PHYSICIST AND THINKER

Meet Mahendra Verma

Exploring Boundaries

I am a theoretical and computational physicist at IIT Kanpur, working on turbulence, nonequilibrium statistical physics, and nonlinear dynamics. I employ supercomputers to simulate related complex systems. I enjoy teaching and like to understand/explain complex things in simple ways.

JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Personal Insight

Embarking on a journey of scientific exploration, I have been fortunate to immerse myself in the world of physics. From the earliest stages of my career, I have been privileged to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. Embracing the ethos of continuous learning, I bring a diligent work ethic and a collaborative spirit to every endeavor, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to contribute my unique perspective to transformative projects.

PROFESSIONAL PATH

Career Highlights

January 1994 - Present

CURRENTLY PROFESSOR, INDIAN INST. OF TECHNOLOGY KANPUR

Engaged in research on turbulence, nonlinear dynamics, plasma physics, nonequilibrium statistical physics, and high-performance computing (HPC). We have many discoveries on turbulence convection and magnetohydrodynamics. I have taught basic courses, as well as advanced electives on turbulence, HPC, and field theory.

January 2007 - December 2007

VISITING FACULTY, UNIVERSITÉ LIBRE DE BRUSSELS

As a guest of Daniele Carati and Bernard Knaepen, I worked on dynamo, shell model, and anisotropy in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.

August 1988 - January 1994

RESEARCH & TEACHING ASSISTANT, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK

I was a Teaching Assistant for basic and advanced physics UG and PG courses. I enjoyed working with teachers. As a Research Assistant, I worked on solar wind, turbulence, and data analysis.

EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS

Academic Attainment

1984 - 1988

B. TECH IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, INDIAN INST OF TECHNOLOGY MADRAS

I earnt basic and advanced computing and physics from renowned teachers of IITM. I got exposure to the wonders of world via great library, computer center, and frields.

2001 - 2005

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

I showed that Kolmogorov-like turbulence phenomenology is better suited for magnetohydrodynamic turbulence than the Kraichnan-Iroshnikov model. In addition, I showed that the solar wind is heated by turbulence,

Thesis supervisors: Prof.. Melvyn Goldstein, Aaron Roberts, and James Drake.