Department of Physics
The Department of Physics at St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor, established in 1968, holds the distinction of being the first postgraduate department in the institution. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant academic space committed to quality education, practical training, and student development.
The department currently offers the following academic programmes:
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics with Research
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics
Both programmes offer specializations in Computational Physics and Materials Science
M.Sc. Physics with specialization in Advanced Electronics
The department is supported by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members. Well-maintained laboratories, a computer lab, and an astronomical observatory provide students with the necessary infrastructure for academic and practical learning. The observatory hosts annual stargazing events, encouraging students to engage directly with observational astronomy. The department regularly organizes scientific events including international conferences, seminars, and invited lectures by experts from various fields. These activities are designed to keep students informed about recent developments and to create opportunities for academic interaction beyond the classroom. Academic performance has remained a strong aspect of the department, with many students securing university ranks and progressing to higher studies or professional careers in India and abroad. Alumni of the department hold positions in universities, research institutions, and companies across the globe. The Physics Association plays an active role in the academic life of the department. One of its notable initiatives is the All-Kerala Intercollegiate Physics Quiz, conducted in memory of the late Prof. Celine K. Joseph. This annual event draws participation from colleges across the state. The department also places importance on values-based education and social responsibility. Through its programmes and activities, it aims to develop students who are academically capable, socially aware, and prepared to take on the challenges of the modern world.
Dr. Thomas Mathew
Assistant Professor & HODPh.D., Five Year Integrated MSc.
8129473653
[email protected]
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Dr. Rahul S.
Assistant Professor on ContractPh. D., M.Sc.
9947191440
[email protected]
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Former Faculty Members
Prof. P.M. Alexander (1964 - 1996)
Prof. Alexander had been an effective and sincere teacher loved and respected by his students and colleagues. He had served the institution since the inception of the college. He became the head of the department in 1992. His sound knowledge in the subject and the sense of humour kept the department lively until his retirement on 31- 03 1996. The department was elevated to a P.G. department during his period.
Late Prof. K.M. Mathew ( 1968 - 1996)
Late Prof. K.M. Mathew started his career in this college as the head of the department and he rendered the longest tenure of service in this post. He was the Principal of the college from 1992 to 1996. He had taken the necessary steps to begin the postgraduate programme in the department.
Rev. Fr. Luke Puthiyakunnel (1968 - 1992 )
He began his teaching career in 1968. He had been very much loved and respected by the students and colleagues. He was the Principal of the college from 1983 to 1992. The curricular and co-curricular activities of the college flourished extensively during his tenure as the Principal.
Prof. V.J. Joseph. (1972 - 1997)
He started his teaching career in 1972. He was the Head of the Department during 1996 - 97. As a native of Uzhavoor he was the part and parcel of the college from the very beginning.
Prof. Celine K. Joseph (1978 - 96)
Late Smt. Celine had been serving in the department since 1978. She was very sincere, dedicated and inspiring teacher loved and respected by the students and colleagues. The God Almighty had been pleased to take her away from us at the age of 40. She still lives in our heart with love and homage. To commemorate her memory, the physics association had started an All Kerala Intercollegiate Physics Quiz Competition and which became a prestigious program of our college.
Prof. C U Mary ( 1976 - 2007)
Prof. C U Mary was the Head of the department from 1997 till her retirement in 2007. She had secured her M. Sc. degree from University of Kerala with first class
Prof. Cherian Thomas ( 1978-2010)
Prof. Cherian Thomas was the Head of the department from 2007 till his retirement in 2010. He had secured his M Sc degree from University of Kerala with first class and third rank in the university. He also secured M Phil from CUSAT in 1990 with first class.
Prof. K L Thomas ( 1980- 2011)
Prof. K L Thomas was the Head of the department during the academic year 2010-11. He had secured his M Sc degree from University of Kerala with second class.
