Dr. Ratnesh K Pandey

Dr. Pandey is a accomplished researcher and professor specializing in accelerator-based research, ion-induced material modification, surface nano structuring, radiation damage, nanoclusters, and density functional theory methods. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the Nanotechnology Application Centre, University of Allahabad, India.

With over eight years of academic experience, Dr. Pandey has made notable contributions to materials science and technology. His research excellence is reflected in his extensive portfolio of 50 publications and an H-index of 12. He has successfully secured research funding for multiple projects, including the radiation stability of tungsten carbide nanostructures for fusion reactor applications and the exploration of 2D materials and transition metal-doped nanosheets for supercapacitor applications.

Currently, he is also leading the development of a gas sensing system supported through government and UPES-funded initiatives. Beyond research, Dr. Pandey actively contributes to academic administration as a course coordinator and a key team member for accreditation and documentation processes.

Dr. Pandey brings a wealth of academic and research experience to UPES. He has been associated as a Beam Time User at the Material Science Beam Line, Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, from 2009 to 2015, and again from 2021 to the present. He expanded his research expertise internationally as a Visiting Scholar at Michigan Technological University, USA, where he worked on small fluoride clusters.

At UPES, Dr. Pandey has steadily advanced through academic ranks, serving as Assistant Professor (2016–2019), Assistant Professor – Senior Scale (2019–2023), Assistant Professor – Selection Grade (2023–2025), and currently as Associate Professor (2025–present).

Prior to joining UPES, he served as an Assistant Professor at Suraj PG College, Mahendragarh, Haryana (2015–2016), building strong foundations in teaching and research.

Dr. Pandey's research interests lie in the field of physics, particularly materials science, nanotechnology, and ion beam interactions. He is passionate about exploring the properties of various materials and understanding their behaviour at the nanoscale level. His research involves the application of ion beams in modifying and characterizing materials. Additionally, he has a keen interest in computational methods, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT), for studying the electronic and structural properties of materials.

Dr. Pandey's teaching philosophy revolves around creating an engaging and student-centred learning environment. He believes in empowering students through active participation, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences. His inclusive classroom encourages students to express ideas freely and challenge existing knowledge. Dr. Pandey emphasizes integrating theoretical concepts with real-world applications, and he uses effective communication and personalized guidance to inspire a love for learning and equips students with the skills and knowledge for success in their academic and professional pursuits.

Dr. Pandey's expertise in teaching covers a diverse range of physics courses, including Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Mathematical Physics, Mechanics, Electronics, Waves & Optics, Nanotechnology, Solid State Physics, Electromagnetism, and Engineering Physics. He also offers specialized courses, such as Ion Accelerator and Beam Optics.

Dr. Pandey has received International Travel Support from SERB for delivering an invited talk at the XXVI International Conference on Ion-Surface Interactions (ISI-2023) in Russia. He has previously received International Travel Support from SERB for his talk at SHIM 2012 at Kyoto University, Japan, and a Visitor Scholar Fellowship in 2013 from Michigan Technological University (MTU), USA, for conducting research work at MTU. His research has received significant funding from various government agencies, including BRNS (INR 34,00,000, ongoing project), UGC DAE CSR (INR 1,35,000, ongoing project), and SERB (INR 5,50,000, completed project).

Dr. Pandey has an extensive publication record, with 50 publications spanning research papers, conference proceedings, book chapters, and books, and an impressive h-index of 12. As a Principal Investigator, he has successfully secured funding for various research projects. In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Pandey is actively involved in guiding Ph.D. students and has published several conference proceedings. He is a life member of prominent national and international societies, including the Indian Physics Association (IPA), Ion Beam Society of India (IBSI), and the Society for Material Chemistry (SMC).

Dr. Pandey has pursued continuous professional development through various certifications, including the Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) from UPES, Dehradun (Nov 2019, 9 CGPA) and Virtual Teaching from the University of California, Irvine on Coursera. He has also attended faculty training programs by NITTTR, Bhopal, and a Faculty Development Program on Enhancing Teaching Skills conducted by NIT Kurukshetra in 2016.

rpandey@ddn.upes.ac.in