"Sidhanta-Jagan Akella Geochemistry Grant" established at IIT-KGP
Information provided by IITKGP Foundation (February 2022)
Dr. Jagannadham Akella (1963/Ph.D./Geology & Geophysics) has instituted the "Sidhanta-Jagan Akella Geochemistry Grant" at IIT Kharagpur. This award will be given every year to one Ph.D. research scholar from the Department of Geology & Geophysics working under the broad domain of Geochemistry who intends to continue with research works in his/her domain, even after graduation from IIT Kharagpur. Dr. Akella added, "India needs excellent young scientists who are interested in doing innovative research that advances the field. My wish is that this award will help young scholars reach their full potential, further contributing to India's recognition in the scientific community."
About Dr. Akella
In 1963, Dr. Jagannadham Akella became the first student to earn a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from IIT Kharagpur, working under the guidance of thesis advisor Professor S.K. Sidhanta. This educational foundation led to his selection for the United Nations TOKTEN Programme, and subsequently to a rich and varied career in earth sciences, which traversed prominent research universities in Europe and the US, the Carnegie Institution Geophysical Laboratory, and the United States National Aeronautical & Space Administration (NASA). Dr. Akella retired as Senior Scientist and leader for the Static Ultra High Pressure and Temperature Diamond Anvil Cell research program at the University of California's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA, where he was the recipient of a US Department of Energy Research Excellence Award.
As an academic who deeply values higher studies, scientific research and excellence in education, Dr. Akella is establishing this endowment to enable deserving students in the realm of Geochemistry to overcome financial limitations and realize their full potential as scientists and researchers. As a mark of his gratitude for the guidance provided by Professor Sidhanta in his early career, Dr. Akella is establishing this endowment in the name of both his respected professor and himself. Thank you to Dr. Akella for establishing this grant for the IIT-KGP Department of Geology & Geophysics!