• Nanotechnology

Professor
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
618-453-2895
pkohli@chem.siu.edu

Dr. Punit Kohli is a professor of chemistry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Kohli group focuses on fabricating nanoscale and microscale devices using local human and material resources. Their work aims to:

• help solve important problems,
• create new knowledge, and
• train a new generation of students while sharing findings with the public.

Devices are analyzed with spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy. The group uses a range of spectroscopic methods — including FTIR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, electrochemical, x-ray photoelectron and x-ray energy dispersive — and high-resolution microscopy, such as atomic force, scanning and transmission electron, and scanning laser confocal.

In this regard, the Kohli group recently demonstrated electrically-polarized nanoscale metallic (ENM) coatings that can deactivate a broad range of microorganisms, including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with greater than six-log reduction, within ten minutes of treatment. ENM devices were also effective in the deactivation of lentivirus and C. albicans with high efficiency.

Dr. Kohli earned a Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, a Master of Applied Science from the University of South Australia, a doctorate from Michigan State University, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Florida.

Fun Facts!
Spending time with family and staying productive is both enjoyable and important to Dr. Kohli. He would love to visit all of the national parks. Dr. Kohli knows he is having fun whenever he is close to nature, growing fruits and vegetables, swimming, or playing pickleball. His three favorite things are spending time with his wife and children, being out in nature, and having the freedom to think openly.