Priyanka Rajeev

Hello,
I’m Priyanka.

Welcome! I’m a PhD student in mechanical engineering at IIT Kanpur. I study thermal management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with an interest in how engineering can make energy more accessible.

My research journeyAbout me
Priyanka Rajeev in a floral blouse, smiling in warm natural light
Priyanka Rajeev Researcher, learner & educator
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship

Cycle 9 · Direct entry

Things I’ve worked on

My research journey

My current focus is fuel-cell thermal management. Earlier projects explored wind energy, vehicle aerodynamics, and rocket motor dynamics.

My current PhD research

Thermal management of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

My current work focuses on thermal management in fuel cells. My research interests bring together computational fluid dynamics and electrochemical energy systems.

In everyday terms, I’m interested in the heat-management side of fuel-cell technology: understanding how heat and fluid flow fit into these energy systems.

I’m part of the Experimental Thermofluids Laboratory (ETFL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, working with Prof. Umesh Madanan.

My co-supervisor is Dr. Shaneeth M., Group Director, Energy Systems Group, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Thiruvananthapuram.

Fuel cellsThermal managementComputational fluid dynamics

What draws me to research

I’m interested in the connection between fluid flow, mechanical systems, and energy. Numerical simulation gives me a way to explore these questions in detail, while my interest in renewable energy keeps me thinking about their practical purpose.

These projects represent different stages of my learning, from my undergraduate studies and internships to my research journey at IIT Kanpur.

Earlier projects

01FLUID–STRUCTURE INTERACTIONInside a rocket motorVSSC, ISRO · Project Intern · Jul–Sep 2021

During my internship at VSSC, ISRO, I worked on numerical modelling of pressure and thrust oscillations in segmented solid rocket motors. I explored two-way fluid–structure interaction and aero-acoustic coupling inside combustion chambers using commercial CFD software. The project focused on the interaction between the flow and the surrounding structure.

CFDAero-acousticsNumerical simulation
02VEHICLE AERODYNAMICSUnderstanding the rear spoilerNIT Puducherry · Undergraduate Project · 2022

For my undergraduate project at NIT Puducherry, I studied how rear spoilers influence the aerodynamic forces acting on passenger cars. I used ANSYS Fluent to run numerical simulations and examine flow behaviour, connecting classroom fluid mechanics with a familiar engineering application.

ANSYS FluentAerodynamic forcesFlow analysis
03RENEWABLE ENERGYFinding the right wind turbineANERT, Kerala · Project Student · Dec 2019–Jan 2020

At ANERT in Kerala, I worked on effective harvesting and use of renewable energy. I developed a C++ program that uses site parameters to estimate a wind farm’s annual energy output. It also compares turbines from different manufacturers to help identify a suitable, profitable option for the site.

Wind energyC++Energy estimation

About me

Learning along
the way.

My work connects mechanical engineering with a long-term interest in renewable energy and affordable energy access.

I’m a mechanical engineering PhD student at IIT Kanpur and a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (Cycle 9, direct entry). I joined IIT Kanpur in August 2022 and presently work on fuel-cell thermal management.

Before this, I studied mechanical engineering at NIT Puducherry.

My interest in engineering is rooted in a belief that affordable access to energy matters. I enjoy opportunities to connect what I’ve learned with real engineering questions, and I value the conversations and teamwork that help research move forward.

Teaching is a continuing part of my journey. My experience includes school-level tutoring, rural education, and thermodynamics teaching support. It began with physics teaching through LEAP in Karaikal and has continued through educational initiatives at IIT Kanpur. Explore my teaching & service.

Languages I connect in

  • Malayalam
  • English
  • Tamil
  • Hindi

Education

2022–ONGOING

PhD, Mechanical Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

2018–2022

BTech, Mechanical Engineering

National Institute of Technology Puducherry

Earlier education

2016–2018 · St. Francis de Sales Public School and Junior College, Kottayam, Kerala · AISSCE

2011–2016 · Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala · AISSE

Sharing what I learn

Publications & conferences

A record of the work I’ve shared through conferences.

Conference contributions

2022

Study of pressure and thrust oscillations in segmented solid rocket motors due to fluid structure interactions

Priyanka Rajeev, Kaumudi Makarand Joshi, Joshi Yash Kishorbhai, and KN Dileep

23rd Annual CFD Symposium · CFD Division (AeSI) & ADA · Bengaluru
11–12 August 2022

2021

Effects of Rear Spoilers on Aerodynamic Forces of Passenger Cars

Aakash, Priyanka Rajeev, and M. Vadivukkarasan

Second International Conference on Future Technologies (ICoFT 2021) · NIT Puducherry
16–18 December 2021

Beyond my research

Teaching, learning
& giving back.

Teaching is a continuing part of my life alongside research, from school classrooms to online learning.

ME681 · Mathematics for Engineers

Teaching Assistant · IIT Kanpur

ME301 · Energy Systems

Teaching Assistant · IIT Kanpur

NPTEL · IIT Roorkee

Student tutor · Jan–May 2025

I supported the mechanical engineering Thermodynamics course as a student tutor.

SATHEE / Prutor, IIT Kanpur

Tutor · Since Jan 2024

I contribute to an educational initiative that broadens access to competitive-exam preparation.

Opportunity School, IIT Kanpur

Tutor · Since Jul 2024

My teaching extends to Opportunity School, which serves children from underprivileged families.

Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kanpur

PMRF teaching assistantship · Since Jan 2023

I tutor students in classes 9, 10, and 12 in science and mathematics, including physics and chemistry.

Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur

Tutor · Since Aug 2022

Through the Online Rural Education Initiative, I teach English and mathematics to students in classes 9 and 10.

Learn, Educate and Prosper

Founding member & student coordinator · Physics faculty, Jan 2019–Apr 2022

As a founding member of LEAP at NIT Puducherry, I taught physics to higher secondary students in Karaikal, supporting their preparation for competitive entrance exams and higher education. LEAP was started by NIT Puducherry students in collaboration with the Puducherry administration to help students in the coastal town access more opportunities.

Experience & service

I worked as a Project Associate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur in 2022.

Alongside my studies, I served as a National Cadet Corps Senior Wing cadet with 2P Inf (I) Coy and as a National Service Scheme volunteer.

What I’m up to

Now

A small snapshot of where my research journey is taking me.

Researching

I’m pursuing my PhD in mechanical engineering at IIT Kanpur, focusing on thermal management of proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Research interests

My interests connect computational fluid dynamics with the thermal management of electrochemical energy systems.

Conversations I’d welcome

If you’re working on fuel cells, thermal management, or computational fluid dynamics, I’d be happy to connect. I also welcome conversations about teaching physics and making engineering ideas easier to understand.

Write to me

Beyond the papers

Writing & ideas

Another place to find me, outside my academic work.

Start a conversation

Have a question about my research or a shared interest? I’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Say hello

I’d love to hear from you.

Have a question about my research or a shared interest? I’d love to hear from you.