Arjun Sharma Poudel is a Graduate Research Assistant and Master's student in Nanoengineering with a background in engineering and computer science, and a strong passion for physics and computational design. He conducts research under the guidance of Dr. Shanthi Iyer, where his work integrates computational modeling, AI-driven analysis, and experimental studies in the laboratory, with a primary focus on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and semiconductor nanomaterials. His current research centers on the growth of III–V (GaAsSb) nanowires by MBE and their optical and structural characterization through temperature and power-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy and SEM morphology analysis, supported by Python and machine-learning pipelines that make these measurements reproducible across growth runs. 

Before beginning graduate study, Arjun spent five years as a software engineer, and holds a B.E. in Software Engineering. He has actively participated in a range of academic and professional programs, including AI-focused hackathons, Materials Research Society (MRS) programs, and research challenges at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), and has presented at multiple symposia under the mentorship of his advisor. He currently serves as Corresponding Secretary of the MRS student chapter at JSNN, mentored two NSF REU undergraduate researchers during Summer 2026, and designed and maintains the group's website.

Arjun is deeply interested in the fundamental physics behind material growth and in the use of computational and data-driven approaches to guide experimental design. As a motivated graduate researcher, he is committed to continuous learning and to contributing meaningfully to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, materials science, and artificial intelligence.