Di Zhu is a Presidential Young Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds a B.Eng. from Nanyang Technological University and M.Sc./Ph.D. from MIT, both in Electrical Engineering. His postdoctoral research at Harvard focused on lithium niobate integrated photonics and superconducting detectors. He previously worked as a research scientist and PI at A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE). Research Interests : Integrated quantum photonics, superconducting detectors, nonlinear optics, and nanofabrication. His group develops scalable quantum photonic devices using lithium niobate and superconducting materials, emphasizing applications in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Awards : National Research Foundation (NRF) Fellowship Harvard Quantum Initiative (HQI) Postdoctoral Fellowship MIT Jin-Au Kong Thesis Award Advising & Recruitment : Actively recruiting postdocs, PhD students, and interns in areas like integrated photonics, quantum optics, and superconducting detectors. Positions include work on thin-film lithium niobate, quantum simulation, and microwave-optical transduction. Group website: dizhulab.org .
Dr. Shuo Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University's College of Natural Science. Her research focuses on observational high-energy astrophysics and particle astrophysics, with particular emphasis on supermassive black holes, Galactic cosmic-ray origins, and large dataset analysis. As a member of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, she leads X-ray observation campaigns of the Galactic center supermassive black hole and its vicinity. Dr. Zhang received her educational training at prestigious institutions: Ph.D. in Physics, Columbia University, 2016 B.S. in Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, 2010 Her research interests span observational high-energy astrophysics and particle astrophysics, focusing on supermassive black holes including Sgr A* flaring activities, outburst history, and radiation in quiescence. She investigates Galactic cosmic-ray origins and exotic physics, particularly TeV electrons and PeV protons pointing to Galactic PeVatrons. Her work constrains MeV-GeV proton/electron populations in the central 1 kpc of the Galaxy and examines supernova remnant and molecular cloud interaction sites. Dr. Zhang's recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on multi-messenger astronomy, combining neutrino, X-ray, and radio observations to understand cosmic particle acceleration. Her work spans from Galactic center studies of Sgr A* to extragalactic investigations of active galactic nuclei like M87. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in analyzing complex datasets from multiple observatories including IceCube, ALMA, NuSTAR, and Chandra. Her notable scientific achievements include: NASA Hubble/Einstein Fellowship at Boston University (2019-2020) Heising-Simons Fellowship at MIT (2016-2019) NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship for research on Galactic center supermassive black hole Dr. Zhang's career path demonstrates a steady progression from her doctoral work at Columbia University through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships to her current faculty position. She has developed significant expertise in X-ray observations using the NuSTAR space telescope and has been instrumental in Galactic plane survey campaigns. Her research group combines high-energy photon and neutrino signals from PeVatron candidates to address fundamental questions about cosmic-ray origins and particle acceleration mechanisms. As a member of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, Dr. Zhang contributes to cutting-edge research on black hole physics, utilizing multi-wavelength observations to understand accretion, feedback, and particle acceleration mechanisms around supermassive black holes. Her work bridges observational astronomy with theoretical astrophysics to address some of the most fundamental questions in modern astrophysics.
Erkki Ikonen is a Professor of Measurement Science and Technology at Aalto University since 1995, with a joint appointment at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd since 2005. His roles include membership in the Board of Directors of EURAMET, Chairmanship of the EMPIR Committee (2016–2021), and Vice President Technical of the CIE (2015–2019). He holds M.Sc. and Dr.Sc.Tech. degrees from Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University). His research focuses on optical measurements, particularly in metrology of complex micro/nanostructures, aerosol analysis, and photovoltaic characterization. He has supervised 35 doctoral students and authored over 190 peer-reviewed publications. Key contributions include advanced reflectometry techniques, field-deployable sensors, and international metrology standards. Education: M.Sc. (Tech.), Helsinki University of Technology, 1982 Dr.Sc.Tech., Helsinki University of Technology, 1988 Awards: Working Community Award 2008 (Helsinki University of Technology) Grants/Advising: 35 supervised doctoral theses; active in international metrology programs like EMPIR. Labs/Teams: Metrology Research Institute at Aalto University.
