Zhi-Xun Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences at Stanford University, holding dual appointments in the Physics and Applied Physics Departments. He is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and serves on advisory boards for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Stanford Science Fellows programs. His research focuses on condensed matter and materials physics, particularly the electronic structures of superconductors, topological insulators, and novel materials. Dr. Shen pioneered advanced spectroscopic techniques, including photon-based imaging and scattering methods, and has authored over 600 publications with significant citation impact. His honors include the Kamerlingh Onnes Prize (2000), E.O. Lawrence Award (2010), and Oliver E. Buckley Prize (2011). He co-founded PrimeNano Inc., commercializing technologies from his lab, such as microwave impedance microscopy. His work bridges fundamental physics with energy-related applications, emphasizing the interplay between electronic structure and material properties. Dr. Shen’s research group explores cutting-edge topics like topological surface states, electron-phonon interactions, and superconductivity mechanisms. His inventions, such as non-resonance microwave imaging, have found applications in materials characterization. He remains active in advancing instrumentation and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his academic and industry roles.
Mark Foster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a primary appointment in the Whiting School of Engineering. He is also a Fellow of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. His research focuses on developing ultrahigh-speed optical systems at the intersection of photonics and electronics, emphasizing photonic devices and information theory to advance imaging, sensing, and communications technologies. Applications include quantum-optical systems, ultrawide-bandwidth microwave photonics, and terahertz-rate imaging systems. Dr. Foster received his BS (2003), MS (2007), and PhD (2008) in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University. Before joining Johns Hopkins in 2010, he served as a postdoctoral associate there. His work has been funded by the NSF, IARPA, DTRA, and NIH, resulting in over 200 publications and eight patents. He has held leadership roles, including chairing the IEEE Photonics Society’s Baltimore chapter (2011–2014). Research Highlights: World-leading imaging systems achieving terahertz frame rates Quantum-optical platforms and nonlinear photonic materials (e.g., NbTiOx) Secure authentication via physically unclonable functions (PUFs) Applications in fusion energy diagnostics and medical imaging His awards include the NSF CAREER Award (201?), DARPA Young Faculty Award, and ONR Young Investigator Award. Current projects explore machine learning-resistant PUFs, multi-modal imaging systems, and photonics for extreme environments.
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Anantha Chandrakasan is the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, serving as Dean of the MIT School of Engineering and Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer. His research focuses on energy-efficient integrated circuits, medical devices, and AI hardware security. He leads the MIT Energy-Efficient Circuits and Systems Group, developing systems for biomedical applications, wireless communication, and quantum computing. He holds appointments at MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories and has contributed to collaborations like the MIT-Takeda Program in AI-driven healthcare and a partnership with GlobalFoundries for energy-efficient AI chips. His work spans implantable drug delivery systems, conformable ultrasound patches, and secure edge computing architectures. Chandrakasan's innovations include ultra-low-power circuits for IoT devices, cryptographic processors for post-quantum security, and AI accelerators for edge applications. He emphasizes interdisciplinary research bridging electrical engineering with biomedical and quantum fields, supported by leadership roles in MIT's strategic initiatives. His contributions to energy-efficient computing have led to advancements in wearable health monitors, batteryless sensors, and secure communication protocols for medical devices. Ongoing projects include THz integrated systems and AI-enhanced analog circuit design optimization.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Aydin Babakhani is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the College of Life Sciences. He directs the Integrated Sensors Laboratory (ISL), which focuses on the design and implementation of integrated sensors and systems. His research spans high-speed wireless communication, terahertz technology, medical implants, radar systems, and industrial monitoring solutions. Research Interests: Prof. Babakhani's work integrates silicon-based technologies with applications across multiple domains. Key areas include: Silicon mm-Wave/THz transceivers and on-chip antennas for communication and sensing Wirelessly powered medical implants for biopotential monitoring and neural stimulation THz radar systems for micrometer-resolution imaging and vibration detection Energy harvesting solutions for batteryless sensors in industrial and biomedical applications CMOS-based optoelectronic systems and photonic computing accelerators His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on terahertz systems, wireless power transfer, and miniaturized medical electronics. Over 80% of his latest articles involve silicon-integrated solutions for biomedical implants or THz sensing, with emerging focus on AI-accelerated photonic computing and multi-Gbps wireless links.
Morteza Fayazi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah, with an adjunct position in the Kahlert School of Computing. His research focuses on Electronic Design Automation (EDA), applying machine learning to automate analog and mixed-signal circuit design, and developing high-performance computing systems. He holds a B.Sc. from Sharif University of Technology, and M.S.E./Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan. His research interests include AI-driven EDA, RF/circuit automation, and energy-efficient processors. Key achievements include the MEDAL lab’s work on terahertz radars, systolic-array processors (e.g., DAP and Versa), and open-source frameworks like FASCINET and Tablext. He has received awards such as the 2024 College of Engineering Dean’s ETR Fund and the 2017 Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award. Teaching responsibilities include multiple iterations of the Digital System Design course (ECE/CS 3700). His work spans over 15 peer-reviewed articles in IEEE Transactions, ACM, and top conferences like ICCAD and VLSI-SOC, emphasizing automation, efficiency, and AI integration in hardware design.
