Edwin Chihchuan Kan

Professor Edwin Chihchuan Kan is a faculty member in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University. He joined Cornell in 1997 as an Assistant Professor and is now a full Professor. His research focuses on near-field radio frequency sensing and RFID technologies with applications in health monitoring and senior care.

Education

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University (1984)
• M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1988)
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1992)

Research Interests

Professor Kan's research spans multiple areas in electrical engineering and biomedical applications. His primary focus is on near-field radio frequency (RF) sensing technology for monitoring vital signs, muscle activities, and tissue vibration without requiring body contact. This technology enables non-invasive monitoring of internal organs and tissues. He also works extensively with RFID technologies for precision tracking, imaging, and occupant counting. His earlier work focused on CMOS technology and circuits for nonvolatile memories before shifting toward biomedical applications after 2014.

His research encompasses several key areas including Sensors and Actuators, Nanobio Applications, Nanotechnology, Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bio-Electrical Engineering, Solid State Electronics, Optoelectronics, MEMs, Integrated Circuits, and Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation.

Research Trends

Professor Kan's recent publications demonstrate a clear shift in research focus from traditional semiconductor memory technology toward biomedical applications of RF and sensor technology. His work shows increasing integration of signal processing and machine learning techniques with hardware development. The publications from 2013-2014 reflect this transition period where he was working on both memory technologies (DRAM-Flash hybrid memory, Flash memory security) and emerging biomedical sensor applications (ion-sensitive transistors, CMOS sensing of biological signals, RF biosensors).

Scientific Awards

• Cornell Inventor Award, Cornell University (2006)
• Robert '55 and Vanne '57 Cowie Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Engineering, Cornell University (2003)
• Cornell Inventor Award, Cornell University (2003)
• Best Chapter Chair Award, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (2002)
• Presidential Early-Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Award, U.S. Government (2000)

Teaching and Service

Professor Kan teaches graduate courses on Semiconductor Memories and RFID, and undergraduate courses covering a wide range of topics including Introduction to Microelectronics, Quantum Mechanics, Silicon Devices, Digital Circuit Design, RF Systems, Robust Programming, and Nanofabrication. He served as the ECE Director of Graduate Studies from 2010 to 2013.