Hello, I'm
Vikash Meghwal
Ph.D. Researcher · The University of Texas at Austin
Graduate Research Assistant · Cockrell School of Engineering
About Me
I am a Ph.D. researcher in Materials Science & Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, working in Prof. Narayana Aluru's Multiscale Engineering, Mathematics and Sciences Group. My current research focuses on Li isotope separation using Nuclear Quantum Effects, AIMD, Machine Learning, and Path Integral Methods.
I completed my B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from IIT Kanpur, where I specialized in surface science, 2D COFs, MOFs, molecular electronics, AFM, C-AFM, and XPS under Prof. T. G. Gopakumar.
Beyond research, I am a passionate full-stack developer with experience in React.js, Next.js, Angular, Electron.js, and mobile development — bridging the worlds of computational science and modern software engineering.
Research Work
Li Isotope Separation via Nuclear Quantum Effects
Studying Li isotopes using Nuclear Quantum Effects (NQE), Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD), Radial Distribution Functions, Machine Learning potentials, and Path Integral Methods.
Supervisor: Prof. Narayana Aluru · UT Austin, Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering
Electronic-Coupling & Band Gap Tunability in Ferrocenyl Thin Films
Developed ultra-thin molecular films via drop casting with Pd & Cu dopants on HOPG surfaces. Formed semiconducting surface-confined metal–organic networks (SMONs). Analyzed using C-AFM, XPS, and DFT simulations (QuantumWise ATK).
Supervisor: Prof. T. G. Gopakumar · IIT Kanpur, Dept. of Chemistry
SARS-CoV-2 Membrane Fusion Mechanism
Investigated receptor binding and priming of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for membrane fusion. Studied virus-membrane fusion mechanics with application toward nanoparticle medicines and vaccines.
Supervisor: Prof. Nagma Parveen · IIT Kanpur, Chemical Biology Lab
Publications
Enhancing the Electronic-Coupling and Conductivity of Monolayer Film of Ferrocenyl Molecules by Pd and Cu Doping
Modulation of Electronic Structure of Surface-Confined Metal-Organic Network of 9,10-Anthracenedicarboxylic with Transition Metals
Skills & Expertise
Experience & Internships
Full Stack Developer Intern
Jan 2024 – Apr 2024Armatrix · Industrial & Defense Robotics, IIT Kanpur
- Built a fully functional website using ReactJS with Tailwind CSS styling.
- Implemented an efficient email system using EmailJS integration.
- Managed end-to-end website deployment on Hostinger hosting platform.
- Ensured seamless responsiveness across all screen sizes.
SURGE Summer Research Intern
Summer 2023Prof. Pratik Sen's Lab · Biophysical Chemistry, IIT Kanpur
- Investigated structure & dynamics of synergistic mixed solvent systems (DMF, NMF, Formamide).
- Conducted in-depth 1H NMR and absorption spectroscopy analysis.
- Applied vacuum distillation techniques to purify organic solvents.
- Performed hydrophobicity trend graph analysis using Python.
Self Projects
Full Stack E-Commerce + CMS
Fully functional E-commerce app with admin & client platform. Features product management, authentication, and Stripe payment processing. Deployed on Vercel.
Organized Automation Website
Web automation platform with embedded console functionality using Angular and ElectronJS for cross-platform desktop deployment.
Comic Creator Web App
React web app that allows users to create and share 10-panel comic strips. Comics are generated from input text using a text-to-image API.
Server & Client Android App
Android application enabling server-client communication and cloud data storage using Google Firebase framework.
Awards & Achievements
PhD Fellowship
Fellowship from the Cockrell School of Engineering & UT Austin Graduate School
2026E-Poster Presentation
Theory Workshop on Computer Simulation and Macromolecules · Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hünfeld
2025Faculty Position Offer
OCFP Faculty position at ORCHIDS The International School, Bangalore
2024SURGE Poster Presentation
Students-Undergraduate Research Graduate Excellence · IIT Kanpur
2023JEE Advanced AIR 2380
All-India Category Rank among 1.2 million candidates — Top 0.2%
2019INSPIRE Award
State Level Science Exhibition · Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir
2015Education Timeline
Ph.D. · Materials Science & Engineering
The University of Texas at Austin
Cockrell School of Engineering · Supervisor: Prof. Narayana Aluru
Jan 2026 – PresentM.S. · Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
2023 – 2024B.S. · Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
2019 – 202312th Grade · CBSE
Lawrence and Mayo Public School, India
2017 – 201810th Grade · JKBOSE
Bharti Public High School, India
2015 – 2016Get In Touch
Let's Connect
Whether you're interested in research collaboration, have questions about my work, or just want to say hello — my inbox is always open!