University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Andrea Young is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), where they lead the Young Lab. The lab investigates quantum materials through nanofabrication and electronic measurement techniques. Affiliation: University of California Santa Barbara (Department of Physics) Research Interests: Andrea Young's work focuses on the interplay of symmetry, topology, and correlations in low-dimensional systems, particularly exploring superconductivity, magnetism, and fractionalization in graphene and van der Waals heterostructures . They utilize cryogenic measurements and heterostructure engineering to probe thermodynamic properties of these materials. Publication Trends: Recent articles emphasize twisted bilayer/trilayer graphene , moiré superlattices , and fractional quantum Hall effects , with keywords spanning condensed matter physics, quantum materials, and nanofabrication. Scientific Awards: Moore Foundation grant (2020) NSF fellowship (2020) CAREER award (2017) Advising: Andrea Young has advised PhD students such as Dr. Haoxin Zhou (2021) and Dr. Marec Serlin (2021). Their lab also supports research fellows like James Ehrets, who received an NSF fellowship in 2020. Labs & Teams: The Young Lab at UCSB specializes in creating van der Waals heterostructures and developing techniques like picosecond transport and nanoscale interferometry to study fragile electronic states.
Zhi-Xun Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences at Stanford University, holding dual appointments in the Physics and Applied Physics Departments. He is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and serves on advisory boards for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Stanford Science Fellows programs. His research focuses on condensed matter and materials physics, particularly the electronic structures of superconductors, topological insulators, and novel materials. Dr. Shen pioneered advanced spectroscopic techniques, including photon-based imaging and scattering methods, and has authored over 600 publications with significant citation impact. His honors include the Kamerlingh Onnes Prize (2000), E.O. Lawrence Award (2010), and Oliver E. Buckley Prize (2011). He co-founded PrimeNano Inc., commercializing technologies from his lab, such as microwave impedance microscopy. His work bridges fundamental physics with energy-related applications, emphasizing the interplay between electronic structure and material properties. Dr. Shen’s research group explores cutting-edge topics like topological surface states, electron-phonon interactions, and superconductivity mechanisms. His inventions, such as non-resonance microwave imaging, have found applications in materials characterization. He remains active in advancing instrumentation and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his academic and industry roles.
Professor Thomas Bein is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) , where he leads the Functional Nanosystems research group. His work focuses on synthesizing and characterizing nanostructured materials with applications in energy, catalysis, and biomedical delivery. Mesoporous nanoparticles for drug delivery Semiconductor nano-morphologies for photovoltaics Photoelectrochemical water splitting Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) Electroactive networks His research emphasizes atomic-scale control of material architectures using self-assembly, hydrogen bonding, and covalent interactions, enabling precise tuning of electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. A review of his recent publications reveals cutting-edge investigations into covalent organic frameworks (COFs), perovskite-inspired solar materials, and functional nanoparticle systems. Key trends include optimizing energy conversion efficiency, enhancing stability in optoelectronic devices, and exploring bio-compatible nanocarriers for targeted therapies. Professor Bein’s group actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biomedical engineering, with ongoing collaborations in solar energy, sustainable materials, and nanomedicine.
Dr. Gregor Schuhknecht is a Researcher and incoming Max-Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Starting December 2025, he will lead the Brain Algorithms and Circuits Group, focusing on computational neuroscience and neuronal circuitry in larval zebrafish. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches to understand brain algorithms enabling flexible behaviors. Education PhD in Neuroscience (2014–2019), Institute for Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich MSc in Biology (Neuroscience) (2012–2019), ETH Zurich BSc in Biosciences (2009–2012), Heidelberg University His research investigates how synaptic circuitry implements computational algorithms for sensorimotor processing, evidence accumulation, and behavior. Experimental approaches include functional imaging, optogenetics, connectomics, and computational modeling. The group will explore neuronal circuits across scales, from synapse to behavior, with a focus on biophysical properties and dynamic environmental adaptation. Recent publications highlight correlative light/electron microscopy, developmental activity-free circuit formation, and neocortical synapse analysis. Scientific Awards Meselson Prize (2024) Aspirational Neuroscience Award (2023) Best Publication Award (2021) Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowships (2021, 2019, 2018) Gregor Schuhknecht's lab will welcome graduate and postdoctoral researchers starting December 2025, focusing on experimental and computational systems neuroscience. He previously collaborated with Harvard University's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Department of Moritz Helmstaedter for connectomic analyses.
