From the molecular design of next-generation electronic materials to the neural systems that control human movement, innovation happens at Georgia Tech. 

For postdoctoral scholars Oindrila Sinha and Tanner Smith, discovery moves beyond theory. Discovery is all about building something new and understanding how it works from the inside out. 

Although their research disciplines of neuroscience and organic chemistry differ, their work still shares a common thread: designing complex systems that transform scientific theory into real-world applications that make an impact. 

Rewiring Movement: Oindrila Sinha

Sinha studies cognitive motor control in human neuroscience, investigating how the brain plans, adapts, and controls body movement, especially when those processes are disrupted by injury or disease. 

“What excites me most is the possibility of translating this understanding into rehabilitation. Using cutting-edge technologies to not only study human movement, but to meaningfully improve quality of life,” she says.

Sinha’s academic journey began in India, where she obtained her undergraduate and master’s degrees in life sciences, specializing in physiology. While in India, Sinha centered her work on hand-eye coordination and movement prediction. One of her most notable projects involved working on a device that utilized an electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-blink detection to monitor driver drowsiness and prevent automobile accidents. 

Projects that combined human physiology and technology deepened her fascination with cognitive movement. Eager to bridge the gap between lab research and bedside application, she came to the United States, where she earned her PhD in motor control at Pennsylvania State University. 

Sinha wanted to understand how humans anticipate moving objects and prepare for interaction with moving objects. Her interests to explore cognition, movement, and technology led her to Georgia Tech. 

“Georgia Tech offers a uniquely rich environment where cutting-edge technology and human-centered neuroscience come together, creating opportunities to push research beyond the lab and toward real-world impact,” reflects Sinha.

Here, her research in the Wheaton lab centers on finding biomarkers of learning using neuromodulation to gain a deeper understanding of motor control. To put it in simpler terms, biomarkers are signals from the brain that clearly define when a person has learnt something, and neuromodulation is a technique that can change the properties of our nervous system to achieve something. Therefore, Sinha’s research is examining whether we can either change the nervous system of people who are unable to learn to generate more biomarkers or, if we can use biomarkers to decide where a person stands on the continuum of learning. She believes that at Tech, she’s not only conducting research; she is thriving.

A Dynamic, Deeply Fulfilling Life as a Postdoc

Sinha’s days as a postdoc at Tech are dynamic and deeply fulfilling.

She begins most mornings at the gym, grounding herself physically before heading into the lab. There, she collaborates with undergraduate and graduate students, conducts human-participant experiments, analyzes data, and mentors emerging researchers. 

Her afternoons can vary from day to day. Sinha balances research meetings and data analysis with teaching and other course-related responsibilities. 

“Georgia Tech offers incredible opportunities for professional growth, and on Fridays, I often join writing groups focused on developing manuscripts and grant proposals,” says Sinha. 

Beyond research, Sinha is actively engaged in service. She serves on the Research Faculty Advisory Council (RFAC) and mentors high school students through Project ENGAGES, supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Grounded in Wellness Inspired by Atlanta 

As committed as she is to her research, teaching, mentorship, and service, Sinha is equally committed to wellness. 

Strength training and movement are both grounding and empowering for her. This is fitting for someone who has dedicated her research to studying motor control. 

Outside of the lab, Sinha enjoys cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, often exploring Atlanta’s diverse food markets for inspiration and ingredients. 

When in need of inspiration, Sinha visits one of her favorite places in the city, Piedmont Park. 

“No matter the season, it feels like a completely different place—each month bringing its own colors, energy, and beauty. Whether I’m walking, running, or simply taking a moment to pause, the park offers a sense of calm and renewal. It’s a space where the city feels alive yet peaceful, and one that I return to again and again.” 

Molecular Blueprint: Tanner Smith 

While Sinha focuses on cognitive motion at the neural level, Tanner Smith builds innovation on the molecular scale. 

Smith is a synthetic organic chemist focused on organic electronic materials and designing and synthesizing new molecules and polymers with electronic and magnetic properties. 

“I like being a part of the whole process,” he says. “From designing new materials, synthesizing them, and analyzing their properties.” 

Smith, who is from Central Illinois, earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2018 before completing his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Kentucky in 2023. His doctoral research centered on designing new carbon-based materials for use in flexible, lightweight, and low-cost electronic devices. Common examples of commercial technologies that use similar materials include OLED lighting and displays, organic solar cells, and flexible smartphones and displays.

As a researcher in the Azoulay Lab at Georgia Tech, Smith develops organic molecules and polymers with magnetic properties for next-generation electronic applications. 

"My post-doctoral research also focuses on the development of similar carbon-based electronic materials, with a focus on organic molecules with magnetic properties,” explains Smith. “My research focuses on the more fundamental studies of these materials and what causes their unique magnetic properties. These carbon-based electronic materials are uniquely suited for commercial applications such as flexible transistors and circuits for next-generation displays, energy storage, quantum computing, and data storage.” 

A Day in the Life: From Synthesis to Simulation

A typical day for Smith involves alternating between hands-on lab synthesis, which is his favorite part, writing, simulations, and equipment oversight. Because his lab is multidisciplinary, he also collaborates on projects analyzing the electronic and magnetic properties of the materials he creates. 

Like Sinha, mentorship is a meaningful part of his work. He also regularly supports graduate and undergraduate researchers in the lab while balancing his own research and publications.  Smith was nominated for this Postdoc Spotlight by Rachel MacDonald, an undergraduate researcher, who shared that “Dr. Tanner Smith embodies the most crucial traits of an amazing teacher. He is patient, encouraging, and palpably excited to share his knowledge.” 

Outside of research, Smith prioritizes movement and wellness. He enjoys lifting weights, running, hiking, yoga, and exploring Atlanta’s outdoor spaces. During the warmer months, Smith spends time walking or running through Piedmont Park and along the Beltline. He also likes to explore cafes in Midtown and Downtown with friends and colleagues. 

Progress and Service: The Tech Way

From molecules engineered for electronic performance to neural systems that guide human movement, Sinha and Smith showcase the interdisciplinary spirit that defines postdoctoral research at Georgia Tech. 

Both were drawn to the Institute’s collaborative environment and reputation for innovation. And both are committed to advancing research, mentorship, growth, and most importantly, impact on a larger scale. 

Although their research occurs at vastly different ends of the spectrum, their work shares a common goal: to advance science and improve the human condition.