The Department of State named chemist Krupa Ramasesha to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program to Austria for the 2025-2026 academic year.
During her time in Austria, Krupa will hold the Fulbright-NAWI Graz Visiting Professorship in the Natural Sciences at the Institute of Experimental Physics at Graz University of Technology.
In this position, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the Austrian-American Educational Commission, she will conduct collaborative research using femtosecond strong-field Fourier transform spectroscopy to detect rovibrational coherences and spectroscopic fingerprints of the elusive formaldehyde radical cation, which is believed to play a crucial role in the chemistry of the universe. In addition to her research, she will teach a graduate-level class and mentor graduate and undergraduate students at the Institute.
“I am thrilled and grateful for this Fulbright award and look forward to an enriching experience teaching students and working with researchers at the Institute on applying cutting-edge femtosecond laser techniques to investigate molecular dynamics. This opportunity also promises to open avenues for continued collaboration with TU Graz faculty in the future,” Krupa said.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented individuals, including students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals, to study, teach and conduct research internationally. These exchange opportunities help build meaningful connections and work to address complex global challenges. Each year, over 800 individuals teach or conduct research internationally through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. According to the program, notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, 44 heads of state or government and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Krupa, who began her Sandia career in 2015 as a postdoc, works in the Gas Phase Chemical Physics department at the Combustion Research Facility. In 2022, she was one of three outstanding early career scientists selected from around the world to receive the Journal of Physical Chemistry – American Chemical Society Physical Chemistry Division Lectureship Award. In the same year, Krupa was also selected to receive the Department of Energy Early Career Award.
The Fulbright Program is overseen by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with the stated goal of increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. These scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions.
August 14, 2025