Jonathan Baugh is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, serving as Director of the Quantum Information Graduate Program. His research focuses on quantum devices, nanoelectronics, and molecular electronics with affiliations at the Institute for Quantum Computing and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology. He leads the Baugh Research Lab, exploring quantum control, semiconductor spin qubits, and superconducting hybrid systems. Research interests include quantum information processing, nanoscale charge transport, and the development of next-generation photonic sources. His work bridges quantum physics and materials science, with recent breakthroughs in dopant-free semiconductors and single-molecule transistors. Publications emphasize scalable quantum architectures, noise mitigation in quantum control, and phase-coherent molecular electronics. Current projects involve cryogenic CMOS device modeling and topological quantum computing in silicon-based systems. No awards are explicitly listed, though his work has been highlighted in invited reviews and special sessions on quantum systems. Advising focuses on graduate students in quantum nanotechnology and condensed matter physics. His lab collaborates on integrated quantum networks and III-V/Si nanowire photodetectors. Labs/Teams: Baugh Research Lab (Quantum Nanoelectronics Group), Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN).
Jung Han is the William A. Norton Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Yale University, affiliated with the School of Engineering & Applied Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and leads the Optoelectronics Materials and Devices Group, focusing on interdisciplinary research in III-nitride semiconductors, optoelectronics, and power electronics. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in solid-state lighting, energy harvesting, and next-generation electronics. Research interests include wide-bandgap semiconductor materials (e.g., GaN), nanoscale device fabrication, and epitaxial growth techniques. He pioneered nanoporous GaN distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for high-efficiency LEDs and lasers, as well as selective-area growth methods for power electronics. His lab explores green energy technologies, flexible electronics, and hybrid organic-inorganic semiconductors. Publications emphasize advancements in GaN-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), SWIR detectors, and micro-LED displays. Recent work addresses challenges in defect control, scalability of III-nitride devices, and integration with emerging materials. His group collaborates across engineering, applied physics, and chemistry to advance sustainable energy and high-performance optoelectronics. Notable contributions include wafer-level integrated white-LEDs with quantum dots, damage-free in-situ GaN etching via TBCl, and stacking-fault-free GaN growth on foreign substrates. His research has been recognized in high-impact journals like Advanced Materials and Applied Physics Letters .
Ye (Sarah) Sun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA), part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. She joined UVA in 2021 after serving as an Associate Professor at Michigan Technological University. Her work focuses on wearable sensors, robotics, smart health systems, and cyber-physical systems. She leads the WEARLab research group. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University (2021), B.S. in Instrumentation Engineering from Tianjin University (not specified). Research interests include wearable electronics, health monitoring, and human-technology interaction. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates engineering innovations with healthcare applications. Notable projects involve self-powered triboelectric sensors and optical fiber-based health monitoring systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in photodiode technologies for high-frequency applications, including millimeter-wave generation and photonic integrated circuits. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2018) and NSF BRITE Award (2022). She has organized major conferences and holds editorial roles in health technology journals. Grants include NSF funding for cyber-physical systems and smart health initiatives. Her lab collaborates on projects involving wearable robotics and connected health solutions, with a focus on real-world applications in healthcare and IoT.
Maiken H. Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics . Her research focuses on quantum nanophotonics , plasmonics , and light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials, aiming to advance optoelectronics, quantum science, and biomedical diagnostics. Education B.S. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2004) Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley Her work explores nanophotonic engineering for quantum optics , spintronics , and ultrafast optoelectronics , with recent studies on nonlinear metasurfaces and plasmonic enhancement of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics. Publications highlight 2D semiconductor emission control , ultrafast single-photon sources , and metasurface-based photodetectors . Scientific Awards Maria Goeppert Mayer Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellow (2021) ONR/Air Force/Army Young Investigator Awards (2015-2017) Cottrell Scholar (2016) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2021) She advises graduate students in Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics programs and leads the Mikkelsen Lab , which emphasizes ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum material development . The lab has graduated PhD students like Eunso Shin and Hengming Li (2025).
Robert M. Weikle, II is a Professor in the Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics. He earned his B.S. from Rice University (1986), M.S. (1987), and Ph.D. (1992) in Electrical Engineering from Caltech, followed by postdoctoral work at Chalmers University of Technology (1992). His research focuses on millimeter-wave and terahertz electronics , applied electromagnetics, integrated antennas, low-noise sensors, and heterogeneous integration of compound semiconductors. His work bridges electronics and photonics for spectrum access, with applications in astronomy, spectroscopy, and metrology. He has published extensively on micromachined silicon substrates, superconducting materials, and emerging technologies. Scientific Awards: IEEE Microwave Prize (1993) David A. Harrison III Award (1999) University of Virginia All-University Outstanding Teaching Award (2000) Edlich-Henderson Innovator of the Year (2016) Fulbright Scholar (2001) As Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Dominion Microprobes, Inc., he commercializes micromachined wafer probes for high-frequency metrology. His lab, located in E220 Thornton Hall and the Jesse W. Beams Physics Building, has produced 15+ recent publications on submillimeter-wave devices, THz probes, and calibration techniques.
