Michelle Povinelli

Michelle L. Povinelli is Dean’s Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Professor of Physics & Astronomy at USC, serving as Associate Chair for ECE-Electrophysics. She joined USC in 2008 and holds awards including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, NSF CAREER Award, Army Young Investigator Award, and TR35 recognition for top innovators under 35.

Research specializes in nanophotonics and metamaterials, particularly infrared photonics for thermal management and optical control. Recent work focuses on tunable metasurfaces, graphene plasmonics, and adaptive thermal radiators using phase-change materials.

Publications demonstrate consistent innovation in light-matter interaction at nanoscales, with growing emphasis on electrically tunable devices and thermal regulation technologies. Research combines theoretical modeling with micro/nanofabrication approaches.

• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
• NSF CAREER Award
• Army Young Investigator Award
• TR35 Award (Top 35 Innovators Under 35)