California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Shasha Chong is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology and a Ronald and JoAnne Willens Scholar. She earned her B.S. from the University of Science & Technology of China (2008) and Ph.D. from Harvard University (2014). Her research bridges chemistry, physics, and biology to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes, focusing on intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in transcription proteins. Research Focus: IDRs in transcriptional regulation, cancer biology, liquid-liquid phase separation, and single-molecule imaging techniques. Grants & Awards: CCE Innovation Award (2024), ALSF Innovation Grant, Mallinckrodt Research Grant, Margaret E. Early Medical Research Trust Grant. Collaborations: Caltech-City of Hope Biomedical Research Initiative Grant (2025). Teaching: Co-instructor for courses like Biochemistry Laboratory (Ch 11) and Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (BMB/Bi/Ch 174). Labs & Teams: Leads the Chong Laboratory at Caltech, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches combining single-molecule imaging, genome editing, and bioinformatics.
Jered Haun is an Associate Professor at the Samueli School of Engineering , University of California, Irvine , with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering , Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , and Materials Science and Engineering . Based in 3107 Natural Sciences II , his research focuses on developing nanoengineering and molecular medicine technologies to improve disease diagnosis and treatment. Email: jered.haun@uci.edu Phone: (949) 824-1243 Research Interests include: Nanomaterial Probes for molecular profiling and disease detection Microfabricated Platforms for cell analysis and tissue processing Targeted Delivery Carriers that interact with unique disease molecules Technologies employed in his lab encompass: Fluorescence imaging and MRI enhancements Bioorthogonal chemistry and nanosensor development Micro-NMR for tumor analysis Quantum dot-based detection systems Awards include: NIH National Cancer Institute's Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies Funding The Haun Laboratory actively recruits graduate and undergraduate students for projects related to nanoengineering, molecular medicine, and microfluidic device development.
Dr. Daniel Roxbury is an Associate Professor and Graduate Director at the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Materials Engineering within the University of Rhode Island's College of Engineering. With expertise in nanoscience and carbon nanomaterials, his research focuses on nano-bio interactions, developing functionalized nanotubes for biomedical applications and environmental monitoring through his NanoBio Engineering Laboratory. His work spans multiple disciplines including: Biomedical nanosensors Smart wearable biomaterials Targeted drug delivery systems Environmental nanotechnology Single-molecule imaging Nanotoxicology Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced spectral analysis, coral reef conservation nanotechnology, and wearable stress monitoring textiles. His 2024 ACS Nano study introduces AI-driven macrophage phenotyping, while 2023 Nature Nanotechnology work explores coral reef restoration strategies using nanomaterials. Awarded the 2019 NSF CAREER grant for cellular nanometrology, he leads multiple NIH-funded projects including: $820,000 NSF CAREER: Spectral Imaging for Sub-Cellular Nanometrology $140,000 Miriam Hospital COBRE: Cortisol Detection Textiles $700,000 NSF EAGER: Multiplexed Wound Biomarker Detection His laboratory houses state-of-the-art equipment including: Near Infrared Hyperspectral Microscope Custom NIR Fluorescence Spectrometer Jasco UV/VIS/NIR Spectrophotometer Biosafety Cabinet Cell Culture Incubator Cryo-Storage System
Matthew Lakin is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Computer Science at the University of New Mexico, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering. He is affiliated with the UNM Center for Biomedical Engineering and the School of Engineering, and collaborates extensively with the UNM Health Sciences Center and external institutions. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Cambridge, 2010 M.A. (Cantab), University of Cambridge, 2009 B.A. (Hons), Computer Science, University of Cambridge, 2005 Dr. Lakin's research focuses on molecular computing, DNA nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and formal verification of biomolecular circuits. He develops computational models and experimental systems for programmable biological devices, especially using heterochiral DNA to enhance stability in living cells. His work spans software tools for biodesign and experimental validation in mammalian systems, with applications in nanomedicine and biosensing. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering robust, intelligent biomolecular systems. His work integrates machine learning concepts into chemical reaction networks, advances geometric modeling of DNA systems, and pioneers L-DNA-based circuits for intracellular applications. The research spans theoretical foundations, software tools, and wet-lab experimentation, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation. Scientific Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2025 NSF CAREER Award, 2021 UNM School of Engineering Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award, 2021 Multiple student awards under his mentorship, including the Outstanding Graduate Student Award and DNA28 Best Student Presentation recognition Dr. Lakin has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including Ph.D. graduates in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science. He leads major funded projects such as the NSF CAREER grant on heterochiral molecular computing, an EPSCoR Research Fellowship, and a $3M NSF grant on heavy metal biosensing in collaboration with Native American communities. He is also PI on multiple NSF grants related to synthetic cells and nucleic acid technologies. He directs the Lakin Lab for Programmable Biology, which operates within the Department of Computer Science and collaborates with Chemical & Biological Engineering and the Center for Biomedical Engineering. The lab emphasizes both computational modeling and experimental molecular biology, and runs an NSF-funded biotechnology summer camp in partnership with ¡Explora! science museum to strengthen STEM education in New Mexico.
