Transistor-Level Programmable Fabrics Professors and Supervisors

Yiorgos MakrisView profile

Professor

University of Texas at DallasUnited States

Yiorgos Makris is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering & Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, since July 2011. Previously, he was a faculty member at Yale University for over a decade. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and a Diploma in Computer Engineering from the University of Patras, Greece. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego (2001) M.S. in Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego (1997) Diploma in Computer Engineering and Informatics, University of Patras, Greece (1995) Research Interests: Hardware Security and Trustworthiness Statistical Side-Channel Fingerprinting Machine Learning in Semiconductor Manufacturing Trusted and Reliable Integrated Circuits Hardware Trojans in Wireless Cryptographic ICs On-Die Learning and Emergent Technologies His work focuses on enhancing hardware security through statistical methods, machine learning, and formal verification, with applications in analog/RF ICs, post-production calibration, and secure IC design. Key Contributions: Co-Founder and Site-PI of NSF CHEST I/UCRC (Hardware and Embedded System Security and Trust) Leader of the Safety, Security, and Healthcare Thrust at TxACE (Texas Analog Center of Excellence) Director of the Trusted and RELiable Architectures (TRELA) Lab Grants and Funding: NSF, NIH, SRC, ARO, AFRL, AFWERX, DARPA, DOE, and industry partnerships with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Intel, Qualcomm, etc. Recent grants include projects on DNA storage security, analog neural networks, and malicious hardware detection. Awards and Recognition: IEEE Fellow (2025) Best Paper Awards at DATE'13, VTS'15, DCAS'22 Best Hardware Demonstration Awards at HOST'16 and HOST'18 Erik Jonsson School Faculty Research Award (2020) Labs and Teams: TRELA Lab (Focus: Secure Hardware Design, Trusted Architectures) CHEST I/UCRC (Industry-University Collaboration)

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Peng ChenView profile

Associate Professor

Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)China

Peng Chen is an Associate Professor at the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China. He has served in this position since December 2022, following his role as an Assistant Professor from September 2021 to December 2022 at the same institution. Educational Background: Ph.D. (2010-2016), Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Bachelor (2006-2010), Department of Physics, Northwestern University, China Dr. Chen's research focuses on developing high-performance two-dimensional semiconductor information devices and integration technologies for the post-Moore era. His work spans the development of new materials, novel device principles, and high-performance integrated circuits based on 2D electronic devices. By exploring the fundamental physics of 2D materials and their heterostructures, his research aims to overcome the performance limitations of conventional micro- and nanoelectronic devices and circuits. His publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple domains of 2D materials research, with particular emphasis on transition metal dichalcogenides like WS2 and WSe2. His work spans from fundamental material synthesis to device physics and practical applications in electronics and optoelectronics, reflected in publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Materials. Scientific Awards: National High-level Young Talent Program (2022) Shenzhen High-level Talent Program (2021) First Prize of Science and Technology Award of China Materials Research Society (2020) Director Scholarship of Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015, 2013) Three Good Students of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014, 2013) Dr. Chen serves as a Doctoral Supervisor with an impressive publication record of over 40 papers in top international journals, including 2 Nature, 1 Science, and 1 Nature Materials papers. His work has been cited over 4,000 times with an H-index of 29. He has secured funding through the National Natural Science Foundation of China's High-level Young Talent Program, a general program, and projects from the Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Commission. He actively serves as a reviewer for multiple journals and as a fund reviewer. Dr. Chen leads a research group focused on high-performance and new principle logic and sensing devices, exploring applications in next-generation information and life health technologies. The group maintains a strong academic atmosphere and welcomes postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with backgrounds in microelectronics, physics, materials science, and biology.

