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.
Professor Bharat Bhuva is a faculty member in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University, holding the position of Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering . His research focuses on radiation effects on integrated circuits, semiconductor device modeling, and VLSI design, with an emphasis on advancing the resilience of nanoscale electronics against single-event effects and total-ionizing-dose damage. He also investigates emerging technologies like FinFET and FDSOI for improved radiation hardness and performance. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University M.S. in Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Maharaja Sayajirao University Research Interests: Professor Bhuva’s work spans computer-aided design tools, semiconductor process modeling, and the mitigation of radiation-induced failures in advanced integrated circuits. His studies address challenges posed by scaling to smaller technology nodes (e.g., 3-nm FinFET) and the impact of environmental factors like temperature, bias conditions, and neutron exposure on circuit reliability. Key areas include multicell upsets, single-event upset (SEU) cross-section analysis, and the efficacy of radiation-hardened-by-design (RHBD) techniques. Awards & Recognition: None explicitly listed in the provided text. However, his extensive publications in top-tier journals like IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science highlight his contributions to the field. Grants & Advising: Advises on projects related to advanced semiconductor technologies and radiation effects. His research has been supported by grants from institutions focusing on space electronics and nanotechnology. No specific grant details or student advisees are listed. Labs & Teams: Likely affiliated with Vanderbilt’s Cyber-physical Systems and Nano Science and Technology research neighborhoods, though specific lab names are not mentioned in the text.
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.
Jiwoong Park is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, and simultaneously Professor of Molecular Engineering in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His interdisciplinary research group, the Park Group, is jointly affiliated with the James Franck Institute and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at UChicago, and operates from the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. Education & Training Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley (2003) B.S., Seoul National University (1996) Junior Fellow, Rowland Institute, Harvard University (2003–2006) Assistant → Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University (2006–2016) Research Interests Park’s research centers on the science and technology of precisely engineered nanomaterials, particularly atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) crystals and van der Waals solids. Spanning chemistry, physics, materials science and electrical engineering, his group develops novel synthetic, imaging and characterization techniques to uncover new physical phenomena and translate them into scalable device technologies. Key thrusts include growth of wafer-scale molecular crystals, optical and transport spectroscopy of 2D semiconductors, mechanical behavior of polycrystalline nanomembranes, and integration of these materials into photonic, electronic and energy-harvesting devices. Scientific Awards Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (2022) – “for the development of synthetic, imaging, and characterization techniques of atomically thin materials and the discovery of novel properties of van der Waals solids.” Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2023) – recognition for multiple papers ranking in the global top 1% by citations in Materials Science and Chemistry. Group & Collaborations The Park Group is an interdisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate researchers and undergraduates housed in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. The group actively collaborates with colleagues across the Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leveraging shared facilities at the James Franck Institute and MRSEC to push the frontiers of 2D material science.
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.
Gabriel Alfonso Rincon-Mora is the Motorola Solutions Foundation Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. A Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, IEEE, and IET, he specializes in analog/power integrated circuits, energy-harvesting systems, and microelectronics. With over 200 articles, 44 patents, and 12 books, his work has produced 26 commercial power-chip products. His research spans: Analog and power-management ICs for efficient energy conversion Self-sustaining microsystems powered by thermal, mechanical, and environmental sources Nano-scale circuit designs for biomedical and wireless sensor applications Recent publications focus on piezoelectric energy harvesting, battery charging optimization, and low-power CMOS designs, demonstrating consistent innovation in power efficiency and miniaturization. Awards include the IEEE Charles A. Desoer Technical Achievement Award, National Hispanic in Technology Award, and recognition as one of "The 100 Most Influential Hispanics." He directs research in power IC design and mentors students through the Georgia Tech Analog Consortium. His laboratory develops integrated solutions for energy-constrained applications, including collaborations with industry partners like Texas Instruments.
Junfei Li is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. His research focuses on advanced acoustic technologies, including acoustic tweezers, acoustofluidics, metamaterials, and underwater communication systems. He specializes in multiphysics wave propagation, noise control, and energy harvesting. Li's work bridges fundamental science and engineering applications in biomedical devices, sustainable energy, and advanced materials. Research Interests: Acoustic tweezers for microscale manipulation Design of metamaterials for acoustic control Ultrasound and underwater communication systems Energy-efficient noise mitigation strategies His recent publications emphasize innovations in acoustic metasurfaces, nonreciprocal sound propagation, and biomedical acoustic applications. Li’s research has implications for improving medical imaging, energy sustainability, and next-generation acoustic devices. Awards & Recognition: None explicitly listed in the provided materials. Advising & Grants: No student advisees or grant information specified in the text.
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).
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.
