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Qing Cao is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with courtesy appointments in Chemistry and Electrical Engineering. He leads the Cao Research Group within the Grainger College of Engineering and serves as Deputy Editor of Science Advances. Dr. Cao received his B.S. in Chemistry from Nanjing University in 2004 and his Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009. After working for 9 years as a research scientist at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, he returned to UIUC in 2018 as a faculty member. His research focuses on developing functional nanomaterials for unconventional electronic systems, high-performance logic devices, and low-cost energy harvesting. The Cao Research Group specifically works on: nanoelectronic devices based on novel nanomaterials; next-generation memory devices for neuromorphic and in-memory computing; monolithic 3D integration for high performance electronics; high-performance printable electronic materials; and bioelectronics for healthcare applications. His work bridges materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, and device physics. Analysis of Dr. Cao's recent publications reveals a strong focus on electrochemical memory devices for neuromorphic computing, with significant work on carbon nanotube-based electronics and novel nanomaterials. His 2023 Nature Electronics paper on CMOS-compatible electrochemical synaptic transistors demonstrates his leadership in developing hardware solutions for deep learning acceleration. His research trajectory shows a progression from fundamental carbon nanotube device physics to more applied systems for computing and sensing applications. IBM Pat Goldberg Memorial Best Paper Award (2017) IBM Master Inventor Award (2016) MIT Technology Review TR35 (2016) Forbes '30 Under 30' (2012) and 'Most Influential All-Star Alumni' (2016) Atlantic Council Millennium Fellow (2017) US Frontiers of Engineering by National Academy of Engineering (2016, 2019) 17 IBM Invention Achievement Awards (2011-2018) Dr. Cao has secured significant research funding including NSF grants 1950182 and 2139185. His research group actively recruits graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to work on cutting-edge materials and device projects. His work has resulted in over thirty research papers and fifty patents and patent applications. He teaches graduate courses including MSE 403 (Synthesis of Materials), MSE 460 (Electronic Materials I), and MSE 488 (Optical Materials). The Cao Research Group operates within the University of Illinois' world-class facilities including the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory and Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory. His research has received support from NSF, DoD, DOE, and industry partners including TSMC. The group's recent $2 million project focuses on developing technology to help mobile devices learn and adapt to their surroundings.

• Nanomaterials
• Electronic Devices
• Optoelectronic Devices
• +5 more

Julia A. Mundy is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Natural Sciences and Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University. Her research focuses on designing quantum materials at the atomic scale using molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) to synthesize metastable thin films. She leads the Mundy Group, which explores superconductors, frustrated magnets, and oxide interfaces for quantum and energy applications. Her work bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and fundamental physics. Affiliations: Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Applied Physics Department Labs: Mundy Group (LISE 7th floor) Research interests include MBE growth of novel oxides, thin film superconductors, and 2D electronic systems. She has pioneered methods for creating room-temperature multiferroics and discovered superconductivity in layered nickelates. Her group uses advanced tools like aberration-corrected electron microscopy and synchrotron-based spectroscopy. Key achievements include the 2024 Moore Inventor Fellowship, NSF CAREER Award, and Packard Fellowship. Her work on transparent superconductors and fluoride-ion battery materials highlights interdisciplinary impact. Notable Grants: DOE Early Career Award, NSF MRI funding for LEEM/PEEM microscopy Team: 15+ current members including graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates

• Quantum Materials
• Molecular-Beam Epitaxy (MBE)
• Thin Film Synthesis
• +5 more

Dr. Julia W.P. Hsu is a Professor and Texas Instruments Distinguished Chair in Nanoelectronics at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. She holds leadership roles, including Director of the MaSTeR facility and former Associate Head of the Materials Science and Engineering Department. Previously, she served at Sandia National Laboratories (2003–2010), Bell Laboratories (1999–2003), and the University of Virginia (1993–2001). Education: PhD in Physics (Stanford, 1991), MS in Physics (Stanford, 1987), BSE in Chemical Engineering (Princeton, 1985). Research: Focuses on nanomaterials, photovoltaics, interfacial phenomena, and semiconductor nanostructures. Key areas include solution-synthesized materials, low-temperature processing, and device physics. Her work bridges experimental techniques like scanning probe microscopy and industry-relevant applications in energy materials. Notable achievements include pioneering studies on organic-inorganic hybrid systems and contributions to nanofabrication. Awards and Honors: MRS Fellow (2011) APS Fellow (2001) AAAS Fellow (2007) Simons Foundation Pivot Fellow (2023) Advising and Leadership: Supervised over 15 PhD and MS students. Directed the Light Institute of Texas and UT Dallas’ MaSTeR facility, emphasizing interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration. Labs/Teams: Leads the MaSTeR facility for material characterization and collaborates with the Light Institute for optoelectronics research.

