Prof. Jay A. Gupta is a Professor and Vice Chair for Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs in the Department of Physics at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on atomic-scale studies of novel materials using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to address challenges in energy conversion and advanced computing. Key areas include magnetic skyrmions in chiral systems, semiconductor defects, 2D materials, and spintronics. He leads a laboratory equipped with four advanced STM systems and collaborates on NSF NeXUS, an ultrafast science facility. Education: B.S. Chemistry/Physics (UIUC), Ph.D. Physics (UCSB) Lab Locations: Physics Research Building (labs 0101/0105/0178) Key Projects: Spin-polarized STM of MnGe, defect-mediated surface chemistry in semiconductors, ultrafast laser-material interactions His group has trained over 30 graduate/undergraduate students and postdocs, many now in academia and industry. Research is supported by NSF, Department of Energy, and industrial partnerships.
Kasra Sardashti is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland and Principal Investigator at the Laboratory for Physical Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from UC San Diego (2016), and previously served as Assistant Professor of Physics & ECE at Clemson University. His research focuses on hybrid superconductor-semiconductor systems for quantum information processing, sensing, and communication through the Laboratory for Band Engineering of Quantum Systems (LaBEQs). Key research areas include band engineering at superconductor-normal material interfaces, advanced materials growth, nanofabrication, and low-temperature physics. His work is supported by NSF, DOE, AFOSR, and DARPA. He has pioneered voltage-tunable superconducting devices and hybrid quantum systems, with applications in classical-quantum processors and sensors. Notable contributions include studies on niobium-germanium interfaces and epitaxial superconducting heterostructures. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, UC San Diego (2016) Previous Roles: Research Scientist, Center for Quantum Phenomena, NYU He received the 2021 ORAU Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. His lab actively recruits postdocs, graduate students (Physics/Chemistry/Engineering), and undergraduates. Recent milestones include the 2024 Summer Internship Program and graduating an M.S. student. LaBEQs emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating materials science, quantum engineering, and cryogenics. Ongoing projects explore low-loss materials for superconducting electronics and piezo-acoustic quantum transduction in complex oxide heterostructures.
Stephen Wu is an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at the University of Rochester. His research focuses on merging quantum materials science with nanoscale electronic devices to advance electronics beyond Moore's Law. He holds a B.S. and B.A. from UC Berkeley (2006), and M.A. and Ph.D. in Physics from UC Berkeley (2009, 2012). Before joining Rochester in 2017, he was a postdoctoral scholar at Argonne National Laboratory's Materials Science Division. Key research interests include spintronic devices for nanoscale spin current manipulation, complex oxide thin films for quantum materials exploration, and 2D systems for topological electronic devices. His work integrates experimental condensed matter physics with materials science and electrical engineering. Recent studies emphasize strain engineering in 2D materials such as MoTe2 and graphene, exploring strain-induced phase changes, moiré patterns, and superconductivity. He has pioneered scalable fabrication techniques for van der Waals heterostructures and investigated strain effects on electronic properties. His publications span topics like memristor performance, moiré engineering, and nanoscale strain control. Collaborative efforts focus on interdisciplinary challenges in quantum materials and device miniaturization.
James N. Eckstein is a Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory. He holds a PhD from Stanford University (1978) and joined UIUC in 1997 after 15 years as a senior scientist at Varian Associates. His research focuses on superconductivity, magnetic materials, and thin-film growth via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Eckstein pioneered atomic layer-by-layer MBE techniques for oxide films, enabling precision studies of cuprate superconductors and manganites. His work has advanced understanding of spin-valve magnetoresistance, interface effects, and quantum phase transitions. He has authored over 50 journal articles and holds six U.S. patents. Awards include the James C. McGroddy Prize (2021) and APS Fellowship (2005). Eckstein teaches advanced electromagnetism courses (PHYS 435/436) and leads the Eckstein Group, leveraging facilities like the Electron Microscopy Core and X-ray Analysis Core. Education: B.S. Physics (St. Olaf College, 1973); Ph.D. Physics (Stanford University, 1978). Research Interests: Superconducting and magnetic oxide materials Molecular beam epitaxy of complex oxides Colossal magnetoresistance in manganites Interface engineering for novel electronic phases Quantum transport in low-dimensional systems Publications Highlight Trends: His recent work explores topological superconductivity in Bi/Sb films (2020), strain-tuned Dirac surface states (2018), and coherence in superconducting qubits (2016). Earlier contributions addressed quantum criticality in Ce-based compounds (2012) and phase separation in manganites (2005). Awards: James C. McGroddy Prize (2021) Bernd T. Matthias Prize (2012) Arnold O. Beckman Award (2015, 2001) Lab/Team: Eckstein Group at UIUC focuses on thin-film synthesis and characterization, collaborating with Stanford, Berkeley, and international institutions. Facilities used include X-ray analysis, microscopy, and nanofabrication cores.
