Find Academic Supervisors

Thomas FollandView profile

Assistant Professor

• Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Information
• +3 more

Thomas Folland is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa, specializing in condensed matter and materials physics. His research focuses on mid- and far-infrared nanophotonics, quantum materials, and their applications in device development. He joined the university in Fall 2020 and leads the Quantum Nanophotonic Materials Lab, exploring infrared detectors, light sources, and nanophotonic systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Manchester and conducted postdoctoral research in Vanderbilt University’s Mechanical Engineering lab, where he developed infrared spectroscopy techniques for nanophotonics. His work integrates physics, materials science, electrical engineering, and chemistry, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration with national and international institutions. Research interests include surface polaritons in low-symmetry crystals, wide band gap semiconductors, and 2D materials. Students in his lab engage in infrared spectroscopy, device fabrication, and computational modeling. Folland is active in early-career researcher support through the MRS Early Career Subcommittee, advocating for career development programs. His lab addresses challenges in polariton engineering, thermal emission control, and optoelectronic systems, with applications in sensing, imaging, and quantum technologies. Key achievements include studies on isotopically pure hBN, hyperbolic polaritons in gallium oxide, and tunable VO2 thin films.

Bart RaeymaekersView profile

Professor

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Tribology
• 3D Printing
• +7 more

Bart Raeymaekers is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, part of the College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego (2007), an MBA from MIT (2009), and earlier degrees from institutions in Belgium. His research focuses on tribology, advanced manufacturing, and materials design, particularly in prosthetic implants and additive manufacturing. He leads the Manufacturing and Tribology Laboratory, which explores engineered materials using ultrasound directed self-assembly and integrates these techniques with additive manufacturing methods. Education: Ph.D. (UCSD 2007), M.S. (UCSD 2005), MBA (MIT 2009), and prior degrees from Belgian institutions. His research interests include elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication, micro/nano-scale surface engineering, and bioinspired materials. Notable contributions involve reducing polyethylene wear in prosthetic implants and developing methods for aligning microfibers in composites. He has advised over 20 students and holds awards such as the ASME Fellowship (2019) and the STLE Poster Competition (2021). Awards: 2021 STLE Poster 2nd Place, 2019 ASME Fellow, 2018 Biological Materials Session 1st Place. Current projects involve data-driven models for additive manufacturing surfaces, surface topography analysis, and metamaterial fabrication. He teaches mechanical design courses at Virginia Tech and previously at the University of Utah. His lab collaborates with industry partners like Western Digital and sponsors including the NSF and NIH.

Shima ShahabView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Dynamics
• Wave Propagation
• Smart Materials
• +6 more

Shima Shahab is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, with a secondary appointment at the Virginia Tech Research Center (VTRC) in Arlington, VA. She directs the Multiphysics Intelligent and Dynamical Systems (MInDS) Laboratory, focusing on structural dynamics, wave propagation in smart materials, and ultrasound-driven technologies. Her research spans applications like wireless acoustic power transfer, acoustic holograms, and biomedical devices. Education: Ph.D. (2015), M.S. (2013), and B.S. (2004) in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Kerman (Iran), and Georgia Tech, respectively. Research interests include ultrasound-responsive polymers, nonlinear acoustics, and interdisciplinary systems. Key achievements: NSF CAREER Award (2022), Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award (2023), and recognition as an Emerging Leader in Smart Materials (2024). She has published extensively and collaborates across engineering and liberal arts fields. Grants and funding include NSF awards totaling $3.8M for MInDS, including CAREER and EAGER grants. Her lab supports 13 PhD candidates and 20 undergraduates. Awards also include ASME honors and fellowships like the Mary V. Jones Faculty Fellowship. Labs/Teams: MInDS Lab (focusing on multiphysics systems) and collaborations with biomedical engineering, mining safety, and arts disciplines.

Linbo ShaoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nanophotonics
• Integrated Photonics
• Nanofabrication
• +7 more

Linbo Shao is an Assistant Professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on integrated multi-physics systems, combining optics, acoustics, microwave engineering, and quantum technologies on platforms like lithium niobate and diamond. He leads the Hybrid Nanoscale Systems Research Group, developing hybrid devices for applications in sensing, quantum information, and signal processing. Education: PhD in Engineering Sciences (Harvard University, 2019), MS in Applied Physics (Harvard, 2016), BS in Microelectronics (Peking University, 2014). Research Interests: Nanophotonics, integrated photonics, nanofabrication, electro-optics, quantum photonics, phononics, surface acoustic waves, and diamond-based defect centers. His lab explores phononic-crystal oscillators, mid-infrared detection, and cryogenic power device characterization. Notable Achievements: Featured in Virginia Tech news for mid/long-wavelength infrared detection research. Advised Master’s graduates Saurabh Kuruvila and Nitheesh Prakash. Active in developing ultrafast optically controlled power switches and acoustic-optic integrated systems. Labs/Teams: Hybrid Nanoscale Systems Research Group at Virginia Tech, located in Whittemore Hall. Current projects include quantum platform development and cryogenic material testing.

