SWOMITRA MOHANTY

I am an Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Utah, where I lead interdisciplinary research focused on designing advanced materials and engineered systems for energy, sustainability, and global health applications.

My work centers on developing integrated platforms that combine nanomaterials, sensing technologies, and reactor engineering to solve complex real-world problems. A distinctive aspect of my research is the development of novel engineered systems, including the patented Periodic Symmetry Reactor, which enables precise control of transport phenomena and reaction environments for biological and chemical processes. These systems create new opportunities for scalable production, resource efficiency, and next-generation manufacturing.

In parallel, my group develops advanced sensing technologies for chemical and biological detection. This includes patented nanomaterial-based platforms, such as Titanium dioxide-based sensors for disease detection, as well as electrochemical and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing approaches for non-invasive diagnostics. These efforts are closely tied to applications in global health, where we aim to create low-cost, field-deployable diagnostic tools for use in resource-limited settings.

I also work at the intersection of materials and energy systems, with a focus on hydrogen technologies and critical materials. This includes developing processes and enabling technologies that support sustainable energy infrastructure and secure material supply chains.

Across all areas, my research emphasizes translation from fundamental discovery to deployable technologies, often through collaborations with industry, national laboratories, and international partners.

In addition to research, I lead workforce development initiatives to prepare engineers and technicians for emerging clean energy sectors, particularly in hydrogen systems, bridging traditional engineering education with technical workforce training.