Dr. Kiran Rana

Dr. Kiran Rana is a Materials Scientist and Textile Researcher specializing in smart textiles, conductive polymer nanocomposites, wearable electronics, and functional fiber technologies. Her research focuses on the development of electrically conductive and stretchable advanced textile systems for next-generation smart applications. She has expertise in polymer processing, fiber spinning, materials characterization (FE-SEM, TEM, RAMAN,FTIR, and electrical characterizations) and sensor development, with a strong interest in translating advanced materials into sustainable and healthcare-oriented technologies.

Education

Ph.D. in Textile and Fibre Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), India | 2018–2025

Dissertation: Poly(pyrrole) Nanostructure-Based Electrically Conductive Composite Fibers for Smart Textile Applications

M.E. in Plastics Engineering (Gold Medalist)

Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Gujarat, India | 2015–2017

Dissertation: Thermal-Responsive Shape Memory Polymers with Self-Healing

Characteristics for Structural and Space Applications

Research Interests

 Smart and Functional Textiles

 Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites

 Nanomaterial Synthesis and Functionalization

 MXene-Based Functional Materials

 Wearable Healthcare Technologies

 Stretchable Fiber Sensors

 Textile Electronics and E-Textiles

 Flexible Energy Storage Devices

 Sustainable Functional Materials

Research Highlights

1. Developed electrically conductive composite fibres based on poly(pyrrole) nanostructures for smart textile applications.

2.  Working on stretchable wearable sensors and supercapacitors.

3. Collaborating with clinicians from AIIMS New Delhi on the development of low-cost reusable surgical simulation models for pediatric urology and vascular surgery training using advanced polymeric and silicone-based materials.

4. Published research in international journals and presented work at leading conferences including E-MRS (Poland), MRS (USA), and The Fiber Society Conference (Switzerland).

5. Experienced in interdisciplinary research involving conjugated polymers, MXenes, metallic nanostructures, wearable sensing, biomedical prototyping, and advanced functional materials.

Contact Details:

          E-mail: kiran.rana@smita-iitd.com