I am a researcher working on lightweight, multifunctional materials for structural and thermal management applications. As a part of my Ph.D. and postdoctoral research, my main research focus has been the processing and characterization of carbon fibers from low-cost and sustainable precursors. Currently, most (about 90%) of the carbon fibers in the market are produced from the synthetic precursor, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The manufacturing process uses highly toxic and environmentally hazardous solvents that release hazardous gases like hydrogen cyanide during the heat treatment process. Therefore, there is an elevated interest in finding a cheaper and sustainable carbon fiber precursor. The initial part of my research studied mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers, which allowed me to gain training in carbon fiber processing. During the project, we modified the cross-sectional microstructure of the mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers, which led to over 30% improvement in the tensile strength without deteriorating the tensile modulus or electrical conductivity of the individual carbon fibers. Further, the highly conducting melt-blown carbon fibers pressed into composite shapes afforded the electrostatically dissipating composites with over 300% improvement in thermal conductivity and up to 50 dB electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, exceeding the automotive specifications.My dissertation research focused on the carbon fibers from bio-renewable lignin. The study used fractionated lignin with higher molecular weights and a higher glass transition temperature. Hybrid poplar and corn stover lignin were successfully dry-spun using an eco-friendly ethanol/water mixture solvent for the first time in the literature. We found that thermo-oxidative stabilization, a critical step for process economy and carbon fiber properties, can be reduced by five times due to increased molecular weight. Further, the novel UV-irradiation method demonstrated that the stabilization time could be further reduced to just under 4 hours, comparable to the commercial process. Finally, carbon fibers were successfully produced from corn stover and hybrid poplar and possessed the highest tensile strength among neat lignin-based carbon fibers. The compliance corrected modulus of these carbon fibers is at par with the glass fiber modulus.While doing my research, I mentored 20 undergraduate researchers and 1 master thesis researcher, which helped me gain planning, and supervisory skills. I have collaborated with my colleagues to characterize and find new material applications.