About
Dr. Paul Simmonds is an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics & Astronomy at Tufts University, School of Engineering. He holds dual appointments and leads the Quantum Nanomaterials Laboratory. Previously, he was at Boise State University (2014–2023) and held postdoctoral roles at Yale, UCSB, and the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for quantum and optoelectronic nanomaterials, combining electrical engineering, condensed matter physics, and materials science.
Education: PhD in Semiconductor Physics (University of Cambridge, 2008), MSc (University of Essex, 2002), BSc (University of Durham, 1999).
Research Interests: Synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures, spintronics, high-mobility electron transport, and integration of dissimilar materials. Specific tools include MBE for atomic-scale crystal growth. Applications span quantum information science, infrared optoelectronics, and low-power electronics.
Publications: Over 78 scholarly articles since 2003, emphasizing quantum dot self-assembly, strain engineering, and interdisciplinary STEM education. Recent work includes superconducting nitride integration (2025), quantum Bragg mirror detectors (2024), and actinide thin films (2022).
- Awards: 2018 North American MBE Young Investigator Award, NSF CAREER Award (2016).
- Grants: $1.3M+ from NSF, DOE, and ONR for quantum materials and graduate education initiatives.
- Teaching: Courses include 'Quantum for Engineers' and 'Physics of Solar Cells' at Tufts.
Labs/Teams: Quantum Nanomaterials Lab at Tufts, previously managed UCLA’s Integrated NanoMaterials Lab (2011–2014).
