Alexander Khanikaev

Dr. Alexander Khanikaev holds the Cobb Family Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair and Professorship in Optics & Photonics at CREOL, University of Central Florida. His academic journey includes a PhD from Moscow State University (2003), postdoctoral roles at Toyohashi University of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin, and faculty positions at City University of New York and UCF. His research focuses on topological photonics, plasmonics, metamaterials, and light-matter interactions in engineered nanomaterials.

Education: PhD in Physics (Moscow State University, 2003); Postdoctoral training in Japan (2003-2008); Research Associate at UT Austin (2009-2013).

Research interests span quantum phenomena in photonic nanostructures, topological insulators, and acoustic systems. He pioneered concepts like photonic topological insulators (2012) and topological acoustics (2015). His work emphasizes experimental design and theoretical modeling of topological systems, with applications in sensors, quantum optics, and nanophotonics.

Recent articles highlight advancements in topological metasurfaces, polaritons in 2D materials, and nonreciprocal waveguides. Awards include the NSF Special Creativity Award (2021) and Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher status (2022–2024).

Advises four graduate students at UCF and collaborates on grants exploring topological photonics and metamaterials. His lab, part of CREOL, hosts cutting-edge research in photonic topological systems and nanoscale light-matter interactions.