Professor Graham J. Leggett is a faculty member at the University of Sheffield, serving as Professor of Nanoscale Analytical Science within the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He holds a BSc and PhD in Chemistry from UMIST (1987 and 1990, respectively). His career includes roles as a Research Associate at the Universities of Washington and Nottingham, followed by academic appointments at the University of Nottingham and UMIST, where he advanced to Senior Lecturer and Reader. Since 2002, he has been a Professor at the University of Sheffield, and from 2018, he has served as Head of Department. His research focuses on nanoscale interfaces, with emphasis on nanophotonics, biologically-inspired design, and molecular interactions. Key themes include nanofabrication, plasmonics, and the development of photonic materials mimicking photosynthetic systems. His work integrates advanced analytical methods like atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry to study molecular films and nanotribology. Recent studies explore strong light-matter coupling in biomimetic systems and applications in solar energy and photocatalysis. Professor Leggett’s teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Analytical Chemistry, Surface Chemistry, Solid Surfaces and Catalysis, Nanochemistry, and Polymer Characterization. He oversees research projects at various academic levels and contributes to the department’s leadership, fostering innovation in nanotechnology and materials science.
Sang M. Han is a Regents' Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He earned his PhD and BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, respectively, and has over 25 years of experience in electronic and photonic materials engineering. PhD, Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara BS, Chemical Engineering with Honors, University of California, Berkeley Research Interests Selective growth of Ge quantum structures and high-quality heteroepitaxial films on Si III-V integration on Ge-on-Si virtual substrates for photovoltaics and sensors Hybrid micro/nanofluidic systems for bioseparation Nanocrystal synthesis for optical and biological applications Publication Trends Recent articles focus on carbon nanotube-reinforced composites for solar cell durability, stress-directed nanostructure patterning for light trapping, and radiative cooling coatings. His work spans semiconductor heterostructures, nanofluidics, and computational modeling of material behavior. Scientific Awards STC.UNM Innovation Fellow (2018) STC.UNM Innovation Award (2009–2018) Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2012, 2014, 2015) NSF CAREER Award (2001) Advising and Entrepreneurship Professor Han has mentored graduate students and postdocs in his research group and serves as Chief Technical Officer of Osazda Energy LLC, a startup based on his UNM patents.
Ajay Singh is a researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in the Simulation of Nanosystems for Energy Conversion group under Prof. Alessio Gagliardi. He has also collaborated with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) . Research Interests : Perovskite solar cells, drift-diffusion modeling, machine learning for materials science, optoelectronic applications, and hybrid organic-inorganic devices. Key Projects : DFG e-Conversion Clusters I-III, TUM Innovation Networks ARTEMIS, EU Lion-Hearted, and BMWi ptj PrOperPhotoMiLe SOLAR.ERANET. Publications highlight his work on perovskite tandem solar cells, cation-mediated recombination, methylamine gas treatment for perovskite stability, and nonlinear spectral broadening for optical frequency combs. His collaborations span institutions in Germany, India, and Italy. Teaching roles include assisting in Nanoelectronics courses at TUM during 2018-2019, focusing on integrated exercises and tutorials.
Dr. Ioana Pintilie is a Scientific Researcher I at the National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP) in Romania, with a career spanning since 1986. She holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Bucharest and has contributed extensively to materials science, particularly in perovskite solar cells and radiation-damaged semiconductors. Education: Graduated, Faculty of Physics – Condensed Matter Physics, University of Bucharest (1989) PhD, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest (1996) Research Interests: Dr. Pintilie's work focuses on the development of large-area perovskite solar cells, electrically active defects in materials, radiation damage modeling for CERN and XFEL applications, conduction mechanisms in dielectrics, and ferroelectric/high-k oxides. Her research bridges experimental physics and computational modeling, with a strong emphasis on technological applications. Publications and Collaboration Trends: She has published 213 Web of Science articles (H-index: 29) and participated in numerous international projects, including CERN-RD50, FP5, FP7, and Horizon 2020 initiatives. Her recent studies address defect engineering in silicon, stability of hybrid perovskites, and negative capacitance in ferroelectric devices. Scientific Awards: Romanian Academy Award for Physics (2000) Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation (2000) Gold Medal at EUROINVENT (2016) Excellence Award at PRO INVENT (2016) Advising and Grants: Dr. Pintilie has led teams in CERN collaborations and coordinated projects like Perovskites for Photovoltaic Efficient Conversion Technology (EEA) and 3εFERRO (Horizon 2020). She has also secured national projects, including a comprehensive investigation into radiation damage in silicon. Labs and Teams: She works at the Laboratory of Complex Heterostructures and Multifunctional Materials at NIMP and collaborates with institutions in Germany, Norway, and through EU frameworks. Her work integrates into Industry 4.0 platforms and CERN’s RD50 collaboration.
