Dr Zarak Bhat from NIT Srinagar joins Edinburgh’s APRIL AI Hub, as Postdoctoral Researcher, pioneering AI in electron devices and GaN modeling.
Landmark academic achievement for the Kashmir region
In a major milestone for the region’s academic community, Dr Zarak Bhat, a PhD graduate from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, has joined the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Her appointment at one of the world’s leading research universities highlights the growing global visibility of advanced engineering research emerging from the Kashmir Valley and marks a proud moment for NIT Srinagar and its graduates.
Dr Zarak is the first PhD scholar to complete her doctorate from the Nanoelectronics Research and Development Group at NIT Srinagar, working under the guidance of Dr Sheikh Aamir Ahsan in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. Her journey from the campus in Srinagar to an internationally renowned hub underscores how focused, high‑quality research can open doors to global opportunities for students from Indian technical institutes.
Building the foundation of nanoelectronics expertise
During her doctoral studies, Dr Zarak focused on power Gallium Nitride (GaN) device modelling, a critical area in modern semiconductor technology. She investigated the physical behaviour of GaN‑based power devices and developed models that accurately capture their electrical characteristics under complex operating conditions. Her work bridged the gap between device‑level physics and circuit‑level simulations, enabling more reliable design of next‑generation power‑electronic systems.
Several of her contributions have appeared in top‑tier journals, including the IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, one of the most respected publications in the field of microelectronics. Her research played a key role in the development of the NITSRI‑GaN modelling framework, an open, physics‑based toolkit that helps engineers simulate and optimise GaN devices for high‑efficiency converters, inverters, and electric‑vehicle systems.
Dr Sheikh Aamir Ahsan, who leads the Nanoelectronics Research and Development Group, expressed pride in Dr Zarak’s accomplishments. “Seeing our students grow and take on new challenges at leading global institutions is always rewarding,” he said. “Dr Zarak’s work reflects the group’s commitment to conducting high‑quality, industry‑relevant research in advanced semiconductor technologies.”
From GaN models to AI‑driven device design
At the University of Edinburgh, Dr Zarak has joined the APRIL AI Hub, a research centre dedicated to integrating artificial intelligence and machine‑learning methods into engineering workflows. Within this hub, her postdoctoral research focuses on embedding AI‑driven methodologies into electron‑device design processes, particularly for semiconductor and power‑electronics applications.
Her work aims to accelerate the optimisation of device structures, enhance performance prediction, and improve productivity in the design and testing of new semiconductor components. By combining AI‑based data analysis with physically accurate models, she seeks to reduce the time and cost involved in developing next‑generation chips while maintaining reliability and efficiency. This approach aligns closely with global trends in AI‑assisted chip design, where machine‑learning tools help engineers explore complex design spaces more efficiently than traditional simulation‑only methods.
A proud moment for NIT Srinagar and Kashmir
NIT Srinagar Director Prof Binod Kumar Kanaujia welcomed Dr Zarak’s achievement as a significant milestone for the institute and the broader Kashmir region. “Dr Zarak’s selection at a prestigious global institution reflects the high academic standards and research excellence nurtured at NIT Srinagar,” he said.
He added that the institute remains committed to fostering innovation and producing researchers who can contribute to cutting‑edge technology domains such as semiconductor design, artificial intelligence, and advanced electronics. “This accomplishment is a source of inspiration for our current students and faculty,” Prof Kanaujia noted. “It demonstrates that with the right guidance and focus, researchers from our region can compete and excel on the global stage.”
Growing international recognition for NIT Srinagar
Dr Zarak’s appointment marks a turning point both for her own career and for the Nanoelectronics Research and Development Group at NIT Srinagar. As the first PhD graduate from this group to secure a postdoctoral position in a leading European university, she sets a precedent for future students in the department. Her trajectory – from device‑level GaN modelling in Srinagar to AI‑enhanced semiconductor design in Edinburgh – also illustrates the international appetite for research that combines deep physics‑based insight with modern computational tools.
By advancing the integration of AI into semiconductor workflows, Dr Zarak not only strengthens the Edinburgh group’s technical capabilities but also showcases the quality of engineering education and research being produced at NIT Srinagar. Her success reinforces the view that advanced, globally impactful work in nanoelectronics and semiconductor technology can originate from institutions in India’s regional engineering ecosystem, and that collaboration with international hubs can further amplify their impact.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on available public sources and official statements as of the time of publication. While we aim for accuracy, we do not guarantee completeness or correctness. We advise readers to verify key details from official sources before making any decisions. The website (iitiimsamvaad.com) is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this content. The authors are also not responsible for any such loss or damage.