Microalgal biomass heralds sustainable biofuel production
Dr Imran Pancha, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has recently published a paper titled “Deep eutectic solvents and Ionic liquid assisted hydrolysis of microalgal biomass: A promising approach towards sustainable biofuel production” in the celebrated Journal of Molecular Liquids (2021): 116264 (Impact Factor-5.065). The study was conducted in association with Akshay Kulshrestha, Sandhya Mishra, and Arvind Kumar from CSIR-CSMCRI
Microalgae is recently considered one of the promising biomasses for the production of renewable energy such as biodiesel and bioethanol. Microalgae are tiny photosynthetic organisms that utilise atmospheric CO2, water and sunlight to produce carbohydrates and lipids, which can be converted into renewable fuels. Compared to higher plants, microalgae is a good platform for bioethanol production as they do not contain any lignin in their cell composition, which makes pre-treatment for biomass hydrolysis easy. In the present study, Dr Pancha and his team explored the use of green solvents ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for microalgal hydrolysis. They observed that among the eight tested ionic liquids, ethyl ammonium nitrate (EAN) resulted in the highest saccharification yield of 95.5%. Whereas, among hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents, menthol: lactic acid (Me: LA) exhibited the highest saccharification yield of 85.7% and also did not require any additional high temperature or other pre-treatments for biomass hydrolysis, indicating as the potential solvent system for microalgal biomass hydrolysis. Overall, the present study results indicated that the identified IL and DES could be used as a green and sustainable alternative for the pre-treatment of microalgal biomass for bioethanol production.
Due to limited fossil fuel reserve as well as environmental issues like high greenhouse gas emission and other environmental problems, finding green and sustainable energy resource is of prime importance for today’s world. To solve this problem, microalgae are among the best resources for producing renewable resources due to it’s high growth rate and photosynthetic ability. Microalgae also have the ability to obtain nutrients from various wastewater, so they also do not require fresh water for cultivation. However, commercial-scale production of microalgae-based biofuels faces various problems such as cultivation cost, downstream processing for biofuel production etc. In this regard, in the present work, Dr Pancha demonstrated the use of ILs and DESs for pre-treatment of microalgal biomass for reducing sugar production, which can be further utilised to produce bioethanol.
Dr Pancha and his research group are further devoted to understanding the molecular mechanism behind the accumulation of energy reserved compounds in the microalgae and developing a sustainable biorefinery process to extract biofuels and other industrially relevant compounds from single microalgal biomass.
Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116264
- Published in Biology News, News, Research News
Infoedge hires Srikanth Somarouthu with an exciting CTC of 12.5 LPA
Dreams do come true when you grab the opportunities that come by. Srikanth Somarouthu, a BTech final year student from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, gets placed as a software engineer with Infoedge. This extreme moment of happiness with a prestigious company offering an incredible CTC is the result of the persistent mentoring he received during his studies at university.
Srikant has been preparing for a year to perfectly fit the company’s recruitment process. He underwent rigorous training programmes conducted by the Department of Corporate Relations and Career Services. Mock tests were conducted at regular intervals with industry experts to polish his coding and aptitude skills. In addition to this, separate sessions by Career Development Centre (CDC) were carried out to develop his soft skills to qualify for the final interview rounds.
“I sincerely express my gratitude towards the Department of CR and CS, SRM-AP, for conducting a well-planned training programme both on theoretical and practical levels,” said Srikant. “The University played a major role in providing me with opportunities to participate in competitive programmes and offered a global standard curriculum that has shaped my career. SRM University-AP has prepared me with practical knowledge right from the inception of the UG course. I am thankful to the faculty members of my department who guided and encouraged me to embark into the field. The nurture and guidance that I received from the University have given me ample confidence to be competitive enough and grab the Super dream offer”, he added.
Mr Vivekanandan, Assistant Director, Corporate Relations and Career Services, said, “We always looked for the best opportunities for our students. The talent exhibited by the CSE students during the internships, projects, curriculum and extra-curriculum activities naturally drew the best recruiters to SRM University-AP.”
- Published in CR&CS NEWS, CSE NEWS, News
SVS Sri Harsha gets admission in leading IIMs across India
SVS Sri Harsha, a final-year BSc Computer Science student at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, receives admission offers from India’s top business schools. As an extremely meritorious student, he has qualified CAT, XAT, NMAT and SNAP. He scored a percentile of 98.9 in CAT and has got the opportunity to study MBA at any one of the IIMs in Shillong, Kozhikode, Raipur, and Bodh Gaya. In addition to these apex management institutes, he has also received offers from XLRI-Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur; Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad; NMIMS, Mumbai; Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune; and International Management Institute, Delhi. He hails from Vijayawada and completed his schooling in Delhi.
