Most notably, Shankar has performed pioneering research on the utilization of machining-based processes for the mass manufacturing of nanostructured materials. His various research projects have attracted significant funding from the National Science Foundation. Already a prolific writer, Shankar has written more than 35 publications, which have appeared in several leading journals and refereed conference proceedings. Outside of his research, Shankar also teaches a variety of manufacturing courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.