Dr. D. V. Senthilkumar
Principal InvestigatorIndian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram
As the principal investigator leading this group, my research passion lies in the captivating realm of nonlinear dynamics. I delve into non-integrable systems, chaotic dynamics, bifurcation, stability analysis, synchronization, network theory, and complex systems. My exploration extends to time-delay systems, delay-induced phenomena, coupled map lattices, spatio-temporal chaos, and recurrence analysis, revealing the intricacies of interconnected phenomena.
Karan Singh
iPhD Student (2020 – Present)📨 karansingh20@iisertvm.ac.in
Hey there! I’m an integrated PhD student who kicked off this journey in 2020. I did my bachelors from University of Delhi. My research revolves mostly around the complex system. My focus? Exploring the intricacies of cascading failure and its mitigation in complex networks. When I’m not physics-ing, you’ll find me running around campus, traveling, or seeking out new adventures.
Rakshita Sharma
PhD Student (2022 – Present)📨 rakshita22@iisertvm.ac.in
I am Rakshita Sharma , a PhD student at Indian Institute of Science and Research, Trivendrum (IISER TVM), specialising in Non Linear Dynamics and Complex Networks. My research is focused on exploring the behaviour of active matter, particularly swarmalators . Currently I am investigating the impact of phase lag factor in Swarmalator model. I completed both my BSc(Honors) and MSc in Physics from University of Delhi. Outside of academia, I find joy in traveling to new places , reading novels and studying about philosophical dimensions of Psychology.
Akash Yadav
PhD Student (2023 – Present)📨 akashyadav23@iisertvm.ac.in
Hey, I’m Akash Yadav, a PhD scholar at IISER TVM specializing in complex systems and non-linear dynamics within physics. My research delves into swarming dynamics and adaptive complex systems, employing numerical modeling and simulations to uncover emergent patterns. I navigate these complexities through an interdisciplinary approach, blending physics principles with numerical simulations. I aim to translate these findings into practical applications, contributing to real-world solutions and advancements.
Aman Mishra
PhD Student (2024 – Present)📨 aman24@iisertvm.ac.in
I am Aman Mishra working in Non-linear dynamics. My work revolves around generalizing the Kuramoto model to D Dimensions to make it more suitable for higher-dimensional systems, integrating both amplitude and phase dynamics. I’m particularly interested in exploring the emergent properties and collective behavior of systems modeled by the Kuramoto model. This model finds application in various fields such as neuroscience, physics, biology, and engineering, where the synchronization of coupled oscillators plays a crucial role in understanding phenomena like neuronal synchronization, the behavior of power grids, and even the dynamics of coupled chemical reactions.
Kumar Awanish Pathak
PhD Student (2025 – Present)📨 awanish25@iisertvm.ac.in
I am Awanish, a researcher interested in complex systems and mathematical modeling. My work focuses on higher-dimensional Kuramoto models and basin stability to solve real-world problems. I study how systems synchronize and how stable they are when disturbed, with applications in areas like neuroscience, engineering, and power grids.
I aim to connect theory with practical use and contribute to solving challenges in dynamic and interconnected systems.
Aleena Charles
Project Student (2025-26)📨 aleenacharles21@iisertvm.ac.in
Hi there! I’m Aleena Charles, a final-year BS-MS student majoring in Physics at IISER Thiruvananthapuram. I’m currently pursuing my final year major project as part of the Complex Systems Lab. My research interests lie in Nonlinear Dynamics, with a focus on adaptive network systems. While my specific project topic is yet to be finalized, I’m excited to explore these ideas within the broader framework of complex systems. In the future, I hope to apply concepts from Nonlinear Dynamics to problems in Meteorology, particularly in understanding extreme events. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, music, a bit of traveling, and unwinding over good food and evening chai.
Joel Johny
Project Student (2025-26)📨 joelj21@iisertvm.ac.in
Hi! I’m Joel Johny, a 5th-year BS-MS student specializing in Complex Systems at IISER TVM. My research focuses on understanding the dynamics of networks, with a particular emphasis on targeted avoidance in complex networks. Currently, I am investigating how selective targeting and removal of nodes can influence network robustness and controllability, especially in contexts such as infrastructure resilience and epidemic spreading. Outside of research, I enjoy playing cricket and football.
