Roland Kawakami

Professor Roland Kawakami is a leading experimental physicist at The Ohio State University, specializing in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics with a focus on spin transport, 2D materials, and topological insulators. His research leverages cutting-edge techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), ultrafast optical microscopy, and time-resolved spectroscopy to explore novel magnetic heterostructures and quantum phenomena.

• PhD from University of California, Berkeley (Physics)
• Recipient of the NSF Career Award (2005-) for pioneering work in spintronics and 2D materials
• Director of the Kawakami Group, fostering interdisciplinary research at the interface of spin dynamics, magneto-optics, and device engineering

Recent work includes discovery of room-temperature ferromagnetism in MnSe₂ monolayers, development of opto-valleytronic spin valves in MoS₂/graphene systems, and exploration of magneto-optic orbital Hall effects in chromium. His lab collaborates globally, utilizing synchrotron-based ARPES and advanced microscopy facilities.

• Over 20 PhD students and postdocs trained, many securing faculty positions (e.g., Purdue, USC)
• Key contributions to understanding spin-valley coupling in TMDs and spin-orbit torque mechanisms in magnetic heterostructures

Ongoing projects include NSF-funded ultrafast science initiatives (NeXUS facility) and development of van der Waals heterostructures for next-gen spintronic devices.