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Vinayak P. Dravid serves as the Abraham Harris Chaired Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He directs both the Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Center (NUANCE) and the Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource, an NSF-NNCI Node. His leadership spans multiple institutional initiatives including the Global McCormick Initiative (GMI) and the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN). Dr. Dravid's research focuses on nanoscale solutions to global challenges in energy, environment, and sustainability. His group pursues two primary themes: seeing and sensing the invisible through advanced multimodal imaging across length scales (from atomic to organismal), and hard metrology in soft matter for quantitative characterization of biological and soft materials. Key application areas include environmental remediation (e.g., OHM Sponge technology for oil/water separation), biomedical diagnostics, quantum materials, and energy storage systems. His recent publications reveal strong trends in in-situ/operando electron microscopy for dynamic process observation, nanocomposite design for environmental applications, and quantum material characterization . The work spans interdisciplinary domains including environmental engineering, quantum computing hardware, catalysis, and biophotonics, with increasing integration of AI/ML for image analysis and materials discovery. Fellow, Royal Microscopical Society (2017) IIT Bombay Distinguished Alumnus Award (2012) AAAS Fellow (2010) NSF Young Investigator Award (1993–1998) Highly Cited Researcher designation Dr. Dravid actively mentors graduate students through the VPD Group's structured subgroup system (Environmental, Hybrid Microscopy, Quantum/Energy) and has secured significant NSF, DOE, and NIH funding. His NUANCE and SHyNE centers provide critical infrastructure for over 500 researchers annually. Current projects include commercialization of sponge-based pollution remediation technology through MFNS-Tech and development of AI-driven microscopy techniques inspired by astronomical imaging algorithms.

• Nanoscience
• Nanotechnology
• Advanced Imaging
• +5 more

Thomas Nelson Jackson is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University's College of Engineering. He holds the Robert E. Kirby Chair and is affiliated with the Materials Research Institute (MRI). His research spans materials science, semiconductor devices, and biomedical engineering with a focus on thin-film transistors, ferroelectric materials, and neural interfaces. His recent work includes advancements in boron-doped aluminum nitride ferroelectric transistors (2024), GaN amplifiers for extreme temperatures (2025), and fully wireless flexible neural implants (NCS-FO grant, 2022-2026). Key research areas include: Thin-film transistor materials (ZnO, GaAs) Ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices Biophotonic sensors using microtubules Self-powered integrated sensor systems (ASSIST Center) High-resolution neural stimulation/recording arrays With 351 research outputs and 21,251 citations, Jackson's work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through: Advanced biomedical implants Energy-efficient sensor systems Flexible electronics for health monitoring Current projects funded by the National Science Foundation include: 2D crystal deposition (EFRI 2-DARE, 2014-2020) Self-powered sensor integration (ASSIST Center, 2012-2024) Wireless neural implants (NCS-FO, 2022-2026)

• Materials Science
• Electronic Circuits
• Semiconductor Technology
• +3 more

Morteza Kayyalha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Materials Research Institute. His research focuses on quantum transport phenomena in low-dimensional materials and hybrid superconducting systems. Research interests span Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect in topological insulators Andreev Bound States in graphene-based junctions Mesoscopic superconductivity and Josephson effect Gate-tunable electronic properties in 2D materials Topological materials and spintronics Research Trends in his 15 most recent publications highlight ballistic transport in graphene interferometers, chirality control in topological insulators, and novel superconducting diode effects in multi-terminal devices. Key subfields include non-equilibrium dynamics, confinement-induced edge state interactions, and phase-coherent transport in 2D systems. Collaborations involve researchers such as N. Samarth, C. Z. Chang, and R. Mélin across institutions in the U.S. and international partners, with works published in journals including Nature Materials , Physical Review B , and Nanotechnology .

• Josephson Junction Physics
• Topological Insulator Physics
• Graphene Physics
• +5 more

Vincent Wing-hei Lau is a research scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany, specializing in materials science with a focus on photocatalytic materials for energy applications. His primary research involves carbon nitride-based semiconductors and their modification for enhanced hydrogen evolution. Dr. Lau's research interests center on defect engineering in semiconducting polymers , particularly in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) materials. His work demonstrates how rational modification of these materials with urea groups can significantly enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production, achieving up to 30 times higher activity compared to non-functionalized counterparts. His research bridges materials synthesis, computational modeling, and photocatalytic performance evaluation. His publication record shows strong collaborative work with institutions including Duke University and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. His research demonstrates how deliberate introduction of specific defects can improve intrinsic photocatalytic performance, providing fundamental insights into the structure-property relationships of carbon nitride materials. Dr. Lau has contributed to significant advancements in the understanding of photocatalytic materials, particularly in explaining why g-C 3 N 4 prepared from urea generally outperforms materials prepared from other precursors like dicyandiamide and melamine.

