Dr. Ruzan Sokhoyan is a Nanophotonics Research Scientist specializing in plasmonics and active metasurfaces. Her work focuses on advancing optical imaging, communication, and computation through tunable photonic structures. Core research in metasurface design for beam steering and polarization control Collaborative contributions with Harry A. Atwater and other leading researchers Publications in high-impact journals like ACS Nano and Advanced Optical Materials Her research explores electro-optic modulation , high-power laser beam manipulation , and dynamic photonic devices , with applications in optical communication and imaging. Recent work emphasizes inverse design approaches and liquid crystal-based tunable metasurfaces , reflecting trends toward reconfigurable and multifunctional photonic systems.
Eugene Demler is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, ETH Zurich. Previously, he held academic positions at Harvard University from 1998 to 2021, including Assistant Professor (2001-2004), Associate Professor (unspecified dates), and Full Professor (2005-2021). His work bridges theoretical condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, and quantum simulations. Education: MSc in Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1993) Diploma work, Lebedev Physics Institute (1992-1993) PhD in Theoretical Physics, Stanford University (1998), supervised by S.C. Zhang Demler's research focuses on strongly correlated quantum systems, spintronics, quantum sensing, and photo-induced phase transitions. His recent publications explore topics such as quantum polarons, Josephson plasmons, magnon dynamics, and terahertz spectroscopy in superconductors. He has pioneered hybrid quantum-classical methods for electron-phonon systems and cavity-mediated quantum materials. His Google Scholar articles (2023-2025) span theoretical and experimental domains, with keywords including Quantum Physics , Condensed Matter Physics , and Quantum Optics . Subfields include Quantum Control , Superconductivity , Spin Waves , Quantum Sensing , Non-Equilibrium Dynamics , and Quantum Simulation . Scientific Awards: Hamburg Prize for Theoretical Physics (2021) Simons Investigator (2021) Moore Distinguished Scholar (2020) Hanna Visiting Scholar (2019) Highly Cited Researcher (2017-2020) Senior Fellow at ETH Zurich's Institute for Theoretical Studies (2015) Simons Fellowship (2015) Distinguished Scholar at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (2015) Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2014) Siemens Research Award (2006) Johannes Gutenberg Lecture Award (2006) NSF Career Award (2002) Sloan Fellowship (2002) Demler teaches courses such as Statistical Physics and Strongly Correlated Systems in Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics . His work integrates theoretical modeling with experimental collaborations, particularly in quantum optics and condensed matter systems.
Junfei Li is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. His research focuses on advanced acoustic technologies, including acoustic tweezers, acoustofluidics, metamaterials, and underwater communication systems. He specializes in multiphysics wave propagation, noise control, and energy harvesting. Li's work bridges fundamental science and engineering applications in biomedical devices, sustainable energy, and advanced materials. Research Interests: Acoustic tweezers for microscale manipulation Design of metamaterials for acoustic control Ultrasound and underwater communication systems Energy-efficient noise mitigation strategies His recent publications emphasize innovations in acoustic metasurfaces, nonreciprocal sound propagation, and biomedical acoustic applications. Li’s research has implications for improving medical imaging, energy sustainability, and next-generation acoustic devices. Awards & Recognition: None explicitly listed in the provided materials. Advising & Grants: No student advisees or grant information specified in the text.
