Photo by Jordan Guidry, Office for Marketing and Communications Intern
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (April 24, 2025) – Growing up in Cypress, Texas, science never came easy to Dr. Merlyn X. Pulikkathara, a double graduate (’01 ‘04) and assistant professor in Prairie View A&M University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics. While pursuing her BS in physics and chemical engineering and an MS in engineering at PVAMU, what was once her weakness became her strength.
“With the loving and nurturing environment of faculty and staff, I realized I had something to give that was of value.”
Pulikkathara later earned her Ph.D. in applied physics from Rice University and excelled in various roles as an engineer, researcher and scientist. The deeper she dived into her research, the more her love for teaching began to manifest. Dr. Pulikkathara was inspired to share her knowledge with aspiring scientists. She returned to PVAMU as a faculty member in the fall of 2017.
Empowerment in the Classroom
Dr. Pulikkathara brings enthusiasm for science to the classroom, infusing fun demonstrations to engage and enlighten students in the wonders of physical science and physics. She is committed to fostering an environment where every aspiring scientist can thrive.
“The best part is seeing your students’ eyes at that moment of understanding something they thought they would never get. It’s deeply satisfying to know that I made them stronger and more fearless.”
When Pulikkathara thinks about the teachers who profoundly impacted her journey, she realizes they all had something in common: sincere dedication to their students, knowledge of their subject and a desire to motivate. This ideology is the foundation of her pedagogy and how she connects with her students. Using specific learning goals, methods of engagement and assessment criteria, Pulikkathara practices continuous learning and improvement.
“I truly believe in my students. I give encouragement and tutoring because I want others to understand and feel confident. My PVAMU professors strengthened my academic weaknesses. I was in tutoring all the time. I never met a student who did worse than me academically. My PVAMU teachers taught me and, more importantly, talked to me.”
Faculty like Professor Osborne-Lee and Professor Wilkins were instrumental in Dr. Pulikkathara’s success on campus as a student and colleague. Their guidance equipped her to believe in herself and pursue opportunities with self-assurance and certainty. “I am so grateful to my many mentors, and I hope to encourage my dear students in the same way, to help them realize they are special and have something unique to offer in this world.”
She believes that STEM/STEAM education equips students with critical problem-solving skills that nurture creativity and interdisciplinary thinking. “We need to know how to solve problems. The scientific method is based on repeatability, creating innovative solutions and helping us understand our place in this universe.”
In 2020, Dr. Pulikkathara became the first female physics tenure-track professor at PVAMU. But she says being the first is not as important as making the path more accessible for the second, third and fourth. “It is my job to strengthen the next generation with knowledge, to face their challenges with self-assurance, knowing they can solve them. My goal is for students to know that with hard work and persistence, they can accomplish dreams they never had before, and with more hard work, more doors will open.”
You can read Dr. Pulikkathara’s research articles in over 20 featured publications. She’s also received numerous awards, including the Best Faculty Award in Physics-PVAMU (2019), the Harry B. Weiser Award in Excellence in Teaching (2008), and the Excellence in Chemistry Teaching Award-Rice University (2007).
Her recognition and groundbreaking work in nanotechnology for aerospace, petroleum and cancer research demonstrates that excellence knows no gender, even within the most demanding scientific disciplines.
Trailblazing Minds
Embracing different perspectives in STEM is a necessity for progress. Dr. Pulikkathara’s exemplary scientific journey underscores the significance of fostering more students to participate in STEM/STEAM fields.
“We should always encourage and believe in the destiny of our precious students, to give ourselves to them and our research. When they fall, give a hand so they can rise and progress beyond you.”
Recognizing the critical need to involve and train students in an inclusive research environment, Pulikkathara is helping to cultivate a science community that is meaningful and prepared to advance the field. In 2022, she won a $491,847 award from the DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority‐Serving Institutions Science Program to enhance the University’s physics, chemistry, engineering and biology research capabilities. She also participates in initiatives like the Faculty Senate Executive Board, addressing institutional issues and pushing policies that promote change.
Courageous women like Dr. Pulikkathara serve as a beacon of inspiration. She says to up-and-coming scientists and engineers, “Try and try again. Never give up, keep going, for the road is hard, but we all have our part and time to prosper. Stay faithful and grateful to God for our blessed life. Work hard when times are low, always smile, love, give of yourself, and encourage each other; we all need a pat on the back. Expand your dreams, as PV expanded mine.”
By Whitney Stovall
-PVAMU-