• Photocatalysis
• Materials Science
• Semiconductor Physics
• +4 more

Shuji Nakamura is a CREE Professor of Solid State Lighting and Displays at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he holds appointments in both the Department of Materials and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering within the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering. He serves as the Research Director of the Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center and holds The Cree Chair in Solid State Lighting & Displays. Since joining UCSB in 2000, Professor Nakamura has established himself as a leading figure in semiconductor research, particularly in the field of gallium nitride-based optoelectronics. Professor Nakamura earned his academic credentials from the University of Tokushima in Japan, obtaining his Bachelor of Electronic Engineering, Master of Electronic Engineering, and Doctor of Engineering degrees from the same institution. Professor Nakamura is widely recognized as the pioneer of light emitters based on wide-bandgap semiconductors, particularly gallium nitride (GaN). His research focuses on the development of GaN thin film technology for high-efficiency nitride-based LEDs and laser diodes. His groundbreaking work in the early 1990s led to the first practical blue LEDs and violet laser diodes, which revolutionized lighting technology and enabled white LED lighting. His current research continues to advance solid-state lighting and display technologies, with particular emphasis on improving efficiency and performance of nitride semiconductor devices. Professor Nakamura has received numerous prestigious scientific awards throughout his career, including: Nobel Prize in Physics (2014) for the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes Millennium Technology Prize Benjamin Franklin Medal in Engineering Harvey Prize for advancements in Science and Technology Global Energy Prize Zayed Future Energy Prize Lifetime Achievement Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (2021) National Academy of Engineering membership National Academy of Inventors membership National Inventors Hall of Fame induction Professor Nakamura has mentored numerous students and researchers throughout his career and has been instrumental in establishing the Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center at UCSB. He has secured significant research funding for his work on nitride semiconductors and has been awarded more than 200 US patents and over 175 Japanese patents. His research has led to practical applications through the companies he co-founded, including Soraa, Inc. (2008) and SLD Laser (2013), which was later acquired by Kyocera Corporation. Professor Nakamura leads research activities at the Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center, which focuses on advancing nitride semiconductor technology for lighting and display applications. His team continues to push the boundaries of efficiency and performance in GaN-based devices, with ongoing research in blue and green LEDs, laser diodes, and related semiconductor technologies.

• Gallium Nitride Technology
• Light Emitting Diodes
• Laser Diodes
• +5 more

Nicholas P. Breznay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Harvey Mudd College. His research focuses on quantum materials, where collective electron interactions lead to exotic states of matter such as superconductors, spin-liquid magnets, and Anderson insulators. He conducts low-temperature experiments (≤1 K) using thin film and bulk crystal samples, exploring phenomena like charge order, spin memory, and quantum oscillations under intense electromagnetic fields. His research group, the BrezLab, utilizes advanced tools including LHe cryostats, scanning probes, and 2D materials synthesis stations. Collaborators include Professors Matthias Wuttig (RWTH Aachen), Alex Frano (UC San Diego), and Claudia Ojeda-Aristizabal (Cal State Long Beach). Key research themes: Quantum phase transitions in disordered systems Electron correlations in Kitaev and cuprate superconductors Spintronics applications of phase-change materials Surface and bulk interactions in topological iridates The BrezLab has produced significant publications on topics ranging from spin-liquid magnetism to charge order topology, as evidenced by articles in Nature , Nature Physics , Physical Review B , and Science Advances . His 2022 Nature commentary highlighted strange metal behavior in failed superconductors. Current and former students in his lab have contributed to projects involving magnetic phase transitions, charge localization, and quantum oscillations. The lab emphasizes hands-on experimentation and modeling of fundamental properties for next-generation electronic materials.

