Mudrika Khandelwal

Dr. Mudrika Khandelwal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge (2013) and completed her M.Tech and B.Tech at IIT Bombay. Her research focuses on sustainable materials development through cellulose-based composites and nanotechnology for applications in drug delivery, food packaging, energy storage, and environmental remediation.

• Education: Ph.D. (University of Cambridge), M.Tech/B.Tech (IIT Bombay)
• Current Role: Associate Professor & Dean of Alumni Relations (appointed 2022)

The Cellulose Group at IIT Hyderabad emphasizes interdisciplinary research combining materials science, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. Their work involves manipulating cellulose at nano and micro scales with inspirations from natural structures to address societal challenges in healthcare, food preservation, and renewable energy systems.

Key funded projects include the SERB Women Excellence Award for medicated dressings, National Technical Textiles Mission initiatives for filtration applications, and several SERB/DST grants for cellulose-derived energy materials. The group maintains active collaborations across India, UK, Australia, and Singapore.

Scientific Awards

• SERB Women Excellence Award (2022)
• IIT Hyderabad Faculty Research Excellence Award (2021)
• Young Associate, Indian National Academy of Engineering (2020)
• Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award (NASI, 2021)
• Young Engineer Award (INAE, 2020)

The group has advanced laboratory facilities including battery testing systems, nanofabrication equipment, and drug release characterization tools. Dr. Khandelwal supervises both PhD and M.Tech students while leading multiple industrial collaborations with companies like Malai Biomaterials and Eaton.