Dr. Manasa Hegde is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Engineering at South East Technological University  Carlow. She got her PhD in Materials Engineering in 2023, where her research concentrated on the effectiveness of organically modified silica-based hybrid sol-gel coatings in preventing corrosion, cavitation erosion, and fouling in marine environments.

Before pursuing her PhD, Dr. Hegde worked as a Research Assistant, where she gained valuable experience in developing bioplastics using medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs). Additionally, she contributed to projects involving the development of sensors for cardiac applications, focusing on the immobilization and hybridization of miRNA probes with functionalized platinum nanoparticles. Her research also included the biosynthesis of carbon nanospheres from various natural barks for antimicrobial and antioxidant applications.

Currently, Dr. Hegde’s research interests are centered on the development of sol-gel coatings applied to various metals and composites, aimed at protecting these materials from erosion, corrosion, and fouling. Through her research, she aims to improve the durability and longevity of materials exposed to harsh environmental conditions.