I hold a Ph.D. in physics, a master’s degree in solid-state physics, and an MBA. My field of research has been application of radioactivity for dating and tracing in geological and biomedical systems. I have published over 100 research papers in international journals. I also currently hold a courtesy Associate Professor appointment in Technology Leadership and Innovation (Purdue Polytechnic Institute). I was one of 35 recipients of the Fulbright New Century Scholars: Universities as Knowledge Centers and Innovation Driver award. Before coming to Purdue, I was a researcher at the University of South Carolina, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Rochester.

I joined Discovery Park (DP) at its inception in 2002. DP is Purdue's $1 billion home for the university's large-scale interdisciplinary research efforts. Since 2002, I have had progressively increasing leadership responsibilities as Inter-center Research Director, Assistant Director, Associate Director, and Managing Director that have impacted the growth of the Purdue research enterprise. My main responsibilities have been in strategic planning, operations, and international affairs. My efforts have contributed to: (1) enhancing space and equipment, (2) enabling large-scale research, (3) building partnerships, (4) facilitating commercialization opportunities, and (5) engaging the students, faculty, and community in entrepreneurship.

Currently, I am the Managing Director, Energy Center and Interim Managing Director, Center for the Environment, Discovery Park. My research interests are: biomass modeling, power & energy research/education, battery safety, and pathogen detection.  In addition, I am a professor of engineering of technology (courtesy) in Purdue Polytechnic Institute and visiting professor at the National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan).

I am married to Archana Sharma, who is a neurotoxicologist. We have two children: Anubhav is an IP Lawyer and Parag is studying Dr.Ph.