Electrochemical Society honors WSU scientist for sensor research

Washington State University Vancouver researcher Praveen Sekhar has received one of the top honors in his field for developing sensor technologies that could improve everything from environmental monitoring to food safety.

Sekhar, an associate professor of electrical engineering in WSU Vancouver's School of Engineering and Computer Science, was selected for the 2026 Sensor Division Outstanding Achievement Award from the Electrochemical Society (ECS). The award recognizes his contributions to sensor science, including advances in gas sensing, flexible electronics, and emerging quantum sensing systems.

"At its core, this work is about making sensing technology more accessible, affordable, and reliable for applications that directly affect people's lives," Sekhar said. "We're working to move these sensors out of the laboratory and into the hands of the communities and industries that need them most."

The Electrochemical Society cited Sekhar's broad impact on the field, which includes more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, over $2 million in research funding since 2011, and leadership as chair of the society's Sensors Division.

Sekhar's research focuses on developing smart sensor systems that can detect chemical and physical signals in challenging environments. His team is developing flexible sensors that can help first responders monitor hazardous conditions and electrochemical sensors capable of detecting pollutants and explosive materials.

He is also collaborating with Navajo Technical University to explore how electrochemical and quantum sensing technologies can help address food safety and food security challenges in the Tribal Nation.

This fall, Sekhar will deliver the Sensor Division Outstanding Achievement Award lecture at the Electrochemical Society's 250th meeting in Calgary, Canada. The presentation will focus on how advances in flexible electronics, artificial intelligence, and quantum sensing are shaping the next generation of sensor technologies.

"Quantum sensors promise unprecedented sensitivity for detecting chemical and biological targets important to food safety and environmental security," Sekhar said. "The long-term goal is to create sensing systems that are flexible, scalable, and capable of solving real-world problems."