Song-I Han

Professor Song-I Han is a dual faculty member in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). She holds full professorship since 2012, following tenure in 2010. Her research focuses on magnetic resonance spectroscopy and relaxometry, employing electron spin probes to study biomolecular interactions and nanoscale material interfaces. She leads the Han Lab, pioneering advancements in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques.

Education:

• 1995: Vordiplom in Chemistry, University of Köln
• 1998: Diplom in Chemistry, Aachen University of Technology
• 2001: Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences), Aachen University of Technology

Research Interests:

Her work bridges chemistry and engineering, emphasizing:

• Magnetic resonance techniques for nanoscale structural elucidation
• Electron spin sensors for biomolecular and material surface analysis
• Dynamic nuclear polarization applications in biophysics and materials science
• Hydration layer dynamics in molecular recognition

Awards & Recognition:

• 2018 Biophysical Society Innovation Award
• 2015 Bessel Humboldt Prize
• 2008 Packard Fellowship
• 2004 Dreyfus New Faculty Award

Professional Activities:

She serves as President of the International EPR Society (2020–present) and holds editorial roles in Journal of Magnetic Resonance. Her leadership includes directing UCSB’s Materials Research Laboratory Spectroscopy Facility (2007–2018) and advising national labs like the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Labs & Teams:

The Han Lab collaborates internationally, focusing on electron spin-based sensing technologies. Current projects include developing DNP-enhanced NMR methods for biological systems and material characterization.