Ashutosh Kumar Shukla holds B.Sc., M.Sc. and D. Phil. degrees from the University of Allahabad. His doctoral research involved using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and optical absorption spectroscopy to investigate transition ion doped single crystals. He has been a university teacher and researcher for 17 years and is currently an Associate Professor of Physics at Ewing Christian College, Allahabad, a University of Allahabad institution. He also served as an Associate Professor (Pure and Applied Physics) at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, C.G. (A Central University). Dr. Shukla has successfully completed research projects in the area of electron spin resonance, funded by the University Grants Commission, India's main higher education body. He has presented his research at various international events in countries including the USA, UK, Germany, Spain, and Russia. He has published a number of research papers in peer-reviewed journals and has edited numerous volumes. He has delivered several invited lectures on characterization techniques at national and international conferences and workshops. He also reviews manuscripts for a number of international journals. He has received many scholarships and fellowships, including a National Scholarship; Government of U. P. Ministry of Higher Education Scholarship; and research fellowships from the Council of Science & Tech., Lucknow; Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi; and the Indian National Science Academy-Bilateral Exchange Fellowship.