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photovoltaics
• +7 more

Jeehwan Kim is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. He joined the Mechanical Engineering faculty in 2015 and became a joint faculty member in DMSE in 2016. His research focuses on nanotechnology for computing/electronics, electronic/photonic devices, neuromorphic computing, and heterogeneous integration. He holds over 100 patents from IBM and has received awards like the Samsung Fellow (2022) and DARPA Director’s Award (2021). Education : BS (Hongik University), MS (Seoul National University), PhD (UCLA), all in Materials Science and Engineering. Research Interests : Kim’s group innovates in 2D materials, remote epitaxy, neuromorphic systems, and next-gen electronics. Key areas include monolithic 3D integration, bioelectronic devices, and energy-efficient semiconductors. His work bridges material physics with practical device applications. Awards : Samsung Fellow (2022) DARPA Director’s Award (2021) Young Faculty Award (2019) IBM Faculty Award (2016) IBM Master Inventor (2012) Labs/Teams : Jeehwan Kim Research Group at MIT, focusing on advanced material synthesis and device engineering. Active in cross-disciplinary projects involving AI and semiconductor innovation.

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Electronics
• +7 more

Arunima Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Arizona State University (ASU), with graduate faculty status in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. Her work focuses on computational materials discovery, leveraging first-principics simulations and data science to accelerate the design of materials for energy applications. She leads research at the Computational Materials Design Lab and co-leads a thrust at ULTRA, a DOE-Energy Frontier Research Center, and has received the 2023 Department of Energy Early Career Research Program Award. Ph.D., Cornell University (2014) B.Tech., Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (2009) Her research bridges materials science , surface science , and renewable energy , with a strong emphasis on 2D materials , nanostructures , and machine learning for materials design. She also explores electronic properties at material interfaces and phonon behavior at grain boundaries. The 2025–2023 articles highlight her expertise in heterostructures , wide bandgap materials , and data-driven discovery , with recurring themes in solar energy conversion , nanoengineering , and first-principles simulations . These works often involve machine learning and high-throughput workflows for materials optimization. Scientific Awards 2023 Department of Energy (DOE) Early Career Research Program Award She teaches courses such as Quantum Theory of Solids I , University Physics I: Mechanics , and research/dissertation sections (PHY 792, MSE 792, etc.). Her service includes expertise in computational modeling , solar materials , and nanoscience .

• Materials Science
• Computational Physics
• Surface Science
• +7 more

Peng Xiong is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Florida State University, with a research focus on electron and spin transport in low-dimensional quantum materials. He is affiliated with the Integrative NanoScience Institute (INSI) and has made significant contributions to mesoscale physics, spintronics, and organic/solid-state hybrid systems. B.S. in Physics (1987, University of Science and Technology of China) Ph.D. in Physics (1993, Brown University) Postdoctoral Fellowship (1993-1997, University of California at San Diego) Research Interests: Mesoscale Physics: Quantum phase transitions and fluctuation effects in 2D and 1D systems, semiconductor nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and nano-magnetism. Spintronics: Spin-polarized transport in hybrid structures (ferromagnet/normal metal, ferromagnet/superconductor, ferromagnet/semiconductor), magnetic semiconductors, and spin injection/detection. Organic/Solid-State Hybrids: Nanoscale biosensors utilizing magnetic and electrical principles, bio-mechanical devices, organic/solid interfaces, and template-directed nanostructure self-assembly. Publication Trends: His recent work spans superconducting fluctuations in ultrathin films, chirality-induced spin transport in semiconductors, interplay between structural chirality and spin-orbital effects, ion migration dynamics in 1D hybrids, quantum interference in nanowire loops, and modulation of nanomaterial properties through surface defect engineering. These studies often combine material synthesis, nanofabrication, cryogenic transport, and tunneling measurements. Scientific Recognition: Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (1998) University Teaching Award (2003) PAI Award for Excellence (2004) Developing Scholar Award (2007) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2012) Advising Legacy: He has mentored numerous graduate students including Jeffrey Parker (Ph.D. 2003) Yongqing Li (Ph.D. 2003) Tianhan Liu (Ph.D. 2021) Jacob Hudis (Ph.D. 2021) and continues to guide current candidates like Yuwaraj Adhikari and Zhenqi Hua. Experimental Facilities: The lab at FSU features advanced equipment for nano-fabrication, including clean rooms, mask aligners, and thin film deposition systems. Cryogenic capabilities extend to dilution refrigerators (15 mK) and He3/He4 cryostats for ultralow-temperature studies of magnetic and superconducting systems.

