Zhi-Xun Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences at Stanford University, holding dual appointments in the Physics and Applied Physics Departments. He is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and serves on advisory boards for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Stanford Science Fellows programs. His research focuses on condensed matter and materials physics, particularly the electronic structures of superconductors, topological insulators, and novel materials. Dr. Shen pioneered advanced spectroscopic techniques, including photon-based imaging and scattering methods, and has authored over 600 publications with significant citation impact. His honors include the Kamerlingh Onnes Prize (2000), E.O. Lawrence Award (2010), and Oliver E. Buckley Prize (2011). He co-founded PrimeNano Inc., commercializing technologies from his lab, such as microwave impedance microscopy. His work bridges fundamental physics with energy-related applications, emphasizing the interplay between electronic structure and material properties. Dr. Shen’s research group explores cutting-edge topics like topological surface states, electron-phonon interactions, and superconductivity mechanisms. His inventions, such as non-resonance microwave imaging, have found applications in materials characterization. He remains active in advancing instrumentation and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his academic and industry roles.
Ali Yazdani is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering, Department of Physics, and Director of the Princeton Center for Complex Materials at Princeton University. His research focuses on quantum condensed matter physics, leveraging scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy to explore novel quantum phases in materials such as graphene, twisted bilayer graphene, and topological insulators. Key achievements include the first direct observation of Hofstadter's fractal energy spectrum in quantum materials (2025), studies on Majorana fermions in atomic chains, and investigations into strongly correlated Chern insulators. His work bridges theoretical predictions with experimental validation, emphasizing quantum materials' topological and correlated properties. Affiliations: Princeton University, Department of Physics; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Grainger College of Engineering. Research Themes: Quantum fractals, topological insulators, superconductivity, Majorana fermions, moiré materials. Research Summary: Dr. Yazdani’s lab employs advanced STM techniques to visualize electronic wavefunctions and study correlated phases. Notable projects include: - Visualization of Hofstadter’s butterfly in twisted bilayer graphene. - Discovery of valley skyrmions in graphene quantum Hall ferromagnets. - Unconventional superconductivity in magic-angle graphene. - Development of methods to detect Majorana zero modes. Labs/Teams: Yazdani Lab at Princeton University focuses on quantum materials and topological phases, collaborating with theorists and experimentalists globally.
Meng Cheng is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Yale University, specializing in condensed matter theory. He holds a B.S. from Nanjing University (2008) and a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Theory from the University of Maryland (2013). After a postdoctoral position at Microsoft Research Station Q (2013–2016), he joined Yale in 2017. His research focuses on quantum criticality, fractonic phases, and symmetric topological phases, with a particular emphasis on classification and characterization of exotic quantum matter. He has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2019) and the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2019). Key research interests include topological superconductivity, global symmetry interactions, and applications in quantum information. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with experimental implications, exploring topics like Wilson loop operators, disorder operators, and entanglement entropy in gapless systems. He has contributed to advancements in understanding symmetry-enriched topological phases and their surface topological order. Publications span high-impact journals and cover topics such as fractionalization in electronic insulators, quantum Hall effects, and topological stabilizer models. His talks highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including seminars at the Perimeter Institute and Université de Montréal on fractonic topological phases and infinite-component Chern-Simons theories. Awards and grants underscore his contributions to advancing theoretical physics, with a focus on fostering innovation in quantum materials and computational methods. Teaching and mentorship activities further his commitment to education within the Yale Physics Department.
Clay Córdova is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, associated with the Enrico Fermi Institute, James Franck Institute, Kadanoff Center, and Kavli Institute. His research focuses on theoretical physics, particularly quantum field theory, non-invertible symmetries, and their applications in particle and condensed matter physics. Córdova’s work explores topological phases, gauge theories, and string theory, with recent contributions to non-invertible symmetry classification and their role in phase transitions. His research interests include categorical symmetries, topological defects, and anomaly matching in quantum field theories. He has pioneered studies on soliton-particle degeneracies, anyon condensation mechanisms, and anomalies in non-invertible symmetry frameworks. Córdova’s work bridges high-energy physics with condensed matter systems, often employing advanced mathematical techniques from category theory and algebraic topology. His 2023 Sloan Research Fellowship highlights recognition of his contributions. Key research trends span non-invertible symmetries across dimensions, topological field theory applications, and interdisciplinary methods combining machine learning with lattice gauge theory. Current projects include exploring duality defects, gapped phase obstructions, and symmetry-enriched phases in (3+1)D systems.
