Meet the newest members of MSU’s chemistry department

Mississippi State University’s Department of Chemistry has expanded our research and teaching capacity with the addition of two new faculty members, Rajat Maji and Jared Fletcher, who bring expertise in catalysis, chemical innovation and student-centered instruction. Maji began his position in the fall, and Fletcher began in January.

Maji is a research-focused faculty member with an internationally recognized background in sustainable catalysis and asymmetric synthesis. His work integrates experimental chemistry with computational and data-driven approaches to accelerate reaction discovery and improve energy efficiency in chemical processes.

“I was drawn to Mississippi State University because of the strong scientific synergy within the Department of Chemistry and across the broader research community,” Maji said. “From my earliest conversations, it was clear that MSU fosters a genuinely collaborative and intellectually vibrant environment.”

He added that the university’s emphasis on both research excellence and student engagement played a key role in his decision. “That balance—scientific ambition coupled with meaningful educational impact—made MSU the right fit.”

Maji earned his bachelor’s degree from Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandira-Belur, University of Calcutta, India, and his master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. He completed his doctoral degree at Texas A&M University before holding prestigious postdoctoral appointments, including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship in Germany and a National Institutes of Health Pathway to Independence Award at the University of California, Los Angeles.

His honors include the NIH Pathway to Independence Award and recognition as a CAS SciFinder Future Leader. At MSU, he plans to establish a globally visible research program focused on sustainable catalysis and next-generation chemical methodologies.

Fletcher joins the department with a strong commitment to undergraduate education and laboratory instruction. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and his doctoral degree from Northwestern University.

Fletcher said his interest in MSU stems from a longstanding passion for teaching and mentoring students in chemistry.

“I am looking forward to positively impacting the experience and environment of the students that I come across, hopefully piquing their interest in chemistry,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel solid-state materials. His work explores how structural and chemical modifications can tune material properties to improve energy efficiency and device performance. At MSU, he aims to continue developing innovative materials while involving undergraduate students in hands-on research that builds critical problem-solving skills.

Fletcher brings extensive instructional experience and leadership in course design, having served as a senior and “super” teaching assistant at Northwestern University. In these roles, he contributed to developing course materials, designing assignments and exams and leading lectures and review sessions. His accolades include the ACS Undergraduate Award in physical chemistry and multiple competitive scholarships during his academic career. Fletcher joins MSU following completion of his doctoral work at Northwestern University.

Department Head Carl Lovely said the new faculty members strengthen the department’s mission across research and instruction.

“Dr. Maji brings new expertise in catalysis, photochemistry and reaction development that enhances our research portfolio,” Lovely said. “Dr. Fletcher brings strong enthusiasm for improving the student experience in challenging laboratory courses, and I look forward to his contributions to our teaching mission.”

We are excited to welcome Dr. Maji and Dr. Fletcher to the Department of Chemistry and look forward to the ways their work will strengthen our research, teaching and student engagement.

For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Chemistry, visit www.cas.msstate.edu and www.chemistry.msstate.edu.