Leonid Chernyak

Leonid Chernyak is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida's College of Sciences. He received his PhD in Physics from Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) in 1996 and joined UCF in 1999 after spending a year as a Research Associate at Colorado State University and Texas Tech University.

Dr. Chernyak's research focuses on semiconductor physics, particularly wide bandgap semiconductors including Gallium Nitride (GaN), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), and Gallium Oxide (Ga2O3). His work centers on electron transport phenomena, radiation effects on semiconductors, and device characterization using techniques like electron beam induced current (EBIC) and cathodoluminescence. His research has significant applications in radiation-hardened electronics, power devices, and optoelectronics.

His publication record shows a consistent research trajectory with over 100 publications spanning more than two decades, with recent work focusing increasingly on Ga2O3 as a promising ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor for next-generation power electronics. His articles demonstrate expertise in characterizing radiation damage and developing mitigation strategies through electron injection techniques.

Scientific Awards

• 7 National Science Foundation Awards (2002-2021)
• 2 American Chemical Society Awards (2002-2021)
• 7 NATO Awards (2002-2021)
• 3 US-Israel Binational Science Foundation Awards (2002-2021)
• 3 Israel Ministry of Defense Awards (2002-2021)
• University of Central Florida Research Incentive Award (2004, 2015, 2021)
• Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (1999)
• Minerva Award of German-Israeli Scientific Foundation (1992)

Dr. Chernyak has served as a reviewer for numerous funding agencies, with 15 invitations to NSF panel reviews and 3 invitations to NATO panels between 2001-2020. His work has been recognized with an h-index of 28, and he has been included in various editions of Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Science and Engineering.

His research has secured approximately $6 million in funding, demonstrating significant external recognition of his work's importance. He has also contributed 7 book chapters to the field, further establishing his expertise in semiconductor physics and materials characterization.