Dibyashakti Panda | Geodynamics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dibyashakti Panda,University of New Mexico, United States.

Dibyashakti Panda is a Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of New Mexico, specializing in geodynamics and earthquake hazards. His research explores tectonic deformation, earthquake potential, and lithosphere-ionosphere interactions in various fault systems, including the Himalayas and Indo-Burmese Arc. He holds a Ph.D. in Geodynamics from NIT Rourkela and an MSc in Applied Geology. A recipient of numerous prestigious fellowships, he has published extensively in reputed journals and contributed to global conferences. His expertise encompasses tectonic processes, volcano-tectonic interactions, and climate-induced seismicity.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Dibyashakti Panda is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of geophysics and tectonic research. His exceptional qualifications, international recognition, and groundbreaking contributions make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Education and Experience

2022–2024: Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of New Mexico, USA
2016–2021: Ph.D. in Geodynamics, NIT Rourkela, India
2014–2016: MSc in Applied Geology, NIT Rourkela, India (Silver Medalist, 94%)
2011–2014: BSc in Geology (Honors), Dharanidhar College, Odisha, India (80.33%)
Assisted teaching and conducted practical fieldwork in Structural Geology, Active Tectonics, and Geophysical Methods

Professional Development

Dibyashakti Panda has a distinguished track record of academic achievements and research awards. He has received the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship for postdoctoral research in the U.S. and the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany, which he forgave for better opportunities. His exceptional performance also includes securing top rankings in the National Eligibility Test for Lectureship and receiving several travel grants for international conferences. His research has contributed significantly to the understanding of seismic hazards in subduction zones, resulting in numerous publications in high-impact journals.

Research Focus

Dibyashakti Panda’s research focuses on the mechanics of crustal deformation and earthquake hazards. He investigates plate motion, fault behavior, and seismicity modulation across major fault systems like the Himalayan megathrust, Indo-Burmese Arc, and the New Madrid Seismic Zone. His work also explores lithosphere-ionosphere coupling, reservoir-induced seismicity, and the interplay between tectonic and volcanic processes. With expertise in satellite data analysis and geodetic methods, he provides insights into how climatic events and human activities influence seismic hazards.

Awards and Honors

2022: Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, University of New Mexico, USA
2022: Humboldt Research Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany (forgone)
2022: Postdoctoral Fellowship, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia (forgone)
2022: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Geological Survey of Israel (forgone)
2021: SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (forgone)
2020: Qualified National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship/Assistant Professor (All India Rank: 1)
2019: Second position in Science Category during Research Scholars Week, NIT Rourkela
2018: International Travel Support and AGU Student Travel Grant for AGU Fall Meeting, Washington D.C., USA
2017: Institute Silver Medal in M.Sc. Applied Geology, NIT Rourkela
2016, 2017: Qualified GATE exam with top ranks

Publications

Tidal triggering of seismic swarm associated with hydrothermal circulation at Blanco ridge transform fault zone, Northeast Pacific – Sahoo, S., Senapati, B., Panda, D., Jin, S., Kundu, B., Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 2024. Cited by: 0
‘Double Puzzle’ at the Shumagin seismic gap, Alaska Peninsula: Intraslab strike-slip faulting loaded by lateral variations in megathrust fault friction – Senapati, B., Lindsey, E.O., Kundu, B., Tiwari, D.K., Yadav, R.K., Geophysical Journal International, 2024. Cited by: 0
Mountain height as a proxy for the cessation of active plate convergence – Sen, R., Panda, D., Kundu, B., Santosh, M., Geosystems and Geoenvironment, 2023. Cited by: 1
Solid-earth tidal modulations of 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, California: any link with Coso geothermal field? – Senapati, B., Panda, D., Kundu, B., Journal of Seismology, 2023. Cited by: 1
Segmentation of continental Indian plate by the Narmada-Son diffuse plate boundary – Sen, R., Panda, D., Kundu, B., Santosh, M., Geological Journal, 2023. Cited by: 1
Geodynamic complexity of the Indo-Burmese Arc region and its interaction with Northeast Himalaya – Panda, D., Kundu, B., Earth-Science Reviews, 2022. Cited by: 8

Conclusion

Dr. Dibyashakti Panda stands out as an exceptional researcher whose work addresses some of the most pressing issues in geophysical and tectonic research. His academic brilliance, innovative research methods, extensive publication record, and international recognition make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions not only advance the scientific understanding of tectonic processes but also have practical implications for mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, thus making him a well-deserving candidate for this prestigious award.