New research associate joins QUASAR Group to engage in AI/ML projects for particle accelerators
The QUASAR Group would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr Maheshkumar Thorat, who recently joined the Group to contribute to cutting-edge AI/ML projects aimed at enhancing particle accelerator technologies. Dr Thorat brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, spanning various sectors and disciplines.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a government institute in India in 2005, Dr Thorat continued his academic journey at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay), where he earned his master's degree in 2007, securing the coveted All India Rank 1 in GATE 2005.
Throughout his career, he has held roles in academia, research, and industry. He served as a lecturer and assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at WIT, Solapur, India, before delving into software development roles at prominent organizations such as BHEL and L&T.
In 2015, Dr Thorat transitioned into research, taking on the role of a project research manager at NCAIR, IIT Bombay, where he made contributions to lightweight manufacturing and product development for various industries.
In 2016, he started his PhD in the Mechanical Department of IIT Bombay, focusing on "Studies on shock mitigation using metal foams composites and their sandwich structure." His PhD was financially supported by DRDO, Ministry of Defense, Government of India. During his PhD, he designed a 7-meter-long shock tube and analyzed shock wave signals post-material interaction, utilizing various sensors such as PCB and PVDF for experimental data collection.
Furthermore, Dr Thorat enhanced his expertise with a postgraduate diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Purdue University, USA, and gained practical experience through an internship at General Electric's global R&D division in Bengaluru, India.
Before defending his PhD thesis in November 2022, he took on the position of Lead Data Scientist at Chistats Labs Pvt Ltd in Pune, India, focusing on Aero gas turbine engine health monitoring using AI/ML.
In April 2024, Dr Thorat joined the QUASAR Group, where he is engaged in AI/ML projects aimed at advancing particle accelerator technologies. His work focuses on developing advanced methodologies for accelerator design, control, beam diagnostics, and optimizing research infrastructures to enhance beam quality, reproducibility, and availability.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr Thorat has a keen interest in gym activities and is passionate about animals.
Welcome!