In India, Shyama Mandal received his bachelor's degree in 2015 from the University of Burdwan, master's degree in 2017 from Tripura University, and PhD in 2022 from the Indian Institute of Technology, all in chemistry. Now a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, he is using density functional theory to study the stability of atomic layer deposition (ALD)-based catalyst systems compared to non-ALD and building an understanding of how ALD can be used to enhance the lifetime of the catalyst. Through close collaboration with experimentalists at Stanford, the SUNCAT Center for Interface Science and Catalysis, and Oak Ridge National Lab, he also is studying the process of sintering as well as the metal nanoparticle shape at specific temperature, water, and oxygen partial pressure conditions. In his future research, he will continue to focus on alternative energy options through the design of inexpensive earth-abundant, metal-based catalysts in lieu of the more expensive process of hydrogen energy generation. And, he will employ real-time computational modeling, physics-based descriptor findings, and elucidating reaction mechanisms. He participated in Stanford's Postdoc Mentoring Coaches Program in 2023, and Mandal has disseminated his research through several publications, conferences, workshops, and invited lectures. As a professor, he will strive to make learning both comprehensive and enjoyable, using analogies and chemical demonstrations, offering detailed explanations, and communicating well-defined goals. He will strive to ensure that learning becomes a passion rather than just a task.

Research Interests

Computational catalysis