Robert J. Schoelkopf is the Sterling Professor of Applied Physics at Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Physics (Faculty of Arts and Sciences). He co-founded the field of circuit quantum electrodynamics (circuit QED), pioneering breakthroughs in solid-state quantum computing, including the transmon qubit, quantum bus, and first demonstrations of quantum algorithms and error correction. He directs the Yale Quantum Institute. Ph.D., California Institute of Technology A.B., Princeton University Research Interests: His work focuses on superconducting devices for quantum information processing, enabling revolutionary advances in quantum computing and sensing. Key contributions include foundational circuit QED innovations and quantum error correction protocols. Awards & Honors: Comstock Prize in Physics (2024) Connecticut Medal of Science (2017) John Stewart Bell Prize (2013) Joseph F. Keithley Award (2009) Yale University Junior Faculty Fellowship (2002) Packard Fellowship (2000) Leadership & Collaborations: Schoelkopf collaborates extensively with Michel Devoret and Steven Girvin. He co-founded Quantum Circuits Inc. and leads the Yale Quantum Institute. His lab emphasizes a fun, inclusive environment aligned with Yale's quantum research initiatives.
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).
Dr. Alex S Clark is an Associate Professor in Quantum Technologies at the University of Bristol's School of Physics, where he serves as a Senior Lecturer and Royal Society University Research Fellow. He is a key member of the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QETLabs) and leads the Interfaces Work Package in the EPSRC Programme Grant 'Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules (QSUM).' Additionally, he holds a Visiting Academic position at Imperial College London and serves as Honorary Secretary for the QQQ Group at the Institute of Physics. His research focuses on Solid State Quantum Nanophotonics, exploring the use of atoms, molecules, and solid state defects to develop quantum technologies. Dr. Clark's work spans quantum imaging, quantum sensing, and quantum information processing, with particular emphasis on creating on-demand photon sources, quantum memories, photonic quantum gates, and hybrid interfaces to link disparate quantum systems. His research integrates experimental and theoretical approaches across quantum photonics, nanophotonics, and quantum technology. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward practical quantum applications, particularly in quantum sensing and imaging using undetected light. His work demonstrates increasing focus on real-world applications including methane sensing, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring, while maintaining fundamental research in quantum optics and nanophotonics. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges physics, engineering, and materials science. Among his notable achievements is the prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship, recognizing his significant contributions to quantum technology research. His work has resulted in numerous publications and patents in quantum photonics and related fields. Dr. Clark leads multiple major research initiatives, including the Quantum Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Hub (2024-2029) and the Integrated Quantum Networks project. His research has secured substantial funding through EPSRC grants and other sources, supporting a vibrant research group focused on advancing quantum technologies from fundamental principles to practical applications. Within the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QETLabs), Dr. Clark's research group works at the intersection of quantum optics, nanophotonics, and quantum information science. His team develops novel photonic platforms for quantum applications, with particular expertise in quantum imaging with undetected photons, quantum sensing, and integrated quantum photonics.
