and applied research in impact studies, repair technologies, and composite materials. Over his 25-year career, he has contributed to several sponsored research projects with organizations such as ISRO, Siemens, and Caterpillar, published extensively in reputed journals, and participated in numerous international conferences. Dr. Balaganesan is also actively involved in developing hands-on training programs that blend traditional manufacturing with digital and smart manufacturing technologies, supporting innovation and skill development among engineering students.