• Mesoscale Physics
• Spintronics
• Organic/Solid-State Hybrid Structures
• +1 more

Professor K.W. Hipps is a Regents Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering at Washington State University (WSU). He holds multiple fellowships, including those from the American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. His research focuses on surfaces, interfaces, and nanotechnology, utilizing advanced techniques like Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and spectroscopy. His work explores molecular-scale processes, including surface diffusion, electron transfer, and nanoparticle properties. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from WSU (1978), followed by a postdoc at the University of Michigan. He has authored over 180 publications and received numerous awards, including the Sahlin Eminent Faculty Award and WSU Distinguished Faculty Award. Research Interests: Surface chemistry, nanotechnology, materials characterization, and molecular dynamics. His lab studies interfaces, thin films, and supramolecular assemblies using STM and spectroscopic methods. Scientific Contributions: His STM images have featured on journal covers, and his work on cobalt and copper phthalocyanines demonstrated chemical selectivity in molecular imaging. Students in his group gain expertise in microscopy, spectroscopy, and materials synthesis.

• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• +3 more

Humberto Terrones Maldonado holds the Rayleigh Endowed Chair Professor position in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). An internationally recognized scholar, he has served as an invited professor at numerous institutions including the University of Louvain (UCL, Belgium), Federal University of Ceará (UFC, Brazil), Shinshu University (Japan), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL, USA), Penn State University (USA), and the University of Sussex (UK). He is a member of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Mexican Academy of Sciences. His educational background includes: PhD, University of London (Birkbeck), UK BSc, Iberoamericana University, Mexico Professor Terrones pioneered the concept of curvature in graphite and graphene in 1991, introducing Schwarzites—graphitic structures with negative Gaussian curvature. His research focuses on electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties of few-layered 2D materials and their application in novel 3D nanostructures. Key areas include: 2-Dimensional Materials Complex 3-D Atomic Structures Solid State and Condensed Matter Physics Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Nonlinear Optics His recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on transition metal dichalcogenides, defect engineering, machine learning for materials design, and energy applications. Work spans experimental characterization of heterostructures, computational simulations of lattice mechanics, and innovative synthesis techniques like liquid metal exfoliation. His notable scientific awards and honors include: Rayleigh Endowed Chair Member of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences

• 2-Dimensional Materials
• Complex 3-D Atomic Structures
• Solid State and Condensed Matter Physics
• +2 more

Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo is the Theodora D. '78 and William H. Walton III '74 Professor in Engineering and Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University. She holds affiliated roles in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Department of Chemistry, Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton Environmental Institute, and Princeton Materials Institute. Her research focuses on organic and polymer electronics, with emphasis on solution-processable materials, soft lithography, and interfacial engineering in solar cells. She has pioneered innovations in organic electronics fabrication and scalable energy technologies. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University (2001); BSE in Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania (1996). Research Interests: - Solution-processable organic conductors for thin-film electronics - Soft lithography techniques for patterning plastic electronics - Self-assembled monolayers for optimizing organic solar cell interfaces - Development of cost-effective, large-area electronic device fabrication methods Her articles span organic semiconductor material design, device fabrication techniques, and energy applications. Awards include Fellowships from the National Academy of Engineering, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and multiple industry recognitions for innovation in materials science and clean energy. Advises graduate students in chemical engineering and materials science. Leads the Organic and Polymer Electronics Laboratory, advancing research in decarbonization technologies and maritime energy solutions. Current projects include smart solar spectrum management systems and recyclable plastic electronics.

• Organic Electronics
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• +3 more

