Nayana Shah

I am a theoretical physicist and my field of research is Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Physics. Using the fundamental laws of physics, I seek to understand how different phases and properties of matter emerge in a collection of many particles interacting with each other under different conditions. The quest is also to identify the universalities within the diversity. 

Developments in condensed matter physics have implications for fields such as atomic and molecular optics; quantum measurement, quantum computation and quantum information theory; materials science and engineering; biology, chemistry, and medical science; as well as semi-conductor and nano-scale technology. More than any other branch of physics, Condensed Matter Physics has been instrumental in establishing the fundamental scientific footing necessary for technological advances ranging from extremely specialized to those impacting our day-to-day life. 

My research is motivated by physics questions of interest and guided by physical arguments and ideas rather than a particular theoretical technique. In some of the projects I also interact closely with experimental laboratories to gain, provide and develop theoretical insights – a constant give and take that drives scientific endeavors, and in particular, condensed matter physics. I employ a variety of theoretical approaches depending on the problem at hand. As and when needed, I also extend or develop methods or choose to learn and apply new tools and am happy to keep growing my repertoire.  The information about research questions, examples of theoretical methods employed, publications and the implications and broader impacts of my research can be found under the research tab.  

While in classrooms as an instructor or while mentoring students and postdocs one-on-one, I am keenly aware of the fact that not only are teaching and learning two sides of the same coin but that they are also very much connected to research and scholarship and also to constructing sustainable, fruitful and thriving communities.  Information about my teaching activities can be found under that tab.

In 2010 I co-founded cinciNNI (Cincinnati Near Neighbor Interactions), a tri-state (OH, KY, IN) Condensed Matter Theory forum; initiated the Women in Physics and Beyond group; and started fruitful engagement, partnership, and initiatives with the Cincinnati Museum Center to take science outside of the classrooms and increase scientific -enquiry, -awareness and -excitement in the society at large. In 2017 I co-founded Heärt Montessori which is an experimental/model school. Information about these initiatives can be found under the communities tab.

My being a physicist is part of my overall motivation and endeavor in life to observe, investigate, experience, learn from and understand the universe and nature; and to live a conscious, compassionate, creative and purposeful life that contributes positively to it. My active engagement in the different communities to which I belong also stems from this motivation. I am the happy mother of a ten-year-old daughter who teaches and inspires me and takes me even closer to nature and further along my path of truth. 

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