About Me
I am a Master of Engineering (Research) student in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Cluster at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), supported by the SUTD MEng (Research) Fellowship. Prior to joining SUTD, I was a Research Assistant in the Department of Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (Aug 2025 – Jan 2026), where I designed and characterised a multi-channel SiPM–scintillator optical detection system for cosmic ray muon measurements.
My research interests lie in experimental detector instrumentation, particle physics, and Monte Carlo simulation. I am particularly motivated by high-sensitivity optical detection systems, building precision instruments where silicon photomultipliers and scintillators open new possibilities in fundamental and applied science. I also have a background in spectroscopy, scientific programming, and machine learning.
I completed my M.Sc. Physics (First Class with Distinction, College Topper) and B.Sc. Physics (First Class with Distinction) from the University of Calicut, Kerala, India, followed by a B.Ed. in Physical Science from the same university.
If you would like to discuss research or explore a potential collaboration, please reach out via email or LinkedIn.
Latest News & Updates
- Sep 2026: Joined the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) as an MEng (Research) student, supported by the SUTD MEng (Research) Fellowship.
- Feb 2026: Preprint uploaded to arXiv: “Characterization of an MPPC-Based Scintillator Telescope and Measurement of Cosmic Muon Angular Distribution.” [arXiv]
- Jul 2026: Conducted an interactive session on empowering girls for research and technical education at Bolster Girls Campus.
- Aug 2025 – Jan 2026: Research Assistant, Department of Physics, IIT Kanpur. Designed and built an end-to-end SiPM–scintillator optical detection system for cosmic ray muon measurements.
- 2025: Awarded Best Mentor by the Bolster Foundation for career and academic guidance to socially and economically disadvantaged intermediate school students.
- 2021: College Topper — M.Sc. Physics, University of Calicut (First Class with Distinction, highest score in cohort).
- 2021: National Topper — NPTEL Machine Learning for Engineering and Science Applications (top among 1,500+ students).
- 2019–2021: Recipient of the Prof. Joseph Mundassery & Suvarna Jubilee State Merit Scholarships, Government of Kerala, awarded for academic excellence at UG and PG level.
Research Publications
You can find the complete publication list on Google Scholar.
Selected Projects
SiPM–Scintillator Cosmic Muon Telescope
IIT Kanpur · Aug 2025 – Jan 2026
Designed and built an end-to-end optical detection system using plastic scintillators coupled to Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) with wavelength-shifting fibres. Characterised SiPM gain, breakdown voltage, and dark count rate at the single-photoelectron level. Configured a three-fold coincidence telescope to measure the cosmic muon angular distribution (n = 1.44 ± 0.06), in agreement with established literature.
Geant4 Monte Carlo Simulation of Muon Detector
Independent Research · 2026
Performed Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations of the MPPC–scintillator detector geometry to model muon interactions with scintillator material, complementing the experimental cosmic muon measurements carried out at IIT Kanpur.
Neutrino Oscillation Sensitivity Analysis
Independent Research · 2026
Simulated T2K and DUNE long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments using GLoBES. Performed chi-squared based sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation for atmospheric mixing parameters θ₂₃ and Δm²₃₂.
Hyperspectral Crop Stress Detection
Independent Research · 2026
Applied the PROSPECT-D radiative transfer model to generate a synthetic hyperspectral dataset of lettuce under combined stress conditions (nutrient, light, water). Computed spectral indices and implemented NNLS spectral unmixing for stress severity estimation in hydroponic crops.
Potassium-Ion Polymer Electrolyte Characterisation
University of Calicut · 2021
M.Sc. research project investigating the structural and electrical properties of potassium-ion conducting polymer electrolytes using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy.
Get in Touch
I am always happy to hear from fellow researchers, potential collaborators, or anyone interested in my work. Feel free to reach out via email or connect on LinkedIn.
Email: sahla_manithottathil@mymail.sutd.edu.sg
Office: Science, Mathematics & Technology Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372