Arpan Sen
Project Student (2025-26)📨 arpan5824@iisertvm.ac.in
Hi everyone! I’m Arpan Sen (not related to Ashok Sen, though I wish I had his brilliance). I’m an M.Sc Physics student at IISER Thiruvananthapuram, working on interdependent networks and yes, still running simulations to make my own life network stable!
Kaushik Harith
Project Student (July ’25- Present)📨 kaushik.harith@gmail.com
I’m KS Harith, a Project student at the Complex Systems Lab working on adaptive dynamical systems inspired by real world constraints. I’m investigating how large interconnected physical systems evolve in response to external pressures like drastic weather changes.
Ameen Ahsen (May’25 – Present)
📨 ameen22@iisertvm.ac.in
Hello! I’m Ameen Ahsen Bin Sathar, an Intern student under Karan at Complex systems lab, IISERTVM, joined after finishing my third year (BSMS). My research at the lab focuses on analysis of cascading failures , with a particular emphasis on simulating the networks and classify them for better mitigation strategies, as well as exploring mitigation techniques. Outside of research, I’m interested in photo videography, football, adventure and basically anything.
Shankar Sajith (Oct ’24 – Present)
📨 shankar24@iisertvm.ac.in
Hello, I’m Shankar Sajith. I am a BS-MS student at IISER TVM. I joined the lab as an intern in 2024 during my first semester. I found non-linear dynamics and complex systems deeply fascinating and I wanted to further my knowledge on the subject. Currently I am studying adaptive networks. Beyond academics I enjoy gaming, music and brewing coffee.
Varun R (May ’25 – Present)
📨 varun22@iisertvm.ac.inz
Hi! I’m Varun, an intern at the Complex Systems Lab, and I recently completed my 3rd year at IISER TVM (BSMS Physics). I’m currently working on information cascades in social networks, especially in the context of minority groups and their dynamics – basically on how to overthrow the majority. In general, I’m interested in learning about nonlinear dynamics and networks in biological systems. If I’m not breaking my mind trying to understanding physics, I’m usually playing sports or guitar.
Narendran R V (May ’25 – Present)
📨 narendran22@iisertvm.ac.in
Hello there! I’m Narendran, an intern at Complex Systems Lab, IISER-TVM for the period of May to July 2025. I’m currently pursuing my undergraduate studies, with a keen interest in nonlinear dynamics. My research during this internship focuses on biased random walks on complex networks, or as I like to call it, watching the walkers make questionable life choices. When I’m not trying to decode networks, you’ll find me designing wild stuff in Blender or pretending to be a science YouTuber (with questionable editing skills but solid enthusiasm).
Zafir K S (May ’25 – July ’25)
📨 zafir.ks@niser.ac.in
Hello! I’m Zafir K S, an Intern student in Complex systems lab at IISER TVM. My research focuses on Non-Linear dynamics of Complex systems, with a particular emphasis on modeling collective dynamics in adaptive networks using nonlinear differential equations. In my project I investigated synchronization phenomena using the Adaptive Kuramoto model and its extensions using simulations . I am currently pursuing Integrated MSc at NISER Bhubaneswar, majoring in physics. outside of research, I enjoy football and films a lot.
Aadit Sewak (June ’25 – July’25)
📨 aaditsewak2005@gmail.com
Internship certificate
Hey there! I’m Aadit, currently an intern at the Complex Systems Lab at IISER Thiruvananthapuram.
I joined in June 2025 and have since been exploring models of opinion dynamics and cascades on networks, building on a foundation I had developed earlier. I’m excited to take this line of work forward in the coming months.
I’m currently pursuing a B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
Outside of research, I love playing the guitar, listening to music, shooting hoops — or really just getting into any sport you can name.
Dhruv Goel (June ’25 – July’25)
📨 dhruv.goel.physics@gmail.com
Internship certificate
Hi, I’m Dhruv Goel, a bachelor’s student at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. I’m currently an intern at IISER Thiruvananthapuram, working in the Complex Systems Lab. My interests mainly lie in complex systems, with a focus on cascading systems and opinion dynamics. Since joining the lab, I’ve been exploring how cascades spread on networks and how opinions evolve over time. Outside of physics, I enjoy sketching, reading comics, and playing football and video games.
