[11][12][13] Puri has explained the structure and extinction of counterflow diffusion flames,[14][15] use of magnetic fluids for heat transfer[16] and drug targeting,[17] how biological inks can be formulated to print mammalian cells into three-dimensional cellular structures with diamagnetophoresis[broken anchor],[18] and provided mathematical models for the progression of disease, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

[30] Before his arrival at USC, Puri served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

[31] Upon his departure from McMaster, the university credited him with developing innovative approaches to engineering education and experiential learning, and furthering research.

[33] Prior to McMaster, Puri served as N. Waldo Harrison Professor and Department Head of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Virginia Tech from 2004-13.

[34][35] He arrived there from the University of Illinois at Chicago after 15 years of service at various ranks, leaving as Professor and Executive Associate Dean of Engineering.