“I started my preparation for CAT from the end of March 2020 and successfully achieved the percentile. I am extremely happy that I got calls from reputed institutes in the country as it was my dream to pursue an MBA from any one of these institutes after completing my bachelor studies”, said Harsha. “I would like to express my gratitude to the computer science head of the department, Dr T Ragunathan, and the faculty members for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey at SRM University-AP” he added.
- Published in Computer Science News, Departmental News, News, Students Achievements
SRM University-AP collaborates with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
The Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, introduces the globally recognised American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) membership programmes to its students.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a non-profit establishment formed for the global engineers’ community that promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, career enhancement, and skill development. ASME Student Chapter helps university engineering students develop their professional identity and provides essential engagement opportunities by offering access to a wide range of activities and resources such as membership, competitions, scholarships, student sections and much more.
The engineering curriculum is not restricted to the theoretical aspects but involves practical applications. The collaboration with ASME will help students of our university to find engineering-related job articles, online journals, webinars, and workshops on a single platform. Students will be exposed to niche career paths and opportunities across industries where they can apply their mechanical engineering education to address critical issues facing the globe. Students can get in touch with experienced professionals all around the world through the ASME mentoring programme and seek careers or any other type of guidance.
SRM University-AP collaborates with global organisations to promote international exposure of students. In collaboration with ASME, the Department of Mechanical Engineering will be organising webinars and workshops by eminent faculties of the institute, where they will share their experiences and knowledge with the participants. The programme aims to create extraordinary learning experiences for the students to carry out many activities under this umbrella and fulfil the expectations of ASME.
Dr Prakash Jadav, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will be acting as faculty adviser for this chapter which is headed by Tushar Sahu.
- Published in Collaborations, Departmental News, Mechanical Engineering NEWS, News
Why choose BCom (Hons) at SRM University-AP?
In the wake of Admissions-2021, the Department of Commerce is holding a formal webinar on “Salient features and career options for BCom (Hons) at SRM University-AP”, highlighting the contemporary aspects of the subject and the career paths that one can choose after pursuing Commerce in our university. Dr A Lakshmana Rao and Dr Shailendra Singh from the Department of Commerce, SRM University-AP, will elucidate on the topic on July 16, 2021, 4.00 pm onwards.
The vision of the Department of Commerce under the School of Entrepreneurship and Management Studies (SEAMS) is to prepare agents of change in business, life, and society. The department, which has highly experienced faculty with international exposure, aims to build business leaders who represent the university in global standards. The curriculum not only caters to the theoretical aspect of the subject but also implements the practical methods for the understanding of real-life problems. The academic programmes and workshops held at regular intervals provide students with in-depth knowledge of the subject. The department exposes its students to well-known business and industry experts. It urges students to formulate innovative business ideas and represent them on global platforms.
All commerce aspirants are cordially invited to join this introductory session on July 16, 2021, at 4:00 pm to get worthwhile insights on pursuing a BCom (Hons) degree at SRM University-AP.
Register here: https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-lhIzqejTnGHr2KbQEwmVg
- Published in Admission Events - Domestic, Commerce Current Happenings
Redefining information-centric IoT networks in the internet architecture
Dr Satish Anamalamudi, Assistant Professor, in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has published a research paper titled “Cooperative Caching Scheme for Machine-to-Machine Information-Centric IoT Networks” in the IEEE Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The research paper is co-authored by Dr Mohammed Saeed Alkatheiri and Dr Eesa Al Solami of University of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Dr Abdur Rashid Sangi of Yibin University, China.
According to the authors, Information-centric networks (ICNs), a foreseen future Internet architecture, focuses on the application content rather than its hosting location. With this, the existing Internet protocol (IP)-based host-centric communication model can be transformed into a content-centric communication model with the support of in-network caching, name-based routing, and location-independent content domain names. Recently, ICN is proposed to be a potential Internet architecture for Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks due to minimal retrieval delays and reduced load on the data producer. Content retrieval from IoT nodes plays a prominent role in enhancing the performance of the ICN-IoT networks. The in-network caching of ICN enhances the data availability in the network, overcome the issue of single-point failure, and improve IoT devices power efficiency. In this work, the authors explore a cooperative caching scheme for information-centric-IoT networks to optimize the cache hit with the support of a caching network topology model, a content popularity model, and an exogenous request access model.
