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.
Dan McCammon is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, affiliated with the College of Letters & Science. His research focuses on X-ray astronomy, including studies of the diffuse X-ray background, interstellar and intergalactic media, and the development of advanced X-ray instrumentation. He is a key contributor to the XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) satellite, leading efforts in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and mission operations. McCammon's work emphasizes understanding cosmic plasma dynamics, galaxy cluster physics, and supernova remnant evolution through cutting-edge observational techniques and detector technology. His research interests span multiple subfields, including the thermodynamic properties of galactic clusters, charge-exchange processes in astrophysical plasmas, and the design of cryogenic microcalorimeters for space-based observatories. He has pioneered advancements in transition-edge sensors (TES) and superconducting detectors, enhancing the precision of X-ray spectral measurements. McCammon has contributed to numerous sounding rocket missions, such as Micro-X, and has been instrumental in the development of the Line Emission Mapper (LEM) probe concept, aimed at mapping the soft X-ray sky with unprecedented resolution. His work on the Hitomi (ASTRO-H) satellite demonstrated breakthroughs in resolving the thermal and dynamic properties of cosmic plasmas, such as the Perseus galaxy cluster and the Crab Nebula. His publications highlight a focus on high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of cosmic sources, including galaxy clusters, active galactic nuclei, and supernova remnants. He has explored topics like non-thermal pressure contributions in cluster cores, ionized plasma diagnostics, and the role of charge-exchange emissions in interpreting diffuse X-ray backgrounds. McCammon's instrumentation innovations have enabled breakthroughs in measuring spectral features with sub-eV resolution, advancing our understanding of astrophysical processes. Despite the absence of explicitly listed awards or grants in the provided text, his leadership in major space missions and pioneering detector technologies underscores his contributions to the field. His research team collaborates on international projects, such as XRISM and LEM, reflecting a commitment to advancing observational astrophysics through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ronald G. Larson serves as the George Granger Brown Professor of Chemical Engineering and A. H. White Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, with additional appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Macromolecular Science & Engineering. His research leadership spans multiple departments within the Chemical Engineering Division, where he directs the Larson Lab focused on fundamental and applied soft matter physics. His research program investigates complex fluids through computational and theoretical frameworks, emphasizing polymer physics, rheology, and molecular simulations. Key thrusts include polymer melt processing, biomembrane dynamics, colloidal systems, and polyelectrolyte coacervation. The group employs advanced techniques like Brownian dynamics, coarse-grained modeling, and multiscale simulation to address challenges ranging from industrial polymer processing to biomedical applications. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong momentum in rheological modeling of complex fluids, with particular emphasis on self-healing materials, wax deposition in pipelines, and crystallization mechanisms. The work bridges fundamental molecular insights with industrial applications, demonstrating consistent high-impact output across polymer science, soft matter physics, and chemical engineering domains. The Larson Lab operates as a collaborative hub within the Chemical Engineering Department, leveraging computational resources to advance understanding of fluid mechanics and material properties. Current projects integrate machine learning with traditional modeling approaches, reflecting the group's commitment to methodological innovation while maintaining strong connections to experimental validation and real-world engineering problems.
François Peeters is a Full Professor of Physics at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, holding the position since 2000 (with Dutch title 'gewoon hoogleraar' since 2003). He previously served as Research Director (FWO-VI) at the University of Antwerp (1996-1999), Research Leader (NFWO) (1992-1996), and Senior Research Assistant (NFWO) (1988-1992), establishing a distinguished academic career spanning over three decades. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Antwerp (1982), followed by a Habilitation (Hoger aggregaat) from the same institution (1987), and a postdoctoral fellowship at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey (1982-1983). His academic journey also featured research periods at prestigious institutions including the High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Grenoble, University of California Berkeley, Oxford University, and several Brazilian and Australian universities. Peeters' research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics , specializing in the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of nanostructured systems. His work encompasses semiconductors , superconductors , graphene , and hybrid quantum systems , with particular emphasis on strong correlations in both classical (colloids, dusty plasma) and quantum (quantum dots) environments. His theoretical frameworks bridge fundamental quantum mechanics with practical nanotechnology applications, driving innovations in spintronics and quantum device design. Analysis of his publication record reveals a clear evolution from foundational work on polaron physics and quantum Hall systems in the 1980s-1990s toward contemporary research on graphene, topological materials, and programmable quantum nanodevices. His most cited works demonstrate consistent leadership in mesoscopic physics, with recent publications showing increased focus on spin-dependent transport phenomena and two-dimensional material systems. His scientific recognition includes: Fellowship in the American Physical Society (2005) APS Outstanding Referee award (2008) Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Szeged, Hungary (2009) Peeters has supervised 26 completed PhD theses and currently leads the Condensed Matter Theory research group comprising 3 ZAP researchers, 16 PhD students, and 8 postdocs. His grant portfolio includes coordination of an EU Marie Curie Training site on 'Electrons on helium', participation in multiple EU projects, COST actions, and ESF networks, demonstrating sustained success in securing competitive international funding. The Condensed Matter Theory group maintains extensive international collaborations, evidenced by Peeters' research visits to over 10 institutions worldwide and regular hosting of 3-4 international visitors at postdoc or professorial levels. The group's output of over 770 refereed publications with 12,000+ citations reflects its position at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics research.