Dr. Axel Lubk is a Group Leader at the Institute for Solid State Research (IFW Dresden) , specializing in advanced electron microscopy techniques for materials science. His research spans four key areas: (1) TEM method development (high-resolution imaging, tomography, holography, and in-situ techniques), (2) charge particle optics and scattering theory , (3) magnetic nanotextures (domain walls, skyrmions), and (4) plasmonics (mode hybridization in heterogeneous structures and semiconductor heterostructures). Dr. Lubk’s work focuses on three-dimensional magnetic texture analysis using electron holography and tomography, particularly in systems like skyrmion tubes , FeGe , and Cr2O3 thin films . He has pioneered techniques for vector-field electron tomography and phase retrieval under varying boundary conditions, advancing nanoscale magnetic imaging. His recent studies include plasmonic properties in AgAu nanosphere chains , thermoelectric multilayer systems , and topological insulators like NiRh2Sb and TaTMTe4 . Dr. Lubk has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Advanced Materials , with a focus on TEM instrumentation and quantitative analysis . He frequently presents at international conferences like the International Microscopy Congress and European School of Magnetism , emphasizing applications in spintronics , quantum materials , and nanostructured systems . His contributions to holographic vector-field electron tomography and machine learning for spectrum-image data have set new standards in electron microscopy.
Leonard J. Brillson is a Professor of Physics and Electrical & Computer Engineering at The Ohio State University, holding a joint appointment in the Center for Materials Research. He previously served as Director of Xerox Corporation's Materials Research Laboratory. His research focuses on surfaces and interfaces of electronic materials at atomic and nanometer scales, emphasizing wide band gap semiconductors, semiconductor heterostructures, and complex oxides for applications in optoelectronics, spintronics, and renewable energy. Brillson earned an A.B. in Physics from Princeton University (1967), followed by an M.S. (1969) and Ph.D. (1972) in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, IEEE, and multiple other prestigious societies. His research interests include defect characterization in semiconductors, molecular beam epitaxy, and nanoscale materials engineering. Recent work explores defect-driven phenomena in ZnO, Ga2O3, and complex oxides, with applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Over 300 publications and an h-index of 46 reflect his impactful contributions, including foundational studies on semiconductor interface bonding and defect-induced conductivity in ZnO. Awards include the AVS Gaede-Langmuir Award (2006), NSF American Competitiveness Fellowship (2010), and multiple Ohio State Lumley Research Awards. His textbook *Surfaces and Interfaces of Electronic Materials* (Wiley-VCH, 2010) is a key resource in the field. Brillson leads the Electronic Materials and Nanostructures Lab (EMNL), located at the intersection of Physics and Engineering disciplines. The lab investigates defect manipulation, interfacial phenomena, and advanced characterization techniques for next-generation electronic materials.
