6 Indian-origin physicists in the US: A look at their academic and career paths

Indian-origin physicists in the United States have not only pushed the boundaries of modern science but also carried with them rich academic roots. From Indian universities to global institutions like MIT and UC Berkeley, their journeys show how strong educational foundations can lead to pathbreaking discoveries.

Ashok Gadgil: From Mumbai to Berkeley

Born and raised in Mumbai, Ashok Gadgil completed his B.Sc. in Physics at the University of Mumbai. He later moved to the U.S. for his PhD in Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he stayed on as a professor. Today, Gadgil is celebrated for his affordable clean water innovations and sustainable energy solutions.

E. C. George Sudarshan: Madras to Rochester

E. C. George Sudarshan began his academic journey with a master’s degree in Physics from the University of Madras.

He then moved to the University of Rochester in the U.S., where he earned his PhD. His pioneering work in quantum optics and the quantum Zeno effect made him one of the most respected theoretical physicists of his time.

Jainendra K. Jain: Kanpur to Penn State

Jainendra K. Jain studied Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, before pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. His PhD from Stony Brook University paved the way for his groundbreaking composite fermion theory. Now at Penn State, he is a recipient of the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics.

Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar: Presidency College to Cambridge

A prodigy from Chennai, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar studied Physics at Presidency College (University of Madras). He later moved to Trinity College, Cambridge, for higher studies, and eventually joined the University of Chicago in the U.S., where his work on stellar evolution won him the Nobel Prize.

Subra Suresh: Chennai to MIT

Subra Suresh earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

He pursued his M.S. at Iowa State University and later completed a PhD at MIT. His career has spanned engineering and physics, earning him the U.S. National Medal of Science for his interdisciplinary contributions.

Abhay Ashtekar: Gujarat to Chicago

Abhay Ashtekar completed his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai University), followed by a PhD in Physics at the University of Chicago. He is now known worldwide for developing loop quantum gravity, a leading attempt to unify general relativity and quantum mechanics.

The education thread

From Presidency College in colonial India to IITs in post-independence India, these scientists show how strong foundations in Indian education can become stepping stones to international breakthroughs. Their paths also highlight the role of US universities in providing research ecosystems where their talent could flourish.