Yuan Cao is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley, since July 2024. He completed his BSc in Applied Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (2014), followed by an MS (2016) and PhD (2020) in Electrical Engineering at MIT. Before joining Berkeley, he was a Junior Fellow at Harvard University (2021–2024). His research focuses on the electrical properties of low-dimensional materials and their applications via nanotechnology, including MEMS. Notable achievements include pioneering work on twisted graphene superconductivity, recognized as a Nature’s 10 highlight (2018) and Physics Breakthrough of the Year . He has received awards such as the Sackler Prize in Physics (2020), McMillan Award (2021), and NSF CAREER Award (2025). His research integrates experimental physics, nanofabrication, and low-temperature transport to explore novel quantum phenomena in 2D materials. Recent breakthroughs include the MEGA2D platform, an on-chip MEMS system enabling precise manipulation of 2D materials. Collaborations with Prof. Nguyen secured a $1M DARPA NIMBUS contract, and his NSF CAREER award funds studies on reconfigurable graphene superlattices. Education: PhD, Electrical Engineering, MIT (2020) MS, Electrical Engineering, MIT (2016) BSc, Applied Physics, USTC (2014) Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2025) Sackler Prize in Physics (2020) McMillan Award (2021) TIME 100 Next (2019) Grants & Funding: $1M DARPA NIMBUS Program Contract (2023) $810K NSF CAREER Award (2025) Prof. Cao’s lab actively recruits motivated graduate students and postdocs with expertise in 2D materials, MEMS, nanofabrication, or low-temperature physics. The lab is part of UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, fostering interdisciplinary research at the forefront of quantum and nanoscale systems.
David Goldhaber-Gordon is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Stanford University, specializing in nanoscale electron behavior and quantum effects. His research spans nanofabrication, materials growth, low-temperature measurements, and scanning probe techniques, focusing on materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and topological insulators. Harvard AB in Physics (1994) Harvard AM in History of Science (1994) MIT PhD in Physics (1999) His work explores electron organization and flow in nanoscale systems, emphasizing quantum effects and interactions. Research areas include twisted bilayer graphene, helical trilayer platforms, and topological insulator applications for quantum devices and energy technologies. Recent publications focus on strain effects in twisted graphene, moiré superlattice engineering, and quantum anomalous Hall integration. Themes include topological phases, correlated insulators, and metrology advancements. Co-founder and Director, Center for Probing the Nanoscale (NSF Center) Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows He teaches advanced physics labs, independent research, and dissertation courses at Stanford. His group collaborates with materials scientists, engineers, and chemists to develop novel electronic applications.
Michael Knap is an Associate Professor of Collective Quantum Dynamics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the Department of Physics at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research group focuses on condensed matter theory, quantum many-body systems, and quantum simulation. Knap holds office in room 5101.01.037 at James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748 Garching b. München, and can be reached at michael.knap@ph.tum.de or +49 (89) 289 - 53777. Prof. Knap's research delves into the rich physics of quantum many-body systems, particularly exploring non-equilibrium dynamics and transport phenomena in ultracold quantum gases, interacting light-matter systems, and correlated quantum materials. His work spans multiple subfields including topological phases of matter, quantum simulation with trapped ions, fracton physics, and quantum computation. He develops novel numerical approaches based on quantum information theory and utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to tackle challenging problems in condensed matter physics. His group's research connects fundamental theoretical questions with experimental implementations in quantum simulators. The analysis of Prof. Knap's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on topological quantum matter, quantum simulation, and emergent phenomena in constrained quantum systems. His work frequently bridges condensed matter theory with quantum information science, as evidenced by publications on fracton hydrodynamics, higher-form symmetries, and quantum error correction. There's a clear progression toward increasingly complex quantum systems and connections to experimental implementations on quantum processors. His research shows significant interdisciplinary reach, connecting condensed matter physics with quantum computing and quantum information theory. ERC Consolidator Grant (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Supervisory Award, TUM Department of Physics (2018) Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae, Austria (2013) Prof. Knap has established a robust research program supported by prestigious European Research Council grants. His group actively collaborates with both theoretical and experimental groups worldwide, particularly in the quantum simulation community. He has supervised numerous students through Master's Seminars on Collective Quantum Dynamics covering topics like quantum simulation with trapped ions and theoretical quantum computation. His research has received significant attention, with several publications featured as Editors' suggestions and Research Highlights in leading journals. The Collective Quantum Dynamics group maintains strong connections with experimental quantum simulation efforts, particularly in the areas of ultracold atoms and trapped ion systems. Knap's theoretical work often provides frameworks for interpreting experimental results in quantum simulators, creating a productive feedback loop between theory and experiment. His group participates in collaborative research networks focused on advancing quantum simulation capabilities and understanding fundamental aspects of quantum many-body physics.