Dr. Dirk Dorfs is an Associate Professor at Leibniz University Hannover, working within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry. He serves as Group Leader of the Section Colloid Chemistry of Metals and Semiconductors, Spectroscopic Effects, and is part of the lecturing staff. His research spans multiple areas of nanoscience and physical chemistry with a particular focus on colloidal nanoparticle synthesis and characterization. Dr. Dorfs' primary research interests include shape and composition control in colloidal nanoparticle synthesis, alternative plasmonic materials, and temperature gradients on the nanometer scale. His work bridges fundamental nanomaterial science with practical applications in electrocatalysis, energy conversion, and optoelectronics. He has developed expertise in creating complex nanostructures including cryogels, semiconductor-metal hybrid systems, and plasmonic nanomaterials. His publication record demonstrates consistent research output over two decades, with recent work focusing on cryogel-based electrocatalysts, plasmonic nanocrystals, and semiconductor-metal hybrid systems. The research trends show a progression from fundamental nanocrystal synthesis to more applied materials for energy conversion and catalysis. Dr. Dorfs has contributed significantly to advances in colloidal chemistry, particularly in the areas of nanoparticle-based cryogels, plasmonic nanomaterials, and semiconductor heterostructures. His work has been published in high-impact journals including ACS Nano, Small, Journal of Physical Chemistry, and Advanced Materials. He leads research activities focused on developing novel nanomaterials with controlled properties for applications in energy conversion, catalysis, and optoelectronics. His group investigates the fundamental physical and chemical processes that govern nanomaterial behavior while developing practical applications for these advanced materials.
Xianglin Ke is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University. His research focuses on quantum materials with emphasis on topological materials , strongly correlated systems , and geometrically frustrated magnets . Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006) Postdoctoral Scholar at Pennsylvania State University (2006-2009) Clifford G. Shull Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2009-2012) His work explores emergent phenomena in quantum materials through neutron scattering techniques and bulk transport measurements . Key areas include topological magnon bands , spinon-magnon interactions , and interfacial phenomena in oxide heterostructures . Recent studies investigate anomalous thermal Hall effects in 2D magnets and pressure-induced phase transitions in Mott insulators. Scientific Awards: Clifford G. Shull Fellow He employs solid-state chemistry methods to synthesize novel materials and combines neutron scattering with electronic/thermal transport measurements to characterize their properties. Collaborations with institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory highlight his research network.
Dr. Xin Chen is a Junior Research Group Leader in the Department of Chemistry at the Free University of Berlin, leading the Chen Group focused on low-dimensional chemistry. His research explores the chemical reactivity and functionalization of two-dimensional materials including transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), graphene, and hexagonal boron nitride. Previously, he was a Postdoc at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and completed his PhD at Trinity College Dublin under Prof. Aidan R. McDonald. Dr. Chen's educational background includes: PhD in Inorganic and Synthetic Materials, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland (2013-2017) Postdoc at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2018-2023) His research focuses on three interconnected areas of low-dimensional chemistry. First, functionalization of 2D materials where he explores chemical reactivity of TMDs, graphene, and h-BN with various compounds to customize material properties. Second, 2D heterostructures development, creating synthetic concepts for spatially well-defined structures with atomic-level precision. Third, chemistry under confinement, examining how dimensionally confined surfaces affect chemical reactions. These research areas hold potential for applications in sensing, sieving, catalysis, and energy conversion. Dr. Chen's publication record demonstrates consistent focus on 2D materials chemistry, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides. His work shows evolution from fundamental functionalization studies toward sophisticated applications in heterostructure engineering and energy conversion. Recent publications highlight innovative approaches to patterned assembly using laser techniques, orthogonal functionalization strategies, and energy conversion platforms. His research consistently bridges fundamental chemistry with practical nanotechnology applications. Dr. Chen has received several prestigious awards: FUB Start-up Funding from Freie Universität Berlin (2024-2025) SupraFAB Start Funding from Freie Universität Berlin (2023-2025) Emerging Talents Initiative from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2022-2023) PhD Scholarship from Science Foundation Ireland (2013-2017) Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (2014) Dr. Chen actively mentors doctoral candidates, master's students, and research interns in his group. Current students include Sofiia Zuieva (Doctoral candidate focusing on organic synthesis and 2D heterostructures) and Atthawut Sudsamart (Master's student researching photochemistry of TMDs). He has secured multiple research grants to support his work on 2D materials, including startup funding from FU Berlin and the SupraFAB facility. His group welcomes motivated students through external scholarships or research internships. Dr. Chen's research is conducted at the Forschungsbau SupraFAB facility at FU Berlin, with access to fully-equipped chemistry and nanofabrication laboratories. His team consists of doctoral candidates, master's students, and research assistants working collaboratively on low-dimensional chemistry. The group offers professional training in organic synthesis, material processing, and advanced characterization techniques, fostering a dynamic and international research environment focused on cutting-edge nanotechnology.
