His research group is investigating energy conversion in biological nanostructures, developing nanomechanical approaches to determine structures of biomolecular complexes, and studying cell mechanics. Dr. Sahin is recognized for inventing a nanoscale microscope that can visualize mechanical properties of molecules, cells, and materials, for which he won the Grand Prize at the Collegiate Inventors Competition. He received a Junior Fellowship from the Rowland Institute at Harvard and a Packard Fellowship from the David & Lucile Packard Foundation.