Wenhong YangView profile

Researcher

• Nanophotonics
• Metamaterials
• Plasmonics
• +4 more

Wenhong Yang is a Researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , affiliated with the School of Engineering and the BIOS (Bionanophotonics Systems Laboratory) . His research focuses on advanced photonics technologies, including nanophotonics , metamaterials , and plasmonics . He explores applications in optical sensors, holography, and nanostructured devices. Recent work highlights include plasmonic-based spectrometers, meta-holograms, and superhydrophobic nanoparticle assemblies for chemical sensing. Yang’s articles emphasize innovations in smart optical systems , light manipulation , and reconfigurable metamaterials . His contributions bridge fundamental photonics research with practical applications in imaging, security, and biomedical optics. He collaborates closely with EPFL’s BIOS lab, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges in nanoscale photonics and optical engineering.

Victor BrarView profile

Associate Professor

• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
• 2D Materials
• Magnetic Materials
• +5 more

Victor Brar is a Van Vleck Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on scanning tunneling microscopy, 2D materials, and advanced optical systems. Key areas include graphene plasmonics, thermal emission control, and nanoscale device engineering. Brar leads the Brar Lab, which explores quantum transport phenomena and novel materials for optoelectronic applications. He collaborates with the Condensed Matter Experiment group and has pioneered techniques in scanned probe microscopy and metasurface design. Brar’s work bridges experimental physics with cutting-edge instrumentation. Recent advancements include dynamic beam steering in thermal lasers and electrostatic modulation of delocalized modes. His research also addresses challenges in laser sail thermal stability and single photon emitter characterization in 2D semiconductors. Key contributions include developing tunable mid-infrared plasmonic devices and demonstrating gate-variable optical transitions in topological insulators. His lab employs advanced imaging techniques like Kelvin probe force microscopy and photothermal interferometry for material defect analysis. Current projects explore haptic feedback systems for intuitive microscopy control and vibration isolation for cryogenic environments.

Jennifer ChoyView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Quantum Physics
• Nanophotonics
• Atomic Physics
• +3 more

Jennifer Choy is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . Her research focuses on quantum sensing, nanophotonics, and atomic physics, particularly leveraging nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond for applications in timekeeping, magnetometry, and photonic engineering. Research Areas : Quantum Optics, Materials Science, Semiconductor Physics, Atomic Physics Key Contributions : Advancements in diamond-based quantum sensors, metasurface optics, and entangled photon applications Her recent work demonstrates trends in engineering photonic structures for enhanced light extraction, studying depth-dependent properties of color centers, and developing robust quantum devices for dynamic environments. She was awarded the NSF CAREER Award for her project on solid-state quantum navigation and timekeeping. Contact: jennifer.choy@wisc.edu

• Light-Matter Interactions
• Photoresponsive Materials
• Nano-Optics
• +5 more

Sarah Walden is a Lecturer in the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University, specializing in applied mathematics and physics. She is a member of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute (QUATRI), Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, and Centre for Quantum Dynamics. Her research focuses on light-matter interactions, photoresponsive materials, and nano-optics, particularly developing tuneable nanophotonic devices using stimuli-responsive polymers. Walden holds a B.Math/BAppSc(Hons) from Queensland University of Technology (QUT, 2012) and a PhD in nonlinear optical properties of semiconductor nanoparticles (QUT, 2017). She has held postdoctoral roles at QUT and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where she explored sub-diffraction lithography and metasurface devices. Her work emphasizes experimental methods for in situ photochemical analysis and nanoscale optical characterization. Her funded projects include advancements in 3D laser lithography, photoinitiators, and dynamic nanophotonic devices. She supervises doctoral students in photo-induced polymerization mechanisms and nonlinear optical scattering in nanostructures. Key research themes include metasurface engineering, stimuli-responsive materials, and light-gated material properties. Walden’s articles span topics like tunable metasurfaces, photochemical action plots, and responsive polymer networks. She collaborates widely, with grants involving institutions like QUT and Griffith’s internal funding bodies. Her teaching includes convening engineering and physics courses at Griffith.