Maurits Haverkort is a Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University (Germany). His research focuses on quantum many-body systems , strongly correlated electrons , and X-ray spectroscopy of complex materials under strong fields. University of Cologne (PhD in Physics, 2005) University of Groningen (M.Sc. in Physics, 2002) Research Interests : He investigates orbital and magnetic properties in heavy fermion systems , actinide materials , and correlated oxides using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) , ARPES , and computational tools like Quanty . His work spans crystal field theory , spin-orbit coupling , and ultrafast electron dynamics . Scientific Awards & Activities : 2018 – Editorial Board Member, Physical Review Letters 2017 – Beam Time Allocation Panel, ESRF Grenoble 2016–2018 – Swedish Research Council Panel NT-4 2012–2016 – Scientific Selection Panel, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin Recent Publications highlight 5f electron counting , photon-modulated bonding , and precision neutrino mass experiments , reflecting his expertise in quantum materials and advanced spectroscopy .
Prof. Gordana Dukovic is a Professor and Institute Fellow at the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She holds affiliations with RASEI, the Materials Science and Engineering Program, and served as a Visiting Professor at Claude Bernard University (2016). Her research focuses on nanoscience for solar energy applications, integrating nanomaterial synthesis with electronic spectroscopy to study light-matter interactions. Key contributions include developing CdS nanorods for CO2 reduction, investigating charge dynamics in quantum dots, and creating biohybrid systems for photocatalysis. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University (2006), postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley and LBNL (2006-2009). Research Interests: Design of nanomaterials for solar energy harvesting Electronic structure and excited-state dynamics of semiconductor nanocrystals Charge transfer mechanisms in enzyme-nanoparticle hybrids Photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 production Awards: Recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship (2023), Sloan Research Fellowship (2014), NSF CAREER Award (2012), and multiple institutional recognitions. Her work bridges nanotechnology, physical chemistry, and renewable energy with over 70 peer-reviewed publications. Lab and Collaborations: The Dukovic Group operates labs in Ekeley Science Building (M332/M366), collaborating with institutions like NREL and UC Berkeley. Positions are open for undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs interested in nanocrystal photochemistry.
Professor Chen Lang is a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where he serves as Vice-chair of the Department. He has made significant contributions to the field of complex functional oxides and multiferroic materials. Professor Chen received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Maryland in 2005, following an M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from the Institute of Physics, Beijing (2000) and a B.S. in Physical Electronics from Fudan University (1997). Prior to joining SUSTech in 2013, he served as an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2006-2013) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at CNRS, France (2005-2006). Professor Chen's research primarily focuses on multiferroic complex oxides , strain and domain engineering , and emergent materials and metamaterials . He has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the nonlinear piezoresponse of ferroelectric thin films and elucidating ferroelastic domain dynamics. His work on low symmetry phases, domain structures, and in-plane polarization rotation in epitaxial BiFeO3 thin film systems has been particularly influential. Analysis of Professor Chen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on multiferroic materials, complex oxides, and strain engineering. His work spans from fundamental studies of domain structures and phase transitions to applied research on novel materials with exceptional electromagnetic and mechanical properties. A notable trend in his recent work is the exploration of high-entropy oxides and their unique magnetic and mechanical properties. Pengcheng Scholar, Shenzhen Municipality Shenzhen Municipal Government's Peacock Program B category Shenzhen local-level leading talent Navigation Talent B category Nanyue Excellent Teacher Shenzhen Excellent Teacher SUSTech Outstanding Young Scholar SUSTech Excellent Service Award Professor Chen has published over 140 journal papers in prestigious journals including Nature Materials, Physical Review Letters, Advanced Materials, and Nature Communications. His work has been cited over 4,500 times with an h-index of 36. He has secured more than 30 million yuan in research funding, including 7 national-level projects and 7 provincial/municipal-level projects. He serves as a reviewer for numerous prestigious journals such as Advanced Materials and Applied Physics Letters. Professor Chen leads an active research group at SUSTech focusing on complex functional oxides and multiferroic materials. His team employs advanced techniques for materials synthesis and characterization to explore novel electromagnetic and mechanical properties in thin film systems. The group has made significant contributions to understanding domain dynamics, strain effects, and phase transitions in functional oxide materials.
