Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. She also serves as the Vice Provost for Faculty Success, a leadership role reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and faculty development. Previously, she was Associate Dean for Faculty Success (2019–2023) and Director of the Kleberg Advanced Microscopy Center (2018–2020).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of Texas at San Antonio
• M.S. in Applied Physics, University of Michigan
• B.S. in Physics, Dillard University

Prof. Nash's research lies at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biology. Her work focuses on functional nanomaterials, particularly their synthesis, optical properties, and interactions with biological systems. Key areas include biophotonics, nanoparticle synthesis via laser ablation, photoacoustic sensing, and nanotransducers for biomedical applications. Her lab develops nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy, on-demand drug release, antimicrobial treatments, and environmental sensing.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in leveraging light-matter interactions for biomedical diagnostics and therapy. She pioneers all-optical photoacoustic techniques that eliminate bulky transducers, enabling high-resolution, high-frequency detection. Her work spans fundamental biophysics to translational applications, with materials including gold, selenium, and dichalcogenide nanoparticles.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program Award
• APS Women Physicist of the Month (July 2016)
• Dillard University Alumni 40–Under-40
• San Antonio Business Journal 40-Under-40
• UTSA President’s Distinguished Diversity Award
• UTSA COS Excellence in Community Service Award

Prof. Nash is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in STEM. She has served as UTSA-APS Bridge Program Coordinator and chair of the APS Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics National Organizing Committee. Her lab, the Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, receives funding from AFOSR, NIH, NSF, DOE, and NNSA. She is actively involved in grants focused on biophysics, antimicrobial nanomaterials, and STEM education. She welcomes graduate and undergraduate students interested in nano-bio interfaces and translational research.

The lab collaborates extensively with institutions such as the University of Texas Health Science Center, Southwest Research Institute, AFRL, and international partners, forming a robust interdisciplinary research network.