About Me

I am currently an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University’s Oakland campus. As an engineering educator, I strive to create inclusive, hands-on learning environments where students connect fundamental concepts with real-world challenges. My teaching emphasizes active participation and learning through experience. I encourage students to attempt challenging problems, learn from their mistakes, and refine their thinking through guided feedback until they develop an intuitive understanding of the underlying concepts. I am particularly interested in designing innovative assessments that evaluate conceptual understanding, engineering judgment, and problem-solving skills rather than memorization alone.

Before joining Northeastern, I taught graduate and undergraduate materials science courses at the University of Nevada, Reno. I also served as a Research Scientist and managed the Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (EMMF). In this role, I trained students and researchers, supported interdisciplinary research, and provided materials characterization consulting to academic and industry partners.

My research background spans functional nanomaterials, surface chemistry, advanced materials characterization, gas capture, and environmental remediation. I am especially interested in connecting this technical expertise with engineering education by giving students opportunities to explore materials through experimentation, design, and practical applications.

Beyond teaching and research, I enjoy backcountry backpacking, climbing, photography, and hands-on making.

Contact Details

Karthikeyan Baskaran
Northeastern University - Oakland Campus
karthikeyan (@) baskaran.me

Education

University of Nevada, Reno

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering August 2023

Transferred from the University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT.
Working on designing and studying the property of high specific surface area materials.

    Core research and skills
  • Silica aerogel and xerogel
  • Physirotion and chemisorption
  • Rheology
  • Microscopy
  • X-Ray photoemission spectroscopy
  • Surface area analysis

SRM Institute of Science and Technology
(Formerly SRM University) - Chennai

Bachelor of Technology in Nanotechnology June 2016

Gained knowledge of fundamental science and research in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Spent a semester in senior year at TEXAS A&M University, college station, USA, where I worked on therapeutic delivery and biointerface using 2D nanosilicates.

    Subject Highlights
  • Polymer and Nanocomposites
  • Surface and Interface
  • Drug Delivery System
  • Nanotoxicology
  • Thin film techniques
  • Nanomagnetism
  • Spintronics

Work

Northeastern University - Oakland Campus

Assistant Teaching Professor Fall 2026 - current

University of Nevada, Reno

Research Scientist Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

University of Nevada, Reno

Assistant Teaching Professor Fall 2023 - Spring 2025

University of Nevada, Reno

Graduate Research Assistant Fall 2021 - Spring 2023

University of Utah, Salt lake city

Research Assistant Fall 2017 - Spring 2021

World of Nano.

Excited to explore the world of nanomaterials and nanotechnology

"There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom"
- Richard Feynman

Get In Touch.

I will be happy to hear about any work that is challenging and involves nanomaterials and nanoscale surface interface. Contact me by sending an email or snail mail.