Robert Karlicek

Robert Karlicek is a Professor and Director of the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems & Applications (LESA) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering. LESA is an NSF- and industry-funded initiative focused on next-generation solid-state lighting and its applications.

• Over 30 years of industrial R&D experience at AT&T Bell Labs, General Electric, and other corporations
• Expertise in LED/laser epitaxial growth, high-power packaging, thermal management, and LiFi systems
• Founder and President of SolidUV, Inc.

His research spans solid-state lighting, photonics, and optoelectronic integration, with recent work on circadian rhythm protection, UV disinfection, and silicon photonic sensors. He holds 44 U.S. patents and has authored 56 peer-reviewed papers.

Dr. Karlicek’s leadership in LED technology includes roles on technical advisory boards for high-tech startups. His work integrates lighting systems with neuroscience, energy efficiency, and healthcare applications.