Kaustubh Kulkarni

Kaustubh Kulkarni is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). He holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from Purdue University (2008) and a B.E. in Metallurgical Engineering from Govt. College of Engineering Pune (2002).

Dr. Kulkarni's research focuses on Alloy and Process Development, Lightweight Alloys, Precipitation Kinetics, and High Temperature Materials. His work bridges fundamental understanding of materials behavior with practical applications in automotive and aerospace industries, particularly in developing cost-effective processing routes and safety-critical components.

His recent publications demonstrate expertise in diffusion phenomena in metallic systems, sintering processes, and development of advanced titanium alloys. His research has both technological significance in alloy development and societal impact through automotive safety innovations like the Energy Absorbing Rare Under-run Protection Device.

• Henry Ford Scholarship for the best graduate student in engineering (2007)
• Magoon Award for Excellence in Teaching (Spring 2005)
• Reviewer for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A and Materials Science and Engineering

Dr. Kulkarni has held leadership positions including President of MSEGSA at Purdue University (2005-2006) and Senator in Purdue University Graduate Student Government (2005-2006), demonstrating both academic excellence and commitment to community service.