Guang Lin Zhao

Dr. Guang Lin Zhao is a Professor of Physics at the Physics Department and Nano Materials Laboratory, Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With over 25 years of academic experience since joining the institution in 1997, Dr. Zhao has established himself as a leading researcher in nanomaterials and electromagnetic properties. His work bridges computational and experimental approaches to develop innovative materials with applications in energy conversion, electromagnetic shielding, and advanced composites.

Dr. Zhao's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Solid State Physics with minor in Computer Science, Iowa State University (1992)
• M.S. in Low Temperature Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1983)
• B.S. in Experimental Low Temperature Physics, University of Science and Technology of China (1977)

Dr. Zhao's research focuses on the synthesis and properties of carbon nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes and functionalized graphene structures. His work spans computational studies of electronic properties and experimental development of multifunctional nanocomposites with applications in electromagnetic wave absorption, thermoelectric energy harvesting, and electrocatalysis for fuel cells. His laboratory investigates nitrogen-functionalized carbon nanostructures as electrocatalysts, multifunctional polymer nanocomposites, and wide band-gap semiconductors.

Analysis of Dr. Zhao's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on electromagnetic wave absorption properties of carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotube-epoxy composites. His research shows a progression from fundamental studies of nanomaterial properties to practical applications in structural composites with electromagnetic shielding capabilities. The work increasingly incorporates computational methods alongside experimental validation, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach that bridges physics, materials science, and engineering.

Dr. Zhao has received several prestigious awards:

• 2017 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Innovation Award at the BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference
• 2013 Research Millionaire Club Inductee, Southern University and A & M College
• Faculty Researcher/Scholar of the Year for FY 2007-2008, College of Sciences
• Visiting Fellow at Princeton University (2005-2006)

Dr. Zhao has secured substantial research funding from major agencies including the National Science Foundation, Army Research Office, and Office of Naval Research. His current projects include "Electric Field Polarization on Heteroatoms Doped Carbon Nanomaterials" ($583,400 from ARO), "Partnership for Research and Education on Molecules at High Pressures" ($900,000 from NSF), and "Exploration of New Multifunctional Polymer Nano-Composites" ($450,000 from ONR). Previously, he served as co-PI for the $5 million NSF CREST Center for Next Generation Multifunctional Composites.

Dr. Zhao directs the Nano Materials Laboratory at Southern University, where his team conducts research on carbon nanotube synthesis, electromagnetic properties of nanocomposites, and computational materials science. His laboratory facilities include equipment for nanomaterial synthesis, characterization of electromagnetic properties, and computational resources for ab-initio simulations. The lab collaborates with researchers at Princeton University, Louisiana State University, and other institutions on interdisciplinary projects spanning physics, materials science, and engineering.