• Quantum Materials
• Electron Interactions
• Superconductivity
• +6 more

Thomas Jaramillo is a Professor at Stanford University in Chemical Engineering, Energy Science & Engineering, and Photon Science, with a Senior Fellowship at the Precourt Institute for Energy. His research focuses on catalytic processes for renewable energy conversion, including electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and thermal catalysis, with a particular emphasis on CO2 reduction, hydrogen production, and ammonia synthesis using nanomaterials and transition metal systems. Education : PhD (2004), MS (2000) from UC Santa Barbara in Chemical Engineering; BS (1998) from Stanford in Chemical Engineering. Recent publications explore catalyst degradation mechanisms, interfacial microenvironments, and machine learning-driven material analysis. The Jaramillo Group at Stanford investigates fundamental catalytic processes for sustainable energy systems, supported by the SUNCAT Center for Interface Science and Catalysis, where he serves as Director since 2018. Scientific awards include the 2020 Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis. Research highlights involve developing Zn-Ag catalyst matrices for CO2 conversion, optimizing Pt3Ti stability via atomic layer deposition, and advancing Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for CO2 reduction. Collaborative projects with institutions like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and industry partners demonstrate translational impact.

• Electrocatalysis
• Photoelectrocatalysis
• Thermal Catalysis
• +7 more

Won-Jun Lee is a Professor at the Department of Nano Technology and Advanced Materials Engineering, Sejong University, Korea. He specializes in atomic layer deposition (ALD) and semiconductor material development, with a focus on dielectrics, interconnects, and phase-change materials for next-generation devices. Education: B.A., KAIST, 1991 M.A., KAIST, 1993 Ph.D., KAIST, 1996 His research spans process development, precursor evaluation, and reaction mechanism studies via density functional theory (DFT) simulations and in situ monitoring . Key areas include silicon oxide/nitride , metal deposition (Cu, Co, Ni, W) , and GeSbTe alloys for memory applications. Recent publications highlight ALD of titanium oxide (2022), GeSbTe composition control (2022), silicon oxide with ozone (2022), and selective etching mechanisms (2023). These works integrate computational modeling with experimental validation, emphasizing semiconductor fabrication.

• Atomic Layer Deposition
• Semiconductor Materials
• Thin Films
• +3 more

Koray Aydin is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He leads the Metamaterials and Nanophotonic Devices Lab (MNDL) and holds a joint appointment in the PhD Program in Applied Physics, with research spanning multiple departments and interdisciplinary collaborations. Dr. Aydin earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Bilkent University in 2008 and his B.S. in Physics from the same institution in 2002. His academic trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from foundational physics training to leadership in applied photonics research, culminating in his promotion to tenured Associate Professor. His research program centers on nanophotonics , strategically positioned at the intersection of electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, and nanoscience. The MNDL investigates optical metamaterials, plasmonics, and solid-state nanophotonics to understand and manipulate light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Current research thrusts include metamaterials for subwavelength light control, plasmonic absorption engineering, 2D materials for optoelectronics, inverse-designed millimeter-wave and optical metadevices, and tunable nanophotonic systems using phase transition materials like vanadium dioxide. His group employs advanced electromagnetic simulation, nanofabrication techniques, and nanoscale optical characterization to develop devices with novel functionalities. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strategic evolution toward machine learning-enabled inverse design methodologies and DNA-assembled dynamic metamaterials. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on practical applications in telecommunications (including 5G networks), defense technologies, and healthcare diagnostics, with particular emphasis on creating tunable, reconfigurable optical systems that overcome traditional limitations of bulkiness and narrow bandwidth. Dr. Aydin's research has been recognized through invitations to present at prestigious conferences including SPIE Optics and Photonics and the Gordon Research Conference on Plasmonics and Nanophotonics. His work has received significant media attention, highlighted by Northwestern News, Newsweek, photonics.com, phys.org, and Science Daily, particularly for breakthroughs in DNA-assembled metamaterials and 3D-printed optical devices. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Aydin has successfully guided multiple graduate students through thesis completion, with alumni like Dr. Liu and Francois Callewaert transitioning to impactful careers in industry (Microsoft) and academia. His research program is supported by substantial external funding that sustains a vibrant team of postdocs, graduate students, and visiting researchers from institutions worldwide, including collaborations with Chad Mirkin's group on DNA-mediated nanoparticle assembly. The Metamaterials and Nanophotonic Devices Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication and optical characterization, while fostering international collaborations with researchers from Tel Aviv University and other institutions. Current projects focus on developing next-generation photonic devices with applications ranging from ultra-compact eyeglasses to invisible smartphone cameras and adaptive sensor systems for aerospace applications.