• Metamaterials
• Nanotechnology
• Electromagnetic Engineering
• +3 more

Jin Zhang is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at Aalto University, affiliated with the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technology (QTF) and the Zhipei Sun Group . His research focuses on metamaterials, metasurfaces, and their applications in electromagnetic wave control, quantum technology, and photonics. Key contributions include graphene-based metasurface designs for stealth, dynamic beam steering, and multi-functional optical devices. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text. Research interests span metamaterials, nanotechnology, and quantum engineering, with a strong emphasis on practical applications such as tunable electromagnetic systems and biosensors. His work often integrates graphene and carbon nanotubes to achieve advanced functionalities like polarization modulation and multi-band operation. Grants and Projects: Principal Investigator of the QuMeta: Space-time quantum metasurfaces with two-dimensional layered materials project (2023–2025), funded by the EU Horizon Europe MC program. Labs/Teams: Active in the QTF Centre of Excellence and the Zhipei Sun Group, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects in quantum and nano-engineering.

Mikhail KatsView profile

Professor

• Optics
• Photonics
• Plasmonics
• +5 more

Professor Mikhail Kats is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an additional affiliation in Materials Science & Engineering via the College of Engineering. He holds the Antoine-Bascom Associate Professorship and has received numerous accolades, including the Romnes Faculty Fellow and Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher distinctions. Kats’ research focuses on nanophotonics, plasmonics, and novel optical materials, with applications in energy-efficient systems, quantum sensors, and reconfigurable optical components. His work bridges fundamental materials science with applied photonics, often involving collaborations across disciplines. Education: PhD in Physics from Harvard University (2014), MS in Physics from Harvard (2010), BS in Physics from Cornell University (2008). Research interests include Metamaterials and metasurfaces Thermal radiation engineering Optoelectronic devices Quantum sensing Material discovery for photonics Recent research highlights include electrically tunable mid-infrared metasurfaces, giant refractive index modulation in novel crystals, and passive upconversion systems for low-light applications. His work has been supported by NSF CAREER, ONR Early Career, and AFOSR grants. Awards include: 2023 Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2020 IEEE Nanotechnology Council Early Career Award 2018 Vilas Early Career Award 2016 Forbes '30 Under 30' in Science Teaching includes advanced photonics courses (E C E 747, E C E 434) and mentoring doctoral research. Kats leads projects in labs focused on nanophotonic device fabrication and optical characterization.

• Antennas and Propagation
• Metasurfaces
• Metamaterials
• +3 more

Stefano Maci is a Full Professor in the Department of Information Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Siena, Italy. He actively teaches graduate-level Antennas and Propagation for Electronics and Communications Engineering and undergraduate High Frequency Circuits Design for Computer and Information Engineering, with documented teaching activities spanning academic years 2020/2021 through 2025/2026. Professor Maci's research centers on advanced electromagnetics with emphasis on metasurfaces, metamaterials, and antenna engineering. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications in 5G/6G communications, satellite systems, and terahertz technologies. Key contributions include fundamental studies on surface wave propagation, parity-time symmetric waveguides, and gradient-index lens antennas. He develops novel analytical methods for electromagnetic problems while focusing on real-world implementations like reconfigurable beam-steering antennas and low-profile communication systems for Wi-Fi and satellite applications. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in metasurface antenna innovation, particularly in beam control, polarization diversity, and efficiency optimization. His group pioneers techniques for surface wave manipulation, non-locality compensation in dome antennas, and space-to-surface wave conversion. Current work integrates electromagnetic degrees of freedom theory with practical array design to maximize channel capacity in base station systems. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships were documented in the source materials. While student advising details are unspecified, Professor Maci maintains extensive European collaborations evidenced by co-authorship with Spanish and Italian institutions. His research likely involves significant grant funding given the volume of experimental and numerical work, though specific grants aren't listed. Professional service includes IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society activities, including committee nominations and editorial contributions honoring field pioneers like Arthur Yaghjian. His work suggests leadership in an electromagnetics research group focused on next-generation antenna systems, with current projects targeting reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for 6G networks and terahertz communication hardware. Lab capabilities likely include advanced simulation tools for electromagnetic analysis and antenna measurement facilities supporting Ka-band and terahertz prototyping.

