Assistant Research Professor: Dr. Dillip Kumar Panda
Postdoc: University of Michigan, Florida State University; Ph.D., University of Wollongong, 2011
Dr. Panda develops high-temperature all-solid-state lithium batteries for electric vehicles and studies materials for anodes, solid electrolytes, and cathodes. His broader work spans polymer-derived ceramics, conducting polymers, nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks, sensors, solar cells, and supercapacitors. He has published more than 35 peer-reviewed papers and four book chapters, and received the Clemson University Distinguished Postdoctoral Award in 2022. Outside research, he enjoys music and writing in Odia. LinkedIn

Graduate Student: Bryson Hedrick
B.S., Appalachian State University, 2024
Bryson comes from a physics background, with prior work on optical tweezers at Appalachian State University and nanofabrication at UT-ORII. His current research focuses on machine learning, ceramics, and image processing. Outside academics, he enjoys hiking, primitive living skills, climbing, foraging, playing DnD, and coding in his spare time. He is from near the filming location for District 12 in The Hunger Games, released in 2012. LinkedIn

Graduate Student: Tariq El-Hawary
M.S., Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), 2022; B.S., AASTMT, 2017
Tariq has a mechanical engineering background focused on energy and power systems, and has been involved in teaching since 2017 while completing his degrees. His training centers on fluid mechanics, mechanical design, and thermal sciences. His current research focuses on materials science, especially material integrity and mechanical behavior relevant to energy and industrial applications. Outside academics, he enjoys walking and listening to podcasts in his spare time.

Graduate Student: Nishanth Manda
M.S., University of Michigan-Dearborn, 2024; B. Eng., SRM University AP, 2022
Nishanth has a mechanical engineering background and has contributed to research on battery thermal management using nanofluid cooling for Li-ion cells, as well as high-entropy alloy thermal barrier coatings for high-temperature applications. His current work centers on advanced materials and thermal systems for energy technologies, with emphasis on nanofibers for next-generation batteries and thermal management. Outside research, he enjoys outdoor activities and traveling in his spare time.