David Awschalom

David Awschalom is a Professor in the Department of Physics and the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. He also serves as Deputy Director for Space, Infrastructure, and Facilities at the Eckhardt Research Center. His research focuses on quantum phenomena in semiconductors, spintronics, and quantum information systems.

• Education: BSc in Physics from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• PhD in Experimental Physics from Cornell University

His work explores spin dynamics, quantum coherence, and applications in computing/sensing. Recent innovations include novel femtosecond spectroscopies and quantum sensing techniques.

Notable achievements include launching the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (2019) and developing quantum technologies through the Chicago Quantum Exchange and collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory.

• Awards: Over 15 major prizes including Buckley, Lilienfeld, and Néel Medals
• Leadership roles: Directed California NanoSystems Institute (2001-2019)

Labs/Teams: Awschalom Lab focuses on quantum materials and devices, with interdisciplinary collaborations across physics, engineering, and computer science.