Karthikeyan Baskaran
Reno,NV
Summary
Accomplished Materials Scientist specializing in gaseous and wet process development alongside advanced materials characterization. Expertise includes thin film processing, surface preparation, and microstructural analysis via electron microscopy. Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams to address complex materials challenges and drive technology development in R&D environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist and Manager, Electron Microscopy and microanalysis lab
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV
08.2025 - 03.2026
- Developed mechanistic understanding of sorption and regeneration behavior to address long-standing iodine capture challenges.
- Functionalized high-specific surface area materials enhancing radioiodine capture efficiency in nuclear waste management.
- Successfully designed process for thin film devices, through atomic layer deposition and etching.
- Consulted for industries at University of Nevada Reno, delivering microscopy support that accelerated atomic-scale process development.
Assistant Teaching Professor
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Taught core materials science courses, including scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques.
- Enhanced communication of complex materials science concepts to diverse audiences through targeted instruction and mentoring.
- Achieved recognition as exceptional faculty for strong communication skills and effective student mentorship.
- Provided comprehensive training on structural properties, phase transformation, and thermodynamics of materials to facilitate student understanding.
- Consulted with industries through University of Nevada Reno, delivering microscopy support for atomic-scale process development.
- Successfully designed process for thin film devices, through atomic layer deposition and etching.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Led development of carbon-based sorbent materials from TRL 2 to TRL 5, demonstrating scalability and performance. Contributed to creation of carbon-based iodine capture material selected by U.S. Department of Energy for further evaluation.
- Researched functionalization of high surface area materials for effective radioiodine capture in nuclear waste management.
- Developed process for obtaining crystalline gallium oxide on flexible polyimide substrates, enhancing application potential in thin film technology.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
08.2017 - 06.2021
- Analyzed spin Seebeck effect and thermoelectric behavior in nanoscale materials, contributing insights into thermal and magnetic transport mechanisms.
- Developed synthesis routes for nanochain thermoelectric materials, enhancing understanding of materials kinetics.
- Examined magneto-optic Kerr effect in thin films, elucidating magnetic and optical responses relevant to spintronics applications.
Visiting Research Scholar
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
08.2015 - 02.2016
- Engineered tissue scaffolds, facilitating cellular growth and regeneration in regenerative medicine applications.
- Utilized metal nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, improving accuracy in therapeutic applications.
- Developed nanogel composites for therapeutic delivery, enhancing treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers.
Education
Ph.D. - Materials Science and Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV08-2023
Bachelor of Technology - Nanotechnology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Formerly SRM University)
Chennai, India06-2016
Skills
- Electron microscopy and microanalysis: SEM, FIB-SEM, ImageJ
- Thin film processing
- Materials characterization and sorption analysis
Experimental design, research methodology, and data analysis - Scientific visualization and data analysis: OriginPro, GraphPad
- Process optimization
- Scientific writing
- Technical illustration
- Teaching and mentoring
Awards
Exceptional Letter of appointment teaching faculty, Spring 2025, University of Nevada, Only two of these awards are granted per college honoring exceptional teaching standard, inclusive environment and innovative student evaluation.
Publications
- Feasibility of carbon foam-based sorbents for the abatement of gaseous mercury and iodine, K. Baskaran, L. Sharpless, C. Elliott, S. Sullivan, M. Edinger, B. Riley, K. Carlson, RSC Advances, 15, 39, 32708–32720, 2025
- Silica Xerogel Supported Silver Nanoparticles via Tin-Seeded Reduction for Iodine Capture, K. Gingrich, K. Baskaran, B. Riley, K. Carlson, I. Zharov, ACS Applied Nano Materials, 8, 32, 15894–15901, 2025
- Static iodine loading comparisons between activated carbon, zeolite, alumina, aerogel, and xerogel sorbents, S. Chong, B. Riley, K. Baskaran, S. Sullivan, L. El Khoury, K. Carlson, R. Asmussen, M. Fountain, New Journal of Chemistry, 48, 22, 9880–9884, 2024
Professional Memberships
- American Chemical Society, Member
- American Ceramic Society, Member
Activities
- President - Graduate Student Advisory Council (Metallurgy), 2020-2021, Participated in student activities and outreach.
- President - Graduate Student Advisory Council (Materials Science), 2019-2021, Participated in student activities and outreach.
- Elected for three consecutive years as Student Vice-president for National Service Scheme, 2013 to 2015, Organized outreach activities on general improvement in rural area.
- Best Project Work Award for Undergraduate design project, 2016, Gelatin Methacrylate patterned micro gel nanocomposite for therapeutic delivery.
Timeline
Research Scientist and Manager, Electron Microscopy and microanalysis lab
University of Nevada, Reno
08.2025 - 03.2026
Assistant Teaching Professor
University of Nevada, Reno
08.2023 - 08.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nevada, Reno
06.2021 - 07.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
08.2017 - 06.2021
Visiting Research Scholar
Texas A&M University
08.2015 - 02.2016
Ph.D. - Materials Science and Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno
Bachelor of Technology - Nanotechnology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Formerly SRM University)