Dr. Thalia Dominguez Bucio is a Senior Research Fellow at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton, within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. She is a key member of the Silicon Photonics research group and actively contributes to the Horizon Europe PIXEurope project, advancing integrated photonic technologies. Her work focuses on silicon nitride as a material platform for next-generation photonic integrated circuits. Her research interests center on integrated photonics , silicon nitride platforms , nonlinear optics , and CMOS-compatible fabrication . She investigates low-loss photonic devices, efficient coupling mechanisms, and high-speed electro-optic modulators, with applications in optical communications and signal processing. Recent publications (2024) demonstrate a strong trend toward high-efficiency grating couplers , broadband wavelength conversion via intermodal four-wave mixing, and monolithic integration for low-power operation. These works reflect a cohesive research direction focused on enabling scalable, high-performance photonic integrated circuits using advanced silicon nitride technology. Speaker, Advanced Silicon Nitride Integration for CMOS Photonic Circuits, 2023 She currently supervises PhD students Qian Zhang and Lifeng Bao , and is accepting new PhD applicants. Her research is supported by major EU-funded initiatives like Horizon Europe. She is part of the Photonic Systems, Circuits and Sensors Group and the broader Silicon Photonics team at the ORC, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in photonics research and development.
Professor Roland J. Pieters is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, where he serves as a full Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. With over two decades of experience at the institution, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1998) to Associate Professor (2005) and ultimately to Full Professor (2010-present). His research group is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work at the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with particular emphasis on developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial infections and pathogenic mechanisms. Full Professor, Utrecht University (2010-present) Associate Professor, Utrecht University (2005-2010) Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (1998-2005) NWO Talent Post-doctoral Fellow, ETH-Zürich (1995-1996) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Groningen (1996-1998) Professor Pieters earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen in 1990, where he worked with Professor Ben Feringa, and completed his Ph.D. at MIT in 1995 under the supervision of Professor Julius Rebek Jr. His doctoral research focused on molecular recognition and template effects in bisubstrate systems, establishing the foundation for his lifelong interest in molecular interactions. Professor Pieters' research primarily centers on glycodrugs and the strategic interference with protein-carbohydrate interactions using multivalent systems of varying architectures. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how rigid spacers in multivalent ligands can dramatically enhance binding affinity to target proteins, with applications against viral and bacterial adhesion proteins, toxins, galectins, and glycosidases. A particular focus has been on developing inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecA, cholera toxin, influenza virus hemagglutinin, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with host cell receptors. His group also pioneered the use of glyco- and peptide-microarrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions and drug discovery, particularly in the area of O-GlcNAcylation research. The publication record of Professor Pieters demonstrates consistent innovation in the field of multivalent carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His recent work (2020-2024) shows a strategic expansion into viral pathogenesis (particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2), immune modulation through glycan recognition, and novel approaches to vaccine development. A notable trend is the increasing sophistication of multivalent architectures, moving from simple divalent systems to tetra- and hexavalent ligands with precisely engineered spatial arrangements. His research bridges fundamental chemical principles with practical therapeutic applications, maintaining strong connections to pharmaceutical development while advancing basic science understanding of carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. Professor Pieters' scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including a Fellowship from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 1999 and a VICI personal grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in 2008. These competitive awards reflect the significance and innovation of his research program. He has also served on editorial advisory boards, notably as Section Editor-in-Chief for Chemical Biology in the journal Molecules (2018-2022), contributing to the scholarly community through peer review and academic leadership. Fellowship of Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), 1999 VICI, personal grant, NWO, 2008 Section Editor-in-Chief Chemical Biology for Molecules (2018-2022) Throughout his career, Professor Pieters has coordinated significant research projects including the EU project POLYCARB and secured competitive funding that has sustained his innovative research program. His laboratory has fostered numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally, creating a vibrant research environment that has trained many scientists now working in academia and industry. His research on multivalent carbohydrate systems represents a sustained intellectual contribution to chemical biology with direct relevance to developing new anti-infective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Professor Pieters leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, situated in the David de Wied Building. His laboratory maintains strong connections with other research groups both within Utrecht University and internationally, particularly in the fields of glycobiology, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. The research environment he has cultivated emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and biological testing to address fundamental questions in carbohydrate-mediated biological processes with therapeutic applications.
