Sushant Saryal

Department: Chemistry
Faculty Adviser: William M Jacobs
Year of Study:
Undergraduate School: Hansraj College, Delhi University. IIT Bombay.
Undergraduate Major: Physics

Personal Bio

I hail from Himachal Pradesh, India, and pursued my bachelor’s degree (with honors) from Delhi University, followed by a master’s in Physics from IIT Bombay. During my undergraduate studies, I completed two projects: one in quantum condensed matter and the other in soft condensed matter, which provided me with a broader understanding of the research process.

During my PhD, I explored two diverse areas: quantum thermal machines and classical statistical mechanics, with my dissertation focused on the former. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with Prof. Deepak Dhar (a Boltzmann Medal recipient) on several projects in classical statistical mechanics. This experience helped me avoid the growing trend of over-specialization in research.

I am particularly fond of Princeton's Firestone Library, where access to nearly any piece of world literature is possible, and one can borrow as many books as needed. Since moving to the USA, I’ve taken up two new sports, spike ball and pickleball, which I enjoy playing in my downtime.

Fun Fact

As someone from India, I naturally have a strong preference for Indian cuisine. However, after moving to the USA, I’ve developed an appreciation for Japanese food, particularly Sushi and Miso soup. Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a good sushi spot around Princeton.
Coming from Himachal Pradesh, which translates to "Snowy Mountains," I enjoy mountain hikes, though I prefer shorter ones that last just a day or two. I also love experimenting with recipes from different cuisines and am always looking for ways to streamline the cooking process without compromising on flavor.

Research Pitch

I am a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Chemistry, where I focus on developing theoretical and computational methods to better understand non-equilibrium chemical reactions, which are crucial to the functioning of living cells. In collaboration with my advisor and experimentalists at Brandeis University, we are working on a project to create stable droplets of DNA nanostars using localized laser heating. By applying principles of non-equilibrium statistical physics, we aim to model and simulate the feasibility of this approach before moving to actual experiments.

During my PhD, I explored the efficiencies of quantum thermal machines, where fluctuations play a significant role. My work uncovered several universal relations governing these fluctuations, contributing to the broader understanding of quantum systems.

Upcoming Programs That I Am Attending:

Plans for Summer 2025

Interested in participating in Summer 2025 ReMatch+ program.