Senior Research Fellow & Lecturer

ANU College of Systems and Society
School of Engineering 

Dr. Prasad joined The Australian National University (ANU) as a research fellow into the Aerospace cluster in 2021.  Dr Prasad’s research interests sit at the intersection of advanced materials, space environments, and industry-driven engineering applications. Her work focuses on polymer-based and hybrid materials for extreme conditions, including atomic-oxygen-resistant coatings, bio-derived epoxy systems, graphene and metal-oxide composites, and surface and interfacial mechanisms governing durability in low Earth orbit. She also investigates plasma-based processes for surface modification and disinfection, with an emphasis on translating laboratory-scale materials science into deployable technologies. 

In parallel, her research extends to space-relevant and terrestrial agricultural systems, applying materials and plasma principles to develop sustainable, industry-ready solutions that reduce chemical dependence, enhance operational resilience, and bridge the gap between controlled experimentation and real-world deployment across multiple sectors.