Dr. Sahai

Contact Information

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Dr. Nita Sahai

Ohio Research Scholar in Biomaterials

Department of Polymer Science, Department of Geology, Integrated Bioscience Program

The University of Akron
Akron, Ohio 44325-3909

E-mail: sahai@uakron.edu
Phone: (330) 972-5795
Fax: (330) 972-5290

Research Interests

Physical-chemical aspects of cellular and biomolecular interactions at mineral surfaces in processes relevant to (a) pre-biotic non-enzymatic polymerization of RNA and peptides in the origins and early evolution of life; and (b) biomineralization.

Publication

Google Scholar Citations

Education

  • 1997 – Ph. D., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Advisor: Prof. Dimitri Sverjensky.
    Solvation and Electrostatic Model for Specific Electrolyte Adsorption.
  • 1992 – M. S., Geochemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Calibrating the Cosmogenic 21Ne Clock.
  • 1990 – B.Sc., 1st rank in graduating class, Geology Honors, St. Xavier’s College, Bombay University, India.

Academic Awards and Honors

  • 2022, 2020 – Chair and Vice-Chair of the Gordon Research Conference on the Origins of Life.
  • 2017-2018 – Member of National Academy of Science’s Committee on Planetary Science and Astrobiology.
  • 2017, 2014, 2010 – Interviewed on National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
  • 2013-2014 – Distinguished Lecturer of the Mineralogical Society of America.
  • 2011-present – Ohio Research Scholar in Biomaterials Chair, The University of Akron (UA), OH.
  • 2009 – Fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America: Recognition of significant scientific contributions in the fields of crystallography, mineralogy, geochemistry and petrology.
  • 2009 – Romnes Faculty Fellowship, University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW): Recognition of quality, significance and productivity of research, and quality and programmatic value of teaching and service.
  • 2008 – Visiting Professor Fellowship (3 weeks), Université Joseph Fourrier (University of Grenoble), France.
  • 2004 – NSF CAREER Award.
  • 1998-2000 – NSF Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
  • 1990 – 1st Rank in Graduating Class, Bombay University. Appointed to Student Council, Bombay University, India.
  • 1987-1990 – 1st Ranked Student in Chemistry, Geology, Physics, French. St. Xavier’s College, Bombay University, India.

Faculty Profile

http://www.uakron.edu/cpspe/documents/faculty-profiles/Sahai-Nita-2018.pdf