• nanophotonics
• optical metamaterials
• plasmonics
• +5 more

Xiulin Ruan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's College of Engineering, with joint appointments at the Birck Nanotechnology Center and Energy Center. He holds a B.S./M.S. in Engineering Thermophysics from Tsinghua University (2000, 2002) and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering/Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan (2006, 2007). His research focuses on nanoscale energy transport , radiative cooling , and phonon physics , with emphasis on sustainable materials. Key innovations include ultrawhite radiative cooling paints (Guinness World Record, Time Magazine's 'Best Inventions of 2023'), four-phonon scattering theory (Brillouin Medal 2023), and machine learning applications in thermal science. His work bridges computational modeling (e.g., ab initio molecular dynamics) and experimental synthesis. Recent publications emphasize radiative cooling materials, phonon hydrodynamics, and anisotropic thermal transport, with trends toward machine learning-accelerated design and scalable manufacturing. Awards include: ASME McDonald Mentoring Award (2024) Brillouin Medal (2023) NSF CAREER Award (2012) SXSW Sustainability Innovation Award (2023) He directs the Nanoscale Energy Transport and Conversion Laboratory , advising 40+ graduate students. Alumni include 15 faculty members (e.g., Tianli Feng, University of Utah). Major grants include DARPA and NSF funding for phononics and sustainable cooling technologies.

• Nanoscale Energy Transport
• Radiative Cooling
• Phononics
• +5 more

Bahram Nabet , Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Drexel University, is a leading researcher in optoelectronics and nanophotonics. With affiliations in Materials Science and Engineering, his work spans high-speed semiconductor devices, plasmonics, and quantum technologies. He has over 180 refereed publications and multiple teaching awards. BS (1977), MS (1985), PhD (1989) in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and University of Washington His research focuses on high-speed optoelectronic devices , nanophotonics , and plasmonic systems , particularly those leveraging 2D charge plasma and nanostructured materials to surpass traditional electron transport limits. Recent work highlights MXene-based photodetectors and THz polarizers. Key article trends include MXene optoelectronics (2018-2023), quantum capacitors for neural networks (2019), and high-speed nanowire photodetectors (2007-2023). His 2023 publications emphasize GaAs dilute nitride photodetectors for O/C-band telecom applications. 6 Best Professor teaching awards from students Departmental and University-wide teaching awards Dr. Nabet's Nanophotonics and Plasmonics Lab explores hybrid optoelectronic systems for quantum computing, THz detection, and ultrafast information processing. Collaborations include sabbatical work at Telcordia and Exxon Group, and visiting scientist roles in Brazil/Italy.

• Optoelectronics
• Nanoelectronics
• Plasmonics
• +3 more

Zhibin Yu is an Associate Professor in Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University. His research centers on scalable manufacturing of electronic devices using printed and additive techniques, with applications in flexible optoelectronics and energy systems. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from UCLA (2010) M.S. in Polymer Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University, China (2003) B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University, China (2001) Dr. Yu's work spans printed electronics , perovskite-based optoelectronics , and ultra-flexible/stretchable devices . His lab develops photodetectors, LEDs, and solar cells using conjugated polymers, solution-processable semiconductors, and composite materials. Key innovations include additive thin-film manufacturing and composites for electronics/optics , enabling breakthroughs in wearable sensors and radiation detection systems. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in perovskite-polymer composites for X-ray detectors and flexible displays, coupled with digital twin modeling for mechanical stability. His work bridges materials science and manufacturing engineering to solve scalability challenges in next-generation electronics. Dr. Yu actively mentors Ph.D. students, including graduates Tommy Geske and Xin (Minnie) Shan (2019), and current researchers Clark Li, Sue Mao, and Melissa Davis. His Yu Lab team focuses on translating fundamental materials research into manufacturable electronic systems. The Yu Lab pioneers scalable fabrication methods for optoelectronic devices, emphasizing perovskite composites and polymer-derived ceramics. Current projects target medical imaging sensors, wearable health monitors, and radiation-hardened electronics through advanced additive manufacturing and materials engineering.

