Dr. Thirumala Rao Gurugubelli is Professor and Head of the Department of Physics at SR University, Warangal. His academic career spans more than a decade, encompassing teaching, materials research, and institutional leadership. He obtained his Ph.D. in Physics from Acharya Nagarjuna University in 2015, with research on transition-metal-ion-doped semiconductor nanocomposites.

His research focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of functional nanomaterials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. His principal interests include semiconductor photocatalysis, electrochemical energy storage, and materials for hydrogen production. His work explores metal oxides, quantum dots, MXene-based composites, and heterostructured nanomaterials to improve pollutant degradation, charge transport, and electrochemical performance. He has expertise in hydrothermal, sol–gel, sonochemical, and co-precipitation synthesis, alongside structural, optical, and microscopic characterization.

Dr. Gurugubelli has authored or co-authored 67 publications, including 57 SCIE-indexed papers, and contributed to 40 published patent applications. He serves on the Editorial Board of Discover Applied Sciences, published by Springer Nature, and reviews manuscripts for leading international journals. His recognitions include the UGC-BSR Meritorious Fellowship and best paper presentation awards at the Indian Youth Science Congress 2014.

Before joining SR University, he served at GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam. At SR University, he has held leadership positions as Dean of Research Grants and Consultancy and Associate Dean of Research and Rankings. He is committed to engaging physics teaching, research mentorship, laboratory development, and collaborative research that connects fundamental materials science with practical societal needs.