Jong-Yeon Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he joined in 2023 after completing postdoctoral research at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics. His work bridges condensed matter physics and quantum information science through investigations of quantum many-body phenomena. His educational background includes: B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from California Institute of Technology (2015) Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University (2020) Professor Lee's research focuses on exotic quantum phenomena where information theory intersects condensed matter systems. He develops frameworks for understanding decoherence in topological phases, quantum criticality in open systems, and non-equilibrium dynamics using advanced numerical methods. His work on "decohered" quantum systems reveals how information-theoretic transitions relate to boundary quantum criticality, with implications for quantum computing robustness. His publication record shows consistent innovation in quantum information preservation under decoherence, topological phase characterization, and computational studies of correlated electron systems like twisted bilayer graphene. Recent work emphasizes decoding protocols for topological order recovery and information capacity under environmental entanglement. He was awarded the Richard P. Feynman Prize in Theoretical Physics during undergraduate studies at Caltech. Professor Lee actively recruits graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, teaching graduate courses including PHYS 598 Special Topics in Physics. His group focuses on quantum simulation platforms and theoretical frameworks for noisy quantum systems. At Illinois, he contributes to the theoretical condensed matter and quantum information research ecosystem, developing collaborations across physics and engineering disciplines.
Jicheng Jin is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on topological photonics, nonlinear optics, and advanced photonic materials like AlScN and lithium niobate. Key interests include Floquet engineering, topological insulators of light, and novel optical devices. Research Interests: Nonlinear optical phenomena in photonic crystals Floquet topological phases and their experimental realization CMOS-compatible materials for integrated photonics Surface-emitting THz/FIR sources Bound states in the continuum and high-Q resonances Recent studies emphasize topological edge states, nonlinear frequency conversion, and device applications of 2D van der Waals heterostructures. His work bridges theoretical predictions with experimental validations in advanced photonic systems. Notable trends in publications include exploration of AlScN-based electro-optic phase shifters, Floquet Chern insulators, and geometric phase effects in magnon polaritons. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. Advising and grants remain unspecified in the current dataset. Lab affiliations include collaborations related to the Department's photonics and condensed matter physics groups.
Prof. Yuxin Zhao (Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong) is an Associate Professor specializing in the application of algebra representation and topology in condensed matter physics. He holds a B.Sc. from Peking University and a Ph.D. from HKU. B.Sc., Peking University (2006-2010) Ph.D., The University of Hong Kong (2010-2015) His research focuses on condensed matter theory and quantum simulation , particularly the interplay between topological phases , algebraic representation , and momentum-space symmetry . He has published extensively on topics such as non-Hermitian systems , projective symmetry algebra , and spacetime crystals . Recent publications highlight trends in topological semimetals , non-Abelian braiding , and symmetry-enriched topological charges . His work bridges theoretical physics with quantum information and materials science . Distinguished Young Scholars, Jiangsu Province, China (2021) 1000-Talent Program for Young Scientists (2016) Prof. Zhao actively supervises PhD students including Wang Xiang, Wang Peiyuan, Wang Aoning, Lyu Junkun, and Liu Tianrun. He leads the 2024 grant Exploring novel topological phases protected by momentum-space nonsymmorphic symmetries (HK$910,742) and co-investigated the 2017 project Crystalline Gapless and Gapped Topological Phases (HK$472,351). He serves as Council Member of the Physical Society of Hong Kong (2023-2024).
Frank Schindler is an Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Theory at Imperial College London, Department of Physics (Faculty of Natural Sciences). He joined Imperial in August 2023 and is also a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow (2024–present). His research focuses on topological phases of matter, quantum materials, metamaterials, and quantum dynamics. He leads the 'Theory of Topological Matter' research group, currently supervising 4 PhD students, 3 master’s students, and expects a postdoc in 2025. His work bridges theoretical physics and materials science, with a focus on non-Hermitian topology and topological metamaterials. Education: BSc Physics (LMU Munich, 2012–2015), Part III Mathematics (Cambridge, 2015–2016), PhD in Condensed Matter Theory (University of Zurich, 2016–2020) Research interests include topological phases in quantum materials, non-Hermitian systems, and moiré superlattices. His recent articles explore topics like non-Hermitian topology, topological invariants, and quantum dynamics. Awards include the James Clerk Maxwell Medal (2024) and the Sam B. Treiman Fellowship (2022). Grants and collaborations: Supported by UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and the Simons Foundation. Active in UKRI EPSRC Materials for Quantum Network (M4QN) initiatives. His lab focuses on experimental collaborations and theoretical modeling of topological phenomena.
