Sharon M Weiss

Sharon M Weiss is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering and holds joint appointments in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Physics at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering. She directs the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on light-matter interaction, silicon photonics, porous silicon biosensors, and nanotechnology. She earned a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Optics from the University of Rochester.

Her work spans advanced photonic crystal designs, ultra-sensitive biosensors, and radiation-tolerant optical components for aerospace applications. Recent projects include photonic metacrystals for high-Q cavities and porous silicon sensors for rapid diagnostics. She has pioneered integration of phase-change materials like VO₂ in silicon photonics for ultrafast optical switching.

Publications emphasize subwavelength photonics, biosensing innovations, and space-qualified optoelectronics. Her lab develops hybrid waveguides, nanobeam cavities, and AI-enhanced sensing systems. Collaborations include NASA and industry partners for biomedical and defense applications.