Judy J. Cha

Judy J. Cha is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University, College of Engineering. She leads cutting-edge research in topological and 2D nanomaterials and serves as the Lester B. Knight Director of the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF), a national open-user nanofabrication center. Prior to rejoining Cornell in 2022, she was a faculty member at Yale University for nine years. Her leadership at CNF supports over 1,000 researchers annually from academia and industry.

Research Interests: Her group investigates the synthesis, phase transformations, and electronic transport properties of quantum nanomaterials. Key research thrusts include: (A) topological nanowires for quantum computing and low-resistance interconnects, (B) 2D materials for energy and electronic applications, and (C) nanoscale effects on phase transitions. She employs advanced tools such as in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), low-temperature magneto-transport measurements, and thermomechanical nanomolding.

The recent publications reveal a strong focus on topological materials, charge density waves (CDW), nanomolding, and in situ characterization. Her work bridges fundamental quantum phenomena with applications in energy-efficient semiconductors and next-generation electronics, aligning with national initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act.

• Moore Foundation EPiQS Materials Synthesis Investigator Award (2019)
• NSF CAREER Award (2018)
• CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar for Quantum Materials (2017)
• Yale Arthur Greer Memorial Prize (2016)
• IBM Faculty Award (2014)

Dr. Cha received her Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University in 2009 and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University. She has secured major grants including an NSF CAREER award and leads collaborative research through centers like SUPREME and CROPPS. As director of CNF, she oversees a premier facility that enables transformative research in digital agriculture and energy-efficient semiconductors. Her lab trains students in advanced nanofabrication and quantum materials characterization, contributing to workforce development in critical technology areas.

Her research group utilizes the Cornell NanoScale Facility extensively, and she collaborates with national and international users. The lab focuses on both discovery and application of novel nanomaterials, with emphasis on scalable synthesis methods and real-time observation of phase dynamics.