Hello! I'm Rohith K.M.S.
PhD student at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. My research is focused on experimental synthesis and characterisation of magnetic thin films for quantum memory applications. I plan to use micro-magnetic simulations as a parallel method of enquiry.
During my bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering (also from IISc), I simulated the solidification of steel with the aim of making accurate predictions about the spatial variations in the composition of 3D-printed steel parts In my undergraduate thesis project.
I feel that simulations have tremendous potential as educational tools, and communicating the joy and wonder of science to audiences of all ages and backgrounds is something that resonates with my heart.
I’ve also worked as a physics teacher, and a science writer
Research
Projects
Designed and developed (along with a few others) a device to automate the regular measurement of the optical density of bacterial populations in a culture to generate growth curves, thereby saving biologists countless hours in the lab at a fraction of the price of a commercial automated machine. Open source hardware with detailed DIY instructions. Device nominated for the best hardware prize at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, 2017.
Lead frontend and backend developer of aNANt (version 1) - a database (first of its kind in India) of over 23,000 computationally calculated functional materials and their crystal structure, electronic band structure and properties.
Teaching
2023
Conducted a hands-on physics summer camp for students in grades 9-12. One of the most memorable occasions in my life!
2023
Created some simulations to help highschool students visualise concepts in physics.
I designed a 30-min long dance demonstration to teach the biology of movement. We discuss neural signals, muscle contraction and different kinds of joints. I also taught kids some simple dance moves.
Science Writing (selected)
A beginner-friendly article introducing the theory and current state of the art of Quantum Computing, and the impact it can have on the world. Published by the IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI) in the Jan 2024 issue of its QUANTNEWS newsletter.
Oct 14, 2023
A feature on perovskites, a family of next-generation solar materials that can be used to make flexible and transparent solar cells.
June 14, 2022
A feature on the interdisciplinary work of Tejas G Murthy, Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at IISc, on granular materials and ways of analysing them such as Computed Tomography (CT) using powerful X-Ray sources.