Prof. Ralph Claessen is the Head of Chair for Experimental Physics IV at the University of Würzburg, Germany. His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, with expertise in electronic structure analysis of complex solids, surfaces, and interfaces. He leads a team investigating topological and strongly correlated quantum materials, epitaxial thin film growth, and advanced spectroscopic techniques like synchrotron-based electron and x-ray spectroscopy. His group explores phenomena such as spin-charge separation in quasi-one-dimensional conductors, topological edge states, and the interfacial properties of oxide heterostructures. Recent work includes developing momentum microscopy techniques at synchrotron facilities, studying graphene-intercalated quantum spin Hall systems, and advancing epitaxial growth methods for novel 2D materials. Key research directions include stabilizing high-temperature quantum spin Hall insulators, understanding chirality in kagome metals, and characterizing atomic-scale structures of nanowires. Claessen’s lab collaborates on cutting-edge instrumentation, such as hybrid photoelectron momentum microscopes, to probe electronic properties with unprecedented spatial and momentum resolution. His team also investigates memristive effects in oxide heterostructures and the electronic response of materials under extreme conditions. Ongoing projects aim to bridge theory and experiment through advanced spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, targeting applications in quantum computing and spintronics.
Paul Evans is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanoscale materials synthesis, ultrafast dynamics, and advanced X-ray characterization techniques. PhD, Harvard University (2000) MS, Harvard University (1996) BS, Cornell University (1994) Evans investigates solid-phase epitaxy of complex oxides, strain imaging in acoustic devices, and optically driven phase transitions. His work combines experimental and computational approaches, including deep learning for diffraction data analysis. His recent publications highlight breakthroughs in nanoscale crystallization, ultrafast magnetization dynamics, and hybrid magnon-phonon systems. Awards include the Bascom Professorship and Vilas Mid-Career Award. Surface Science and Technology Bascom Professorship (2022) Vilas Associate Award (2019) Polygon Engineering Outstanding Instructor Award (2006) Evans teaches courses in materials structure, advanced X-ray methods, and thesis research. His lab enables scalable synthesis of perovskites and defect-minimized oxide heterostructures.
Dr. Venkatraman Gopalan is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. His research spans the interdisciplinary domains of materials science, physics, and optical engineering, with a primary focus on nonlinear optical materials. He is actively involved in pioneering work on complex oxides, semiconductor fibers, metalattices, and symmetry-driven material phenomena. His research interests include ferroelectric materials, domain wall physics, second harmonic generation, electro-optics, and van der Waals semiconductors. These areas are central to advancements in multiferroics, optical communications, infrared applications, and all-fiber optoelectronics. The recurring themes in his recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on polarization engineering, symmetry analysis, and the discovery of novel functional materials with tailored optical and magnetic properties. The trend across his recent articles (2025) shows a consistent focus on probing fundamental material behaviors—such as proximity ferroelectricity, non-equilibrium phase formation, and magnetoelectric coupling—using both experimental and theoretical approaches. These works appear in premier journals like Nature , Science Advances , Physical Review X , and Journal of the American Chemical Society , reflecting high impact and interdisciplinary collaboration. His scientific contributions are recognized through active research output and affiliations with major research initiatives, including the Integrated Energy Systems theme at Penn State. Though specific awards are not listed, the caliber of his publications suggests significant recognition within the scientific community. Dr. Gopalan is engaged in collaborative research, frequently co-authoring with leading experts in materials theory, thin film growth, and characterization. While student advising is not explicitly mentioned, his leadership in large, multi-investigator projects implies mentorship roles. His work is supported by institutional and likely federal funding, given the scale and scope of the research. He is associated with advanced materials laboratories at the Millennium Science Complex, where synthesis, characterization, and theoretical modeling converge to explore next-generation functional materials.