Debdeep Jena is the David E. Burr Professor of Engineering at Cornell University, holding appointments in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, and serving as a field member in Applied and Engineering Physics. He joined Cornell in 2015 after twelve years on the faculty at the University of Notre Dame. Professor Jena's research focuses on the quantum physics of semiconductors and electronic/photonic devices based on quantized semiconductor structures. His work spans Nitrides, Oxides, and 2D Materials, with applications in energy-efficient transistors, LEDs, RF and power electronics, and quantum computation. His group explores the fundamental limits of computation, memory, and communications by exploiting new physics in semiconductor devices, particularly investigating ultrahigh-speed GaN and AlN transistors, ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors for power electronics, deep-UV LEDs and lasers, and novel materials for quantum computing. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory toward integrating semiconductors with superconductors, ferroelectrics, and magnets to create hybrid quantum systems. This research direction aims to overcome classical device limits while dramatically improving energy efficiency across computing, communications, and power management applications from the chip to the grid level. Art Gossard MBE Innovator Award, North American Conference on Molecular Beam Epitaxy (NAMBE) 2024 Intel Outstanding Researcher Award 2020 David Burr Chair Professor of Engineering 2020 Fellow, American Physical Society 2016 MBE Young Scientist Award 2014 IBM Faculty Award 2012 Professor Jena leads a $34 million research center focused on energy-efficient semiconductor materials and technologies. His research group actively engages in materials synthesis using Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) while collaborating with theoretical physicists to develop comprehensive understanding of electron transport, light-matter interactions, and correlated electron physics. In 2022, he published the textbook 'Quantum Physics of Semiconductor Materials and Devices' through Oxford University Press, which has become a top seller in solid-state physics and electromagnetism categories. The Jena research group operates at the intersection of multiple advanced materials systems, maintaining expertise in Nitride Electronics, Oxide Electronics, UV Lasers/Photonics, 2D Materials, Ultrapolar/Ferro Semiconductors, and Super/Semi Electronics. Their work spans fundamental materials science to device engineering, with strong connections to energy systems, advanced materials processing, and quantum information science applications.

• Semiconductor Physics
• Quantum Electronics
• Power Electronics
• +7 more

Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.

• Advanced energy materials
• Nano/micro-mechanics
• Self-powered electronics and systems
• +2 more

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.

• Nanomaterials
• 2D Materials Synthesis
• Advanced Spectroscopy Techniques
• +3 more

Hai-Feng (Frank) Ji is Professor of Chemistry and affiliated faculty in Materials Science at Drexel University. He earned his PhD from Chinese Academy of Sciences and has published over 215 papers spanning nanomaterials, sensors, and drug design. His research develops phosphorus-based 1D/2D nanomaterials for energy applications, microcantilever biosensors for medical diagnostics, plasma-treated polymers for biomedical use, and structure-based cancer therapeutics. Recent breakthroughs include high-mobility amorphous red phosphorus films and ultra-long crystalline phosphorus nanowires. He authored the ACS book 'Fundamentals and Applications of Phosphorous Nanomaterials' and holds patents in sensor design and nanomaterial synthesis.

• Nanomaterials
• Drug Discovery
• Microcantilever Sensors
• +3 more

Dr. Alamgir Karim is the Dow Chair and Welch Foundation Professor at the University of Houston, leading the International Polymer & Soft Matter Center (IPSMC) and the Doctoral Materials Program. His research focuses on polymer nanotechnology, thin films, and interfaces for energy, sustainability, and health applications. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Northwestern University and a B.S. from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Key contributions include polymer nanocomposites, block copolymer thin films, and graphene oxide membranes for desalination. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and AAAS, and a Keck Foundation Award recipient. Research interests span polymer nanotechnology, dielectric materials, and sustainable nanocomposites. Recent work explores MXene-based biomedical composites, CO₂ capture membranes, and high-energy-density dielectrics. His lab develops functional materials for energy storage, environmental remediation, and biomedicine. Education: Ph.D., Physics (Northwestern University, 1991); B.S., Physics (St. Stephen's College, 1985) Leadership: Director of IPSMC; former Goodyear Chair Professor at University of Akron Awards: AAAS Fellowship, APS Fellowship, Keck Foundation Award Advances in block copolymer self-assembly and nanocomposite design have enabled scalable filtration membranes and high-performance dielectrics. His group collaborates on protocell models and sustainable materials processing.

• Polymer Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Thin Films and Interfaces
• +5 more

Joerg Werner is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering and Core Faculty at the Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS). He holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry from Cornell University and an MS in Chemistry from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His research focuses on mesostructured materials, functional nanomaterials, and energy storage systems, leveraging block copolymer self-assembly and microfluidics to design advanced materials. He leads the Mesostructured Materials and Devices Lab, exploring hierarchical structures, electrochemical polymers, and sustainable manufacturing. Research Interests: Werner’s work spans 3D nano-interdigitated batteries , mesostructured architectures , and dynamic microcapsules . Key areas include energy storage applications, phase separation of complex fluids, and nanoconfined synthesis. His group develops sustainable templates for nanomaterials and electrochemically active polymers for thin films on 3D substrates. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes electrode architectures (e.g., low-tortuosity electrodes), responsive microcapsules , and self-assembly-driven superconductors . Collaborations with labs like Harvard and industry partners highlight applied energy solutions. Funding & Labs: Current grants support projects on mesohybrids and architected electrodes. The MeMaD Lab collaborates on projects like PANDA (self-driving lab for polymer films) and advanced battery designs. Patents include solid-state battery assemblies and mesoporous carbon materials.

• Materials Chemistry
• Nanomaterials
• Energy Storage
• +3 more