Wei Huang is a leading academic at Xiamen University , with affiliations across multiple prestigious institutions including Nanjing University , Nankai University , and Henan University . His research focuses on Material Chemistry For Sensing & Imaging and Organic Semiconductors , particularly in ultralong organic afterglow materials, perovskite solar cells, and flexible electronics. Research Interests : Development of ultralong organic phosphorescence materials, host-guest doping strategies, and applications in data storage, encryption, and bioimaging. Notable Achievements : Pioneering work on tin-halide perovskites for eco-friendly light-emitting diodes, and innovative biomimetic MOF hybrids for stable zinc metal anodes. Scientific Recognition : Ranked as Top Cited Scholar 2024 Top Cited Scholar 2023 Collaborative Work : Extensive international and domestic collaborations in optoelectronics, with publications in high-impact journals like Nature Communications , Advanced Materials , and Chemical Society Reviews .
Adam Printz serves as Assistant Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Arizona's College of Engineering. His research focuses on developing mechanically robust, printable electronic materials for renewable energy applications, particularly addressing stability challenges in perovskite photovoltaics. Education: PhD in NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego MS in NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego Professor Printz's research group pioneers materials design strategies for soft electronics, specializing in chemical and physical interactions at interfaces of metal halide perovskites. His work combines benchtop and computational experiments to solve mechanical and chemical instabilities in perovskite-based devices through molecular interactions, scalable printing techniques, and nanocompositing approaches. Current research emphasizes thermomechanical stability across multiple length scales and development of multifunctional reinforcement strategies. Scientific Recognition: NSF CAREER Award recipient DOE Early Career Award recipient Chancellor's Dissertation Medal from UC San Diego Distinguished Young Scholar Seminar Series Speaker, University of Washington His group receives substantial funding from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Professor Printz actively mentors graduate students through directed research courses and doctoral dissertation supervision, while teaching core chemical engineering courses including Heat Transfer, Polymer Science, and senior capstone design. His laboratory develops novel characterization techniques for mechanical properties of semiconducting polymers and perovskite films, with strong industry partnerships for technology translation.
Jeffery Gray is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University's West Lafayette campus. He holds cross-appointments with the Global Engineering Program and serves on the Professional Practice Advisory Committee and Undergraduate Advisory Council (UGAC). Research Interests: Photovoltaic Systems: Specializes in heterojunction solar cell physics, multijunction photovoltaic efficiency optimization, and full-spectrum solar conversion technologies Biomedical Applications: Investigates light-activated metal-based anticancer agents with pH-dependent activation mechanisms Semiconductor Modeling: Develops numerical frameworks for analyzing carrier dynamics and loss mechanisms in advanced photovoltaic architectures Scientific Contributions: His work spans two decades of photovoltaic innovation, including foundational modeling of Si heterojunctions and CdTe/CIS solar cells Recent publications focus on light-sensitive ruthenium complexes for cancer therapy Professor Gray maintains active engagement in both engineering education and research translation through his process-to-module modeling frameworks and participation in institutional committees.
Walter Leon-Salas, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University, where he directs the tinyLab research group focused on the integration of electronic circuits with sensors and wireless communications. He received his B.Sc. in electronic engineering from Universidad Nacional de San Agustín in Peru, and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2001 and 2006, respectively. His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, Arequipa, Peru M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2001) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2006) Dr. Leon-Salas' research focuses on low-power analog design, CMOS image sensors, solar energy harvesting, optical communications, and data compression. His work explores innovative ways to integrate electronic circuits with sensors and wireless communication systems, particularly through energy harvesting techniques that allow devices to operate with minimal external power sources. His research group has developed novel applications including Optical Frequency Identification (OFID) technology using solar cells for wireless communication, wireless soil health monitoring systems, and reconfigurable energy-harvesting CMOS image sensors. His recent publications (2023-2025) show a strong trend toward sustainable energy applications, particularly in the areas of solar cell-based optical communications, environmental monitoring systems, and energy-efficient technologies for agricultural and high-altitude applications. His work bridges electrical engineering with environmental sustainability, food-water-energy nexus research, and practical IoT implementations. His scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2011) Outstanding Faculty in Discovery, School of Engineering Technology, Purdue University (2014) Leadership Excellence Achievement Program (LEAP) Award from the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (2011) Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award from UNL College of Engineering (2007) Best runner up live demo award at IEEE ISCAS conference (2018) Dr. Leon-Salas actively mentors students at all levels, from undergraduates to post-doctoral researchers, and has secured significant grant funding for his research. He serves as Co-Director of the Arequipa Nexus Institute for Food, Energy, Water and the Environment and as Secretary of the IEEE Sensory Systems Technical Committee. His teaching responsibilities include Analog IC Design, Mixed-Signal IC Design, Logic Design, Advanced Digital Design, and Digital Signal Processing courses. His tinyLab research group maintains several active projects including Optical Frequency Identification (OFID), Wireless Soil Health Monitoring, Solar Radiation Sensors, Circuit Printing, Reconfigurable Energy-Harvesting CMOS Image Sensors, RFID-based Corrosion Sensor, Optical Stimulator for Fruit Flies, and LED Lighting Testing for Airport Taxiways.