Prof. Dr. Patrick Huber is a leading physicist and Institute Director at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) , heading the Institute for Materials and X-Ray Physics (M-2) . He also leads the High-Resolution X-Ray Analytics of Materials group at DESY through a cooperative professorship. His research spans condensed matter physics , nanoporous materials , and X-ray analytics , with significant contributions to molecular water science and soft matter in confinement . Education: PhD in Physics (1999, Saarland University), Diploma in Physics (1995, Saarland University) Professional Career: Full Professor at TUHH (2020-present), Member of CRC 1615 (2023-present), Spokesperson for CMWS (2024-present), Cluster of Excellence BlueMat (2025) Research Interests focus on multi-scale material behavior under extreme confinement, particularly hierarchical porous silicon and silica systems . His work examines adsorption-induced deformation , elastocapillarity , fluid transport in nanopores, and metamaterial design principles using electrolytes , polymers , and liquid crystals . Fundamental studies include fluid interface thermodynamics and microscopic hydrodynamics . Scientific Awards include the Top Reviewer Award (2018) from Applied Physics Letters and the Dr.-Eduard-Martin Award (2000) for his dissertation. He contributes to 130+ publications with an h-index of 36 (2021). Advising and Grants involve supervising 18 doctoral and master's students , including Manuel Brinker , Marc Thelen , and Stella Gries . He participates in Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1615 , Cluster of Excellence EXC 3120 BlueMat , and the United Nations University Hub on Climate Engineering . Laboratory and Teams include the Institute for Materials and X-Ray Physics (M-2) at TUHH, the High-Resolution X-Ray Analytics group at DESY, and contributions to the Centre for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN) .
Christoph Bostedt holds dual appointments as a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and as Head of the Laboratory for Synchrotron Radiation and Femtochemistry (LSF) at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). He leads strategic operations for the LSF, managing five research groups and overseeing four beamlines at the Swiss Light Source and the Alvra Endstation at SwissFEL. His research focuses on ultrafast x-ray science, including single-shot imaging, non-linear x-ray spectroscopy, and femtosecond pump-probe techniques. He collaborates globally on initiatives like the Athos project, aiming to advance ultrafast x-ray technologies. Bostedt has over 150 publications and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, recipient of the Röntgen Prize. Education: Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg with research at Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley National Laboratories. Prior roles include leadership at Argonne National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Research Interests: Single-particle imaging and coherent diffraction X-ray free-electron laser applications Ultrafast dynamics in nanoparticles and molecular systems Non-linear x-ray spectroscopy Time-resolved x-ray pump-probe methods Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society Röntgen Prize (University of Giessen) Labs & Projects: Spearheads the Athos beamline project at SwissFEL, developing the Maloja endstation for ultrafast x-ray studies. Oversees the Laboratory for Femtochemistry and collaborates on advanced imaging techniques for nanoscale science.
Cagri A. Savran is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, with courtesy appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a B.S. from Purdue University (1998), an M.S. and Ph.D. from MIT (2000 and 2004, respectively). His research focuses on MEMS, nanotechnology, and biosensors, particularly in protein detection, aptamers, and biomedical applications. His work spans fluid mechanics, systems control, and micro/nano fabrication. Education: B.S., Purdue University, 1998 M.S., MIT, 2000 Ph.D., MIT, 2004 Research Interests: Dr. Savran pioneers innovations in bioMEMS and nanoscale biosensing technologies. His lab develops platforms like immunomagnetic diffractometry and microfluidic systems for real-time pathogen detection and clinical diagnostics. Key areas include aptamer-based assays, magnetic nanoparticle integration, and single-molecule studies of DNA packaging motors. Awards: Motorola PhD Fellowship (2001-2004) NSF U.S.-Japan Young Researchers Exchange (2007) #1 News in Analytical Chemistry (2007) #1 News in JACS Weekly (2007) Labs & Teams: The Savran Lab (savranlab.org) integrates engineering and biology to create next-generation biomedical devices. Research emphasizes translating nanotechnology into practical diagnostic tools for healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Andrea Blanco-Redondo is Florida Photonics Center of Excellence Endowed Professor at University of Central Florida's College of Optics and Photonics. Her research focuses on quantum photonics, topological photonics, and nonlinear phenomena in integrated photonic systems. Research areas include: Topological protection of quantum states Pure-quartic soliton dynamics Programmable photonic circuits Non-Hermitian photonic systems Silicon-based quantum devices Recent publications (2023-2025) show primary focus on topological photonics (6/11) and soliton physics (4/11), with emerging work in optical neural networks. Current group includes 3 PhD students and 2 undergraduate researchers with backgrounds in optics, quantum physics, and materials science. Significant honors: Optica Fellow (2024) Geoff Opat Early Career Prize (2016) Ada Byron Award for women in technology (2014) Marie Curie Fellowship (2013)
Sanne Cottaar is a researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, specializing in seismology and deep Earth structure. Her work integrates seismic waveform analysis, mineral physics, and geodynamic modeling to investigate mantle plumes, ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs), and core-mantle boundary dynamics. Key research areas include: Seismic imaging of deep Earth heterogeneity Core-mantle boundary and mantle transition zone structure Multidisciplinary approaches with mineral physics and geodynamics Development of seismic tools like BurnMan for thermodynamic modeling Public engagement through educational initiatives such as Deep Earth Explorers Her recent publications focus on mapping ULVZs using Sdiff and Pdiff waves, resolving mantle plume origins, and benchmarking seismic methods against geodynamic constraints. She actively supervises doctoral projects in seismology and deep Earth dynamics.
