Irina Bariakhtar, PhD

Dr. Irina Bariakhtar is a physicist, educator, researcher, and science consultant whose career spans nearly three decades across Ukraine and the United States. She began her professional journey in 1987 after completing her studies in physics and education at Kyiv National University. Her academic foundation, combined with advanced research in theoretical and computational physics, led to significant contributions in semiconductor physics, nanotechnology, photovoltaics, and mathematical modeling. She later earned the equivalent of a Ph.D. in Physics and became actively involved in international scientific communities, including the American Physical Society and the Ukrainian Physical Society. After relocating to the United States in the mid-1990s, Dr. Bariakhtar combined scientific research with technology and education. For more than two decades, she served as a Visiting Scientist and Visiting Scholar at Boston College, where she conducted research in computational and theoretical physics while also supporting web development and communications initiatives for physics and biology departments. Her expertise extends beyond scientific research to science-focused web development, technical communications, and educational outreach. She also served as Webmaster for the Division of Condensed Matter Physics of the American Physical Society, developing digital resources and supporting outreach programs that connected researchers, educators, and students. Today, Dr. Bariakhtar consults from her home in Massachusetts on science-related projects and educational initiatives, including advising students interested in science and engineering careers through Ukrainian academic programs. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to advancing scientific knowledge, promoting education, and fostering international collaboration. Guided by values of honesty, teamwork, effective time management, and lifelong learning, she continues to contribute to both the scientific and educational communities. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Bariakhtar enjoys reading, gardening, painting, and playing the piano, a passion she has cultivated since the age of six. She is also a devoted wife and mother.