John M. Nichol is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester, where he has conducted experimental quantum research since 2016 following postdoctoral work at Harvard University. His work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics and applied quantum computing development. Education: B.A. in Physics, St. Olaf College (2006) Ph.D. in Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013) Postdoctoral Associate, Harvard University Nichol's research centers on experimental quantum information processing using semiconductor nanostructures, with primary focus on electron spin qubits in quantum dots. His lab investigates quantum coherence mechanisms, develops noise-resilient control protocols for spin qubits, and explores quantum information transfer across spin chains. Key initiatives include engineering novel materials for extended qubit lifetimes, implementing dynamical decoupling techniques to combat decoherence, and studying many-body quantum phenomena in engineered spin systems. This work directly addresses scalability challenges in solid-state quantum computing. Analysis of Nichol's 2021-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in semiconductor spin qubit optimization, with 80% of papers addressing coherence preservation through charge noise mitigation and advanced control methods. His research increasingly integrates hybrid quantum systems, combining spin qubits with acoustic wave devices and superconducting resonators. Recurring subfields include Si/SiGe heterostructure engineering, quantum fluctuator characterization, and quantum simulation using spin chains - reflecting a strategic focus on overcoming material limitations in quantum hardware. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER award Google Research Scholar Award Leonard Mandel Faculty Fellow Award Nichol's research program is supported by competitive grants including the NSF CAREER award (funding coherence enhancement research) and Google Research Scholar Award (supporting quantum control innovations). His laboratory trains graduate students in nanofabrication, cryogenic measurement techniques, and quantum device characterization, with emphasis on translating fundamental discoveries into practical quantum computing components. Current projects focus on long-distance quantum state transfer and error-corrected multi-qubit operations. The Nichol Lab operates specialized facilities for quantum dot device fabrication and millikelvin transport measurements at the University of Rochester. His team collaborates with materials scientists on heterostructure growth and theorists on quantum simulation protocols, maintaining strong ties with semiconductor industry partners for advanced material development. Recent expansions include acoustic wave integration platforms for hybrid quantum systems.
Ronald Hedden is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he focuses on innovations in undergraduate education and polymer science. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University (2009–2017). His current research emphasizes Virtual Reality (VR) integration into chemical engineering education, including the development of a Virtual Chemical Plant (VCP) simulation to provide safe, cost-effective access to process equipment. His research interests span chemical engineering, polymer science, soft materials, and nanomaterials. Notable projects include applying VR for teaching process safety and dynamics, as well as exploring nanocomposite materials and membrane technologies. He also investigates polymer rheology and structure-property relationships using advanced characterization techniques like NMR and SANS. Hedden teaches both core chemical engineering courses and interdisciplinary engineering subjects. His work bridges academic research and practical applications, with contributions to biofuel refining, asphalt modification, and nanoparticle incorporation in polymers. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record highlights impactful contributions to materials science and educational technology. His advisory work involves student projects on VR simulations and materials engineering. He collaborates on initiatives like the VCP platform, aimed at advancing safety training and process control education. Hedden’s career reflects a commitment to both cutting-edge research and transformative pedagogy in engineering education.
Charles C. Davis is a Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Curator of Vascular Plants in the Harvard University Herbaria. He leads the Davis Lab, focusing on plant diversity through integrative research in systematics, paleobiology, ecology, and molecular biology. His work emphasizes phylogenetic theory, biogeography, and the application of herbarium collections to address global change challenges. Davis is particularly noted for leveraging herbarium specimens to study plant responses to climate change, phenology, and biodiversity patterns. Research interests include plant-insect interactions, genome architecture evolution in parasitic plants, and the ethical use of herbarium specimens. His lab has pioneered high-throughput phylogenomic pipelines (e.g., PhyloHerb) and explored the future of herbaria in the digital age. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing digitization, spectral imaging, and AI-driven analysis of biodiversity data. Recent work highlights the impact of anthropogenic change on plant communities, the role of phenology in species survival, and strategies to mitigate collecting biases in herbaria. Davis teaches courses on plant systematics and evolution, and his lab actively participates in public engagement through exhibits like the HMNH’s *In Search of Thoreau’s Flowers*. His research has been featured in *Trends in Ecology & Evolution*, *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*, and *Current Biology*, with a focus on advancing methodologies for biodiversity science while addressing ethical challenges in specimen sampling.