Ladislau MatekovitsView profile

Associate Professor

• Antennas
• Metamaterials
• Cloaking
• +3 more

Ladislau Matekovits is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET), Politecnico di Torino. His roles include teaching and research in applied electromagnetics, with a focus on antennas and metamaterials. He earned his BEng from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest (1992) and PhD from Politecnico di Torino (1995). He has held visiting positions at Fraunhofer Institute (Germany) and Macquarie University (Australia). His research spans numerical analysis of antennas, metamaterials for cloaking, and bio-electromagnetic applications like implantable antennas. Education: Electronic Engineering (BEng, 1992), PhD in Electronic Engineering (1995) Awards: Motohisa Kanda Award (2018), ARA Medal (2019), Ad Astra Award (2020) Editorial Roles: IEEE Antennas & Wireless Propagation Letters, IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, IEEE Access Key Projects: CanDia (smart healthcare system), sensor development for environmental monitoring Research interests include advanced antenna design, metamaterials, and AI-driven optimization. He has supervised PhD students and contributed to over 400 publications. His work bridges theoretical electromagnetics with practical applications in healthcare and telecommunications.

Jean-Sebastien BouillardView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Nanophotonics
• Plasmonics
• Light-Matter Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. Jean-Sebastien Bouillard is a Senior Lecturer in Physics and Nanotechnology at the University of Hull, part of the School of Natural Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on nanophotonics and plasmonics, aiming to enhance light-matter interactions at the nanoscale through geometries like nanogaps, metamaterials, and hybrid photonic-plasmonic systems. Applications include optoelectronics, AI devices, biomedical systems, and environmental technologies. He collaborates across disciplines including computer science, chemistry, and environmental sciences, with industrial partnerships. He supervises PhD students in areas such as meta-antennas, optical spectroscopy, and nanoscale light control. His recent projects include POSEIDON (silicon photonics) and theranostic imaging agents for thrombosis. Bouillard holds fellowships from the HEA and is a member of the UK Institute of Physics. His work spans over 49 publications, emphasizing plasmonic systems, quantum dots, and metamaterials. Key affiliations include the Aura Centre for Doctoral Training, G.W. Gray Centre for Advanced Materials, and Nano3 (NanoMaterials, NanoElectronics, and NanoPhotonics). He has secured grants for projects like the EU-funded POSEIDON and has advised students on topics such as nanofabrication and plasmonic devices.

Bo ShrewsburyView profile

Lecturer

• Optics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Bo Shrewsbury is an Instructor at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research explores cutting-edge applications in metamaterials and plasmonics, particularly focusing on tunable thermal emission systems and sensor technologies. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Southern California (expected December 2024) M.S. in Physics, University of Southern California (May 2021) B.S. in Physics, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (May 2019) Research Interests: Dr. Shrewsbury’s work centers on designing metamaterials and plasmonic structures for precise control of thermal properties and optical sensing. He investigates symmetry-breaking phenomena in infrared systems and develops voltage-switchable and electrically tunable materials, with applications in energy-efficient thermal management and biomedical detection. His recent publications highlight advancements in adaptive thermal radiators , thin-film cavity optimization , and ultrasensitive protein sensors . These studies demonstrate a trend toward integrating nanotechnology with functional materials for real-world engineering solutions. While no scientific awards or grants are listed, his contributions to metamaterial design and plasmonic engineering reflect a strong commitment to experimental physics and applied optics. No formal advisees are documented in the provided profile.

• Diffractive Optics
• Metasurface Design
• Optical Imaging
• +3 more

Apratim Majumder is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Utah. His research focuses on diffractive optics, metasurfaces, and advanced imaging systems, with notable contributions to flat lenses, optical security, and biomedical imaging. He holds a B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from West Bengal University of Technology (2011), an M.S. (2014), and a Ph.D. (2018) in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Utah. His work emphasizes practical applications such as anti-counterfeiting technologies, space propulsion systems, and wearable optics. Key innovations include multi-wavelength diffractive lens arrays for document security and varifocal liquid-crystal lenses for smart contacts. Majumder has been recognized with awards including the ECE Dept. Chair's Award (2022) and Editor's Pick (Optical Society of America, 2020). His research spans academic publications and patents, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles and multiple patents filed since 2012. Notable areas of exploration include extended depth-of-focus optics, orbital angular momentum holography, and ultra-compact photonic devices. Current projects include developing lightweight imaging systems for aerospace and biomedical applications.