Cagri A. Savran is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, with courtesy appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a B.S. from Purdue University (1998), an M.S. and Ph.D. from MIT (2000 and 2004, respectively). His research focuses on MEMS, nanotechnology, and biosensors, particularly in protein detection, aptamers, and biomedical applications. His work spans fluid mechanics, systems control, and micro/nano fabrication. Education: B.S., Purdue University, 1998 M.S., MIT, 2000 Ph.D., MIT, 2004 Research Interests: Dr. Savran pioneers innovations in bioMEMS and nanoscale biosensing technologies. His lab develops platforms like immunomagnetic diffractometry and microfluidic systems for real-time pathogen detection and clinical diagnostics. Key areas include aptamer-based assays, magnetic nanoparticle integration, and single-molecule studies of DNA packaging motors. Awards: Motorola PhD Fellowship (2001-2004) NSF U.S.-Japan Young Researchers Exchange (2007) #1 News in Analytical Chemistry (2007) #1 News in JACS Weekly (2007) Labs & Teams: The Savran Lab (savranlab.org) integrates engineering and biology to create next-generation biomedical devices. Research emphasizes translating nanotechnology into practical diagnostic tools for healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Steven A. Soper is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kansas. He serves as Director of the NIH-funded Center for BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine and leads international collaborations with institutions like UNIST in South Korea. His career spans faculty roles at LSU, UNC, and KU, with interdisciplinary research bridging chemistry, biomedical engineering, and materials science. Ph.D. in Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas (1989) Postdoctoral Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory (1991) B.S. in Chemistry and Psychology, University of Nebraska (1980-1982) Research Interests focus on micro-/nanofabricated biochemical analysis systems for clinical diagnostics, particularly circulating tumor cell analysis , cell-free DNA detection , and single-molecule fluorescence applications. His work integrates polymer microfabrication, FRET-based assays, and thermoplastic nanofluidics for cancer, stroke, and infectious disease diagnostics. Scientific Awards include: R&D 100 Award (2010) Shannon Award (NIH) (1994) Distinguished Research Master, LSU (2002) Fellow, AAAS/RSC/SAS (2010) Sutton Family Research Impact Award (2021) Teaching & Collaboration involves mentoring 39 professional-degree recipients, organizing multidisciplinary research teams, and co-teaching courses in Biofluid Mechanics and Nanotechnology . His lab partners with institutions in South Korea and UNC/NCSU, while hosting international students and professionals. Labs & Centers : Leads the Soper Research Group and the Center for BioModular Multi-Scale Systems , which provides access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication tools and collaborative expertise across 12 institutions.
Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Jacob P. Covey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder (2017) and B.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2011). His research focuses on quantum optics, atomic physics, and quantum information science, particularly in quantum control of ultracold atoms and molecules, superradiance phenomena, and quantum networking. He leads the Covey Lab, which explores topics such as neutral atom quantum processors, Rydberg atom interactions, and precision measurement with optical clocks. Academic Positions: Assistant Professor at UIUC (2020–present); Richard Chace Tolman Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech (2017–2020). Research highlights include pioneering work on Dicke superradiance in ordered atomic arrays and telecom-band quantum networking with Yb-171 atom arrays. He teaches undergraduate courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics, and quantum information. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2024), Young Investigator Awards from AFOSR (2023) and ONR (2022), Springer Thesis Award (2018), and multiple fellowships including the Richard Chace Tolman Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017). His work bridges experimental and theoretical advances in quantum technologies, with contributions to quantum state control, precision metrology, and many-body quantum systems.
Distinguished Professor Dayong Jin is a leading academic in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds roles including Director of the Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD), ARC Laureate Fellow, and Chair Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology (China). His research focuses on photonics, luminescent materials, and their applications in healthcare, including cancer detection, rapid diagnostics, and super-resolution microscopy. Key innovations include 'Nano Torch' technology for disease detection and 'Super Dots' nanocrystals for imaging and anti-counterfeiting. Education: PhD from Macquarie University (2007). Leadership: Established UTS's IBMD and multiple research hubs, including the ARC IDEAL Research Hub and Australia-China Joint Research Centre. Research Interests: Transforming nanophotonics into diagnostic tools, rapid antigen tests (e.g., for COVID-19), and biomedical devices. His work bridges physics, engineering, and biology to address global health challenges. Awards: Australian Museum Eureka Prize (2015), Prime Minister's Prize for Science (2017), ARC Laureate Fellowship (2021), and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. Grants: Overseeing funded projects on quantum biotechnology, deep-tissue imaging, and nanoscale thermometry. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, including with Chinese institutions. Labs/Teams: Leads IBMD, the ARC IDEAL Hub, and the UTS-SUSTech Joint Research Centre, fostering innovation in wearable biomaterials and point-of-care technologies.
