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Assistant Professor Sayan Banerjee.

Banerjee Brings Machine Learning to Materials Science

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Assistant Professor Sayan Banerjee.

Assistant Professor Sayan Banerjee is part of UT’s initiative to be a leader in advancing science-informed artificial intelligence to meet national priorities.

Assistant Professor Sayan Banerjee joined the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in fall 2025 as part of the university’s Science-Informed AI cluster. 

The Banerjee Group will focus on building predictive chemical theories to address global challenges in energy and sustainability. Working at the intersection of theoretical chemistry, machine learning (ML), and materials science, the group targets complex problems including the electrification of the chemical industry, sustainable recycling, and quantum materials. 

Banerjee’s efforts will involve creating physical chemistry-aware ML models to accelerate the discovery of functional materials for catalytic and optoelectronic applications.

He earned his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania under the mentorship of Professor Andrew M. Rappe (2018–2023). 

For his research, Banerjee received the American Chemical Society (ACS) Computers in Chemistry Graduate Student Award and the ACS Catalysis Division Graduate Student Travel Award at the fall 2023 ACS meeting. 

While at Penn, he was also named a Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology Graduate Fellow, collaborating with Professor Thomas E. Mallouk—an experience that inspired his transition to experimental science during his postdoctoral work. 

From 2023 to 2025, Banerjee served as a Resnick Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech (California Institute of Technology), working with Professor Jonas C. Peters. 

His academic journey has provided him with a unique perspective on the interplay between computational simulations and laboratory experiments.

Kevin Shaughnessy stands in front a whiteboard with chemical equations.

Shaughnessy Opens a New Chapter in Chemistry at UT

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Kevin Shaughnessy stands in front a whiteboard with chemical equations.

New Department Head Kevin Shaughnessy is devoted to elevating chemistry research, fostering innovation, and ensuring students have an unparalleled experience at UT.

Professor Kevin Shaughnessy joined the College of Arts and Sciences on January 1 as head of the Department of Chemistry. He comes to UT from the University of Alabama, where he was the director of undergraduate studies in chemistry and served as department head from 2009 to 2019.

“Shaughnessy’s previous experience as department head at the University of Alabama will be invaluable during this critical moment in the history of the Department of Chemistry, as we prepare for the new chemistry building,” said Divisional Dean for Natural Sciences and Math Kate Jones. “He will also bring a strong research background and deep knowledge of curricular matters from his position as director of undergraduate studies.”

Shaughnessy’s research on the development of catalytic methodologies, and mechanistic studies of these systems, and his leadership background will help the department contribute to UT’s next-level initiative in enhancing unparalleled student experiences and pursuing high-impact research.

“I am honored to join UT as head of the Department of Chemistry,” Shaughnessy said.  “With the construction of our new state-of-the-art chemistry building, we have a unique opportunity to elevate research, foster innovation, and enhance the student experience. I am excited to lead the department into this new chapter of growth and discovery.”