2024 Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award

Congratulations to Sanjay Mishra, PhD, Professor, Department of Physics and Materials Science, College of Arts & Sciences on receiving the award at the Spring Faculty Convocation.

Mishra is a professor in the Department of Physics and Materials Science. Following graduation from Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, with a PhD in Physics, Dr. Mishra completed postdoctoral training at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory’s Advanced Light Source facility, Berkeley. With primary training in Materials Science, his research focuses on developing novel energy materials, including high-temperature, energy-dense super magnets for lightweight motors, power-dense supercapacitor batteries for electric vehicles such as drones, and refrigerant-free magnetocaloric materials for cooling applications.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of materials science, he has also become interested in engineering novel photocatalytic nanomaterials for water purification, nanoplatforms for cancer treatment and drug delivery, nanoparticle-loaded bone cement and chitosan fabrics for wound healing,  among other applications that have pushed the boundaries of knowledge and promoted innovation.

He has authored books, patents, and over 250 peer-reviewed research articles. His work has been supported by public and private agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Petroleum Research Funds, Cortrell Award, etc. Dedicated to fostering active scientific collaboration and raising awareness about the field of nanomaterials on campus and in the community, Dr. Mishra has served as the founding Director of the University of Memphis’ Institute of Nanomaterials Development and Innovation (INDIUM). Dr. Mishra has also received the College of Arts and Science-Distinguished Research Award (2010), the Alumni Association Distinguished Research Award (2012), the PI “Millionaire” Award (2012), and the Dunavant Professorship (2014).