Prakash Gautam - Research

Group Members

Lab Director: Prakash Gautam, Ph.D.

Dr. Gautam earned his Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in lasers, optical science, and their application in understanding the optical properties of aerosol particles. He is interested in both fundamental and applied science, particularly in developing new technologies using various optical techniques.

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination and developing a more insightful approach to problems".

Graduate Student

1. Andrew Ramirez (PhD Student): After joining Dr. Gautam’s lab and working as a research assistant for six months, he will begin his graduate studies in the Department of Physics at the University of Nevada, Reno, in Fall 2025. Dr. Gautam will serve as his major advisor. Andrew's research will focus on understanding the optical properties of various aerosol particles, developing holography techniques to study colloidal systems, monitoring ambient particles, and designing and developing instruments for aerosol characterization and measurement.

Undergraduate Students

3. Russell N Christensen (Research Assistant): Russell joined Gautam's lab as a Research Assistant in the summer of 2025. He is an undergraduate student in physics at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is experienced in working with code, data structures, and computing technologies. He will engage in a yearlong NSF research projects exploring aerosol particle light scattering.

2. Madeline Veric (Research Assistant): Madeline Veric joined Gautam's lab as a Research Assistant in the fall of 2024. She is currently studying Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. In Gautam's lab, she is working on the NSF-funded project to develop a backscattering-based particulate matter monitoring system (i.e., aerosol lidar). She is working on data acquisition and applying machine learning to interpret the data.

1. Niko Mastick (Research Assistant): Niko joined DRI in Fall 2022 and began work with Dr. Gautam in the Summer of 2024. He is majoring in Atmospheric Science and Math with a minor in Social Justice at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is working on the development of a forward scattering-based optical particle sizer.

Summer Student Researcher

1. Bishal Lamichhane (PhD Student, Mathematics and Statistics) Homepage

Experience in statistical modeling and network dynamics, with a focus on information and opinion flow in complex networks. Skilled in agent-based modeling, graph machine learning, and statistical analysis of network properties. At Gautam's lab, he will be involved in applying machine learning to develop a model that provides a coherent explanation of the optical properties of irregularly shaped, complex particles ranging in size from submicron to supermicron.