Jan von Delft is a Professor (chair) at Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, working in the Faculty of Physics within the Chair of Theoretical Solid State Physics. His research group consists of postdocs, PhD students, and master's students working on various aspects of strongly correlated electron systems, with physical space located at Theresienstr. 37 (Room A420) in Munich. von Delft's research focuses on correlated electron and spin systems, with particular interest in dynamical and transport properties, quantum impurity models, Hund metals, unconventional superconductors, quantum magnets, and quantum criticality. His methodological expertise includes many-body field theory, parquet formalism (FRG), DMFT, and tensor networks (NRG, DMRG, PEPS, XTRG, etc.). His work bridges theoretical concepts with computational approaches to understand complex quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems. He has developed a distinctive emphasis on real-frequency calculations and numerical methods for studying quantum critical phenomena. Analysis of von Delft's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing and applying advanced computational methods to study strongly correlated electron systems. His group has made significant contributions to numerical renormalization group techniques, tensor network methods, and the parquet formalism for calculating real-frequency correlation functions. His research shows increasing sophistication in handling quantum criticality, particularly in heavy-fermion systems, and exploring unconventional superconductivity mechanisms. Notably, his group has developed specialized computational libraries like KeldyshQFT to make these advanced methods more accessible to the broader physics community. von Delft actively mentors a substantial research group consisting of one postdoc (Markus Scheb), eleven PhD students (Anxiang Ge, Sasha Kovalska, Mathias Pelz, Marc Ritter, Nepomuk Ritz, Changkai Zhang, Markus Frankenbacher, Felipe Picoli, Simone Fodera, Ming Huang), and two master's students (Ester Pages, Gianluca Grosso). His detailed Style Guide for scientific communication demonstrates his commitment to high-quality research presentation. The group appears well-funded with ongoing research activities spanning theoretical development, computational implementation, and physical interpretation of complex quantum phenomena.
Ravindra N. Bhatt is currently a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University and an associated faculty member in Physics. His academic career spans leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including Director of the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (1999-2005) and Acting Associate Director of the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science (2005-2012). He previously headed Theoretical Physics Research at Bell Laboratories. Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana, 1976 M.S., Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana, 1974 B.Sc. Hons., Physics, University of Delhi, India, 1971 Bhatt specializes in theoretical condensed matter physics, focusing on topological materials, quantum Hall effects, and spin-based quantum computation. His work explores disordered systems, many-body localization, and quantum dynamics in low-dimensional structures like graphene and semiconductor heterostructures. His recent publications emphasize topological phases, composite fermions, and critical ground state dynamics, employing methods such as Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) and Monte Carlo simulations. Key themes include disorder-driven quantum phase transitions and applications in quantum information science. Scientific honors include: Fellow, American Physical Society (1986) Guggenheim Fellowship (1995) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2004) Bhatt has led major research centers at Princeton and contributed to quantum science initiatives. His group utilizes computational techniques like Transfer Matrix Methods and Sparse Matrix Diagonalization to study complex materials.
