Biography

Dr. Prasad joined The Australian National University (ANU) as a research fellow into the Aerospace cluster in 2021, prior to which she worked as a Post doctoral researcher at the Queensland University of technology (QUT). She also worked as a sessional academic at QUT during her studies. Dr. Prasad completed her PhD in Nanotechnology and Molecular science from QUT in 2019, her Masters degree in Nanoscience from Vels University, India in 2024, and her Bachelor’s degree in Nanotechnology from University of Wollongong in 2012.

Research Interest

Dr Prasad’s research interests sit at the intersection of advanced materials, space environments, and industry-driven engineering applications. Her work focuses on polymer-based and hybrid materials for extreme conditions, including atomic-oxygen-resistant coatings, bio-derived epoxy systems, graphene and metal-oxide composites, and surface and interfacial mechanisms governing durability in low Earth orbit. She also investigates plasma-based processes for surface modification and disinfection, with an emphasis on translating laboratory-scale materials science into deployable technologies. In parallel, her research extends to space-relevant and terrestrial agricultural systems, applying materials and plasma principles to develop sustainable, industry-ready solutions that reduce chemical dependence, enhance operational resilience, and bridge the gap between controlled experimentation and real-world deployment across multiple sectors.

Interests

Carbon Nanoparticles, Polymer composites, Space materials, Antifouling materials and surfaces, plasma bioscience, space agriculture.

Activities and Awards

2025: iLAuNCH fast track funding, iLaunch Australia

2024: South India’s Top 25 Women in Innovation, India 

2023: SRN Research pilot project grant, NSW Space Research Network Australia

2023: Top 100 Women in Innovation, India 

2023: Productization grant, KSUM India

2023: Top 10 Finalist, She Loves Tech Australia, Australia

2023: Women Technology Entrepreneur Award, KMA IBS, India 

2022: Research pipeline grant, The Australian National University  

2021: RKVY Raftaar product R &D grant, Ministry of Agriculture, India 

2019: Industrial grant, Allergan USA

2019 : Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding doctoral thesis, QUT Australia

2015: Gold Medal/First Rank holder for Post graduation, India