Sadhan C. Jana

Dr. Sadhan C. Jana is the Benjamin Franklin Goodrich Endowed Chair and Professor in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Akron. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. His research focuses on polymer nanocomposites, aerogels, and nanofibers, with applications in energy storage, filtration, and biomedical materials. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and holds several patents. Among his notable roles, he served as Chair of the Department of Polymer Engineering twice and currently serves as Executive Editor of the Society of Plastics Engineers journals. Dr. Jana has received prestigious awards including the George Stafford Whitby Award and the Fred E. Schwab Education Award. His work emphasizes sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University, 1993
• M.Tech., Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, India, 1988
• B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, University of Calcutta, India, 1986

Research Interests: Dr. Jana’s work spans polymer nanocomposites, aerogel fabrication, nanofiber production via gas-jet spinning, and shape-memory polymers. He explores applications in aerospace, energy storage (e.g., Li-ion batteries), and environmental filtration. His lab develops scalable methods for producing high-performance materials, such as lightweight aerogels and hybrid filler systems for low-rolling-resistance tires.

Grants & Advising: Dr. Jana has led numerous research projects funded by federal agencies and industry. He has advised over 30 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His group collaborates globally, with partnerships in academia and industry.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2017 George Stafford Whitby Award
• 2014 Honored Service Member, Society of Plastics Engineers
• 2005 Fred E. Schwab Education Award
• Elected Fellow, Society of Plastics Engineers (2008)

Labs & Teams: His research group operates within the University of Akron’s National Polymer Innovation Center. Key projects include the Coalescence Filtration Nanofibers Consortium (CFNC), focusing on filter media design and nanofiber applications.