Prof. John Zachariah ( 1980- 2013)
Prof. John Zachariah was the Head of the department from 2011 till his retirement in 2013. He had secured his M Sc degree from University of Kerala with first class.
Prof. James Kurian ( 1980-2013)
Prof. James Kurian was a faculty member in the department from 1980 till his retirement in 2010. He had secured his M Sc degree from University of Kerala with second class.
Prof. Shaji Sebastian ( 1980-2014)
Prof. Shaji Sebastian was the Head of the department during the academic year 2013-14. He had secured his M Sc degree from University of Kerala with first class. He also had secured M Phil degree from Mahatma Gandhi University in 2001 and M C A degree from IGNOU in 2008.
Prof Reenamma Cyriac Mathew (1988-2015)
Prof Philipson C Philip (1987-2019)
Prof Philipson C Philip was the Head of the department from 2014 to 2019. He had secured his M Sc degree from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore with first class. He also had secured M Phil degree from CUSAT in the year 1995.
Prof Minni Philip (1987-2020)
Prof Mercy Kurian (1989-2020)
Faculty members served the department for a short period
- Sri. K.K.Jose (1970 -78) Moved to USA
- Smt. C.M. Marykutty (1975 -80) Moved to B.C.M. College
- G. Mohana Chandran (1978 -79) Moved to University College,
- Sri. Peter Abraham (1981 - 85) Changed the profession to Airport Authority of India
- Sri. Johny M.C. (1981 - 86) Moved to U.S.A.
- Sri. James Mathew (1982 -86) Moved to U.S.A.
- Jose kuruvilla (1984 - 91) Moved to U.S.A.
- Sri. Jarard Thomas (1986 - 88) Now working as Manager in Vysya Bank.
- Sukumaran Asari (1979 - 80) Moved to St. Michals College Sherthalai.
TECHNICAL STAFF
- Mrs. Daisy Philip
- Mr. Sabu Joseph
TECHNICAL STAFF(Retired)
- Mr. V K Kuruvila
- Mr. V K Mathai
- Mr. V M Thomas
- Mr. E M Simon
- Mr. V T John
- Mr. C L Matha
- Mr. Stephen
- Mrs. C T Leelamma
- Mr. Raju Kurian V
- Ms. Mariamma K T
Achievements 2024-25
-
· Mr. Sone T Sunny, II MSc Physics student got selected for ASPIRE research award instituted by DCE, Govt. of Kerala.
· Mr.Sone T Sunny and Ms. Kavya Manu, II MSc students published their research work in scopus indexed journals.
· Ms. Kavya Manu and Ms. Devipriya A K presented their research work in international conference on advanced energy materials for a sustainable future (ICAEMS 2024) held at FISAT
· Ms. Kavya Manu and Ms. Devipriya A K presented a paper in international interdisciplinary conference Quesitio’25 at St. Stephen’s college Uzhavoor
· Mr. Sone T Sunny, II MSc Physics student presented a paper in a National conference conducted at St. Thomas college Pala.
· Ms. Devipriya A K secured third prize in the intercollegiate short presentation competition conducted by IIRBS, MG university Kottayam.
· Students participated in MG University kalolsavam and won prizes. Jamsheer S Hassan, MSc Student secured A grade for Hindi short story writing competition.
