PRIYANKA PRAKASH

I’m a PhD candidate in Materials Engineering at The Australian National University, focused on advanced polymeric materials for aerospace applications. My work centers on developing self-healing, atomic oxygen-resistant, and dust-repellent polyimide nanocomposites designed for harsh space environments and spacesuit use.

I bring hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, processing, and fabrication, along with multifunctional surface coatings and thin films. I’ve developed and refined polyimide-based materials specifically for future space missions, translating material design into properties that matter in real operating conditions.

My characterization workflow is broad and rigorous. I use SEM, AFM, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and contact angle analysis to connect structure, chemistry, and performance, and I apply experimental design and data analysis to guide next steps.

Across academia and industry, I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and communicate results through scientific writing and technical reporting. I’ve published multiple peer-reviewed research and review articles in materials science and aerospace-related fields, and I’m motivated to keep building impactful, publishable research with clear practical relevance.