Prof Aaron Thean is the Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Formerly, he served as Dean of the College of Design and Engineering at NUS and held senior roles at IMEC (Belgium) as Vice President of Logic Technologies and Director of Logic Devices Research. His expertise spans advanced semiconductor device technologies, including FinFETs, nanowire FETs, III-V/Ge channels, and emerging beyond-CMOS architectures. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering) and has published over 300 papers with 50+ patents. His awards include the Gregory Stillman Award (2001) and Compound Semiconductor Innovation Award (2014). Research interests focus on semiconductor innovation, device-process co-optimization (DTCO), and monolithic 3D integration. Notable contributions include industry-first Gate-First HKMG technologies, advanced strained silicon platforms, and neuromorphic computing hardware. His work bridges academia and industry through collaborations with Qualcomm, IBM, and foundry partners. Current initiatives emphasize energy-efficient computing and wearable sensor systems. Prof Thean’s leadership spans NUS-wide academic strategy and global research partnerships. His technical legacy includes foundational advancements in transistor scaling, low-power CMOS design, and AI-driven failure analysis methodologies.
CHUA Lay-Lay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS). She holds a joint professorship with the University of Cambridge and leads research in organic semiconductor materials. Her work focuses on polymer-based electronic materials and hybrid systems with graphene/SWCNTs for applications in LEDs, solar cells, and sensors. She has pioneered breakthroughs in multivalent anion-based electron donor materials and solution-processable organic electronics. Education: Ph.D., University of Cambridge (2007); B.Sc. Computational Chemistry, NUS (1995). Prior roles include Research Fellowships at NUS and Cavendish Lab, and industry experience at Bell Labs and Chartered Semiconductor. Research highlights include the 2019 Nature paper demonstrating multivalent anion electron donors, enabling air-stable low-work-function materials. Her group explores energy-level engineering and morphology-property relationships in organic electronics. Editorial roles: Associate editor of Journal of Materials Chemistry C . Awards include the NUS-Cambridge Dual Professorship (2008). Teaching: CM4254 Chemistry of Semiconductors (AY2022/2023). Laboratory affiliations: Organic Nano Device Laboratory (ONDL) focusing on plastic electronics innovation.
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.
Deji Akinwande is a Professor and holds the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #8 at The University of Texas at Austin's Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (2009) and an MS in Applied Physics from Case Western Reserve University. His research focuses on 2D materials, nanotechnology, and flexible electronics, with breakthroughs in atomristors, graphene-based biosensors, and wearable electronic tattoos. Key achievements include pioneering work on silicene, being elevated to IEEE Fellow (2021), and receiving the PECASE Award (Obama administration). His lab, the Akinwande Nano Research Group, explores nanoelectronics, bioelectronics, and RF systems for societal applications like health monitoring and 6G communications. Education: PhD, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 2009 MS, Applied Physics, Case Western Reserve University Awards: 2021 IEEE Fellow APS Fellow (2017) PECASE Award Moore Inventor Fellowship His research spans neuromorphic computing, flexible sensors, and energy-efficient memory devices. Over 100+ publications highlight his work on graphene, MXenes, and 2D material applications. He co-authored a textbook on carbon nanotubes and graphene (Cambridge University Press, 2011) and serves as an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer and editor for Nature NPJ 2D Materials . Lab and Collaborations: The Akinwande Nano Lab develops scalable 2D electronics, wearable health monitors, and next-gen RF components. Recent grants include NSF CHIPS Act funding and DoD support for 6G switches and neuromorphic hardware.
Sandip Tiwari is the Charles N. Mellowes Professor in Engineering at Cornell University, leading the School of Applied and Engineering Physics. He holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur (1976), M.Eng from Rochester Institute of Technology (1977), and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell (1980). His research bridges semiconductor electronics/optics and nanotechnology, emphasizing cross-scale integration of devices and systems. He directs the U.S. National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) and has held visiting roles at Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Paris-Sud. Notable honors include the IEEE Cledo Brunetti Award, APS Fellowship, and IIT Kanpur's Distinguished Alumnus Award. Education: IIT Kanpur (B.Tech), Rochester Polytechnic Institute (M.Eng), Cornell (Ph.D.) Affiliations: NNIN Director, IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology (founding editor), multiple visiting professorships Research focuses on nanoscale device physics, quantum phenomena in electronics, and societal applications of nanotechnology. His work integrates engineering principles with physical sciences to address challenges in scalable electronic systems and MEMs. Awards highlight his contributions to semiconductor physics and nanotechnology, including recognition from IEEE, APS, and IIT Kanpur. He also promotes global scientific collaboration through education initiatives and NNIN.
Angela Kou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in the intersection of quantum information science and condensed matter physics. Her laboratory develops novel superconducting circuit elements and qubits, while also utilizing superconducting circuits to investigate topological materials with potential applications in quantum computing. She actively seeks postdoctoral researchers and graduate students to explore superconducting qubit engineering and quantum material sensing. Her research integrates quantum information , topological materials , and superconducting circuit design . Recent publications demonstrate expertise in fluxonium qubit control , quantum dot Josephson junctions , and parafermion zero modes in exotic heterostructures. She contributes to advancing cryogen-free dilution refrigerator technology for scanning probe microscopy applications. Current research trends focus on quantum coherence optimization , phase-slip qubit operation , and vibration mitigation in cryogenic systems. Her work receives support from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute, and the National Science Foundation. Collaborations span multiple institutions, with key partnerships at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Her technical contributions include microwave impedance microscopy , scanning single-electron transistor measurements , and vibration analysis for quantum device stability.