Carey Rappaport is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University. He serves as deputy director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s ALERT Center (Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats) and associate director of the Gordon-CenSSIS Center (Bernard M. Gordon Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems). His research focuses on microwave and millimeter-wave sensing technologies for homeland security and biomedical applications, including tunnel detection, airport security systems, and breast cancer diagnostics. His work on explosives detection involves standoff and portal-based millimeter-wave radar, X-ray backscatter, IR and Terahertz spectroscopy for trace detection, and electronic sensing of hidden triggers. He has emphasized balancing technological effectiveness with privacy, health, and cost considerations in security systems. His projects include developing airport scanners with improved imaging and analyzing challenges in securing "soft targets" like public events. Rappaport's research has been highlighted in media outlets such as Boston Herald, The Economist, and Northeastern University news. He has discussed technical limitations of ground-penetrating radar in tunnel detection and policy implications for international airport security measures, including the 2011 Moscow airport bombing and 2023 Gaza Metro tunnel network analysis.
Zoya Popovic is a Distinguished Professor and holds the Lockheed Martin Endowed Chair in RF Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder's Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering. She earned a Dipl.Ing. from the University of Belgrade (1985) and a PhD from Caltech (1990). She has advised over 50 PhD students and was a visiting professor at Technical University of Munich (2001). Her research focuses on high-efficiency microwave/millimeter-wave circuits, smart antenna arrays, wireless powering systems, and biomedical microwave applications. Notable contributions include quasi-optical imaging techniques and low-noise amplifier designs. Key awards: IEEE Microwave Prizes (1993/2006), Humboldt Research Award (2000), Terman Medal (2001) Lab Group Website: [Link] Recent work emphasizes in-band full-duplex systems, GaN MMICs, and quantum-based waveform modulation. Her group maintains advanced facilities for millimeter-wave and terahertz research.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Nuh Gedik is the Donner Professor of Physics at MIT, leading the Gedik Research Group. His work focuses on quantum materials, employing advanced optical and electron spectroscopies. He joined MIT in 2008 as an Assistant Professor, earned his B.S. from Bogazici University (1998), and Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2004) before postdoctoral work at Caltech. His awards include NSF CAREER, DOE Early Career, Sloan Fellowship, and APS Fellow recognition. Research interests include ultrafast dynamics in topological insulators, charge density waves, and light-induced phenomena. Key techniques include time-resolved ARPES, ultrafast electron diffraction, and terahertz spectroscopy. His group explores hidden orders in quantum materials and develops novel measurement tools. Recent work includes metastable magnetization control in FePS₃ and Floquet-Bloch states in graphene. Affiliated with the MIT Center for Quantum Engineering and Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Ruonan Han is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and serves as Associate Director of the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) and Director of the MIT-MTL Center for Integrated Circuits and Systems . His research focuses on ultra-high-frequency microelectronic circuits , particularly addressing the 'terahertz gap' in sensing, metrology, security, and communication. He leads the Terahertz Integrated Electronics Group at MIT's MTL, established in 2014. Education: B.S. in Microelectronics, Fudan University (2007) M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Florida (2009) Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University (2014) Research Interests: Terahertz (THz) integrated circuits and systems High-frequency CMOS technologies Quantum sensing and magnetometry RF systems for imaging, radar, and molecular sensing Energy-efficient communication systems His work bridges electronic circuits , electromagnetics , and quantum physics , with applications in defense, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Awards & Recognition: 2023 IEEE SSCS New Frontier Award 2020 NSF CAREER Award 2019 Intel Outstanding Researcher Award 3× IEEE RFIC Best Student Paper Awards (2012, 2017, 2021) Advising & Leadership: Ph.D. advisor to over 10 students (many recipients of MIT MTL Dissertation Awards) Co-advises with Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan and Prof. Tomás Palacios Editorial roles at IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering and VLSI Systems Technical committee member for ISSCC, RFIC, and IMS Labs & Teams: Terahertz Integrated Electronics Group at MIT MTL: Focuses on chip-scale THz systems, quantum devices, and next-generation RF circuits Collaborations with industry (e.g., Apple, MediaTek) and academic groups (e.g., D. Englund's lab at MIT)
Xi Ling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering at Boston University. They lead the Ling Group, which focuses on the fundamental science and applications of nanomaterials, particularly 2D van der Waals materials. Their research integrates synthesis, characterization via advanced spectroscopy, and device development for energy conversion and chemical sensing. The group utilizes facilities at the Photonics Center for cutting-edge materials analysis. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Lanzhou University, 2007); Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Peking University, 2012). Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to synthesize novel 2D crystals, investigate their physical properties through Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and engineer flexible, transparent devices. Recent publications highlight innovations in strain engineering, ferroelectricity modulation, and exciton dynamics in materials like NiPS3 and GaSe. Students gain expertise applicable to academia and industry roles in semiconductor manufacturing, materials engineering, and instrumentation. The group’s work bridges foundational science and practical applications, addressing challenges in nanoelectronics and sustainable energy technologies.
