Matteo Rinaldi

Matteo Rinaldi is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering and serves as Director of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation. His work focuses on advanced micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS) for sensing and communication applications.

• Ph.D. in Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2010)
• M.Sc. and B.S. in Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata (2007, 2004)

Research Interests: Rinaldi's research spans fundamental and applied aspects of piezoelectric nanomaterials, with emphasis on

• Aluminum Nitride (AlN) and Scandium Aluminum Nitride (ScAlN) based NEMS
• Plasmonically enhanced infrared and chemical sensors
• Low-power reconfigurable radio communication systems
• Integration of MEMS/NEMS with electronics
• Nanomaterials for harsh environments

Publications & Research Trends: Rinaldi's recent work explores high-frequency resonators, infrared detection systems, and zero-power sensing technologies. Key trends include plasmonics for energy-efficient devices, ScAlN integration for improved performance, and machine learning applications in nanoscale device design.

Scientific Recognition:

• 2025 IEEE IFCS Walter G. Cady Award
• 2024 Northeastern Global Network Accelerator Award
• Optica Fellow
• IEEE Sensors Council Early Career Award
• DARPA Young Faculty Award
• NSF CAREER Award

Advising & Funding: Rinaldi advises graduate researchers like Antea Risso. His lab secures major grants from DARPA, NSF, DOE, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on next-generation sensing technologies and 6G communication systems.

Research Infrastructure: Leads the Northeastern Sensors & Nano Systems Laboratory (NS&NS Lab) and co-directs the bicoastal Institute for NanoSystems Innovation with Boston and Oakland campuses, advancing nanoscale semiconductor technologies.