Sergei Savikhin

Sergei Savikhin is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University, affiliated with the College of Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Tartu State University and has extensive professional experience, including roles as Assistant Professor (2001), Associate Professor (2008), and Professor (2015) at Purdue. His research focuses on ultrafast optical studies of biological systems, membrane proteins, exciton kinetics, and biomimetic devices, utilizing advanced techniques like femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy.

Key achievements include the Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Excellence in Teaching (2003) and the Seeds of Excellence Award (2004). His lab develops high-sensitivity optical instruments, such as kHz and MHz repetition rate pump-probe spectrometers, enabling studies of photosynthetic systems under natural light conditions. He also teaches courses like PHYS 342L (Modern Physics Lab) and co-created the interdisciplinary SCI 190E (Integrative Science) course.

• Research Group Members: Includes graduate students (e.g., Adrien Chauvet) and former students like Naranbaatar Dashdorj (now at NIH).
• Lab Facilities: State-of-the-art equipment for ultrafast spectroscopy, terahertz spectrometry, and biomaterial analysis.

Publications emphasize excitonic dynamics in photosynthetic complexes, photoprotection mechanisms, and molecular engineering of light-harvesting systems. His work bridges biophysics, optics, and materials science, advancing understanding of energy transfer at the molecular level.