Dr Satish says that ICN proposes to shift the existing complex Internet model to a simple and generic one. This approach considers the content as the first-class network citizen. In ICN, contents are addressed and routed by their unique names and are decoupled from the address of the node storing it. In this way, consumers ask for information by its name rather than its locality address. In ICN, every content is identified by using a unique, persistent and location-independent name. A wide set of IoT applications is inherently information-centric. In fact, the majority of IoT applications target data regardless of its source. For instance, environmental monitoring applications are oblivious to the information origin. ICN is a promising candidate for IoT environments. It can natively support IoT scenarios while improving data dissemination and reducing network complexity.
Dr Satish Anamalamudi had been a Research Engineer with Huawei Technologies, Beijing, China. He also worked with the Huaiyin Institute of Technology (HYIT), Huai’an, China, until February 2018. He is currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh. His research interests include the common-control-channel design for MAC and routing protocols in cognitive radio ad hoc networks, MAC, and routing protocol design of Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks.
Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICJECE.2020.3046844
- Published in CSE NEWS, News, Research News
Mechanical Engineering graduate admitted into Northeastern University, Boston
Lankalapalli Pavan Sai from the undergraduate department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, has secured an astounding admission to Northeastern University (NEU), Boston for his higher education. The Master’s in Engineering Management programme that he has enrolled in meets F-1 international student status requirements and is purely designed for the Core background (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering) students. Pavan Sai had also qualified to work with the global L&T Technology Services company through the campus placement at SRM University-AP.
According to Pavan Sai, NEU lies in the heart of Boston city which is one of the major hubs for startups and the University is known for its CO-OP program that gives hands-on experience in theoretical, quantitative, and analytical skills and tools. His decision to study abroad happened rather late though he qualified IELTS on time and has been preparing for GRE.
When he applied to NEU just two days before the deadline, the faculty and staff at SRM University-AP extended their full assistance to go by the application. “I cannot forget the assiduous support and mentorship of my Professors Dr Satya Pramod Jammy and Dr Venkata Nori from the Department of Mechanical Engineering”, says Pavan Sai. “I also want to thank SRM University-AP for helping me and providing me with opportunities”, he adds.
- Published in Mechanical Engineering NEWS, News, Students Achievements
First private university to achieve twin foreign placement in maiden batch
The prodigious twins of SRM University-AP proved their mettle again, cracking job offers with the highest salary of the season. Rajarshi and Saptarshi Mazumder from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering have been offered the positions of Technical Engineers-IT at PVP Inc Japan, a strategic partner of Google, Japan, with a pay package of 50 LPA. SRM University-AP becomes the first private university in India to achieve twin foreign placement in the maiden batch
Coming from a small town in West Bengal, the twins joined SRM University-AP with dreams in their eyes. They struggled with their schooling due to the transferable nature of their father’s job, but it also prepared them with the mindset to overcome any obstacle that comes in their way to excellence. Rajarshi and Saptarshi found their educational abode in SRM University-AP, where their dreams and ideas were encouraged and nurtured.
“Every moment at SRM-AP was so defining. Academics and research, 24×7 student-run Next Tech Lab, Semester Abroad and Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley, USA and winning Hackathon in Bay area competing with MIT, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon gave us the wide exposure of the real world, which would not have been possible without the continuous support of our faculty and university management. Now, it is time that we start our life in Japan, and we are very much looking forward to the new chapter,” said Rajarshi.
SRM University-AP is proud of its first graduating batch with a 100% Placement record, with most students getting multiple offers from reputed companies. 71% of students got Marquee, Super Dream, and Dream offers of ₹20+, ₹ 10+ and ₹ 5+ lakhs, respectively; and 600+ companies visited the university for recruitment. Top recruiters include Amazon, PayPal, Barclay, American Express, Bank America, Walmart, AB InBev, TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, L&T, AIS, JSW and Adani. The students of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering have bagged an attractive average salary of 8 LPA.
“SRM University-AP is founded with the vision to offer quality engineers, entrepreneurs and professionals to the country. In the Maiden Placement Drive itself, our graduates have shown predominance making the university a favourable destination for top industrial recruiters,” said Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University-AP.
Prof Ragunathan, Associate Dean in the School of Engineering and Sciences and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering shared that our university has acquired the brand name as a prominent tech hub to the recruiters searching for the choicest engineers. “We are certain that in the coming years, the number of recruiters visiting will further increase, creating a record in the country”, he added.
