Karthik Nayani, an Indian American assistant professor of chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas, has been awarded a prestigious five-year, $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER program. Nayani, a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, will be conducting research to investigate how rod-shaped DNA strands facilitate the movement of particles within cells to create specialized compartments. This research has the potential to significantly impact the development of faster and more sensitive diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and genetic abnormalities. The NSF CAREER program supports early-career faculty who demonstrate exceptional promise in both research and education. Nayani’s project aims to unravel the mechanisms behind liquid-liquid phase separation induced by rod-shaped particles within cells. By studying the role of DNA in cellular processes, Nayani hopes to shed light on the fundamental principles governing the organization of cellular components. Nayani’s innovative research methodology involves introducing disk-shaped particles into cells, which are then rearranged by DNA into rod-like structures through a process known as depletion. This unique approach could revolutionize the field of diagnostic testing by enabling the rapid detection of specific DNA sequences with high sensitivity. In addition to his work on cellular dynamics, Nayani is also involved in developing technologies for more efficient lithium extraction in Arkansas, funded by an Arkansas Research Alliance grant. His multidisciplinary research interests encompass soft matter physics, a field that explores the behavior of materials that exhibit properties of both solids and liquids. As part of his NSF CAREER award, Nayani plans to engage K-12 students in educational programs that highlight the applications of soft matter physics and chemical engineering in everyday phenomena. By fostering an interest in STEM fields at a young age, Nayani aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to explore the fascinating world of soft materials and their impact on various industries. With a background in chemical engineering and a strong foundation in research, Nayani’s contributions to the scientific community have the potential to advance our understanding of cellular processes and drive innovation in diagnostic technologies.