Nikolai Kalugin

Nikolai Kalugin is a Professor in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at New Mexico Tech. His research focuses on quantum materials, functionalized interfaces for biomedical applications, and the intersection of light-matter interactions in two-dimensional materials. He leads efforts to create quantum phases via Floquet engineering and designs bio-compatible carbon-based electrodes for neuroscience applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Solid State Physics/Micro- and NanoElectronics (1997), Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences
• M.S. in Engineering Electrophysics (1989, Summa Cum Laude), Nizhny Novgorod Technical University
• B.S. in Applied Physics (1987), Nizhny Novgorod Technical University

Research Interests: Dr. Kalugin explores quantum materials' dynamic properties under light-driven conditions, aiming to engineer topological states 'on demand.' He also develops biofunctionalized carbon interfaces to address limitations in neuroelectrode technologies. His work bridges quantum physics, materials science, and biomedical engineering.

Key Projects: Current initiatives include a new quantum materials education program at New Mexico Tech and collaborations on mid-infrared irradiation of graphene to induce stable Floquet states. His lab also investigates covalent peptide decoration of carbon surfaces for selective neuron targeting.

Grants & Labs: Active in multi-disciplinary research groups focusing on quantum technologies and bioelectronic interfaces. Coordinates cross-institutional student involvement in quantum materials research.