Xi Ling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering at Boston University. They lead the Ling Group, which focuses on the fundamental science and applications of nanomaterials, particularly 2D van der Waals materials. Their research integrates synthesis, characterization via advanced spectroscopy, and device development for energy conversion and chemical sensing. The group utilizes facilities at the Photonics Center for cutting-edge materials analysis. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Lanzhou University, 2007); Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Peking University, 2012). Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to synthesize novel 2D crystals, investigate their physical properties through Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and engineer flexible, transparent devices. Recent publications highlight innovations in strain engineering, ferroelectricity modulation, and exciton dynamics in materials like NiPS3 and GaSe. Students gain expertise applicable to academia and industry roles in semiconductor manufacturing, materials engineering, and instrumentation. The group’s work bridges foundational science and practical applications, addressing challenges in nanoelectronics and sustainable energy technologies.
Nicholas Antipa is an Assistant Professor at the University of California San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering, in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. His research focuses on the co-design of optical systems and algorithms to develop advanced computational imaging systems, leveraging innovations in 3D printing, sensors, machine learning, and AI. He holds a PhD in Computational Imaging from UC Berkeley and previously worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab on optical metrology for the National Ignition Facility. His work includes pioneering projects like the DiffuserCam and Miniscope3D, which enable high-dimensional optical signal capture and 3D microscopy. Education: PhD in Computational Imaging, UC Berkeley (2020) MS in Optics, University of Rochester Institute of Optics BS in Optical Science and Engineering, UC Davis Research Interests: Computational imaging systems, single-shot high-dimensional optical capture, lensless imaging, and applications in neuroscience and marine science. His lab explores novel optical designs, compressed sensing, and AI-driven imaging techniques to push the boundaries of conventional systems. Scientific Awards: Best Paper at ICCP 2019, 2016 Best Demo at ICCP 2017 No. 2 in Optica 15 Top-Cited Articles (2020) Affiliations: Director of the Computational Imaging Systems Lab at UCSD. Collaborates with institutions like Lawrence Livermore National Lab and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography for projects in marine sediment mapping and underwater object detection. His lab emphasizes open-source tools, such as the DiffuserCam Raspberry Pi tutorial.
