His expertise spans a broad spectrum of areas in the field of materials science and metallurgy, including nuclear reactor materials, corrosion, physical metallurgy, surface modification and coatings processes, ion implantation, plasma-based synthesis and deposition of materials, characterization and testing of materials, intersections of materials and manufacturing, and industrial applications. He has over 350 publications in these areas including eight invited book chapters, journal articles, reviewed conference proceedings, and industry/national laboratory reports.
In 2013 he received the University of Wisconsin, Madison's Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research. In 2016, he received the Faculty Recognition Award given for enriching and inspiring collegiate experience of undergraduate students by Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity in the University of Wisconsin, Madison's College of Engineering. Prof. Sridharan is an elected Fellow of American Society for Materials, Fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining, United Kingdom, and Fellow of American Nuclear Society in recognition for his contributions to the fields of surface modification and coatings technologies, nuclear reactor materials, and education.