Dr. Arjendu Pattanayak is a professor of physics at Carleton College, Minnesota, and a visiting faculty at Atria University. He is a theoretical physicist fascinated by dynamical systems, quantum entanglement, and complex systems, and is presently working on sustainable energy transitions, and data analytics.
He is passionate about teaching in intellectual ecosystems where students are trained to comprehend problems and approach solutions intuitively. Dr. Pattanayak works with students across academics levels on solving interesting problems that either advance knowledge or tackle a fundamental challenge in theoretical physics. He believes working on sustainability, civic engagement, and cross-cultural connections are the way forward to realistically apply the lessons of physics. His students have twice traveled on hands-on net-zero carbon solar installation trips to India, and onto careers in sustainability.
Previously, he was Department Chair and Associate Dean at Carleton College. He has been a visiting scholar and professor at various prestigious universities across the globe like the University of Perugia, Italy, and Ashoka University, India.