Dr. Danial Chitnis is a Chancellor's Fellow and Lecturer in Electronics at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. He holds a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford (2013) and has expertise in microelectronics, biomedical engineering, and quantum imaging. His research focuses on SPAD arrays, time-of-flight sensors, and wearable optical systems for biomedical applications. Education: BSc in Electronics Engineering, Chamran University of Ahvaz (2002–2007) MSc in Advanced Microelectronics Systems Engineering, University of Bristol (2007–2008) DPhil in Engineering Science, University of Oxford (2009–2013) Research Interests: Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) arrays for optical communications and biomedical imaging Quantum-enhanced imaging via QuantIC Hub Wearable sensors for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) AI-driven automation in test and measurement systems Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes AI integration in electronics design, photon-counting receivers for 6G networks, and portable biomedical devices. Notable contributions include SYCL-based acceleration of circuit simulations and FPGA-driven time-to-digital converters. Grants & Collaborations: Principal Investigator of multiple grants, including EPSRC-funded projects on AI-enhanced human-machine interfaces and quantum technology applications. Collaborates with UCL, QuantIC, and industry partners like Keysight Technologies. Labs/Teams: Co-investigator at QuantIC, the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Enhanced Imaging. Leads interdisciplinary research on detector arrays and systems for quantum physics and consumer cameras.
Dr. Leland Nordin is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF), with a joint appointment between the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL). He holds a BSc in Physics with honors from Grinnell College, followed by MSc and PhD degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. His postdoctoral research was conducted at Stanford University’s Geballe Lab for Advanced Materials. Dr. Nordin’s research focuses on semiconductor materials and devices, particularly in nanostructuring techniques to enhance light-matter interactions. His lab specializes in ultra-wide band gap materials (e.g., III-Nitrides) for UVC lasers, LEDs, and detectors, as well as III-V semiconductor-based nanophotonic and heteroepitaxial devices. Key areas include mid-infrared optoelectronics, epitaxial growth, and high-performance photodetectors. He has received notable awards such as the 2025 Air Force Office of Scientific Research YIP Award, the 2024 Army Research Office ECP Award, and the 2022 Ben Streetman Prize. His lab advises graduate students in Optics and Physics PhD programs and has produced impactful work in semiconductor plasmonics and mid-infrared photonics.
Dr. Chathura Bandutunga is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics within the Research School of Physics at the Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on advanced optical techniques for precision measurement, with significant contributions to gravitational wave detection technology, molecular spectroscopy, and space exploration instrumentation. Dr. Bandutunga's research expertise spans digital interferometry, fiber optic sensors, and precision optical measurement systems. His work has pioneered digitally enhanced interferometric techniques that have enabled new capabilities in molecular dispersion spectroscopy, gravitational wave detection, and optical frequency referencing. He has developed innovative methods for phase noise suppression, common-mode noise rejection, and thermal-noise-limited optical measurements that operate at the boundaries of physical possibility. His publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in optical measurement technology, with recent work advancing fiber optic gyroscopes, frequency comb technology, and applications for interstellar propulsion systems like the Breakthrough Starshot program. His research bridges fundamental optical physics with practical applications in both terrestrial scientific instrumentation and space-based technologies. Dr. Bandutunga is actively involved in the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics at ANU, contributing to Australia's participation in international gravitational wave research collaborations. His technical leadership in precision optical measurement systems directly supports next-generation gravitational wave detectors and related technologies requiring unprecedented measurement stability.
