Ganesh Pokharel, Ph.D.
Asst. Professor of Physics
Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences
University of West Georgia
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Dr. Ganesh Pokharel is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of West Georgia (UWG), where he specializes in the synthesis and characterization of quantum materials. He holds a BSc and MSc in Physics from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, an MS in Physics from the University of Memphis, USA, and a PhD in Physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), USA.
During his Ph.D., Dr. Pokharel conducted research under the supervision of Prof. David Mandrus at the University of Tennessee and Dr. Andrew Christianson at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His doctoral work focused on the synthesis of solid-state materials and neutron scattering studies. He later joined Prof. Stephen Wilson’s group at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) as a postdoctoral researcher, where he advanced his work on quantum materials, with a focus on crystal growth and scattering techniques.
Dr. Pokharel’s research centers on the discovery and study of quantum materials exhibiting emergent phenomena, including topological behavior, unconventional magnetism, and superconductivity. He utilizes a range of solid-state synthesis techniques, including flux growth, vapor transport, mechanical alloying, and conventional solid-state reactions. His lab provides hands-on research experiences to undergraduate students in areas such as magnetic and energy-storage (battery) materials, with training in crystallography, electrical transport, and bulk property measurements.
In addition to research and teaching, Dr. Pokharel is actively involved in mentoring students and promoting scientific literacy through outreach activities. He regularly engages with local schools and community events to foster public interest in physics and materials science.
His academic path has been shaped by a deep interest in condensed matter physics and materials science, developed through years of graduate and postdoctoral training. With expertise in crystal growth, X-ray diffraction, and physical property characterization, Dr. Pokharel integrates research and teaching to cultivate a learning environment driven by curiosity, hands-on exploration, and inclusive mentorship. His long-term goal is to help build a research-based teaching culture at the regional level.
Professional Appointments
Professional Appointments
Assistant Professor of Physics, Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA, USA (August 2024 - Present)
Postdoctoral Scholar (Postdoc), Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA (July 2020 - July 2024).
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA (August 2015 - June 2020).
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA (August 2013 -July 2015).
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), Department of Physics & Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA (August 2011 -July 2013).
Physics Lecturer, GoldenGate International College, Kathmandu, Nepal (August 2008 - July 2011).
Part-time physics lecturer for Engineering and MBBS entrance preparation classes, helping students prepare for competitive, government-funded programs, National Academy for Engineering Education (NAEE), Kupondole, Nepal (August 2008 - July 2011).
High School Physics Teacher, Sukuna Multiple Campus, Morang, Nepal (August 2007 - July 2008).
Part-time High School Physics Teacher, Vishwa Adarsha Higher Secondary School, Sunsari, Nepal (August 2007 - July 2008).
Awards and Recognition
Awards and Recognition
Heeger Fellowship Award-2024, California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), University of California, Santa Barbara-Travel award of $ 1000.
Academic Affiliate of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB): 2024-2025
Heeger Fellowship Award-2023, California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), University of California, Santa Barbara- Travel award of $ 500.
Chancellor’s fellowship 2013-2016, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Colloquium Award-2015, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Research Grant
Research Grant
Proposal title ‘Synthesis of Kagome Lattice and Energy Storage Materials’, NSF 22-586: Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)-2025, Requested $ 754,707- Pending.
Proposal title ‘Exploration of cathode materials for Li-ion battery’, SRAP Academic Year 2025–2026, Awarded $ 2000.
Proposal title ‘Study of the novel altermagnetic and Kagome lattice materials’, Perry College Projects, FY 2026, Awarded $ 3500.
Proposal title ‘Synthesis of kagome lattice materials’ Perry College Projects 2025-2026, Awarded $ 4500.
Proposal Description ‘400 MHz Liquid- and Solid-state NMR to Advance Chemistry, Biology, Geology, and Materials Science Research and Undergraduate Research Training’, NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program (Co-PI; PI- Megumi Fugita), Requested $ 922,150 -Declined.
Proposal title ‘Exploration of cathode materials for Li-ion battery’, American Chemical Society (ACS) Petroleum Research Fund to Undergraduate New Investigator (UNI), 2025-2026 - Requested $ 55000- Pending.
News and Highlights
News and Highlights
New Course: Dr. Pokharel Launches a new course, Applied Mechanics, for Fall Semester 2025.
Grant Proposal Submission: Dr. Pokharel submitted a grant proposal to the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) 2025.
Manuscript Acceptance: Dr. Pokharel’s collaborative research, Absence of Phonon Softening across a Charge Density Wave Transition due to Quantum Fluctuations, has been accepted for publication in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)-2025.
Research Grant Awarded: Exploration of cathode materials for Li-ion battery, Student Research Assistant Program (SRAP)- AY 2025–2026, University of West Georgia.
Article Publication: Dr. Pokharel’s collaborative research, Pressure effect on the Fermi surface of Ti-doped kagome metal CsV3Sb5, has been published in Physical Review B.
Research Group Presentation: Matthew J Stitz presented his work on the kagome lattice at the Perry Project Celebration, April 25, 2025.
Research Grant Awarded: Study of the novel altermagnetic and Kagome lattice materials, Perry College Projects- FY 2026, University of West Georgia.
Research Group Presentation: Matthew J Stitz and Ulises Alonso de la Sierra presented their work on the kagome lattice at UWG Scholars' Day, April 22, 2025.
Session chair: Dr. Ganesh Pokharel chaired a session and presented his research at the Global Physics Summit-2025.
Article Publication: Dr. Pokharel’s collaborative research, Characterization of chromium impurities in β‐Ga2O3, has been published in the Journal of Applied Physics.
Article Publication: Dr. Pokharel’s collaborative research, Electronic structure of the altermagnet candidate FeSb2: High-field torque magnetometry and density functional theory studies, has been published in the Physical Review B.
Article Publication: Dr. Pokharel’s collaborative research, Stability Frontiers in the AM6X6 Kagome Metals: The LnNb6Sn6 (Ln:Ce–Lu,Y) Family and Density-Wave Transition in LuNb6Sn6, has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Article Publication: Dr. Pokharel’s collaborative research, Strain-Induced Enhancement of the Charge Density Wave in the Kagome Metal ScV6Sn6, has been published in the Journal of Physical Review Letters.
New Course: Dr. Pokharel Launches a new Course, Fundamentals of Materials for Spring Semester 2025.
Research Grant Awarded: Synthesis of kagome lattice materials, Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences, University of West Georgia.
End of the First Semester at UWG: Dr. Pokharel Concludes First Semester at UWG with Strong Student Support. Here is the screenshot of selected comments from PHYS 1112 - Fall 2024.
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