· MSc students Alias Benny, Jesna K Sebastian, Sidharth T P and Sone T Sunny won prizes for intercollegiate quiz competitions conducted at various colleges
Student Publications 2024-25Name of the Student
Title of the
Research Paper/ Article
Name of the Journal
Date of Publication
UGC-CARE listed/ Scopus indexed
Ms. Kavya Manu (II MSc Physics)
Robust red-emitting glass phosphors with high color purity achieved through a novel energy transfer pathway in Pr3+/Sm3+ co-activation
Inorganic Chemistry Communications
01-12-2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Mr. Sone T Sunny
(II MSc Physics)
Investigation on the spectral downshifting features of trivalent Terbium ion-activated BaO-ZnF2-K2O-SiO2-B2O3 glasses for display devices and green laser applications
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
10-12-2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Faculty Publications 2024-25
Name of the Faculty
Title of the Book/Chapter/
Research Paper/ Article
Name of the Book/Journal/Newspaper
Date of Publication
UGC-CARE listed/ Scopus indexed
Dr. Adon Jose
Robust red-emitting glass phosphors with high color purity achieved through a novel energy transfer pathway in Pr3+/Sm3+ co-activation
Inorganic Chemistry Communications
01-12-2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Dr. Adon Jose
Investigation on the spectral downshifting features of trivalent Terbium ion-activated BaO-ZnF2-K2O-SiO2-B2O3 glasses for display devices and green laser applications
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
10-12-2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Dr. Adon Jose
Photoluminescence characteristics and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Eu³⁺ doped Ca₃Nb₂O₈ phosphor for photonic devices and red laser applications
Journal of Alloys and Compounds
05-01-2025
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Dr. Adon Jose
Structural and photoluminescence studies of LaNbO4:Er³⁺ phosphors synthesized via citric based sol-gel route for WLED applications
Solid state communications
2025
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Dr. Adon Jose & Ms. Ansu James
An insight into the structural interpretation of network modification in Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glasses for its applicability in green luminescence and radiation shielding
Materialia
2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Mr. Nikhil Mohan P
Microwave, ferroelectric and electromechanical studies of free standing blended electroactive polymer films
Materials Research Bulletin
Accepted on 18 September 2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Mr. Nikhil Mohan P
Microwave dielectric characterization of P(VDF-TrFE)-CuO nanocomposite free-standing flexible films
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Accepted on 15 October 2024
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Mr. Nikhil Mohan P
Role of buffer layers on the strain-induced insulator-metal transition of VO2 thin films: a review
Critical Reviews In Solid State And Materials Sciences
Published online on 13 Sep 2024.
UGC-CARE listed & Scopus indexed
Activities - Academic Year 2024-25
International Conference on Innovative Materials (ICIM-2024)
The highlight of the year was the International Conference on Innovative Materials (ICIM-2024), held on 21st and 22nd November 2024 in collaboration with IQAC and MG University, Kottayam. The event saw participation from over 150 attendees, including 10 eminent resource persons from various countries. Alongside paper presentations, the Innomat Poster Challenge was conducted for degree students, and an abstract book of presented papers was released. The conference had 12 parallel sessions over two days and was a resounding success due to the dedicated efforts of faculty members and students.
The presented papers were published in the journal of Physics: Conference series
DIY LED Star Workshop and Sale
DIY LED Star Workshop and Sale, supported by DSS, MG University Kottayam, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students. The department, in association with the ED Club, conducted the workshop at the college on 6th December 2024 and extended it with the support of Kuravilangad Rotary club to Uzhavoor Panchayat on 14th December 2024. The workshop conducted at Uzhavoor panchayat created awareness among the public about LED star making. A star sale was organized on 10th December, with more than 100 LED stars being sold, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of students.
SciVista 2025 - National Science Day Celebration
SciVista 2025, the National Science Day celebration held on 11th February 2025, supported by KSCSTE, DST, Govt. of India. Events included a painting competition for UP students and a science kit-making competition for high school students. Dr. Subash Gopi, Fingerprint Expert at the Fingerprint Bureau, Idukki, delivered an insightful talk on "From Crime Scenes to Courtrooms: Dactyloscopy in Action." A unique event, 'Astro Melodic,' combined a skywatching session with live music conducted at the astronomical observatory.
India's Maiden National Space Day Celebration
On 23rd August 2024, India's Maiden National Space Day was celebrated, featuring a talk by Mr. Shaji Simon, Senior Scientist and Divisional Head at ISRO-VSSC, Trivandrum. The event also included a spot quiz and an interactive session that enriched students' understanding of space exploration.
