From Cosmic Inquiry to Classroom Discovery

Research

My research has spanned astrobiology, physical chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and materials science, with a focus on the origin of life and on planetary environments. Those questions still occupy me, though my instruments these days are a camera and a notebook.

I served as a Senior Scientist at the University of Arizona and as a Research Consultant at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, supporting JPL teams on the scientific side of next-generation mission concepts. My work has centered on the detection of biosignatures — the chemical evidence life leaves behind — and on the conditions under which life may have begun on Earth.

I Wonder Why - BIOSPHERE by Niladri Sarker (16)

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My doctoral dissertation was a systematic study of the thermodynamics of metal hydride transfer, the chemistry that underlies hydrogen fuel cells. The aim was to make them a practical alternative to the internal combustion engine.

Selected Scientific Publications

Fluorescence spectra of Titan tholins: in-situ detection of astrobiologically interesting areas on Titan's surface Link

Organic Environments on Saturn’s Moon, Titan: Simulating Chemical Reactions and Analyzing Products by FT-ICR and Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometry Link

Titan Aerosol Analogues: Analysis of the Nonvolatile Tholins Link

Synthesis and Characterization of Binucleating Bis(amidinate) Ligands and Their Dialuminum Complexes Link

Thermodynamic Studies of Hydride Transfer for a Series of Niobium and Tantalum Compounds Link

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Hydride Transfer for a Series of Molybdenum and Tungsten Hydrides Link

Hydride and Proton Transfer Reactions of Niobium-Bound Ligands. Synthetic and Thermodynamic Studies of Ketene, Enacyl, and Vinylketene Complexes Link

Brief Research Summary

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ — Senior Scientist

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) — Consultant

Modeling of Titan's atmosphere through experimental and theoretical simulations

Development of chiral sensor technology and chiral “noses” to sniff out potential signs of life

Investigation into the conditions for the origin of life on earth

University of Colorado, Boulder, CO — Research Associate

Synthesis of novel bi-dentate Lewis acids

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT — Research Assistant

Systematic studies of the thermodynamics of metal hydride transfers

Clark University, Worcester, MA — Research Assistant

Construction of cryogenic instruments to assist in low temperature (-269 to -196 deg Celsius) magnetic measurements

Development of isolation techniques for molecular ferromagnets

Building molecular architecture with novel metals in two- and three-dimensional lattices

Film

The following movies are in various stages of planning and execution. Information provided is current as of February 2026.

ICE CREAM

Starring: Biplab Chatterjee
Co-Starring: Joy Sengupta
Completion Date: August 2025
After his father's death, a son navigates loss and tradition through quiet rebellion, confronting grief with an unusual, heartfelt tribute that blurs the boundaries between love, defiance, memory, and acceptance.

KAACHHIM (aka TURTLE)

Starring: Indraneil Sengupta
In pre-production. Projected Completion Date: December 2026
A young man finds himself an unwitting observer as a gruesome crime is perpetrated. Rendered incapable of preventing the act due to his own shock and fear, he plans to carry this secret to his grave. Decades later, now lonely and weak due to old age, he comes across a circumstance that could help him find redemption. Will a small gesture of kindness help him achieve his salvation?

Niladri has been involved in teaching various science courses at the school, college, and university levels for many decades now. He's currently an Adjunct Professor at Rio Salado College, under the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Niladri has also been adjudged as Outstanding Professor and Researcher by the United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS).

Below are some academic institutions where Niladri has instructed in one capacity or another.

Clark University, Worcester, MA

Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT

University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ

Teaching

I have taught science classes at the school, college, and university levels for more than two decades. I am currently an Adjunct Professor at Rio Salado College, part of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Institutions where I have taught: