Zachary Holman

Zachary Holman serves as the Vice Dean for Research and Innovation for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and is a Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. In his leadership role, he directs the research strategy for the largest engineering college in the United States, overseeing a vast portfolio of research initiatives and innovation activities.

Dr. Holman's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota (2010)
• B.A. in Physics from Reed College (2005)

His research spans the fields of solar cells, coatings, nanotechnology, semiconductors, plasmas, and aerosols. His specific interests include silicon-based tandem solar cells, contacts to solar cells, light management in silicon solar cells, novel uses of nanoparticles in devices, semiconductor nanoparticles, optical and electronic properties of nanoscale materials, plasma synthesis of powders, and deposition of powders and thin films. His work focuses on developing new semiconductor and solar materials, equipment, processes, and device designs to advance photovoltaic technology. Dr. Holman has been instrumental in bridging fundamental research with commercial applications through his entrepreneurial activities.

His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in photovoltaic technology, with recent work emphasizing perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, novel contact materials, and manufacturing processes. His research spans from fundamental material properties to commercialization pathways, with an emphasis on practical applications and scalability. The publications reveal a strong focus on improving solar cell efficiency while addressing manufacturing challenges and reliability concerns.

Dr. Holman has received numerous prestigious awards:

• Moore Inventor Fellow
• Trustees of ASU Professor
• Fulton Entrepreneurial Professor
• Joseph C. Palais Distinguished Faculty Scholar

As a research leader, Dr. Holman oversees multiple significant projects funded by DOE, NSF, and industry partners. His current portfolio includes major initiatives like 'TEAMUP: Tandems for efficient and advanced modules using ultrastable perovskites' (DOE SETO), 'Manufacturing 27%-efficient perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaic cells' (DOE SETO), and 'Center for clean energy materials' (DOE NETL). He has secured substantial funding from TSMC and Applied Materials for confidential projects, demonstrating strong industry connections and commercial relevance of his work. His grant portfolio spans fundamental research to applied technology development and commercialization pathways.

Dr. Holman leads the Holman Research Group within the School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at ASU, which maintains strong connections with ASU's shared facilities including the Solar Power Laboratory, NanoFab, and Eyring Materials Center. Notably, his group has founded three active startups: Swift Coat, Sunflex Solar, and Beyond Silicon, demonstrating a strong commitment to technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. The group comprises electrical engineers, materials scientists, mechanical engineers, physicists, and chemists working collaboratively on solar energy solutions.