Neil Dasgupta

Neil Dasgupta is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, where he leads the Dasgupta Research Group focused on energy science, nanotechnology, and manufacturing. A Miller Faculty Scholar (2020), he develops scalable nanostructure synthesis techniques for energy and environmental applications.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2011
• Ph.D. minor in Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 2011
• M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 2006
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2005

Dasgupta's research spans renewable energy, battery technology, solar energy conversion, catalysis, and nanomanufacturing, with applications in solar cells, artificial photosynthesis, and water purification. His group employs atomic layer deposition, nanowire growth, and advanced characterization in the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility and Michigan Center for Materials Characterization.

His publication trends reveal interdisciplinary innovation in bio-inspired photocatalysts and lithium metal battery anodes, emphasizing materials design for energy storage and conversion through mechanical engineering, materials science, and chemistry collaborations.

Major scientific awards include:

• ASME Thar Energy Award, 2025
• George J. Huebner, Jr. Research Excellence Award, 2025
• Schmidt Science Polymath Award, 2024
• Rackham Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award, University of Michigan, 2023
• E. & M. Ulsoy Citation Leader Award, University of Michigan, 2022
• William N. Findley Award, University of Michigan, 2021
• Miller Faculty Scholar, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, 2020
• CAREER Award, National Science Foundation, 2018

Dasgupta secures substantial research funding including a $2.5M Schmidt Science Polymath Award for CO2 conversion, $3M NSF grant for solar manufacturing, $3.4M for solar-thermal plants, and $2M for solar-powered fertilizer production. He mentors graduate students like Robin Rodriguez and Eric Kazyak, receiving the Rackham Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award for exceptional doctoral guidance.

The Dasgupta Research Group collaborates with MUSIC EFRC, Energy Storage Research Alliance, UM Electric Vehicle Center, Michigan Materials Research Institute, Applied Physics Program, and UM Solar Car Team, leveraging university-wide facilities for nanofabrication and characterization.