Audrey Bowden is an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University in both the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering . She is also the Dorothy J Wingfield Phillips Chancellor Faculty Fellow . Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2007) from Duke University BSE in Electrical Engineering (2001) from Princeton University Research Interests: Bowden's work focuses on biomedical optics and point-of-care diagnostics , with a strong emphasis on addressing healthcare disparities through low-cost technologies. Key areas include: Biomedical Imaging Biophotonics Image Processing Machine Learning in Medical Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Publication Trends: Recent work combines machine learning with endoscopic imaging to differentiate cancer from inflammation, develops low-cost OCT systems for smartphones, and improves fNIRS accessibility for diverse patient populations. Her lab also focuses on 3D reconstruction algorithms for urological applications and specular reflection removal in endoscopic videos. Lab & Clinical Collaborations: The Bowden Biomedical Optics Laboratory (BBOL) collaborates with clinical departments including urology , dermatology , otolaryngology , and women's health . The lab integrates optics , microfluidics , and computer science to create hardware/software tools for resource-constrained environments.
Carsten Sievers serves as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he leads research in sustainable catalytic processes for fuel and chemical production from alternative resources. His work bridges fundamental spectroscopy with industrial reactor design to address petroleum dependence. Education: Diploma, Technical University of Munich, Germany (2003) D.Sc., Technical University of Munich, Germany (2006) Research Focus: Sievers' program integrates fundamental studies using IR, NMR, XAS, and Raman spectroscopy to probe catalyst structure-reactivity relationships with applied research on flow reactor systems for biomass conversion (hydrodeoxygenation, sugar upgrading) and mechanocatalytic polymer depolymerization. Key initiatives target CO 2 -neutral chemical production from biomass and waste plastics, emphasizing catalyst stability and regeneration. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) reveals a strategic pivot toward mechanocatalysis for plastic recycling (polyethylene, polystyrene) and ammonia synthesis, while maintaining expertise in hydrocarbon catalysis. Dominant themes include reaction environment engineering in ball mills, metastable surface characterization, and process intensification for CO 2 electrolysis. Scientific Recognition: 2012 Young Scientist Award, International Congress on Catalysis 2023 ACS Fellow designation Academic Leadership: As Director and Past President of the Southeastern Catalysis Society, former ACS Division Director, and Editor of Applied Catalysis A: General , Sievers shapes catalysis research direction. His Sievers Group has secured competitive fellowships for students like Yuchen George Change (Eastman Chemical Fellowship) and Victor Brandão (Ziegler Award), reflecting strong mentorship in sustainable reaction engineering. Research Infrastructure: The group operates advanced flow reactors, spectroscopic characterization suites, and mechanochemical systems for in-situ catalyst analysis, supporting collaborations with industry partners on technology translation.
Prof. Dr. Ioachim Pupeza serves as Group Leader in the Department of Spectroscopy/Imaging at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany. His research focuses on advanced optical measurement techniques, particularly in the field of field-resolved spectroscopy and precision optical measurements. Dr. Pupeza's research interests center around optical spectroscopy with a particular emphasis on field-resolved techniques that capture the complete electric field waveform of light-matter interactions. His work spans infrared spectroscopy , molecular fingerprinting , ultrafast laser technology , and precision optical measurements . He has made significant contributions to electro-optic sampling techniques, which enable characterization of electric-field waveforms across the terahertz to visible spectral range. His research also extends to mid-infrared light generation , terahertz spintronic emitters , and cavity-enhanced spectroscopy , with applications ranging from fundamental physics to medical diagnostics. Analysis of Dr. Pupeza's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward increasingly sophisticated field-resolved spectroscopy techniques with applications in both fundamental science and practical diagnostics. His work has evolved from basic measurement techniques to applications in cancer detection through molecular fingerprinting of biofluids. A consistent theme across his publications is the pursuit of higher precision, broader bandwidth, and improved sensitivity in optical measurements, often achieving attosecond-level precision. His research bridges physics, engineering, and medical applications, demonstrating how fundamental optical advances can translate to real-world diagnostic tools. Dr. Pupeza leads the research group "Field-Resolved Optical Precision Measurement Methods" at Leibniz-IPHT, which appears to collaborate extensively with other research institutions and groups. His work involves sophisticated laser systems including high-power Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillators, femtosecond enhancement cavities, and dual-oscillator systems for precision measurements. The group's research has implications for molecular spectroscopy, medical diagnostics, and fundamental studies of light-matter interactions at the most fundamental time scales.
