Narayanan Menon

Narayanan Menon is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, within the College of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics and soft matter systems, particularly in nonequilibrium statistical physics. He leads the Menon Research Group, which investigates phenomena such as granular flows, sedimentation of anisotropic objects, and interfacial dynamics of thin films and elastic surfactants.

Menon holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1995). His work bridges experimental and theoretical physics, addressing topics like collective behavior in active matter, wrinkling and buckling of thin films, and the interplay between ordering and mobility in complex systems. He is affiliated with the Condensed Matter Physics group at UMass Amherst and maintains an active laboratory dedicated to experimental studies of nonequilibrium phenomena.

Recent research highlights include studies on hindered settling of anisotropic particles, dynamics of sedimenting disc arrays, and the mechanics of elastic filaments on fluid interfaces. His publications reflect a deep engagement with fluid dynamics, granular physics, and soft matter, with a focus on experimental validation of theoretical models.