Pratishtha Rao

Supported automotive development projects for display mounting and battery sealing applications. Planned and conducted 300+ mechanical, environmental, and performance investigations on functional polymer systems and prepared 1000+ test samples. Collaborated with product development, project management, marketing, and customer solution teams to communicate findings and support product qualification and launch activities.

Supported development and validation of acrylic foam sealing solutions for EV battery packs. Conducted mechanical, electrical, and environmental testing using laboratory and universal testing equipment. Led an independent study on the influence of polymer backing thickness on dielectric performance and contributed to technical presentations, documentation, and data management initiatives.

Supported laboratory teaching activities involving a pseudo-2D fluidised bed system. Guided students in experimental procedures and data interpretation, helping connect theoretical process engineering concepts with practical observations while strengthening technical communication skills.

Investigated phase behaviour and solubility in supercritical CO₂ systems through literature evaluation and data analysis. Supported scientific research activities and contributed to the preparation of publications in peer-reviewed journals, gaining experience in scientific communication and experimental data interpretation.

Investigated API scale-up from laboratory to pilot scale and studied zero-liquid-discharge wastewater treatment systems. Applied analytical thinking to evaluate processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Studied industrial ammonia and urea production processes, including key unit operations, process integration, and operating principles. Evaluated production routes and identified opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.

Final grade: 2.0 Selected coursework: Heat & Mass Transfer, Separation Processes, Particle Technology, Applied Thermodynamics, Chromatographic Separations, Bioreactor Design, Heterogeneous Catalysis

Final grade: 1.5