XXVIII th Prof. Celine K Joseph Memorial All Kerala Intercollegiate Physics Quiz
The 28th Celine K Joseph Memorial All Kerala Intercollegiate Physics Quiz was held on 4th February 2025 at the Educational Theatre, with Dr. Maneesh Michael from Bharat Mata College, Thrikkakara, as the Quiz Master. Fifteen teams participated in the event, with the team from Bharat Mata College emerging as the winner.
Seminar on ‘ Towards high efficiency solar cell’
A seminar was held on the topic "Towards High-Efficiency Solar Cells" by Ms. Anitta Rose Varghese, a Research Scholar at the Australian National University, Canberra. On the same occasion, the title launch of the International Conference on Innovative Materials (ICIM-2024) was conducted by the College Principal, Dr. Sincy Joseph.
Project Presentation by M.Sc. final year students
We conduct Project Presentation by final year postgraduate students every year. The presentations showcased their research work, allowing undergraduate students to develop scientific curiosity and research temper.
Onam and Christmas Celebrations
Festive celebrations were an integral part of the year, with students actively participating in Onam and Christmas events. The department organized an Onam Sadhya, which was a great initiative to enhance the festive spirit. A Christmas crib made entirely of natural materials secured third prize in the college competition.
New Initiatives
Our students in association with ED club launched a new startup, TECHNOPATH, this year- a laptop and mobile service center applying their technical skills to real world challenges. They are also part of Edura+, a student -led educational startup run by the college, where students actively participate in tutoring school children both in India and abroad, enabling them to find part-time jobs while continuing their studies.
Past Activities
Academic year-2019-20
Project Presentation by M.Sc. Final year Students
Reflection 94 Alumni Meet of BSc Physics 1991-94 Batch
Golden Jubilee Memorial Lecture Series
22nd Prof. Celine K Joseph Memorial All Kerala Intercollegiate Quiz
AstroGaze 2020 Stargazing session
Science day celebration and Debate competition
Academic year-2016-17
20th Prof. Celine K Joseph memorial All Kerala Inter-Collegiate Physics Quiz Contest & Seminar presentation Competition
11th November 2016
Quiz Master: Dr. Jimmy Sebastian (S.H College,Thevara)
Winners:
St. Thomas College Pala (Quiz)
Devamatha College Kuravilangad (Seminar Presentation)
Association Inauguration on 8th September 2016
Resource Person: Dr. Binite Luckose (Jacobs University, Germany)
Project Presentation by M Sc students on 28th July 2016
Association Activities 2015-16
19th Prof. Celine K Joseph Memorial All Kerala Intercollegiate Physics Quiz and Seminar Presentation Competition on 9th December 2015
UGC sponsored State Level Seminar on MATLAB & LABVIEW on 26-27 November 2015
Talk by Dr. Jidesh P, Asst Prof, NIT Surathkal
Talk by Dr. George James, Asso. Prof, Newman College, Thodupuzha
Talk by Mr. Vineeth MP, Asst Prof, Adi Sankara Institute, Kalady
Talk by Dr. Arun P Parameshwaran, Asst Prof, MIT Manipal
Birthday Celebration of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students DayShort Presentation on Life of missile man
Quiz competition on Dr. Abdul Kalam as a scientist and technocrat Date: 15/10/15
Project Presentation by MSc II year students Date: 02/09/15
Workshop on Make your own LED Date: 19/09/15
Resource Person S Sankaram, Nirmala College
Association Inauguration and Welcome Day Celebrations
Guest Riju C Issac, MA College
Talk Title Inertial confinement fusion
Saavishkara Exhibition Date : February 2016
PSLV Still Model by III DC Physics students
Live Workshop LED Bulb Assembly Selected students from Association
Demonstration of teaching aids from e waste Alumni of the department
Electrical experiments and exhibition I DC Physics
Electronics experiments and exhibition II DC Physics
Optical experiments and exhibition MSc Physics