• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai (2021)
• Research focused on micromachining, nanoindentation, and mechanical characterization of bulk metallic glasses.
• Nominated for the Excellence in Thesis Award.
• Master of Science (Organic Chemistry), University Department of Chemistry, University of Mumbai (2006)
• Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College, University of Mumbai (2004)
   

Certifications

• MS-CIT (94%)
• Diploma in Office Automation & Graphics (DOAG)-A+
• Hindi Pragya Examination (Government of India) – 79.5%

Professional Profile / Expertise

Dr. Karuna J. Dhale is a Ph.D.-qualified scientific and technical professional with over 18 years of experience in advanced materials characterization, laboratory management, research support, and scientific instrumentation. She has been associated with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay since 2007 and has extensive expertise in nanoindentation, spectroscopy, microscopy, materials characterization, and laboratory administration.

Her professional experience includes managing sophisticated analytical facilities, supporting interdisciplinary research projects, training students and researchers, conducting experimental investigations, developing laboratory protocols, and coordinating facility operations. She has worked closely with faculty members, Ph.D. scholars, M.Tech., B.Tech. students, and external industry users, contributing significantly to research and academic activities.

Technical Skills & Machine Handling

• Advanced Scientific Instruments
• Nanoindentation & Mechanical Characterization
• Hysitron TriboIndenter TI-900
• Hysitron TI Premier NanoIndenter
• Mechanical property evaluation of advanced materials
• Hardness, elastic modulus, creep and deformation studies
• Spectroscopy & Characterization
• FTIR Spectroscopy (Jasco FT/IR-6100)
• UV-Visible Spectrophotometer (GBC Cintra-202)
• Photoluminescence (Horiba & Agilent Systems)

Analytical Instrumentation

• LC-MS/MS Ion Trap (Varian Inc., USA)
• GC-MS (Hewlett Packard)
• CHNS-O Elemental Analyzer (ThermoFinnigan)
• Manufacturing & Micromachining Systems
• MikroTools DT110i Hybrid μEDM CNC Machining System
• Micro Milling Machine
• Microindentation Systems
• Alicona Optical Measurement System
• Zeta Surface Measurement System
• Rapid-Eye Microscope

Software Skills

• OriginLab
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Windows Operating Systems
• Ubuntu Linux
• Google Workspace & Laboratory Data Management Systems

Practical Applications

• Experimental design and execution
• Materials characterization and failure analysis
• Data processing and interpretation
• Instrument calibration and maintenance
• Research facility management
• SOP development and documentation

Research Interests

• Bulk Metallic Glasses
• Nanoindentation
• Nanomechanics
• Micromachining
• Surface Characterization
• MEMS Materials
• Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Key Responsibilities

• Managed IIT Bombay's Nanoindentation Central Facility.
• Conducted advanced materials characterization experiments.
• Supported research activities of faculty members and students.
• Developed standard operating procedures and training modules.
• Managed laboratory budgeting, procurement, inventory, and maintenance.
• Trained and supervised Teaching Assistants and research scholars.
• Coordinated facility operations for internal and external users.
• Maintained quality, safety, and operational standards.
• Enabled high-quality research for numerous Ph.D., M.Tech., and B.Tech. projects.
• Improved laboratory operations through SOPs and training systems.
• Contributed to facility modernization and digital workflow management.

Technical Assistant:
SAIF, IIT Bombay
(April 2007 – September 2008)

Responsibilities
Operated LC-MS/MS, GC-MS and CHNS-O analytical facilities.
Assisted researchers in sample preparation and analysis.
Supported laboratory accreditation and quality assurance activities.
Maintained records, instrumentation, and user management systems.
Chemistry Lecturer

IITians Foundation, Mumbai
(September 2006 – March 2007)

Responsibilities
Taught Chemistry for IIT-JEE, AIEEE, MH-CET, XI and XII students.
Designed study material, question banks and mock examinations.

Awards & Recognitions
Nominated for the Excellence in Thesis Award during Ph.D. defense.
Secured 79.5% in Hindi Pragya Examination conducted by the Government of India and received a cash award.
Consistent academic topper during school education.
Prize winner in Elocution Competitions.
Award recipient in Mathematics and English examinations conducted by Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth.
Presented research work at prestigious international conferences including Thermec (Paris), WCMNM (USA and Slovenia), and IEEE MEMS.