Benyamin Davaji serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University, where he joined in January 2022. He holds additional appointments as a Center Member of The Plastics Center and Core Faculty of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation (NanoSI). His work bridges microsystems engineering, nanofabrication, and data science to develop next-generation sensing technologies. Dr. Davaji's educational background includes: Postdoctoral Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University (2016-2021) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University (2016) His research centers on integrated microsystems with emphasis on mechanical wave-based sensing and computation, ultrasound transducers, bio-interfaces, and microcalorimetry. The Autonomous Integrated Microsystems (AIMS) Laboratory combines physics with AI/ML to invent novel sensors and computational devices through advanced nanofabrication. Key thrusts include power-sustaining architectures and analog/digital computational integration. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong trends in MEMS/NEMS optimization using digital twins, plasmonically enhanced infrared detection, ferroelectric actuators for high-speed scanning, and ultrasound-enabled metrology. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for design automation and process optimization across semiconductor manufacturing and flexible hybrid electronics. Dr. Davaji advises graduate students including Yilmaz Arin Manav (PhD'28), who won the FLEX 2024 Future Student Poster Award. He has secured over $3 million in competitive funding as PI/Co-PI, including a $550k NSF grant for MEMS actuators, $330k NSF grant for quantum detectors, and $2M DARPA grant for inertial sensors. He directs the interdisciplinary AIMS Laboratory focused on MEMS, ultrasound, and calorimetric technologies. The lab collaborates extensively with NanoSI and The Plastics Center, developing autonomous microsystems for biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications through advanced manufacturing techniques.
Ethan A. Scott is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. He holds a B.S. (2015) and Ph.D. (2021) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UVA, followed by a postdoctoral research associate position at Sandia National Laboratories. His research focuses on experimental techniques for analyzing heat and energy transfer in extreme material conditions, including micro- and nanoscale phenomena. He serves as Deputy Director of the EXSiTE Lab led by Professor Patrick Hopkins. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia (2015) Ph.D., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia (2021) Postdoctoral Research Associate, Sandia National Laboratories (2021–2023) Research Interests: Ethan explores advanced thermal transport phenomena using electro- and optothermal methods. Key areas include micro/nanoscale heat transfer, microfabrication, and infrared thermal detection. His work addresses challenges in material size extremes (e.g., nanoscale thin films) and environmental extremes (e.g., high-energy ion irradiation effects). Publications: His recent work emphasizes thermal conductivity manipulation through ion irradiation, optothermal sensor development, and novel material characterization. Themes include defect engineering in crystalline systems and optimizing thin-film thermometry for high sensitivity. Awards: Editor’s Pick, Applied Physics Letters (2021) Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fellowship (2017) Labs & Teams: Deputy Director of the EXSiTE Lab, focusing on experimental studies of thermal and mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions.
Jesse Liu is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the New York University College of Arts & Science , joining in Spring 2025. He collaborates with the ATLAS Experiment at CERN and leads the NYU Experimental Particle Physics group. Research Interests: Liu's work bridges fundamental particle physics and detector innovation. He investigates Tau-lepton electromagnetic dipoles via photon collisions at the LHC High-luminosity LHC silicon tracker upgrades Dark matter searches through collider experiments and the BREAD axion detection project Cosmic ray physics using ATLAS data Recent Publications focus on tau magnetic moment measurements, detector thermal stress mitigation, and cosmic ray signature analysis. His work has been featured in Phys. Rev. D , Phys. Rev. Lett. , and JINST . Outreach & Mentorship: Liu actively engages in public science communication through Pint of Science talks The Conversation articles School visits to CERN First-gen student mentorship at NYU CU*iP Contact: Office at 726 Broadway, Room 852, New York City. Email: jesse.liu2@nyu.edu
Elisa Riedo is a tenured Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, with joint appointments as Professor of Physics in NYU’s College of Arts and Science and as affiliated Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tandon. She serves as Director of Faculty Development at NYU Tandon and has held prior tenured positions at Georgia Tech (2003–2015) and CUNY ASRC (2015–2018). Her academic career spans over two decades, with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Milano (2000) and postdoctoral work at EPFL. Her research focuses on nanotechnology , graphene and 2D materials , and thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) , with applications in biomedical diagnostics quantum electronics electromagnetic interference shielding mechanical reinforcement of materials She pioneered tSPL for sustainable nanofabrication and discovered diamene—a single-layer diamond structure from graphene under pressure. Her recent work involves transparent infrared electrodes using silver nanowires (2025) and self-organized graphene stacking domains for quantum technologies (2024). She has secured major grants from National Science Foundation , Department of Defense , and Army Research Office . Scientific honors include: 2023 NYU Tandon Excellence in Research Award 2013 American Physical Society Fellow 2005 CREA Innovation Award Membership in the Academy of Europe (2023) She contributes to editorial boards for journals like 2D Materials and Applications and advises companies such as Mirimus Inc. and SwissLitho AG .
