Dr. Sapna Bijimanzil Abdulkareem | Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Sapna B. A is an accomplished academic and researcher with over 15 years of combined experience in research, teaching, and industry. Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, she specializes in high-performance antennas for UWB, biomedical, and next-generation wireless applications. Her career spans notable roles in academia and engineering design, complemented by significant contributions to AICTE-funded projects, international publications (15 SCI/Scopus indexed papers), conference presentations, and workshops. A recipient of multiple research excellence awards and grants, Dr. Sapna is also a recognized IEEE and ISTE life member, known for her expertise in CST Studio, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.

Author Profile

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Education

From the outset of her academic journey, Dr. Sapna B. A demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in the field of Electronics and Communication Engineering. She earned her B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jerusalem College of Engineering, University of Madras in 2000, followed by an M.E. in Communication Systems from B.S.A Crescent Engineering College, Anna University in 2007 with an impressive 76% score. Her academic quest reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering from Anna University in 2022, under the guidance of Dr. G. Srivatsun at PSG College of Technology. Her doctoral thesis, “High Performance Antennas for UWB Applications”, laid a strong research foundation in advanced antenna design, integrating both theoretical depth and practical innovation. These formative years shaped her as a scholar with a deep curiosity for communication systems and a vision to contribute significantly to wireless technology.

Experience

Dr. Sapna’s professional path reflects a rare blend of academic leadership, research excellence, and industry expertise. She began her career as a Lecturer at CSI College of Engineering, The Nilgiris (2001–2005), and later at B.S.A Crescent Engineering College, Chennai (2007–2008), where she honed her teaching skills and laboratory development expertise. Transitioning into the corporate world, she worked as a Design & Estimation Engineer at Zahra Technology & Communication Systems, Dubai (2008–2011), leading projects in large-scale security systems for iconic sites like the Dubai Mall and Princess Tower.

Returning to academia, she served as Assistant Professor at RVS College of Engineering & Technology and INFO Institute of Engineering, where she coordinated NBA accreditation, organized conferences, trained GATE aspirants, and strengthened industry-academia collaborations. Since 2022, she has been an Assistant Professor at Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, overseeing the ANSYS 5G Antenna Innovation Hub and leading AICTE-funded projects on wearable and implantable biomedical antennas.

Research Focus

Dr. Sapna’s research is deeply rooted in innovative antenna technologies for biomedical, wearable, and next-generation wireless communication systems. Her work spans the design of planar antennas for WLAN and UWB applications, gain and bandwidth enhancement through defected ground structures and partial reflecting surfaces, and the development of low SAR implantable antennas to ensure patient safety in biomedical contexts. She has also contributed significantly to the use of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for improving UWB antenna performance, and has pioneered flexible, biodegradable antenna designs for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN), aligning with sustainable technology goals. Over the years, she has authored 15 international journal papers, several of which appear in high-impact SCI-indexed publications such as AEU – International Journal of Electronics and Communications, Frequenz, and International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies. Her contributions have also been widely recognized in the conference circuit, with 10 international presentations, numerous Scopus-indexed proceedings, and regular invitations to review manuscripts for prestigious journals.

Award and Recognition

In recognition of her exemplary research and academic leadership, Dr. Sapna has earned numerous awards and competitive grants. She received the Best Paper Award at the IEEE-sponsored RAEEUCCI 2025 for her groundbreaking work on implantable antennas for ulcer monitoring. In 2024, she was honored with the Faculty Excellence Award by SNS Institutions for her outstanding achievements in research and publication. Her consistent performance has been further acknowledged by multiple cash awards from KIT, amounting to ₹48,000 in 2024–25 and ₹20,000 in 2023–24, celebrating her contributions to advancing institutional research output. Demonstrating her capacity to attract major funding, she secured AICTE support worth ₹8,50,000 to conduct advanced faculty development programs and workshops, fostering skill enhancement and research capabilities among peers. These achievements highlight not only her scholarly impact but also her ability to deliver tangible, high-value outcomes in the realm of applied research.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Sapna’s influence extends beyond publications—she has mentored UG and PG students, guided innovative projects, and organized numerous national and international workshops on antenna design, wearable devices, and 5G/6G technologies. She actively contributes to professional communities as a Life Member of ISTE and IEEE member, sharing expertise in CST Studio, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB, and LabVIEW. Her collaborative approach bridges academia, industry, and research, enabling students and peers to access cutting-edge developments in RF and microwave engineering.