Vasundara Varadan

Varadan studied physics at the University of Kerala and earned her bachelor's degree in 1967. Her sisters studied physics and business. She remained there for her graduate studies and completed her master's degree in 1969. She moved to the University of Illinois for her doctorate, which she defended in 1974.

In 1974 Varadan joined Cornell University, where she worked on wave propagation and materials science. She moved to Ohio State University in 1977 where she was an associate professor in wave physics and composite materials. She served on the faculty at Pennsylvania State University for over twenty years, working as co-director of the Centre for Electronic Engineering. She was promoted to professor in 1986. In 2002 Varadan was made National Science Foundation Division Director of Electrical & Communications Systems.[1][2] She moved to the University of Arkansas in 2005, where she served as the Billingsley Chair and distinguished professor.[3]

Varadan's research considered microwaves, wireless sensors and sonar materials.[4] She developed surface acoustic wave sensor to monitor the health of bridges and highways.[5] The sensors can detect flooding, dangerous levels of traffic, cracks and ice formation.[5] They contain microwave antennas and piezoelectric transducers which can convert sound waves into microwaves.[5] The sensors can be mounted at both ends of a bridge, as the propagating sound waves travelling across the bridge would be impacted by any strain on the structure.[5] Varadan established Microwave Measurement Systems, which designs free-space systems for microwave characterisation of materials.[6] The measurements are non-destructive and contactless, and can be operated at high and low temperature.[6] She also worked on new materials for solar panels.