Hi! I am Akshat Zalte
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay pursuing B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering with Honors. My pronouns are he/him/his.
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay pursuing B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering with Honors. My pronouns are he/him/his.
Fortunate to have worked as a part of rigorous, impactful and collaborative research groups in India as well as the US, research-driven student technical teams and some fruitful industrial collaborations.
Explored multiple domains like mathematical modelling, molecular simulations, process simulation, proteomics, computational fluid mechanics, nanocomposites and polymers.
Performing Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) experiments to determine equilibrium melting temperature for semi-crystalline novel nanocomposite.
Designing accelerated aging protocols to study micro and nano plastics generation and their characterization using dynamic light scattering and optical microscopy.
Working on Inverse problem in population balance to determine growth rate of multiple polymorph crystals in an LJ fluid using mathematical modeling.
Worked as a part of a 3 member team to model the process of 3-Amionbenzotrifluoride (ABTF) production involving batch reactors and separation columns, identify critical bottlenecks and increase the production by ≈30%.
Member of an international research team selected to investigate finite-size effects on diffusion in confined carbon nanotubes using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and hydrodynamic calculations.
All-student team working on designing and developing a state-of-the-art AUV, capable of performing realistic naval tasks in marine conditions that competes internationally at RoboSub, San Diego (international competition for universities across the globe) & nationally at NIOT-SAVe.
Contributed to a case-control clinical study to determine the long term effects of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system and spermatozoa using proteomic study and pathway analysis using data from semen samples of both groups.
Quantified the transport of mucus caused by beating of cilia, modeled as an asymmetric wave. Used mathematical methods like Perturbation Theory, Long-Wave Approximation and Scaling to make deductions about the flow (pressure, mixing, velocity profiles).
Studied, ideated and designed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) based on thorough literature review for the production of Natural Vanillin via fermentation route with Ferulic Acid as the substrate. Backed the study with a detailed cost analysis and summary of multiple available routes.
Created a novel approach by coupling Yovanowich model with Churchill-Ozoe Nusselt no. Correlation for analytical solving that validated the simulation results & tested it with a stat. significance of p-value<.05. Successfully brought down the max chip-temperature to 47°C by using the genetic algorithm (~45%reduction)
Worked in team of 10 to develop an MEMS-based Anaemia detection device considering the economics of processes involved. Ideated the fabrication and modeled the device using Photolithography and Soft-MEMS techniques on PDMS.
The project is a joint effort by AUV-IITB and Larsen & Toubro Ltd. under the IMPRINT II.C initiative of the MHRD. Currently in the Design Phase, the ROV is aimed to be deployed in sea waters for scanning and maintenance purposes.
I have been extremely fortunate to have been part of multiple research labs, tech teams and industrial projects. These equipped me with a unique skill set which I hope to expand in coming time!
Part of the Institute Student Mentor team responsible for mentoring freshmen - helping them adjust to the college environment, make informed decisions and provide guidance on academic and extra-curricular pursuits
Mentored 6 sophomores from Chemical Engineering department and guiding them through academic and extra-curricular pursuits in the institute. Currently mentoring an academically weak student. Additionally, heading the DAMP Blog Subteam.
Led the mechanical subdivision of the team on research front by ideating, mentoring, planning and managing research projects in underwater technologies.
Served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for a batch of 60+ freshmen, conducting weekly tutorial sessions, special doubt sessions, and grading answer sheets for the following courses:
• BB 101: Physical Biology and Biomedical Engineering (BME) modules (Spring '21)
• CH 107: Quantum Chemistry (Autumn '21)
• CH 105: Organic & Inorganic Chemistry (Autumn '22)
Academically ranked 1st in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a CPI of 9.81/10 among 138 students
Awarded as the recognition of truly exceptional research work in quality and in extent as a part of the UG thesis
Awarded for exemplary academic standing across six semesters in Chemical Engineering by IIT Bombay
Summer project on polymorphism in pharma-molecules funded by Davidson School of Chemical Engineering
at Purdue University (Amount - $3500)
Awarded by IIT Bombay two times in a row for highest CPI (GPA) in years 2020-21 and 2021-22
Second runner-up at the Prof. N. R. Kamath Chemical Engineering Quiz organised by Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), Mumbai Region
Hostel 17, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India
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