• Printed Electronics
• Perovskite-based Devices
• Flexible and Stretchable Electronics
• +4 more

David Smith is Regents' Professor in the Department of Physics at Arizona State University and concurrently a Distinguished Global Futures Scientist within the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars initiative. Since 1984 he has directed ASU’s Center for High Resolution Electron Microscopy and served as Principal Investigator for the NSF National User Facility for High Resolution Electron Microscopy. His leadership roles also include Associate Chair for Space & Infrastructure in Physics (2013–present), Director of the John M. Cowley Center (1991–2006) and President of the Microscopy Society of America (2009). Education D.Sc., University of Melbourne, Australia (1988) Ph.D., University of Melbourne, Australia (1978) B.Sc. (Hons.), University of Melbourne, Australia (1970) Research Overview David Smith’s research is devoted to the development and application of atomic-resolution electron microscopy . Over four decades he has pioneered instrumentation and techniques that allow direct visualization of atomic arrangements in solids, enabling breakthrough insights into semiconductor heterostructures , nanostructures , oxide/semiconductor interfaces , magnetic multilayers and quantum-confined systems . Recent emphasis targets wide-band-gap nitrides for optoelectronics, two-dimensional electron gases at oxide interfaces, and nanoscale dopant distributions critical for next-generation electronic devices. His work integrates aberration-corrected TEM , off-axis electron holography , in-situ microscopy and quantitative image simulation to correlate structure with functional properties at the sub-ångström scale. Selected Scientific Awards & Honors Helmholtz International Fellowship Award, Helmholtz Foundation (2014) Distinguished Physical Scientist Award, Microscopy Society of America (2014) Harold Rose Distinguished Lectureship Award, German Microscopy Society (2019) Fellow, Materials Research Society Fellow, American Physical Society Fellow, Microscopy Society of America Fellow, Institute of Physics (U.K.) Grants & Doctoral Advising Smith has served as PI or co-PI on numerous federal and industry grants exceeding tens of millions of dollars. Current and recent funding includes: DOD-AFOSR – “Modulation-Doped Heterovalent Structures for High-Speed Electronic Device Applications” (2015–2018) UT-Austin – “Charge Transfer at Metal Dielectric Interfaces under Extreme Environments” (2014–2017) WYLE LABS – “Advanced Nanostructural Techniques for Nitride Device Operation” (2013–2016) NSF-MPS-PHY – “SusChEM: FRG: Molecular routes to new classes of polar/non-polar alloy semiconductors” (2013–2016) DOD-ARMY-ARO – “Advanced Microscopy and Analytical Studies for Hg-based Infrared Detector Materials and Substrates” (2013–2016) He routinely supervises Ph.D. dissertations and M.S. theses; course offerings include PHY 799 Dissertation , MSE 554/555 Electron Microscopy II & Lab , and PHY 792 Research . Laboratories & Teams Smith directs operations within the John M. Cowley Center for High Resolution Electron Microscopy , one of the premiere university-based microscopy facilities in the United States, housing multiple aberration-corrected TEMs, environmental TEMs, and dedicated specimen-preparation suites. The center supports interdisciplinary teams spanning physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering and geoscience, and hosts national and international visiting researchers via the NSF user facility program.

• Atomic-resolution electron microscopy
• Semiconductor heterostructures
• Nanostructures
• +7 more

Xu Yi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science. His research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics with applications in photonics and quantum technologies. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Focus: Microcombs, Soliton Physics, mmWave Generation Professor Yi's work explores the intersection of integrated photonics and quantum optics, particularly through silicon nitride (SiN) and lithium niobate microcavities. His recent research emphasizes the development of photonic chip-based systems for optical frequency division, low-noise microwave generation, and quantum state engineering. His publications reveal a strong trend toward advancing soliton microcomb technologies for practical applications in mmWave generation, spectroscopy, and quantum information processing. Key innovations include heterogeneous integration of photodiodes with soliton microcavities and the creation of squeezed quantum microcombs on chip-scale platforms. Contact: xy3m@virginia.edu

• Experimental Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Photonics
• Quantum Optics
• +6 more

Jonathan Rochford is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Boston, focusing on synthetic and physical inorganic chemistry. His research bridges fundamental and applied chemistry, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy solutions. PhD, Dublin City University (2005) B.Sc., Dublin City University (2000) His research explores green chemistry projects targeting solar-driven CO2 reduction through nanoparticle-molecule architectures. Key themes include proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) , electrocatalysis , and photoacoustic imaging . Recent publications highlight trends in electrocatalytic CO2 conversion , non-innocent ligand systems , and photoacoustic contrast agents . These works often involve manganese and cobalt molecular catalysts , ligand design , and solid-state charge separation . Awardeeship and grants include the SusChEM: Solar CO2 Reduction (SCO2RE) grant (2013), advancing sustainable energy technologies through transition metal photocatalysts. His lab, located in room ISC-3510 , integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to study redox non-innocence, ligand cooperativity, and CO2 reduction mechanisms.

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Solar Energy Conversion
• +5 more