Karthik Shekhar, Asst. Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, has been named a 2026 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar. Faculty who receive this award are within the first five years of their academic careers, have each created an outstanding independent body of scholarship, and are deeply committed to education. Each Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar receives an unrestricted research grant of $100,000.
Shekhar joined the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in 2020. Working at the interface of neuroscience, genomics, and biophysics, his research uses theory, computation, and data-driven approaches to understand the organization and dynamics of neuronal systems.
His proposed project, pursued in collaboration with colleague Prof. Kranthi K. Mandadapu, investigates the microscopic dynamics underlying bioelectrical phenomena in neuronal systems. Shekhar's teaching has also been recognized with three departmental teaching awards in the past five years, as well as the Donald Sterling Noyce Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
The purpose of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc., is to advance the science of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related sciences as a means of improving human relations and circumstances throughout the world. Established in 1946 by chemist, inventor, and businessman Camille Dreyfus as a memorial to his brother Henry, the Foundation became a memorial to both men when Camille Dreyfus died in 1956. Throughout its history the Foundation has sought to take the lead in identifying and addressing needs and opportunities in the chemical sciences through a series of programs and awards.