Uma S, Ph.D.

Uma S, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Official Contact

Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, The Cochin College, Kochi – 682002
umasreekumar@thecochincollege.edu.in,
9400538567

M.Sc., Ph.D., B.Ed.

Dr. Uma S. specializes in Physics, with a focus on photoacoustics, photothermal techniques, dielectric spectroscopy, pyroelectric coefficient determination, and nano-scale heat transport mechanisms in multiferroics, nanoceramics, and nanocomposites.
Dr. Uma S. has been a dedicated faculty member of the Physics Department at The Cochin College, Kochi, since 2015. With a rich background in research and teaching, she has significantly contributed to the department’s academic and research activities. Dr. Uma’s expertise spans various fields, including photoacoustics, photothermal techniques, dielectric spectroscopy, and nanocomposites. She holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Instrumentation, CUSAT, and has published numerous research papers in prestigious journals. Her commitment to advancing the frontiers of physics and her dedication to student mentorship make her a valuable asset to the institution.
  • Uma, S., and J. Philip. “Enhancement in pyroelectric properties of PZT-PVA polymer nanocomposites with addition of PAA.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science 131 (2014): 41142. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.41142.
  • Uma, S., and J. Philip. “Magneto-thermal conduction and magneto-caloric effect in poly and nano crystalline forms of multiferroic GdCrO₃.” Physica Scripta 89, no. 9 (2014): 095805. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-8949/89/9/095805.
  • Uma, S., and J. Philip. “Magneto-thermal conduction and phonon anomalies across magnetic transitions in multiferroic (poly and nano crystalline) Bismuth ferrite.” Physica B: Condensed Matter 437 (2014): 10.
  • Uma, S., and J. Philip. “Induction of electro-activity in polyvinyl alcohol with addition of nanocrystalline PZT ceramic.” Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Physics 51 (2013): 717.
  • Joseph, T., S. Uma, J. Philip, and M.T. Sebastian. “Dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties of Sr₂ZnSi₂O₇ based polymer/ceramic composites.” Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics 23 (2012): 1243.
  • Dhanuskodi, S., T.C. Sabari Girisun, G. Bagavanarayana, S. Uma, and J. Philip. “Mechanical, thermal, and laser-induced surface damage analysis of II Group metal complexes of Thiourea.” Materials Chemistry and Physics 126 (2011): 463.
  • Anjana, P.S., S. Uma, J. Philip, and M.T. Sebastian. “Thermal properties of low loss PTFE-CeO₂ dielectric ceramic composites.” Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics 118 (2010): 751.
  • Anjana, P.S., V. Deepu, S. Uma, P. Mohanan, J. Philip, and M.T. Sebastian. “Dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties of CeO₂-filled HDPE composites for microwave substrate applications.” Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics 48 (2010): 998.
  • George, S., P.S. Anjana, J. Krupka, S. Uma, J. Philip, and M.T. Sebastian. “Dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of low permittivity polymer-ceramic composites for microelectronic applications.” International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology 7 (2010): 461.
  • Thomas, Sherin, V. Deepu, S. Uma, P. Mohanan, J. Philip, and M.T. Sebastian. “Preparation, characterization, and properties of Sm₂Si₂O₇ loaded polymer composites for microelectronic applications.” Materials Science and Engineering: B 163 (2009): 67.
  • Synthesis, characterization and dielectric measurements on nanocomposites of PVA-PZT, International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu (December, 2010)
  • Pyroelectric and thermal properties of PZT-PVA nanocomposites, DAE Symposium on Solid State Physics, Manipal (December 2010)
  • Thermal properties of poly and nano crystalline forms of multiferroic Bismuth Ferrite across magnetic transitions, 24th Kerala science Congress (2011)
  • Photoacoustic measurement of the thermal diffusivity of PVA dispersed with Au nanoparticles, 16th National symposium on Ultrasonics, Sophisticated test and instrumentation centre, Cochin University of Science and Technology (2007).
  • Thermal diffusion in natural rubber dispersed with ZnO nanoparticles”, MATCON, Cochin University of Science and Technology (2009)
  • Photopyroelectric measurement of thermal conduction in HDPE-CeO2 composites”, 15th International Conference on Photoacoustic and Photothermal Phenomena, 2009, July 19-23, Leuven, Belgium
  • Young Scientist Award: Received from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in the subject area of Physical Science for the paper entitled “Magneto-thermal conduction in nanocrystalline multiferroic bismuth ferrite.”
  • Senior Research Fellowship: Awarded by Cochin University of Science and Technology (2009-2011).
  • Junior Research Fellowship: Awarded by Cochin University of Science and Technology (2007-2009).
  • State Eligibility Test: Qualified in May 2007 in Physics, which is a qualification for appointment as a Higher Secondary School Teacher.
  • Proficiency Certificate: Awarded by St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery for proficiency in studies in M.Sc. Physics during the academic year 2004-2005.
  • YIP (convenor)
  • Placement cell (member)
  • Sports club (member)
  • Anti narcotic cell (member)
  • Title: Development of a Low-Cost Lock-in-Amplifier
    Description: This project involved designing and developing a cost-effective lock-in amplifier, which is an essential instrument in experimental physics for measuring small AC signals buried in noise.
    Ph.D. Project:
  • Title: Thermal Dielectric Pyroelectric and Related Properties of Selected Nanocrystalline Multiferroics and Polymer Ceramic Nanocomposites
    Description: This comprehensive research focused on the thermal, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties of nanocrystalline multiferroics and polymer-ceramic nanocomposites. The project included temperature-dependent experiments using photopyroelectric techniques, low-temperature measurements for phase transition studies, and the development of a pyroelectric cell for pyroelectric coefficient determination.
  • Thermal and Dielectric Studies:
    Investigating temperature-dependent properties of nanocrystalline multiferroics and polymer-ceramic nanocomposites.
  • Conducting phase transition studies and low-temperature measurements using the photopyroelectric (PPE) technique.
    Examining magnetic field-dependent properties through PPE measurements.
  • Nanomaterials Synthesis and Characterization:
    Developing ceramic nanopowders using hydrothermal synthesis and ball milling techniques.
  • Preparing ceramics using the solid-state method and creating thick film nanocomposites for infrared (IR) sensing applications.
  • Performing thermal characterization of nanofluids and other materials using photoacoustic (PA) techniques.
  • Development of Measurement Setups:
    Creating setups for photoacoustic and photopyroelectric measurements.
  • Developing systems for electrical characterization, including dielectric spectroscopy and pyroelectric coefficient determination.
  • Designing and constructing a pyroelectric cell to determine the pyroelectric coefficient of various materials.
  • Advanced Characterization Techniques:
    Using instruments such as LCR meters, impedance analyzers, and lock-in amplifiers to study the properties of materials.
  • Interpreting results from analytical characterization tools to understand the behavior of nanomaterials