Tomás Palacios

Tomás Palacios is the Clarence J. LeBel Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, directing the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL). His research focuses on advanced semiconductor materials (e.g., GaN, 2D materials) and devices for high-frequency, high-voltage, and energy-efficient electronics. He leads projects in quantum computing, Venus rover microelectronics, and large-area neural networks. Palacios has pioneered innovations like vertical GaN FinFETs and graphene-based biosensors, earning the IEEE George Smith Award twice.

• Education: BS (Telecommunications Engineering, Technical University of Madrid, 2001), MS/PhD (Electrical Engineering, UC Santa Barbara, 2004/2006).
• Affiliations: Director of MIT-GaN Energy Initiative, Founding Director of MIT Graphene Center, Associate Director of SUPREME Center.

Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining electrical engineering, materials science, and device physics. Notable contributions include record-breaking GaN transistor performance and first MoS2 circuits. His group also explores bio-inspired sensors and wearable electronics, such as smart gloves for tactile interaction. Palacios advises startups like Vertical Horizons (GaN power devices) and FabuBlox (nanofabrication tools).

• Awards: PECASE (2012), Intel Researcher Award (2020), IEEE Fellow.
• Grants & Partnerships: Supported by NSF, DoE, industry collaborations (e.g., IBM, NEMC Hub).

Labs include the Palacios Group at MIT, with ongoing projects in quantum devices, Venus electronics, and 6G networks. His work bridges academia and industry, aiming to address energy challenges and next-gen computing needs.