Saikat Talapatra

Saikat Talapatra is a Professor and Director in the School of Physics & Applied Physics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). He teaches undergraduate and graduate physics courses including PHYS 100, PHYS 203B, PHYS 205B, PHYS 301, PHYS 310, PHYS 320, PHYS 420, PHYS 450, PHYS 476M, and various special topics courses in the Physics Department. As Director of the Nanomaterials Laboratory, he leads research on experimental condensed matter and materials physics.

Dr. Talapatra's research spans nanoscale materials and structures, electronic transport in mesoscale systems, light-matter interactions in 2D layered materials, and energy storage and conversion technologies. His group develops innovative routes for discovery, design and production of functional nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage, efficient catalysts, and electronic components. The research focuses on understanding fundamental physical behavior of nanoscale materials to design new applications and functionalities.

Recent publications reveal a strong focus on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly indium selenide (InSe) and copper indium selenide (CuIn₇Se₁₁), along with studies on magnetic materials, especially Heusler alloys. The work spans fundamental electronic and optoelectronic properties, device applications including phototransistors and field-effect transistors, and energy-related applications with emphasis on magnetocaloric effects for solid-state cooling.

• Barry Goldwater Fellowship 2021
• Ovshinsky Honorable Mention Travel Grant Award (2020)
• Braslau Family Travel Grant (2019)
• Multiple REACH fellowships
• DAAD Rise Fellowships for Germany internships
• NanoJapan Internships (NSF funded)
• Energy Boost Fellowships

Dr. Talapatra has successfully advised numerous PhD and MS students who have gone on to faculty positions, national laboratories, and graduate programs at prestigious institutions. His research is supported by significant funding from NSF, DoE, DoD, and other agencies. The Nanomaterials Laboratory maintains strong collaborations with Rice University, Northeastern University, Penn State, Florida State University, Osaka University, and several Indian institutions focusing on nanomaterials growth, characterization, and device applications.