Uday
PhD (2019-24)Hello, I’m Uday Singh, a Physics PhD student at IISER TVM. My research focuses on nonlinear dynamics, particularly the Aging transition phenomenon. This behavior occurs in a network of nonlinear oscillators and leads to the loss of macroscopic oscillation across the entire system. Currently, my aim is to enhance our understanding of network behaviors in a more comprehensive way by considering various types of interactions analytically. Apart from research, I enjoy singing and playing sports like table tennis and badminton.
Krishnanand J
Masters Project (2022-23)Hi, I am Krishnanand J, a Malayali from Thrissur, Kerala. I worked on ‘Swarmalators’ for my major project, which is just a fancy way of describing systems in which “like attracts like”. This lab greatly influenced in my way of thinking about the complex world, and realising how connected entirely different systems can be. Towards the end of my project, I developed a new interest in climate studies through some online lectures and conferences, which led to me pursuing my PhD in Glaciology in Earth and Climate Sciences Department, IISER Pune. Apart from research, I enjoy teaching students, electronics, writing stories, making music, plus many more which cannot be fit into this word limit 🙂
Nuha Fatima
Masters Project (2022-23)Hello, I’m Nuha Fathima. I was a BS-MS student at IISER Thiruvananthapuram. I did my master’s thesis at the Complex Systems lab. My research focused on Modelling the asynchronous dynamics in complex ecological networks using Kuramoto oscillators. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, writing, hiking and travelling.
Anusree
Masters Project (2022-23)Hello! I’m Anusree Vinod K, a Project Assistant at IMSc Chennai in the computational biology department. I have earned both bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physics from IISER Thiruvananthapuram. Since 2022, I’ve been part of the lab, investigating the dynamics of drive-response metacommunities within ecosystems.
Qazi Saaheelur Rahaman
Masters Project (2024-25)Hello There! I am Qazi Saaheelur Rahaman, and I worked as a Master’s Project Student in the Complex Systems Lab from June 2024 to May 2025. My research focused on exploring the phase transition to synchronization in a multiplex network of adaptively coupled Kuramoto oscillators with frequency disorders. I also investigated how different Hebbian learning mechanisms across layers influence the emergence of novel dynamical states in such multiplex systems. Our first study revealed that increasing the interlayer coupling strength upto a certain extent leads the system to sychronize at a lower coupling strengthcan lead to the formation of several distinct synchronization regimes, offering deeper insights into the collective behavior of adaptive networks.
During this project, I had the opportunity of working closely with Akash Yadav, whose guidance, conceptual clarity, and coding expertise greatly enriched my research experience. His constant support and openness to discussions—no matter how basic my questions were—made a tremendous difference in shaping my understanding of complex systems research. I also had an amazing time with the rest of the team – from random dinners at Tasty to Karan taking me to my first real hike – I enjoyed my time at IISER TVM both academically as well as socially.
As part of my major project, our work led to the publication titled “Heterogeneous nucleation in a multiplex adaptive network,” in PRE with another paper currently under review, titled “Collective dynamics of multiplex networks with distinct adaptation rules.”
My experience in the Complex Systems Lab was profoundly enriching — the atmosphere fostered curiosity, collaboration, and open scientific dialogue, making it an ideal environment to develop both technical and research skills. I am currently pursuing my PhD at Aix-Marseille University under the prestigious SCHDOC MSCA doctoral program, where I am working at the intersection of Biophysics and Artificial Intelligence.