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Brian S.Y. KimView profile

Assistant Professor

University of ArizonaUnited States

Brian S.Y. Kim serves as Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Physics at the University of Arizona, holding a joint appointment since January 2024. Previously, he conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University (2018-2023) in Mechanical Engineering and Physics. His laboratory focuses on atomic-scale engineering of quantum materials for next-generation electronic and photonic technologies. His educational background includes: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University (2018) MS in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University (2013) BS in Electrical Engineering, Northwestern University (2011) Professor Kim's research spans 2D quantum materials and heterostructures , experimental condensed matter physics , and advanced nanofabrication . His group employs robotic nano-manufacturing systems, reconfigurable device architectures, and nano-optical imaging to investigate emergent phenomena in van der Waals materials. Key methodologies include plasmonic cavity engineering, moiré superlattice fabrication, and atomic-scale device characterization. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to quantum materials science, with recent emphasis on plasmon-exciton interactions in layered antiferromagnets, novel FET architectures using 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, and thermal transport phenomena in nanostructured materials. The work bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with practical device applications. His scientific recognition includes: Outstanding Young Researcher Award (2024) from AKPA/KPS APL Photonics Early Career Editorial Advisory Board membership (2025-26) Research funding includes the Vertically Integrated Projects Catalyst Seed Fund Award (2024) for "twisting two-dimensional atomic sheets." The Kim Lab actively mentors undergraduate researchers like David Tashchyan and collaborates with institutions including Kyung Hee University and Sungkyunkwan University. Current projects focus on developing programmable hyperbolic polaritons and Fermi-level engineered 2D electrodes. The Brian SY Kim Lab operates within UArizona's Materials Science and Engineering department, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication and quantum device characterization. Ongoing initiatives explore cavity-altered superconductivity and magnetically confined excitons, with potential applications in quantum computing and ultra-sensitive photodetection.

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Eric R. FossumView profile

Professor

Dartmouth CollegeUnited States

Eric R. Fossum is the John H. Krehbiel Sr. Professor for Emerging Technologies at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. He serves as Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer and Director of Dartmouth's PhD Innovation Program. As one of the world's leading experts in solid-state image sensors, he invented the CMOS active pixel sensor technology that revolutionized digital imaging in smartphones, medical devices, and automotive systems. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2025) and the Queen Elizabeth Prize (2017). His research interests focus on: Solid-state image sensors (CCDs, CMOS active pixel sensors, Quanta Image Sensors) Advanced imaging systems and on-chip processing New applications for image sensors in medicine, security, and space Dr. Fossum's recent publications demonstrate significant advancements in: Photon-counting sensors for low-light applications High-speed imaging for microscopy and radiography Backside-illuminated and sub-diffraction-limit pixel designs Quantum random number generation using sensor technology Infrared spectral extension of CMOS sensors His scientific awards include: National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2025) Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (2017) IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award (2009) Induction into National Inventors Hall of Fame (2011) Emmy Award for Technology & Engineering (2021) Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa from Trinity College (2014) As an entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Fossum has: Co-founded Gigajot Technology with former PhD students Previously led Photobit and Siimpel Corporations Active participant in technology transfer initiatives at Dartmouth Founder and Past President of the International Image Sensor Society

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Carl SechenView profile

Professor

University of Texas at DallasUnited States

Carl Sechen is a Professor in the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on design and computer-aided design (CAD) of digital/analog integrated circuits, with a strong emphasis on secure ICs and transistor-level programmable fabrics. He leads projects like the TRAP fabric, which achieves 10X logic density over traditional FPGAs while enabling secure hardware through IC redaction. Education: Ph.D. (1987, UC Berkeley), M.S. (1977, MIT), B.E.E. (1975, University of Minnesota). Awards include IEEE Fellow (2002), UTD Distinguished Teaching Award (2014), and multiple Semiconductor Research Corporation awards. His work bridges theoretical CAD advancements with practical hardware security solutions. Research Highlights: Secure IC design, transistor-level programmability, FPGA architecture, hardware security. Key Projects: TRAP fabric development, anti-reverse engineering techniques, low-power design methodologies. Awards: Over 20+ honors including best paper awards at PRIME (2017) and DATE (nominated 2017). Publications span journals like IEEE Transactions on CAD and conferences such as DATE, ISCAS, and VTS. Current work emphasizes secure hardware through obfuscation and programmable logic innovations.

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Alton HorsfallView profile

Professor

Durham UniversityUnited Kingdom

Professor Alton Horsfall holds a position at Durham University's Department of Engineering. He earned his BSc (1993) and PhD (1997) in Physics from Durham before working at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. A former Reader at Newcastle University, he is now a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (since 2017). His research focuses on electronic systems for extreme environments, including nuclear reactors, jet engines, and volcanoes. Notable innovations include high-temperature power electronics operating beyond 300°C and quantum physics-based electric field mapping in semiconductors. He collaborates with institutions like Heriot Watt University and industry partners such as Rolls Royce and BAE Systems. Horsfall leads the development of Solid State Transformers and has pioneered nano-scale magnetometry for cell imaging. He has secured funding from EPSRC, Innovate UK, and major corporations, and sits on the EPSRC College and IEEE Sensors Conference Technical Programme Committee. With 27 successful PhD supervisions, he was honored as the Best Lecturer in Electrical Engineering (2014). Current projects include radiation-resistant amplifiers and high-temperature current monitors. Horsfall is Guest Editor for a special issue on Sensors for Extreme Environments in the Sensors Journal, highlighting his leadership in advancing frontier technologies.

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