Rakkiyappan Chandran

Dr. Rakkiyappan Chandran is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University, where he teaches and conducts research at the intersection of sustainable nanobiopolymers and advanced material science. With a strong background spanning both academic research and industry experience, Dr. Chandran brings practical insights to his teaching and scholarly work.

Dr. Chandran's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Nanoscience from The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, UNCG
• M.S. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from Amity Institute of Nanotechnology
• M.S. Project at Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, MGH

His research focuses on utilizing innovative fabrication techniques, including nanolithography, to mimic multifunctional surfaces and structures with novel properties. Dr. Chandran has held notable research positions at prestigious institutions including Harvard Medical School, MIT, and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded Supercarb Inc., where he led pioneering efforts to convert carbohydrates from waste feedstocks into biodegradable fibers. Currently, as an Activate Fellow, Dr. Chandran is advancing critical hard technology projects aimed at benefiting society through sustainable innovations.

Dr. Chandran's scholarly work spans several key areas:

• Silver nanowire synthesis using biopolymer templates
• Nanolithography of natural polymers like chitin and chitosan
• Polymeric nanomaterials for tissue regeneration applications
• Photodynamic therapy mediated by fullerenes
• Characterization of natural polymer structures in biological systems

His publications have garnered over 2,000 citations, demonstrating significant impact in the fields of nanotechnology, textile engineering, and sustainable manufacturing. Dr. Chandran is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and industry, furthering his mission to drive sustainable innovations in material science that address real-world challenges.