Jungsang Kim is the Schiciano Family Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Professor of Physics at Duke University. He serves as Associate Director of the Duke Quantum Center and leads the Multifunctional Integrated Systems Technology group. Quantum Computing with Trapped Ions Quantum Information Science Photonic Device Development Quantum Communication Networks His research focuses on scalable quantum information processors using trapped atomic ions and advanced photonic technologies. Key innovations include microfabricated ion traps, optical MEMS, and cryogenic systems for quantum integration. Recent publications highlight trapped ion quantum simulation, high-fidelity gate design, and photonic error mitigation. His group develops practical quantum hardware and co-founded IonQ, the first publicly traded pure-play quantum computing company. Fellow, American Physics Society (2021) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2016) Fellow, National Academy of Inventors Fellow, Optica (formerly OSA) Kim's work bridges quantum physics and engineering, with over 80 patents and leadership in Duke's quantum computing initiatives. He recently stepped down as IonQ's CTO while maintaining active research and strategic roles at Duke.
Steven Rogak is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science. He holds a P.Eng. license and degrees including a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from UBC, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Caltech. P.Eng., University of British Columbia B.A.Sc., University of British Columbia M.Sc., Ph.D., California Institute of Technology His research focuses on aerosol science, particularly solid nanoparticles from combustion processes, their climate and health impacts, and mitigation strategies. Key areas include: Soot morphology and transport properties Engine emission reduction via fuel injectors Indoor air filtration systems Membrane-based energy exchangers Atmospheric particulate analysis The 15 most recent articles span experimental and theoretical studies on soot characterization, membrane technologies, and aerosol dynamics, with applications in climate modeling, healthcare ventilation, and sustainable materials. Collaborations include Westport Innovations and interdisciplinary teams. Rogak leads the Aerosol Laboratory at UBC, where he applies fluid mechanics and heat transfer fundamentals to address environmental and health challenges. He emphasizes experimental rigor and welcomes graduate students with expertise in these areas.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Dr. Steven G. Clarke is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and director of research at the Molecular Biology Institute . His work bridges protein chemistry , methylation biology , and aging research through studies of spontaneous protein damage and its repair mechanisms. Education: BA in Chemistry and Zoology, Pomona College (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University (NSF Fellow) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley (Miller Fellow) Dr. Clarke's research focuses on protein isoaspartyl repair via PCMT1/PIMT enzymes , ribosomal protein methylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and PRMT family characterization including PRMT7 and PRMT9. His lab combines biochemical assays , genetic models , and structural analysis to investigate aging mechanisms and disease implications. Recent publications highlight: COQ5 structure-function analysis in coenzyme Q biosynthesis PCMTD1 ubiquitin ligase interactions PRMT7 substrate specificity in histone H2B Protein isoaspartyl impacts on T cell function in lupus Novel PRMT inhibitors for cancer therapy Methionine addiction in osteosarcoma malignancy Major scientific awards: American Chemical Society Ralph F. Hirschmann Award in Peptide Chemistry NIH MERIT Award Ellison Medical Foundation Senior Scholar Award William C. Rose Award, ASBMB UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award (Eby Award winner) Current lab members include PhD candidates Eric Pang (UCSB) and Sining "Cindy" Wang (UCLA), while undergraduates Celeste Medina-Seymoure , Elizabeth Oroudjeva , Olivia Pacheco , and Jasmine Winter contribute to ongoing proteostasis studies. Collaborations with Profs. Jose Rodriguez and Catherine Clarke demonstrate interdisciplinary research approaches.
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Thomas Faulkner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. His research bridges condensed matter physics, high energy physics, and quantum information science through the framework of holographic duality (AdS/CFT correspondence), exploring connections between quantum field theories and gravitational theories. Dr. Faulkner received his BSc in Physics from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and his PhD from MIT in 2009 under Hong Liu and Krishna Rajagopal. He held postdoctoral positions at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (2009-2012) and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2012-2013) before joining the Illinois faculty. His primary research focuses on three interconnected areas: entanglement entropy as a tool to study quantum phases and gravity; string-inspired models of strongly correlated phenomena including non-Fermi liquids and quantum criticality; and holographic approaches to QCD under extreme conditions. His work leverages theoretical tools from both condensed matter and string theory communities to address fundamental questions in quantum gravity and many-body physics. Dr. Faulkner's publication record shows an evolving research trajectory from early work on strange metal transport and QCD applications toward increasingly sophisticated investigations of entanglement structure, quantum information aspects of holography, and fundamental constraints on quantum field theories. His recent work demonstrates deep connections between quantum information theory, gravitational physics, and condensed matter phenomena. DOE Early Career Award (2018) DARPA Young Faculty Award (2015) Dr. Faulkner has taught a comprehensive range of physics courses from undergraduate College Physics to advanced graduate-level field theory courses. His research program receives significant external funding, supporting his investigations into the quantum structure of spacetime and its connections to condensed matter phenomena. He participates in a vibrant research ecosystem exploring the quantum information foundations of spacetime geometry, contributing to collaborative efforts that are reshaping our understanding of the relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity.