Sathiyadevi
Research Associate (Sept ’19- Feb ’20)Hello! I’m Sathiyadevi, and I worked as a Research Associate at IISER Thiruvananthapuram from September 2019 to February 2020 in the Complex Systems Lab under the guidance of Dr. D.V. Senthilkumar, who provided valuable support throughout my research. During this time, I investigated topics such as aging transitions, symmetry breaking states, and the role of mean-field intensity in networks of coupled limit-cycle oscillators, among others. IISER TVM provided a highly supportive environment with state-of-the-art facilities and the intellectual freedom that greatly enriched my academic journey. Outside of research, I have a passion for nature and enjoy exploring the outdoors.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=8gw9NOIAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
Rumi Kar
PhD Student📨 rumi12320@iisertvm.ac.in
Hi, I am Rumi Kar, a Ph.D. student at IISER TVM. My research is centered around the intriguing field of nonlinear dynamics, with a particular focus on the fascinating concept of chimera states. This area of study truly captures my academic interest and is the primary focus of my current research endeavors.
Dweepabishwa Bagchi
PhD Student📨 dweepabiswabagchi20@iisertvm.ac.in
I am Dweepabiswa Bagchi, and I worked as a brilliant doctoral researcher in the Complex Systems Lab from August, 2020 to August, 2025. My research focused on “Persistence of metacommunities” ( basically giving them a slim chance to survive in this economy). I had the opportunity to work pretty closely with Dweepabiswa Bagchi, whose guidance and insights were extremely helpful throughout the project ( not really .. he’s not that great).
My experience in the lab was d(w)eeply enriching — the environment encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and open discussions, making it an ideal place to learn and grow as a researcher. I am currently ( and rather surprisingly) a Post-Doctoral Research Associate / Scientific Associate at ICBM (Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment) , Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg.
Porikshit Mondal
iPhD Student📨 porikshit22@iisertvm.ac.in
Hello! I’m Porikshit Mondal, an MS (By Research) graduate from the Complex Systems Lab, IISER Thiruvananthapuram (May 2023 – July 2025). My research focused on Kuramoto oscillators, where we proposed a new model — the Multilator, defined on a 3-torus manifold capable of capturing multiple state variables. My time at IISER TVM was deeply enriching, and I’m grateful to Dr. D. V. Senthilkumar and my labmates for their support and inspiring discussions. I’m currently pursuing my PhD at the Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complex Systems (IFISC), CSIC–UIB, Spain, under Prof. Ernesto Estrada, working on non-conservative dissemination processes with spatio-temporal nonlocality in networks, while continuing to stay connected and collaborate with the Complex Systems Lab at IISER TVM.
Kabilan T
Project Student (2024-25)📨 kabilan.t20@iisertvm.ac.in
I am Kabilan T, and I worked as a BSMS Major Project Student in the Complex Systems Lab from August 2024 to May 2025. My project explored how network structures and individual decisions shape each other through adaptive rewiring. What began as a curiosity about nonlinear dynamics eventually grew into a journey where I learned how complex interactions can fundamentally change the behavior of a system.
I feel deeply grateful to have worked under the guidance of Dr. D. V. Senthilkumar, V. K. Chandrasekar, and my mentor Karan Singh. Their support, patience, and encouragement played a huge role in shaping both my project and my confidence as a researcher. One of the things I valued most was the freedom I had to share my ideas. Every suggestion I made was listened to respectfully and openly, which made me feel like a true part of the research process.
The weekly lab meetings were another highlight of my experience. Listening to the PhD scholars present their ongoing work exposed me to different perspectives and techniques across nonlinear dynamics. Each presentation sparked new thoughts and helped me understand the depth and diversity of research happening in the field. Those discussions, combined with the interactive nature of the lab environment, gave me countless ideas and helped me develop a much stronger scientific intuition.
Instead of just research outcomes, the lab offered me something far deeper, a space where I felt motivated, supported, and constantly inspired to push my understanding further.
I am currently in the process of applying for PhD positions, and I hope I will be able to contribute more to the field of nonlinear dynamics in the years ahead.
Our collaborative efforts eventually led to the publication of our paper titled “Mitigating Cascades in Co-evolving Networks with Targeted Rewiring” in PRE Letters. Seeing the project evolve from early ideas to a published work was one of the most memorable accomplishments of my academic journey.
The open discussions, collaborative spirit, and mutual respect within the group made every day enjoyable and motivating. The time I spent in the lab has shaped my interests, strengthened my foundation, and given me the confidence to pursue research with even greater passion.
Lab Moments