Dr. Craig S. Levin is a Professor of Radiology at Stanford University's Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (Nuclear Medicine), with courtesy appointments in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering. He also holds memberships in Bio-X, the Cardiovascular Institute, the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, and the Stanford Cancer Institute. Dr. Levin received his B.S. Summa Cum Laude in Physics and Mathematics from UCLA in 1985, followed by M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Yale University in 1987 and 1993. His educational achievements were recognized with multiple honors including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Pi Sigma, and various departmental awards at UCLA. Dr. Levin's research focuses on the development of novel instrumentation and software algorithms for molecular imaging. His work spans medical physics, biomedical engineering, and instrumentation development with specific emphasis on positron emission tomography (PET), gamma camera technology, and multimodal imaging systems. His laboratory explores new concepts in radiation detection, image reconstruction algorithms, and the application of these technologies to cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. A notable aspect of his research involves pushing the physical limits of sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and/or temporal resolutions in imaging systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on enhancing PET technology, particularly time-of-flight capabilities, with significant work on improving coincidence timing resolution, developing MR-compatible PET systems, and applying deep learning techniques to image reconstruction and normalization. His research shows a clear trajectory toward higher resolution imaging with improved quantitative accuracy for both clinical and preclinical applications. Dr. Levin's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering's College of Fellows Academy of Radiology Research Distinguished Investigator Recognition Award National Research Service Award from NIH (1993-5) Pilot Research Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine (1996) Multiple honors from UCLA including Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma Full Tuition and Research Fellowship and Bates Graduate Fellowship from Yale University As an educator and mentor, Dr. Levin directs the NIH-NCI funded T32 Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars postdoctoral training program and serves as a Doctoral Dissertation Advisor for students in Bioengineering and Biophysics. He currently advises five postdoctoral scholars and three doctoral candidates. His laboratory, the Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory, comprises approximately 20 members who work on developing new imaging technologies and translating them into clinical applications. Dr. Levin has secured substantial NIH funding as Principal Investigator along with grants from other government agencies, industry partners, and private institutions to support his research program. Dr. Levin's Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory is at the forefront of developing new imaging technologies that bridge physics, engineering, and medicine. The lab focuses on creating instrumentation for in vivo imaging of cellular and molecular signatures of disease, with particular emphasis on pushing the physical limits of imaging performance. Their work spans computer modeling, sensor development, electronics design, data acquisition systems, and advanced image processing algorithms. The lab maintains strong industry partnerships to translate their innovations into products used for patient care worldwide.
Professor John D. Cressler is a tenured faculty member at the Georgia Institute of Technology, holding a position within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering. His research focuses on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, particularly silicon-germanium heterojunction bipolar transistors (SiGe HBTs) for mixed-signal applications spanning RF, microwave, mm-wave, analog, and digital domains. His research interests center on atomic-scale bandgap engineering for next-generation semiconductor devices, with emphasis on SiGe HBT technology development, radiation-hardened circuits for space applications, cryogenic electronics, and device-circuit interactions. His team explores fundamental device theory, broadband noise analysis, profile optimization, 2-D/3-D simulation, compact modeling, and radiation effects. Current projects include Europa-surface mission electronics, D-band/sub-THz systems, and radiation-tolerant receiver designs. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a dominant focus on radiation-hardened electronics for space applications (40% of works), millimeter-wave circuit design (30%), and SiGe HBT reliability optimization (30%). Key trends include Europa mission electronics development, D-band/sub-THz circuit innovation, and advanced radiation mitigation techniques using SiGe BiCMOS technology. Professor Cressler teaches multiple courses including ECE 3040 (Microelectronic Circuits), ECE 3450 (Semiconductor Devices), ECE 6444 (Silicon-Based Heterostructure Devices and Circuits), and the interdisciplinary IAC 2002 course on Science, Engineering and Religion. His research is supported by industrial collaborations and Georgia Tech facilities including the Georgia Electronic Design Center (GEDC), NanoTECH, and C-STAR.
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.
John Heron is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on epitaxial growth of complex oxide thin films and heterostructures to engineer new electronic phenomena for next-generation devices. B.S. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2007) M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2011) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2013) His work explores ferroic materials like (anti)ferromagnets and (anti)ferroelectrics, utilizing techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning probe microscopy, and magnetotransport measurements. The Ferroelectronics Lab (http://ferroelectronicslab.com) employs in-situ transfer systems for high-quality oxide and metal growth. Recent publications emphasize magnetoelectric switching, entropy-stabilized oxides, and spintronic devices. Current teaching includes MSE500 Materials Physics and Chemistry. No explicit scientific awards or students are listed in the provided texts.
