Bayram Saparov

Bayram Saparov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma, part of the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on solid-state and materials chemistry, particularly the synthesis and characterization of energy materials such as photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and magnetic materials. He leads the Saparov Lab, which bridges chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop functional materials for energy applications.

Education:

• Diploma in Chemistry, Moscow State University (2006)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Delaware (2011)
• Postdoctoral Research, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2011-2014) and Duke University (2014-2016)

Research Interests: The lab explores hybrid organic-inorganic materials, chalcogenides, and metal halides for optoelectronic and energy applications. Key projects include designing materials with tunable electronic properties, studying luminescence mechanisms, and developing methods for structural control. Recent work highlights include ultrabright copper(I) halides for LEDs and scintillators, and earth-abundant chalcogenides for photovoltaics.

Awards: Dr. Saparov has received prestigious awards such as the NSF CAREER Award (2021), DOE Early Career Award (2020), and Excellence in Research Award (2025). His group has also been recognized for innovations in materials science, including patents and patents pending.

Grants and Collaboration: Active collaborations include the Oklahoma Photovoltaic Research Institute (OKPVRI) and partnerships with institutions like ORNL and NASA. His research is supported by grants from NSF, DOE, and other agencies.

Outreach and Education: The lab engages in K-12 outreach through programs like NSF-RET and REHSS, promoting STEM education and research opportunities. Graduate and undergraduate students in the lab have gone on to prestigious fellowships and academic positions.

Labs and Facilities: The Saparov Lab is housed in the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center (SLSRC) at OU, with access to advanced instrumentation for materials synthesis, crystallography, and optoelectronic characterization.