Rohit N Karnik

Rohit N Karnik is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He leads the Microfluidics and Nanofluidics Research Group, focusing on nanotechnology, fluid mechanics, biosensors, and water filtration systems. His work bridges fundamental physics with applications in healthcare, energy, and environmental engineering.

• Education: B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology (2002), M.Sc. (2004) and Ph.D. (2006) from University of California-Berkeley

Research interests span microfluidics, nanofluidics, graphene membranes, bioMEMS, separation processes, and water desalination. Recent publications highlight innovations in graphene pore design, microfluidic nanoparticle synthesis, and cell sorting mechanisms. His work has led to patents in nanotube fabrication and liquid filtration.

Scientific Awards include the NSF CAREER Award, US Department of Energy Early Career Award, Keenan Award for Innovation in Undergraduate Education, and multiple best poster awards. He serves on editorial boards and review panels for organizations like the US Department of Energy, KAUST, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Karnik actively contributes to MIT through leadership roles in graduate admissions, faculty search committees, and international collaborations. His group explores fluid dynamics at nanoscale interfaces, with applications in environmental sensing and biomedical diagnostics.