Professor Paul Midgley is a leading academic in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge's Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, serving as Professor since 2007 and Head of Department from 2018–2020. He is a Fellow of Peterhouse College and holds multiple prestigious awards, including the Royal Society Fellowship and the Ernst Ruska Prize. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Bristol, 1991), MSc (Distinction) in Semiconductor Materials (1988), BSc (Hons) Physics (1987). Administration: Director of the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite, and active on various University committees including Research, Teaching, and REF. His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques such as convergent beam diffraction, electron tomography, and nanostructure analysis, with applications in nanoscale materials science and 3D reconstruction using compressed sensing. He has pioneered methods like precession electron diffraction and multi-dimensional electron microscopy, contributing to fields like plasmonic nanoparticles and catalytic materials. Key Research Themes: Electron crystallography, nanomaterial characterization, energy materials, and defect analysis in perovskites. Midgley has delivered over 20 invited/plenary lectures globally, including at EUROMAT, the Welch Symposium, and the John Cowley Memorial Lecture. His grant income exceeds £16M as Principal Investigator. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite and collaborates internationally on microscopy advancements and materials innovation.
Eric Collet is a University Professor and Head of Department at the Institute of Physics of Rennes (IPR), a joint research unit of CNRS and Université de Rennes. His work centers on ultrafast photoinduced phase transitions, spin-crossover materials, and the control of functional materials using light and THz excitation. He leads a dynamic research team and is deeply involved in international collaborations, particularly through the IM-LED International Laboratory with Japan. University: University of Rennes School: Institute of Physics of Rennes Department: Department of Materials and Light Academic Rank: Professor Email: eric.collet@univ-rennes.fr Professor Collet's research explores the ultrafast dynamics of molecular and condensed matter systems, especially those exhibiting multistability and photoresponsiveness. His work combines femtosecond optical and X-ray techniques to probe structural and electronic changes at atomic scales. Key areas include spin-crossover phenomena, photomagnetism, ferroelasticity, and nonlinear phononics. He investigates how light can trigger cooperative responses in materials, leading to persistent phase transitions with applications in photonics and memory devices. The recent publications of Eric Collet reveal a strong focus on ultrafast structural dynamics, photoinduced charge and spin transitions, and the coupling of electronic states with lattice distortions. His team frequently employs advanced X-ray methods at large-scale facilities like ESRF and LCLS. The research spans from fundamental quantum dynamics to applied materials science, with recurring themes in symmetry breaking, cooperative switching, and room-temperature photoresponse in molecular systems. Scientific awards and recognitions include: CNRS Silver Medal (2020) Louis Ancel Prize, French Physical Society Hot Paper selection in PCCP (2019) Very Important Paper recognition in Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. (2019) News & Views feature in Nature Chemistry (2020) Eric Collet actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and has supervised numerous publications in top journals. He has led major scientific initiatives such as the UCM2018 symposium and JMC2021 conference. His research is supported by grants from ANR, CNRS, and the Institut Universitaire de France. He collaborates extensively with institutions in France, Japan, and beyond. His research is conducted primarily within the Department of Materials and Light at the Institute of Physics of Rennes. He co-directs the IM-LED International Laboratory with Prof. Shin-ichi Ohkoshi (University of Tokyo) and collaborates with groups in Bordeaux, Lebanon, and Japan. His lab specializes in time-resolved X-ray diffraction, ultrafast spectroscopy, and nonlinear optical control of materials.
