Shobhana Narasimhan

Narasimhan is considered a leader in the field of using quantum mechanical density functional theory to design novel nanomaterials having made many important contributions. She is particularly known for her work explaining the famous herringbone reconstruction of the gold (111) surface, her demonstration of how to calculate the thermal properties of metals, and her suggestion that the morphology and catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles can be tuned by doping the support that they are deposited on with an electron donor. She has also been a leader in physics in promoting science in the developing world, fostering gender equity in science, and science communication.