Rusi Taleyarkhan

Rusi Taleyarkhan is a Professor at Purdue University with a courtesy appointment in the School of Health Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1982), an MBA (1980), and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology (1977). His research focuses on advanced radiation detection technologies, including metastable fluid detectors and biopolymer-based sensors for nuclear applications, as well as polymer development for industrial and medical uses.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. Nuclear Engineering and Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1982
  • M.B.A., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1980
  • M.S. Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1978
  • B.Tech Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 1977

His research interests include novel radiation sensor systems for nuclear material monitoring, green polymer materials for coatings and adhesives, and nano-to-macro scale nuclear science applications. He has pioneered the development of tensioned metastable fluid detectors (TMFDs), which are gamma-blind and highly efficient for neutron detection. His work spans nuclear security, reactor thermal-hydraulics, and acoustic inertial confinement fusion.

Key contributions include real-time monitoring of special nuclear materials (SNMs), radiation dosimetry in extreme environments, and bio-renewable polymer formulations for industrial applications. He is also the Chief Technology Officer at S/A Labs, LLC, and an active member of professional organizations such as the American Nuclear Society and Sigma Xi.

• Awards:
  • Fellow, American Nuclear Society (ANS)
  • Fellow (Honorary Member), Russian Academy of Sciences

Dr. Taleyarkhan’s work bridges fundamental nuclear science with practical applications in energy, materials, and safety. His laboratories and collaborations focus on advancing detection technologies and sustainable materials for global challenges in nuclear energy and security.