Arya K Rajan
Experimental Physicist (PhD), Nanomaterials & Photophysics
Merced
Summary
Optical physicist with expertise in quantum dot self-assembly, photocyclizable organic emitters, and advanced spectroscopic characterization. Experienced in custom optical setup design, time-resolved spectroscopy, and nanomaterials synthesis. Demonstrated success in interdisciplinary research and student mentorship, with peer-reviewed publications. Excited to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of optics, materials science, and nanotechnology.
Overview
11
11
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Doctoral Student
UC Merced
Merced, CA
08.2019 - 08.2025
- Department of Physics, UC Merced
- Designed and optimized custom optical setups for time-resolved photoluminescence measurements
- Investigated quantum dot self-assembly using bis(imino)pyridine ligand functionalization to achieve tunable shell dimensions (300-900 nm)
- Characterized photocyclizable organic molecules exhibiting ¿100 nm spectral shifts via UV-induced transformations
- Collaborated with chemistry department on synthesis and characterization of novel luminescent materials
- Mentored undergraduate interns and trained junior graduate students in laboratory techniques
Teaching Assistant
UC Merced
Merced, CA
08.2019 - 05.2025
- Department of Physics, UC Merced
- Instructed laboratory courses for Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism (Fall 2019, Spring 2024-2025)
- Led discussion sections for Introduction to Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism courses (Fall 2019-Fall 2024)
- Developed and graded assignments for undergraduate physics courses
Master's Research Student
IISER Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
06.2014 - 04.2019
- Fabricated and characterized organic solar cell devices using P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunctions
- Performed AFM characterization for precise defect detection in air-processed active layers
- Synthesized and characterized perovskite nanoparticles for photovoltaic applications
- Optimized device parameters through simulation and experimental validation
Education
Ph. D - Physics
University of California, Merced
08.2019 - 08.2025
Int. BS-MS - Physics
Indian Institute of Science Education And Research
08.2014 - 07.2019
Skills
Molecular Design
Quantum Dot Self Assembly
Nanoparticle Self Assembly
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Project Management
Grant Writing
Python
Origin
LATEX
ImageJ
LabVIEW
PL Spectroscopy
TRPL Spectroscopy
UV-Vis Spectroscopy
Lasers and Optical Alignment
Custom Optical Setup Design
Leadership And Mentoring
- Graduate Mentor for CCBM Summer Internship Program (C-SIP), Summer 2021
- International Affairs Officer, UC Merced Graduate Student Association, Fall 2021
- 2024 APS CuWiP: Parallel session on Life in Graduate school, Spring 2024
Workshops And Schools
- Convergence of Nano-engineered Devices for Environmental and Sustainable Applications, UC Merced, Summer 2022
- Onboarding Course for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand (IMOD) Optoelectronic Materials Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Systems Course, University Of Washington, Seattle, 08/2022
- Quantum Dynamics and Spectroscopy of Functional Molecular Materials and Biological Photosystems Winterschool, ´Ecole de Physique des Houches, France, 02/2025
Publications
- Exploiting Photo Actuated Cyclization of Small Organic Molecules for Optically Tunable Properties via Structural Modulation, K Rajan, Arya, Pravien Rajaram, Sayantani Ghosh, Ryan Baxter, In Review
- Concentration-Dependent Emission from Low Molecular Weight Benzoyl Pyrazinium Salts, Brisbin, Ryan, K Rajan, Arya, Md Imran Khan, Pravien Rajaram, Karen Russell, Sayantani Ghosh, Ryan Baxter, Materials Advances, 4, 23, 2023, 6271-6276
- Tuning three-dimensional nano-assembly in the mesoscale via bis (imino) pyridine molecular functionalization, Brisbin, Ryan, Mark Bartolo, Michael Leville, Arya K Rajan, Basharat Jahan, Kara E. McCloskey, Ajay Gopinathan, Sayantani Ghosh, Ryan Baxter, Scientific Reports, 12, 1, 2022, 844
- Air-processed active-layer of organic solar cells investigated by conducting AFM for precise defect detection, Anjusree, S., Arya K Rajan, Bikas C. Das, RSC Advances, 10, 42, 2020, 24882-24892
Training
- Materials Research Society, Honolulu, Hawaii, 05/2022, Poster
- Materials Research Society, San Francisco, California, 04/2023, Talk
- APS March Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, 03/2023, Talk
- Materials Research Society, Seattle, Washington, 03/2024, Poster
- Materials Frontiers for Environmental Progress (MATFRONT) Conference, UC Merced, 06/2024
Awards And Fellowships
- CCBM Scholar, Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines (CCBM), UC Merced, 08/2020, 05/2025
- UC Merced Physics Summer Fellowship, UC Merced, 06/2021, 08/2024
- CCBM Travel Fellowship, UC Merced, 08/2022, 12/2024
- Travel award for IMOD OMS3 Onboarding Course, 2022
- CONDESA Travel Fellowship, UC Merced, 2023
- INSPIRE Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, 08/2014, 04/2019
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Teaching Assistant
UC Merced
08.2019 - 05.2025
Ph. D - Physics
University of California, Merced
08.2019 - 08.2025
Doctoral Student
UC Merced
08.2019 - 08.2025
Int. BS-MS - Physics
Indian Institute of Science Education And Research
08.2014 - 07.2019
Master's Research Student
IISER Thiruvananthapuram
06.2014 - 04.2019