Mahesh Kumar Pallikonda

My work focuses on the intersection of multiple branches of engineering and technology, with primary emphasis on manufacturing and electronics. This interdisciplinary approach supports a systems-level perspective in engineering education, industry engagement, and workforce development. My teaching emphasizes manufacturing processes, robotics, and operations management, and my teaching style is rooted in Socratic questioning, encouraging students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and develop a deeper conceptual understanding through guided inquiry and hands-on, experiential learning.

My research interests include advanced manufacturing, AI in manufacturing, Industry 4.0/5.0, quality and operations management, and human–machine collaboration, grounded in my PhD research on ultra-conductive materials. I also lead National Manufacturing Month initiatives, now in their second consecutive year, bringing industry speakers, plant tours, and experiential learning opportunities to campus. These efforts enhance student awareness of manufacturing careers, strengthen industry–academic partnerships, and support early workforce readiness.

My research interests include advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0/5.0, and AI-driven manufacturing systems, with a strong focus on human–machine collaboration, quality, and operations management. My PhD research on ultra conductors provides a foundation in materials, electronics, and mechanical systems, which informs my interdisciplinary work across manufacturing, electronics, mechatronics, and data-driven operational excellence.

Publications

• Pallikonda, M. K. (2025). Prospects of Biochar for Boosting Crop Productivity and Soil Sustainability. In Biochar Ecotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment (pp. 315–339). Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/abs/pii/B978044329855400014X?via%3Dihub

• Pallikonda, M. K. (2024). Electricity and Electronics (12th ed.). G-W Publishers.

• Haider, M. A. (2024). Advancing 2-Year Degree Students Towards a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology: A Pilot Study (H. Ahmed, M. K. Pallikonda, & R. C. Manimaran, Eds.). American Society for Engineering Education.

• Pallikonda, M. K. (2024). Methodology to implement project-based learning (PBL) within the context of Operations Management. (H. Ahmed, M. A. Haider, & R. C. Manimaran, Eds.). American Society for Engineering Education.

• Alberd, J. L. (2024). The Future of Learning: Harnessing Generative AI for Enhanced Engineering Technology Education (M. K. Pallikonda & R. C. Manimaran, Eds.). American Society for Engineering Education.

• Ahmed, H. (2024). The integration of sustainability and automation to enhance manufacturing in Industry 4.0 (M. K. Pallikonda, M. A. Haider, & R. C. Manimaran, Eds.). American Society for Engineering Education.

• Pallikonda, M. K., & Antonangelo, J. A. (2023). Biochar-Based Polymer Composites: A Pathway to Enhanced Electrical Conductivity. In Biocarbon Polymer Composites (1st ed., pp. 115–126). Bentham Science Publishers. https://www.eurekaselect.com/chapter/21112

• Weigandt, C. W., Pallikonda, M. K., & Manimaran, R. C. (2023, June 25). Building a Rotary Wing Aviation Program to Facilitate Integration of Military Veterans and Service Members. Published. https://peer.asee.org/building-a-rotary-wing-aviation-program-to-facilitate-integration-of-military-veterans-and-service-members

• Manimaran, R. C., & Pallikonda, M. K. (2023, June 25). Integration of Professional Publications in the Implementation of Industry 4.0 to Augment the Learning Experience in ETAC of ABET ET Programs. Published. https://peer.asee.org/integration-of-professional-publications-in-the-implementation-of-industry-4-0-to-augment-the-learning-experience-in-etac-of-abet-et-programs

• Pallikonda, M. K., & Manimaran, R. C. (2023, June 25). Research Problems: A Pathway to Introduce Industry 4.0 in Undergraduate Education. Published. https://peer.asee.org/research-problems-a-pathway-to-introduce-industry-4-0-in-undergraduate-education

• Pallikonda, M. K. (2021). Experimental Investigation to Study the Feasibility of Fabricating Ultra-Conductive Copper Using a Hybrid Method. Materials. Published. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/19/5560

• Gorla, R., Pallikonda, M. K., & Walunj, G. (2019). Use of Rayleigh Distribution Method for Assessment of Wind Energy Output in Cleveland–Ohio. Renewable Energy Research and Application, 1(1). https://rera.shahroodut.ac.ir/article_1601.html

Presentations

• Pallikonda, M. K., LG Electronics TN, Annual Leaders Workshop, "AI in Manufacturing – Trends, Technologies, and Real-World Impact," LG Electronics, TN, Clarksville, Clarksville, TN, United States. (December 5, 2025).

• Pallikonda, M. K., Science on Tap, "Caged Automation to True Collaboration - The New Reality of Biomimicry & Human–Robot Collaboration," APSU, CoSTEM, Clarksville, Clarksville, TN, United States. (December 2, 2025).

• Pallikonda, M. K., ASEE Annual Conference 2024, "Methodology to implement project-based learning (PBL) within the context of Operations Management.," ASEE, Portland, Portland, OR, United States. (June 2024).

• Pallikonda, M. K., Rondeau, Z., Rouch, D., ATMAE Annual Conference 2021, "Photogrammetry: Low cost alternative to 3D scanners," ATMAE, Orlando, FL, United States. (November 2021).

• Pallikonda, M. K., "Manufacturing Excellence: Connecting Students with Industry Leaders and professionals," Sponsored by APSU, Austin Peay State University, $1,920.00. (August 2025 - May 2026).

• Pallikonda, M. K. (Principal), Alberd, J. L. (Co-Principal), Ahmed, H. (Co-Principal), "Enhance student learning experience by integrating experiential hands-on activities into the curriculum," Sponsored by CoSTEM, APSU, Austin Peay State University. (January 15, 2025 - May 15, 2025).

• Pallikonda, M. K., "Celebrating National Manufacturing Month: Engaging Industry Leaders to Promote Student Awareness," Sponsored by Austin Peay State University, Austin Peay State University, $800.00. (March 2025).