Cheuk Wai Tai is a Senior Staff Researcher at Stockholm University's Department of Environmental and Materials Chemistry since 2009. He manages the transmission electron microscopes and sample preparation equipment at the Electron Microscopy Center and serves as Section Editor for the Journal of Electronic Materials. His work focuses on quantitative structure characterization in functional materials research, particularly within nanoscience and nanotechnology contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2004 M.Phil. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2001 M.Sc. in Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998 B.Sc. (Hons) in Engineering Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 1997 Dip. in Mechanical Engineering (Computer Aided Engineering), Institute of Vocational Education (formerly Haking Wong Technical Institute), Hong Kong, 1992 His research centers on structure-property relationships in functional materials through advanced electron microscopy techniques. Current specializations include Pair Distribution Function (ePDF) & Diffuse Scattering, Energy Materials characterization, and EM sample preparation methodology development. The group maintains strong focus on translating structural data into functional performance metrics for nanomaterials. Recent publications (2013-2019) demonstrate consistent emphasis on electron microscopy applications for energy storage materials (batteries, photocatalysts) and functional ceramics. Key trends include structural disorder analysis in piezoelectrics, development of quantitative TEM methods like SUePDF, and nanoscale characterization of electrocatalyst surface phases. His work bridges materials chemistry with advanced imaging techniques. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of The Royal Microscopical Society (U.K.) Senior Member of IEEE Marie Curie Fellowship (2007-2009) from European Commission Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship (2003/2004) from Hong Kong S.A.R. Government He teaches Solid State Chemistry (KZ7003) and leads Introduction to Analytical Electron Microscopy (KZ8009), having previously taught Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (KZ8010) before 2011. Major grants supporting his work include: "Quantitative structural characterisation using 3D electron-based pair distribution function" (Swedish Research Council) "A Multidimensional Toolkit for Modern Electron Microscopy" (Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research) "Mitigating Ni-rich Li-ion cathode side-reactions" (Swedish Energy Agency, Co-applicant) He leads the Cheuk-Wai Tai group within Stockholm University's chemistry department and oversees operations at the Electron Microscopy Center, where his team develops and applies advanced characterization techniques for functional materials research.
Distinguished Professor Dayong Jin is a leading academic in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds roles including Director of the Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD), ARC Laureate Fellow, and Chair Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology (China). His research focuses on photonics, luminescent materials, and their applications in healthcare, including cancer detection, rapid diagnostics, and super-resolution microscopy. Key innovations include 'Nano Torch' technology for disease detection and 'Super Dots' nanocrystals for imaging and anti-counterfeiting. Education: PhD from Macquarie University (2007). Leadership: Established UTS's IBMD and multiple research hubs, including the ARC IDEAL Research Hub and Australia-China Joint Research Centre. Research Interests: Transforming nanophotonics into diagnostic tools, rapid antigen tests (e.g., for COVID-19), and biomedical devices. His work bridges physics, engineering, and biology to address global health challenges. Awards: Australian Museum Eureka Prize (2015), Prime Minister's Prize for Science (2017), ARC Laureate Fellowship (2021), and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. Grants: Overseeing funded projects on quantum biotechnology, deep-tissue imaging, and nanoscale thermometry. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, including with Chinese institutions. Labs/Teams: Leads IBMD, the ARC IDEAL Hub, and the UTS-SUSTech Joint Research Centre, fostering innovation in wearable biomaterials and point-of-care technologies.
Bradley J. Siwick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Ultrafast Science (Tier II). He specializes in developing ultrafast electron-based techniques to study atomic and molecular dynamics in materials and chemical systems. His work bridges chemical physics, materials science, and condensed matter physics, focusing on structural dynamics, phase transitions, and nonequilibrium states. Education: B.A.Sc. (Engineering Physics, University of Toronto, 1997), M.Sc. (Physics, 1998), Ph.D. (Physics, 2004). Postdoctoral training at FOM-AMOLF Amsterdam (2004–2006). Awards: NSERC Doctoral Prize (2005). Research interests include ultrafast electron diffraction/scattering, electron-phonon coupling, and imaging transient structural changes. Techniques developed in his lab combine electron microscopy with ultrafast laser spectroscopy to observe atomic motions on femtosecond timescales. Key areas of study are phase transitions in materials (e.g., VO₂, cuprates), nanocomposites, and extreme states of matter using facilities like the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS). Recent articles highlight advances in momentum-resolved phonon dynamics, polaron formation, and ultrafast imaging of 2D materials. His lab, based in Otto Maass and Rutherford buildings, collaborates on frontier projects in nonequilibrium materials science. Advising: Leads the Siwick Research Group, focusing on graduate students in chemical physics and materials science. Grants: Supported by NSERC and Canada Research Chairs funding. Labs and facilities: Otto Maass 25 laboratory and ALLS (Varennes, Quebec) for high-power laser experiments.
