Lab Members
Assistant Research Professor: Dr. Dillip Kumar Panda
Postdoc: University of Michigan, Florida State University; Ph.D., University of Wollongong, 2011
Dr. Panda’s research centers on developing high-temperature, all-solid-state lithium batteries for electric vehicles and advancing material discovery for anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and cathodes. As a materials scientist and electrochemist, his work also spans polymer-derived ceramics, conducting polymers, nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and sensors, with expertise in various types of solar cells and supercapacitors. He has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed journal publications and contributed four book chapters. In recognition of his research excellence, Dr. Panda received the Clemson University Distinguished Postdoctoral Award in 2022. In his leisure time, he enjoys listening to music and writing poetry and prose in Odia. LinkedIn
Graduate Student: Bryson Hedrick
B.S., Appalachian State University, 2024
Bryson comes from a physics background, having worked with optical tweezers at Appalachian State University and in nanofabrication at UT-ORII. His current research focuses on machine learning, ceramics, and image processing. Outside of academics, he enjoys hiking, practicing primitive living skills, climbing, foraging, playing DnD, and coding. LinkedIn
Graduate Student: Tariq El-Hawary
M.S., Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), 2022; B.S., AASTMT, 2017
Tariq has a background in mechanical engineering with a focus on energy and power systems. He has been involved in teaching and academic instruction since 2017 while completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His academic training is centered on fluid mechanics, mechanical design, and thermal sciences. His current research interests lie in materials science, particularly material integrity and the mechanical behavior of materials relevant to energy and industrial applications. Outside of academics, he enjoys going for walks and listening to podcasts.
Graduate Student: Nishanth Manda
M.S., University of Michigan-Dearborn, 2024; B. Eng., SRM University AP, 2022
Nishanth has a background in mechanical engineering and has contributed to research on battery thermal management using nanofluid-based cooling for Li-ion cells, as well as on high-entropy alloy thermal barrier coatings for high-temperature applications. His current work centers on advanced materials and thermal systems for energy technologies, with an emphasis on nanofibers for next-generation batteries and thermal management. Outside his research, he enjoys outdoor activities and traveling.
Possible Openings
• Postdocs with proven experience and expertise in: energy materials (batteries, catalysts, fuel cells), in situ characterization (diffraction, scattering, microscopy), and artificial intelligence (machine learning, deep learning, computer vision).
• Ph.D. and M.S. students with a background and strong interests in: energy storage, ceramic engineering, and advanced characterization. More details about our MSE Graduate Program.
• Undergraduate students in MSE or related majors with an interest in the above research topics are encouraged to apply.
• Visiting scholars and interns with an interest in the above research topics are welcomed to apply.
Send inquiry emails to Dr. Hou (hou4+inquiry@clemson.edu). With the subject specifying your name, the position, and the expected start time, e.g. Application_Postdoc_JohnDoe_2025fall.
Please keep your email concise, state briefly why you are interested in this lab, what’s your preliminary plan, and attach a CV. No need for other documents or certificates (your email is your cover letter). If you are applying to a specific advertisement, note this in your email.
About Clemson University
• Clemson University is a leading public research institution located in Clemson, South Carolina, classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”. Gallery of our campus
• Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences (CECAS) is committed to producing outstanding graduates. Our MSE program ranks #1 for the state of South Carolina by College Factual and EduRank, and 29th among national public universities by US News and World Report. Clemson is listed as Top 10 Best Small College Towns, per USA TODAY reviews
• Clemson University Core Values: Integrity; Respect; Diversity; Patriotism; Excellence; Self-Reliance.
• Website intro of Clemson MSE Program. Also check our intro video.
• Clemson MSE Facilities Tour video 2024. Clemson CECAS video playlist.
Where we from:
Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities
We are committed to workforce training and professional development in STEM fields, please contact us if you are interested in working with us through these opportunities.
• Undergraduates: CECAS Opportunity Grants, Breakthrough Scholars Program, Creative Inquiry, and many others.
• Graduates: Major Fellowships, DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP), and many others.
• Postdocs: NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) eFellows, Clemson Research Fellows, and many others.
Teamwork leads to proper perfection.
A pit stop, 4 tires swapping, by 22 human beings, in less than 2 seconds. Truthfully, it’s an art.
Source: Red Bull Racing, 2019 Brazilian GP.
Friends of our lab: (at least in my personal perspective)
• The Tiger, Dum Spiro Spero (While I breathe, I hope)
• Hokie Bird, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve)
• Wolfpack, Think and Do