Yafei Ren is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Delaware, part of the College of Arts & Sciences. She holds a B.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology of China and joined UD in August 2023. Her research focuses on geometric phase effects and nonequilibrium phenomena in condensed matter systems, particularly electron-phonon-coupled systems with applications in spintronics, magnonics, and phononics. Her research interests include the study of topological materials, nonlinear magnonic processes, and the interplay between magnetism and band topology. Notable projects involve engineering corner states in topological insulators, exploring exciton-magnon coupling in layered semiconductors, and investigating light-driven phonon chirality in paramagnetic systems. Ren's work spans theoretical and applied condensed matter physics, with a focus on quantum materials and their novel functionalities. Her recent publications highlight advancements in topological phase transitions, orbital magnetization dynamics, and the design of higher-order topological insulators. She advises several graduate students and postdocs, including Saurabh, Randy, Will, Ali Kefayati, and Sanjib Das.
Zhurun (Judy) Ji is an Assistant Professor of Physics at MIT (starting January 2026), currently a Panofsky Fellow at SLAC National Lab. Her research focuses on quantum sensing, quantum materials, and quantum device development using advanced scanning probe techniques. She leads the Ji Quantum Lab, investigating quantum phenomena such as electron topology, correlation, and phase transitions to advance quantum technologies. Education: B.Sc. in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (2015), Ph.D. in Physics from University of Pennsylvania (2021). Postdoctoral training includes Stanford University (2021–2024) as a Stanford Science Fellow and Urbanek-Chodorow Postdoc Fellow. Research Interests: Development of novel RFlexiscope techniques for microwave probing of quantum materials Study of coherence properties in 2D materials and quantum phase transitions Design of solid-state quantum circuits using insights from quantum phenomena Awards: Recognized with prestigious fellowships including the Panofsky Fellowship (SLAC), Boeing Quantum Creators Prize, and multiple graduate/postdoc awards. Labs: Ji Quantum Lab at MIT, active collaborations with SLAC and Stanford. Current work integrates quantum sensing advancements with device applications for next-generation technologies.
Yi-Zhuang You is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He holds a Ph.D. from Tsinghua University (2013). His research focuses on theoretical investigations of correlated topological phases, quantum entanglement dynamics, and machine learning applications in many-body systems. Key areas include deconfined quantum criticality, symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases, and the interplay between topology and quantum matter. His work bridges condensed matter physics and high-energy physics, exploring topics such as topological responses in gauge theories, entanglement holography, and quantum machine learning. Recent studies involve machine learning-driven approaches to quantum state preparation, symmetry discovery, and tomographic reconstruction of quantum systems. His contributions span theoretical frameworks for understanding topological transitions, fractionalization in lattice models, and the role of symmetry in quantum critical phenomena. Notable research highlights include the study of symmetric mass generation as a deconfined quantum criticality mechanism, the application of classical shadow tomography for efficient quantum state estimation, and the development of algorithms for self-similar dynamics modeling. His publications frequently intersect with experimental proposals for observing topological phases in materials like graphene and iridates. Dr. You’s affiliations include the UCSD Physics Department, with collaborations extending to institutions globally. His research is supported by grants focusing on quantum information, topological materials, and machine learning applications in physics. While no specific awards are listed, his work has been widely cited in high-impact journals across condensed matter and theoretical physics.
F. Duncan M. Haldane is the Sherman Fairchild University Professor and Eugene Higgins Professor of Physics at Princeton University. He joined Princeton in 1990 and has held previous positions at institutions including the Institut Laue-Langevin in France and the University of California, San Diego. Ph.D. in Physics from Cambridge University (1978) B.A. from Cambridge University (1973) Haldane’s research focuses on strongly-interacting quantum many-body systems , particularly condensed-matter systems studied through non-perturbative methods. His work spans the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) , quantum geometry, topological insulators, and Chern insulators. He has pioneered the study of entanglement spectra as a tool for identifying topological order and developed geometric descriptions of FQHE states using metric-tensor fields. His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding topological phases of matter , including implications for photonic crystals and flat-band systems. Key themes include quantum geometry, topological order, and collective modes in incompressible quantum fluids. Nobel Prize in Physics (2016) ICTP Dirac Medal (2012) Oliver E. Buckley Prize (1993) Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (1984-1988) Simons Fellow in Theoretical Physics (2013-2014) Haldane has mentored notable researchers such as Hui Li and S. Raghu. His work has been supported by grants including those from the Simons Foundation. He has contributed to the development of the Moore Foundation-funded Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems (EPiQS) theory center at Princeton.
