Born and raised in Kerala, India, early life of Thomas Kodenkandath was marked by two parallel passions: an intense fascination with how materials behave and an irrepressible urge to observe society through satire. Long before laboratories and research journals entered his world, he was sketching reality with wit and insight.
At the age of 17, his first editorial cartoon appeared in The Express, a respected Malayalam daily. This early milestone did more than announce a young talent; it revealed a lifelong instinct to question, critique, and communicate. Even as academic rigor began to define his path, cartooning remained an essential part of his identity.
Thomas Kodenkandath: Academic Excellence and Scientific Foundation
After his formative education at St. Thomas College, Thrissur, Thomas Kodenkandath earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from IIT Madras in 1990, specializing in materials science at the Materials Science Research Center. His time at IIT Madras was transformative, both intellectually and creatively.
It was here that he encountered R. K. Laxman, the legendary editorial cartoonist and Magsaysay Award winner. That meeting became a quiet turning point, reinforcing the belief that scientific excellence need not silence artistic expression.
Thomas Kodenkandath later expanded his global academic exposure through post-doctoral research at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (Italy), Imperial College London, and the University of New Orleans, building a worldview as expansive as his scientific ambitions.
A Distinguished Career in Materials Science and Energy Innovation
Professionally, Thomas Kodenkandath has built an illustrious career at the forefront of advanced materials and clean-energy technologies. As of 2026, he serves as a Staff Scientist at Redwood Materials in Reno, Nevada, where he works on next-generation cathode process development, contributing directly to the future of sustainable energy storage.
Over the years, he has held senior and leadership roles at globally respected institutions, including:
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American Superconductor Corporation
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Sila Nanotechnologies
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Hazen Research
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ITN Energy Systems
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Ascent Solar
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Imperial College Advanced Materials Research Centre
His research spans lithium-ion battery materials, Ni-rich NMC cathodes, superconductors, flexible solar cells, and scalable manufacturing technologies. His work has helped bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and industrial application.
Among his most celebrated scientific milestones:
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~75 peer-reviewed scientific publications
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15+ patents (including leadership roles in patent authorship)
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A landmark 2009 JACS publication introducing a new class of materials with predictable structure and properties
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Contribution to flexible solar cells later named by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2011
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Development of low-cost manufacturing routes for 2G High-Temperature Superconductors
His achievements earned him the UNESCO–IAEA Fellowship, recognition as a Promising Young Scientist from Developing Countries, and the IIT Madras Distinguished Alumni Award (2016).
Thomas Kodenkandath: Thommy the Cartoonist – A Voice That Travels the World
While many scientists publish papers, Thommy publishes perspectives.
Parallel to his scientific career, Thomas Kodenkandath has created over 12,000 editorial cartoons, making him one of the most prolific Indian-origin cartoonists globally. Entirely self-taught, his cartoons combine sharp political insight, scientific literacy, and human empathy.
His work has appeared in prestigious international publications, including:
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India-West
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Malayalam Pathram (USA)
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Gulf News (UAE)
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Mathrubhoomi (India)
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Urban Indian (New York)
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India-New England (Massachusetts)
He has also been deeply involved in nurturing campus journalism, serving as editorial cartoonist for Campus Times, Spectator, and later as Cartoon Editor of Off-Campus Times at IIT Madras.
As a cultural contributor, he is a founding member of the Kerala Cartoonist Academy and an Honorary Associate of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC).
Awards That Bridge Art and Science
The rare convergence of science and art in Thomas Kodenkandath’s life has earned him accolades across disciplines:
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Kerala State Lalithakala Academy Award for Editorial Cartooning (2012) — first non-resident Indian recipient
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UNESCO International Poster Competition Winner (2011) – International Year of Chemistry
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Science Idol Award (2008) – Union of Concerned Scientists (USA)
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Rotary International RoteFete Award
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Kalakrithi Award – Anna University
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Mardi Gras Prize – IIT Madras (twice)
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Kerala Center (New York) Annual Award (2005) for excellence as both scientist and cartoonist