Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane , University of North Carolina at Pembroke, United States
Dr. Tikaram Neupane is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he merges a passion for cutting-edge research in condensed matter and optical physics with deep commitment to undergraduate education and scientific outreach. His career reflects an inspiring journey from Nepal to international academic platforms, including prestigious institutions in Italy, Wyoming, Virginia, and North Carolina, underpinned by fellowships, research assistantships, and national awards.
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📚 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Neupane’s scientific foundation was laid through a Postgraduate Diploma in Earth System Physics from the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, supported by a UNESCO Fellowship (2010–2011). He furthered his education with an M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Wyoming (2014–2015), where he worked on solar cell characterization and perovskite simulation. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Optical Physics from Hampton University (2016–2020), where he explored nonlinear optical phenomena in 2D materials like Tungsten and Molybdenum Disulfides.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at UNCP (since 2021), Dr. Neupane balances his teaching responsibilities with active roles in program coordination, student mentorship, and undergraduate research leadership. His prior postdoctoral work (2020–2021) at the University of Southern Mississippi and NASA’s Stennis Space Center reflects his interdisciplinary scope, focusing on Ocean Optics and Remote Sensing.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Neupane’s research spans nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, and quantum materials, with particular emphasis on:
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Third-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials
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Quantum dots and photoluminescence
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Spatial self-phase modulation and all-optical switching
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First-principle simulations using DFT (Density Functional Theory)
He has authored over 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to a book chapter on graphene, and presented at 65+ scientific conferences—a testament to his consistent scholarly productivity.
🌍 Impact and Influence
As the Director of the North Carolina Region 4 Science and Engineering Fair and a board member of the statewide fair, Dr. Neupane plays a critical role in STEM outreach and student recruitment, especially within minority-serving institutions. He is also an organizer, judge, and evaluator in diverse scientific arenas, from the DoD SMART scholarship program to robotics competitions and ANPA conferences.
📈 Academic Citations & Recognition
Dr. Neupane’s works are cited in materials science, optics, and nanotechnology research communities, particularly his studies on graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and perovskite QDs. His recent publications in Optics and Laser Technology, Materials, and Crystals have attracted significant academic interest.
🧠 Research Skills
Dr. Neupane is proficient in both experimental and computational techniques, including:
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Laser systems (picosecond, nanosecond, and CW lasers)
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Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, Raman, low-T PL)
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Microscopy (AFM, TEM, XRD)
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Nonlinear characterization (Z-scan, I-scan, self-phase modulation)
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Software and Simulation tools like VASP, Quantum Espresso, MATLAB, and Origin
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
At UNCP, Dr. Neupane leads undergraduate courses in physics, coordinates the Applied Physics Program, and supervises student-led research through the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) Center. His ability to simplify complex concepts and his commitment to student development are consistently praised.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Neupane’s excellence is recognized through numerous accolades:
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🥇 Best Presentation Award, ICNST International Conference (2019)
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🚀 NASA & DoD Research Assistantship, Hampton University
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🌍 UNESCO Fellowship, ICTP
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🎓 Dean’s Research and Scholarship Fund (2021), NC Collaboratory for HMSIs (2022), PURC Research Funds (2023–2025)
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Neupane is set to chair the 8th ANPA International Conference in 2025 and will continue to lead national efforts in optical research, student development, and scientific inclusivity. His trajectory promises continued innovation in photonics and nanomaterials, while fostering the next generation of physicists through education, mentorship, and global scientific collaboration.
Top Publications
“Size-dependent fluorescence properties of CdSe quantum dots”
- Authors: U. Poudyal, C. M. Adhikari, N. H. Makani, B. R. Gautam, and T. Neupane
Journal: Solid State Communications
Year: 2025 (Accepted)
“Cubic Nonlinearity of Graphene-oxide Monolayer”
- Authors: T. Neupane, U. Poudyal, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
Journal: Materials, Volume 16, Article 6664
Year: 2023
“Dispersion in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Film: An Application of Bogoliubov–Valatin Transformation for Hamiltonian Diagonalization”
- Authors: C. M. Adhikari, D. M. Morris, T. W. Noonan, T. Neupane, B. R. Lamichhane, B. R. Gautam
Journal: Condens. Matter, Volume 8, Article 53
Year: 2023
“Spatial self-phase Modulation in Graphene-oxide Monolayer”
- Authors: T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
Journal: Crystal, Volume 813, Article 271
Year: 2023
“Crossover from reverse Saturable to Saturable Absorption in Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide”
- Authors: T. Neupane, C. M. Adhikarihird-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials
Journal: Journal of Nepal Physical Society, Volume 8, Pages 31–36
Year: 2022