Justin A. Weibel is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering. He directs the Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. His research focuses on advanced electronics cooling, phase-change transport, additive manufacturing for thermal components, and machine-learning-driven design optimization. He has led projects funded by DARPA, ONR, ARPA-E, and industry partners, advancing cooling solutions for high-power electronics and energy systems. Research interests span thermal management, heat transfer, micro/nano-scale engineering, and sustainable energy. Key contributions include topology optimization for heat sinks, two-phase flow modeling, and embedded cooling systems for electric motors. His work integrates computational methods with experimental validation. Grants & Programs: DARPA TGP/ICECool, ONR NEPTUNE, ARPA-E ASCEND/COOLERCHIPS, SRC CHIRP Labs: Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC) Future Work: Expanding additive manufacturing applications, improving thermal efficiency in electrified transport, and advancing AI-driven thermal system design. Awards: Fellow of ASME (2023) Outstanding Faculty Mentor (2022) Multiple best paper awards from IEEE ITherm, ASME, and SEMI-THERM conferences
Professor Jasper van Wezel is a distinguished academic in the field of Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, where he serves as Professor in the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) within the Institute of Physics. With a career spanning over two decades, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2014-2016) to Associate Professor (2016-2024) and currently holds the position of Professor since 2024. His academic journey began with a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Leiden University in 2007, followed by prestigious fellowships at Argonne National Laboratory and Homerton College, Cambridge. PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2007 Master's diploma in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2003 Dutch VWO Diploma (cum laude), Dalton Scholengemeenschap, Den Haag, 1997 US High School Diploma (cum laude), Sanford High School, Maine, USA, 1998 Professor van Wezel's research focuses on several interconnected areas within Condensed Matter Theory. His work explores competing instabilities in Charge Density Wave materials, including Superconductivity and Charge Order, Combined Charge and Orbital Order, and Transition-metal dichalcogenides. He has made significant contributions to Topology in Condensed Matter, particularly examining the Role of crystal symmetries and Topology in non-Hermitian systems. A major theme in his research involves investigating the Connections between Quantum and Classical behaviour, with special emphasis on Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking both in equilibrium (The role of the Thin Spectrum) and dynamically (Spontaneous loss of Unitarity). Analysis of Professor van Wezel's recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, with particular attention to topological aspects, symmetry breaking, and connections to fundamental physics concepts like black hole thermodynamics. His work often bridges theoretical concepts with potential experimental realizations, as evidenced by studies on electron patterns in materials like TaS2 and theoretical frameworks for understanding quantum phase transitions. Bristol Physics Teaching Award (2014) Students' Award for Outstanding Teaching (2014) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014) Aneesur Rahman Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory (2010-2012) Junior Research Fellowship at Homerton College, Cambridge (2007-2010) Physics 'Discovery of the year' by Leiden University Physics department (2005) 'Onderwijsprijs Natuurkunde' teaching award (2004/2005) Professor van Wezel has secured numerous research grants including an ENW-M grant (2023), an ENW-Groot project with Leiden University (2021), and a prestigious VIDI personal grant from NWO (2014). He has supervised over 50 students at various levels, including PhD candidates, MSc students, and BSc students, fostering the next generation of physicists. His leadership extends to organizing conferences, serving on PhD committees, and holding administrative roles such as chair of the educational committee for the Dutch Research School in Theoretical Physics. His research group at the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Theoretical Physics maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide, including Leiden University, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and research centers in France, Germany, and Poland. The group's work combines analytical theoretical approaches with computational methods to tackle fundamental questions in quantum condensed matter physics.