Sang Bok Lee is a Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on electrochemistry of heterogeneous nanomaterials for energy storage systems, nanopore transport properties, and biosensor development. He specializes in advanced materials for high-power batteries and electrochromic devices, with a strong emphasis on solid-state electrolyte interfaces and protective coatings. Research Interests: Electrochemistry of nanomaterials for energy storage Transport properties of nanopores Solid-state battery interfaces Biosensor design and nanoparticle toxicology Targeted drug delivery systems Chemical and biochemical separation techniques Recent work highlights include developing aluminum nitride protective layers for solid electrolytes, optimizing hot-pressed argyrodite electrolytes, and advancing in situ Raman diagnostics for battery materials. His studies on magnesium anode protection and lithium metal anode engineering have significantly impacted rechargeable battery technologies. Publications reflect a focus on nanomaterial synthesis, electrochemical stability, and energy storage innovations. No academic awards or student advisement details were explicitly cited in the text.
Karin Jacobs is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Saarland University, where she leads the research group for soft matter physics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. Her work bridges experimental physics and applied materials science, focusing on interfacial phenomena, thin films, and functional materials. Research Interests: Her group investigates the stability of coatings, properties of simple and complex fluids, and the adhesion of biomolecules on surfaces. Using advanced experimental techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), ellipsometry, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) methods like photoelectron spectroscopy, her team probes nanoscale and microscale interactions at solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces. The research spans fundamental and applied domains, including the synthesis and characterization of graphene and boronitrene, production of water-in-water vesicles using hydrophobins, and bacterial adhesion studies. These investigations are often linked to industrial applications in the paint, semiconductor, and biomedical sectors. Publication Trends: Over the past 15 years, her publications reflect a consistent focus on surface physics and soft matter. Key themes include graphene synthesis via liquid precursor deposition (including unconventional sources like fingerprints), interfacial rheology, biopolymer adsorption, and quantitative imaging analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in the combination of physics, chemistry, and biological interfaces. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: As head of an active research group, Prof. Jacobs supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. Her collaborations with theoretical groups and external institutions (e.g., University of Augsburg) suggest participation in joint grants and funded projects, particularly in nanomaterials and surface science. The applied orientation of her research indicates engagement with industry partners in coatings and semiconductor technologies. Labs and Teams: The Jacobs Group operates a well-equipped experimental laboratory at Campus E2 9, Saarland University, specializing in surface analysis and soft matter characterization. The team includes researchers working on biofilms, microfluidics, and functional materials, supported by technical and administrative staff.
Distinguished Professor David Jewitt is a prominent planetary scientist at UCLA's Department of Earth and Space Sciences within the College of Letters and Science. He has held this position since 2009 and also serves as a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy since 2010, and as Director of the Institute for Planets and Exoplanets since 2011. Dr. Jewitt earned his B.Sc. in Astronomy from the University of London (1979), followed by M.S. (1980) and Ph.D. (1983) in Planetary Science from Caltech. Prior to UCLA, he served on the faculty at MIT (1983-1988) and the University of Hawaii (1988-2009), where he became a full Professor in 1993. His research focuses on primitive bodies of the Solar System, particularly comets which he considers remnants from planetary accretion processes. His work aims to understand solar system formation and evolution through studying these objects. Recent publications explore non-gravitational forces in planetary systems, interstellar interlopers, and the asteroid-comet continuum, reflecting his continued leadership in solar system small body research. Shaw Prize (2012) Kavli Prize (2012) Member of the National Academy of Sciences (2005) Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, NASA (1996) Professor Jewitt has mentored numerous students including Jane Luu (co-discoverer of the Kuiper Belt) and Chadwick Trujillo. As Director of the Institute for Planets and Exoplanets, he fosters interdisciplinary research connecting planetary science with exoplanet studies. His work continues to shape our understanding of the solar system's formation through analysis of its smallest constituents.
