Yang Zhao

Yang Zhao is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Biomedical and Translational Sciences department. His research focuses on nanophotonics, metasurfaces, and biomedical imaging technologies.

Recent Courses Taught:

• ECE 529: Light-Matter Interactions
• ECE 570: Nonlinear Optics
• ECE 329: Fields and Waves I
• ECE 110: Introduction to Electronics

Yang's work combines light-matter interactions with biomedical applications, including advanced nanophotonic platforms for chiral molecule detection and label-free imaging techniques. He has pioneered optical force nanoscopy and plasmonic-enhanced sensing methods.

Scientific Awards:

• NIH/NIGMS Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA ESI) (2025)
• Dean's Awards for Early Innovation and Research Excellence (2024)
• IEEE Best Project Award (2023)
• Engineering Council Outstanding Advisor Award (2023)

Yang's lab has trained award-winning students, including recipients of the Paul D. Coleman, Elsa and Floyd Dunn, and Samsung Technology Track Scholarships. His team develops nanophotonic solutions for biomedical diagnostics and sustainable wearable devices.