Mr Vivekanandan, Assistant Director, Corporate Relations and Career Services, said that the department always looks for the best opportunities for the students. The aptitude of CSE students manifested in their internships, projects, curricular and extra-curricular endeavours naturally drew the attention of best recruiters to SRM University-AP.
- Published in CR&CS NEWS, CSE NEWS, News
No.1 Business School in Germany admits Aaditya Jain from CSE
Here’s an exclusive interview with Aaditya Jain, a Computer Science Engineering graduate from SRM University-AP who has secured admission in ESMT Berlin, Germany.
Q. Hi Aaditya, please tell us about yourself.
I am Aaditya Jain, a Computer Science Engineering graduate of Batch 2021 at SRM University-AP. I have always been fascinated by Business and Management and the impact that technology can bring about in transforming them. I have led AIESEC in Amaravati for 2 years and have done various internships in the field of Business & Management.
Q. Can you tell us your motivation behind applying to ESMT?
ESMT is a triple-accredited Business School, No.1 in Germany and No. 8 in Europe and No. 26 in the world (for its programme) according to ‘The Economist’, ‘Bloomberg Business’ and ‘Financial Times’- major ranking firms for the Business Schools. ESMT Berlin – European School of Management and Technology GmbH is located at the heart of Berlin, Germany. It is a business school founded by 25 multinational corporations including BCG, McKinsey, BMW, Allianz and others. I also applied to NOVA business school in Portugal, UCD Smurfit in Ireland and a few others.
Q. Can you talk about the course that you have enrolled in?
I would be pursuing a Master’s in Management (MBA) specialising in Global & Digital Strategy at ESMT Berlin, Germany. This is a 2-year programme with integrated Internships and Social Impact Projects launching my career into the field of Management Consulting/Marketing.
Q. Are you offered any scholarships there?
Yes, I am offered ‘Outstanding Student Leader’ scholarship of Euro 5500 by ESMT.
Q. How was your preparation for these university applications?
I always knew that I wanted a career in Management and Business. Right from my freshman year, I worked towards it. I started and led AIESEC in Amaravati (something highly valued by Business Schools), and I also did internships in the field of Marketing & Strategy. I made sure I get a pro-bono internship experience abroad and for that, I did an internship in Greece, Athens. I wrote my GMAT and at the same time, focused on my Essays. I think it’s all about being honest and genuine with yourself and others that count in the end.
Q. Can you elaborate on the support you received from SRM University-AP?
My university has immensely helped me in terms of both professional growth and financial assistance. I am grateful to SRM University-AP for providing me with sponsorship to attend my Master’s in these times of Covid-19 when everything is very uncertain. I am really thankful to Dr Srabani Basu who has helped me all throughout the 4 years of my journey at SRM AP. She mentored me, taught me business communication and interview skills, helped me develop my lateral thinking.
Q. What are your dreams about the future?
I want to work around the world, experience new cultures and be a pioneer in Digital and Strategic Transformation making sure the sustainable development of organisations. I also want to make sure that I impactfully and positively represent SRM University-AP wherever I go.
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Students Achievements
Biochar for environmental sustainability in the energy-water-agroecosystem nexus.
Biochar has an enormous potential in addressing global issues and can act as a catalyst in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Dr Lakhveer Singh, Assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science, SRM University-AP has co-authored and published a paper on the title “Biochar for environmental sustainability in the energy-water-agroecosystem nexus” in the research journal “Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews” with an Impact factor of 14.98.
Global warming, management of soil health, remediation of contaminated wastewater, and sustainable alternate source of energy are the major challenges of the 21st century. Biochar produced from waste biomass (crop residues, algal biomass, municipal waste, etc.) has dual advantages of waste management along with its application in different sectors. Biochar addition to soil improves soil health, porosity and aeration which mitigates greenhouse gas emission from soil.
In this manuscript, Dr Lakhveer Singh discusses the potential of biochar for bioenergy production (biogas and biological hydrogen production), greenhouse gases mitigation, carbon sequestration in soils, and wastewater remediation are discussed in detail along with the challenges and future prospects of biochar. This work has been executed in collaborations with the National Institute of Hydrology, Jal Vigyan Bhawan, Roorkee; J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology; YMCA, Faridabad; and IIT Delhi.
Dr Singh is an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery – Springer (I.F. 2.60) and a Guest Editor for Bioresource Technology Reports- Elsevier.
Read the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S136403212100664X
- Published in Departmental News, ENVS News, News, Research News