West Virginia University physicist Subhasish Mandal has been selected as a member of the 2026 class of Cottrell Scholars by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
Mandal, a faculty member in the Department of Physics at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, was selected as one of 24 Cottrell Scholars from research universities and primarily undergraduate institutions across the United States and Canada. The highly competitive award recognizes outstanding early-career scholars in chemistry, physics and astronomy for excellence in research and for their commitment to innovative teaching.
The award provides $120,000 in support for integrated research and science education
initiatives.
"I’m honored and grateful for the RCSA’s recognition, Mandal said. “I am incredibly grateful to all the students, inside the classroom and beyond, to my dedicated research group members, and to my amazing colleagues and collaborators."
Mandal's funded project,“Tuning Quantum Matter: A Computational Framework for Vibrational Properties in Correlated Topological Heterostructures,” focuses on advancing the materials needed for next-generation quantum technologies. The research will explore how strong electron interactions in complex quantum materials can stabilize and tune fragile quantum states, helping overcome one of the major barriers to practical quantum computing.
Using advanced computational approaches, Mandal’s work aims to accelerate the discovery and design of materials capable of supporting exotic quantum phases and quasiparticles.
The project also includes a strong educational component. Mandal plans to expand access to quantum science by developing online modules, hands-on workshops and research opportunities designed to engage high school and early undergraduate students, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.
“Mandal’s cutting-edge research and outstanding teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels make him one of the brightest stars in our department,” said Maura McLaughlin, Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “The outreach program he will develop through this award exemplifies the land-grant mission by bringing modern physics to underserved students across the state.”
The Cottrell Awards are named for educator, inventor, and science visionary Frederick Gardner Cottrell, who founded Research Corporation for Science Advancement in 1912.
Research Corporation for Science Advancement is a private foundation that since its founding in 1912 has supported early stage, high-potential basic research in the physical sciences at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Its focus is to advance fundamental scientific discovery for the benefit of society by providing catalytic funding for research, and by sponsoring conferences to spark interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage innovation in science teaching.
Learn more about the Cottrell Award and view the full list of 2026 recipients.
