I am a highly motivated researcher aiming for an academic/research career in one of the premier institutes of India. During my studies I had the opportunity to top the class and I was also fortunate to have involved in various other extra curricular activities.

        My father (Mr K Somasundaram) is a retired Government servant (Govt. of Tamilnadu) and my mother (Ms S Vanaja) is an housewife. I am the only son for my parents. I had my schooling in a place called Tiruvarur in the state of Tamilnadu, Southern India. Tiruvarur is a temple town and the majority of the people earn their livelihood by doing farming. Rice is cultivated in plenty.

        I must admit that I was a subdued person and was very dormant as far as extra curricular activities. This was the case till my matriculation. At the same time I did exceedingly well at the final exam and secured distinction for my SSLC. During graduation, I studied in a reputed science college and this is where I picked up my interest in physics and a strong desire to carry out research. During this time I was involved in various co-curricular activities too like organising sports day and annual day functions. I passed B.Sc. Physics with distinction and this helped me to secure admission for my M.Sc. training programme at the Department of Physics, Bharathidasan University. It may be noted that since the number of aspirants for the M.Sc. Course at the university centre is innumerable for only the best among the best secures admission for such courses. It is noteworthy I was fortunate to have great teachers like Prof. M Lakshmanan, who is world renowned in optical solitons and non linear dynamics.

        Here I received umpteen avenues for opening out and display my talents. I was actively involved in organising seminars. Carrying out dissertation and attending summer courses is a part of the course curriculum. I participated in an orientation course organised by the Inter University Consortium for Department of Atomic Energy [Government of India] and my project there was in the field of Mossbauer spectroscopy. I was also a class representative and was the winner of 1st prise for an indoor game called Carrom conducted the university. I did my dissertation in Biophysics. After successfully finishing M.Sc. I was selected for the Ph.D. programme of the Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science and Technology. It may be noted that Cochin University is an accredited institute for excellence. Here I could carry out a very good piece of work in the area of conducting polymers under the supervision of Dr M R Anantharaman and Dr S Venkatachalam, a materials Scientist and conducting polymer Specialist. And I had the opportunity to improve my computer skills. Here too, I was involved in organising seminars, discussion forums and participating seminars. I got an opportunity to serve as a General Secretary for Cochin University Research Scholars Association.

        I was working for UNSW @ Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra in the field of semi conducting thin films as a Visiting Post Doctoral fellow with Dr Heiko Timmers. 

        Presently I am working with Prof Vikram Jayaram as a Research Associate in the field of ceramic thin films at Department of Metallurgy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

        My ambition is to become a good scientist and want to contribute my small might to the realm of science and fulfil my social obligations to the society at large and my duty as a citizen of India to serve my country in my own capacity as an academician/scientist.

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