Maizie Zhou is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. She holds dual PhDs in Computer Science (Stanford University) and Neuroscience (Wake Forest School of Medicine), with additional degrees from Wake Forest University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on computational genomics, bioinformatics, and machine learning applied to problems in cancer genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and computational neuroscience. She leads the Zhou Lab, which develops algorithms for structural variant detection, neural circuit analysis, and integrative omics approaches. Recent work includes tools like VolcanoSV and stDyer, and she has received grants from NIH, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, and industry partnerships. Key achievements include VUSE Best Paper Awards, Global Engagement Travel Grants, and mentoring students in prestigious programs like the Provost’s Pathbreaking Discovery Award. Her lab also explores the neural underpinnings of cognitive maturation in primates, combining computational and experimental neuroscience. Education: PhDs in Computer Science (Stanford) and Neuroscience (Wake Forest), MS (Computer Science, Wake Forest), BS (Biotechnology, Huazhong). Research interests span computational genomics (e.g., structural variant detection, haplotype phasing), spatial transcriptomics (clustering, integration), and computational neuroscience (neural circuit dynamics, prefrontal cortex plasticity). Her lab’s tools address challenges in precision medicine, cancer genomics, and understanding adolescent brain development. Recent projects include NIH-funded work on spatial transcriptomics and collaborations with Dr. Meltzer’s lab on cancer genomics. Publications highlight advancements in bioinformatics tools and neural mechanisms, with trends toward multi-omics integration and algorithmic innovation in genomics. Awards include the Global Engagement Travel Grant and CCSB Accelerator Fund. Students under her mentorship have excelled in qualifying exams and travel grants, reflecting her impactful training program.
Professor Malcolm Kadodwala holds the Gardiner Chair within the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. His research spans chiral nanophotonics, surface science, and spectroscopy with applications in biomolecular detection and nanomaterials. He maintains an active laboratory producing high-impact publications in top journals including Nature Nanotechnology, ACS Nano, and JACS. PhD from University of Nottingham Gardiner Chair in School of Chemistry Active research group with extensive international collaborations His research interests focus on three interconnected themes: (1) spectroscopic investigations of electronic properties in nanostructured materials; (2) development of electron-based chirally sensitive spectroscopic techniques; and (3) creation of novel chiroptical spectroscopic probes. Current work emphasizes superchiral fields for ultrasensitive biomolecular detection, chiral plasmonics, and nanoscale light-matter interactions. His group has pioneered techniques for detecting protein conformations and viral structures at unprecedented sensitivity levels. Publication trends show consistent high-impact output with 15+ recent articles (2021-2025) in nanophotonics and chiral sensing. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology, with strong emphasis on practical biosensing applications. Key journals include Nano Letters, ACS Nano, and Nature Nanotechnology. PhD from University of Nottingham Professor Kadodwala advises multiple PhD students including Calum Jack, Affar Karimullah, and Ryan Tullius. His research has attracted significant funding including an MRC discipline-hopping grant (Ref. G0902256). He maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide including EPFL, University of Jena, and Heriot-Watt University. His laboratory specializes in chiral plasmonic nanostructures and superchiral field generation, with applications in disposable biosensors and viral detection platforms. Current projects involve nanoscale control of electronic properties using structured light and development of chiral metasurfaces for advanced optical applications.
Regina Ragan is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, self-assembly, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for applications in optical communication, energy systems, and biomedical diagnostics. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, 2002 M.S. in Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, 1998 B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 1996 Her work integrates scanning probe microscopy and first-principles calculations to study thermodynamic driving forces in self-assembly and structure-function relationships. Recent publications highlight applications in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, environmental monitoring, and plasmonic device fabrication. The Ragan group develops low-cost diagnostic tools using SERS for telemedicine applications. Current lab members include graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working on nanoscale systems from atomic to mesoscale. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award for fundamental studies of biological/inorganic interfaces Research Trends: Recent articles show a focus on SERS-based diagnostics, plasmonic nanoantennas, machine learning-assisted spectral analysis, and scalable synthesis of 3D graphene architectures. Subfields span quantum plasmonics, stress-activated materials, and biofilm monitoring.