Beatriz Noheda is a Full Professor of Functional Nanomaterials at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she chairs the Solid State Materials for Electronics group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. She also serves as the founding Director of the Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials center (CogniGron). Her academic journey began with a PhD in Physics from the Autonomous University of Madrid in 1996, followed by research positions at Brookhaven National Laboratory and various European institutions before joining Groningen through the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Fellowship program in 2004. Her research interests span the physics of functional materials with particular emphasis on ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and multiferroic thin films . She investigates the relationship between structure and functionality, focusing on nano-domain control through strain engineering and the unique properties of domain walls. Her work bridges fundamental physics with two promising application areas: piezoelectric energy harvesting for low-power electronics and the development of novel materials for neuromorphic computing . This dual focus reflects her vision of enabling the next technological revolution through materials science. Noheda's publication record shows a clear evolution from fundamental structural studies of ferroelectric materials toward cutting-edge research in hafnia-based ferroelectrics and neuromorphic computing materials. Her most recent work focuses on oxygen migration in hafnium-zirconium oxide systems, metal-insulator transitions in nickelates, and the development of novel ferroelectric phases suitable for next-generation electronic devices. These publications demonstrate her leadership in advancing the field from basic understanding toward practical applications in memory devices and cognitive computing systems. Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) - awarded for fundamental structural studies of new phases in perovskite-type ferroelectric materials and domain nanostructures IEEE Robert E. Newnham Ferroelectrics Award (2020) - for outstanding contributions to understanding giant piezoelectricity in lead zirconate titanate Member of the Netherlands Academy of Technology and Innovation (AcTI) (2022) Elected Senior member IEEE (2021) Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2004) - enabling her successful academic career in Groningen Noheda has secured substantial research funding throughout her career, including a Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2004-2009), VIDI-NWO Fellowship (2004-2008), TOP-NWO project on Functional Nanowalls (2007-2012), multiple Zernike Institute Dieptestrategie grants, and a significant TOP-PUNT grant (2016-2021). She has supervised numerous students and early-career researchers, contributing to the development of the next generation of materials scientists. Her leadership extends to editorial roles on prestigious journals including Science, Physical Review Applied, and npj Quantum Materials. As Director of CogniGron, Noheda leads an interdisciplinary center focused on developing materials and systems for cognitive computing. Her team combines expertise in functional oxides, nanoelectronics, and neuromorphic engineering to create novel computing paradigms inspired by the human brain. The center represents a strategic initiative at the University of Groningen to position itself at the forefront of cognitive systems research.
Prof. Dr. Frank Pollmann is a Full Professor (W3) at the Department of Physics PH-I, Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Theoretical Solid-State Physics since 2022. His research focuses on condensed matter theory and quantum information concepts , particularly in systems of correlated electrons and quantum many-body dynamics . PhD: Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems / TU Ilmenau (2006) Postdoc: UC Berkeley (2008-2010) Group Leader: MPIPKS Dresden (2011-2016) Associate Professor: TUM (2017-2022) His work spans topological phases , frustrated spin systems , and non-equilibrium quantum dynamics , utilizing tensor network methods and quantum information theory to study phenomena like many-body localization and Hilbert space fragmentation . His publications demonstrate trends in quantum scar states , Kardar-Parisi-Zhang hydrodynamics , and quantum transport anomalies . Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) Walter Schottky Prize (2015) Otto-Hahn Medal (2007) He teaches courses including Advanced Methods in Quantum Many-Body Theory , Solid State Theory , and Topology in Condensed Matter , while leading the Pollmann Group under the TUM School of Natural Sciences.