Domenico Pacifici holds dual appointments as Associate Professor of Engineering and Physics at Brown University , while serving as Director of the Nanofabrication Central Facility . He maintains active affiliations as CNST Visiting Fellow at NIST and Visiting Associate Professor at University of Maryland College Park . Education: M.Sc. in Physics (2000, University of Catania, summa cum laude) Ph.D. in Physics (2004, University of Catania, summa cum laude) Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech (2005-2009) His research establishes foundational advancements in nanophotonics and plasmonics through: Plasmonic interferometry for optical coherence measurement Germanium quantum dot photodetectors with unprecedented efficiency Quasiperiodic plasmonic concentrators for solar energy harvesting CMOS-integrated biochemical sensors with ppm-level sensitivity Carrier transport optimization in quantum-confined systems Surface plasmon polariton-based light management Recent article analysis reveals: Breakthroughs in nanoscale optical coherence (2016-2021) Innovations in quantum dot optoelectronics (2011-2021) Advancements in plasmonic light trapping (2008-2015) Scientific accolades include: Henry Merritt Wriston Fellowship (2013) Richard B. Salomon Faculty Research Award (2010) STMicroelectronics Best PhD Thesis (2004) Accademia Gioenia Best MSc Thesis (2001) His research group has received $2.2M+ in grants from NSF, ONR, JDRF, and university awards. Notable students include Jing Feng , Pei Liu , and Patrick Flanigan .
Tom Betts is a Reader in the Applied Photovoltaics Research Group within the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology. His work focuses on PV module characterisation techniques, environmental modelling of efficiency factors, and long-term durability studies. He leads a continuous outdoor PV monitoring facility on the department roof, integrating meteorological and system-level measurements. Expertise includes solar spectroradiometry, PV reference cell calibration, and statistical analysis of large datasets. Research themes include European harmonisation of PV standards, grid-connected system monitoring, and energy yield prediction. Technical interests span measurement uncertainty analysis and indoor/outdoor PV optimisation strategies. Labs/Teams: Maintains the outdoor PV monitoring facility and collaborates within the Applied Photovoltaics Research Group.
Seth Marder is a Professor in the Chemical and Biological Engineering department at the University of Colorado Boulder , serving as Director of RASEI (Renewable & Sustainable Energy Institute) and Principal Investigator of the Marder Group. He holds joint appointments at the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Arts and Sciences , with affiliations at NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory). Education: BA in Chemistry from MIT (1981), PhD in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1985), postdoctoral work at Oxford. His research focuses on organic electronics , surface chemistry , and covalent organic frameworks , aiming to modulate molecular interactions with light and electricity for real-world applications. Key areas include organic solar cells , OLEDs , OFETs , and dopant chemistry . Recent work emphasizes perovskite optoelectronics , electron transport , and polymer stability . Seth Marder has co-authored numerous high-impact publications, particularly on perovskite solar cells , n-doped polymers , and surface passivation . His team explores hybrid organic-inorganic systems , spintronics , and environmentally sustainable materials . Scientific Awards Humboldt Research Award (2018) Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award (2018) Multiple Fellowships (American Physical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Materials Research Society) Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award (2010) Georgia Power Chair in Energy Efficiency (2010-2021) He founded the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Materials Horizons and has held editorial roles. The Marder Group collaborates internationally with theorists, physicists, and engineers to advance organic semiconductors and functional materials .
Antonio Guerrero is an Associate Professor in Applied Physics at Jaume I University and Principal Investigator of the Active Materials and Systems Research (AMSY) group at the Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM). His work focuses on developing novel materials for electronic devices, with emphasis on memristors, photovoltaics, and energy applications. Education: Bachelor of Chemistry, University of Alcalá de Henares (2002) Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry, University of East Anglia, UK (2006) Guerrero's research centers on three interconnected domains: memory devices (memristors/transistors for neuromorphic computing), photovoltaics (perovskite/organic solar cells), and energy materials . His approach integrates materials synthesis, device fabrication, and fundamental characterization to understand ion transport mechanisms in halide perovskites. This interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, physics, and engineering to address stability challenges in next-generation electronics. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in perovskite-based memristors for neuromorphic systems (60% of articles), photovoltaic innovations (25%), and sustainable energy materials (15%). Key advancements include engineering perovskite compositions for resistive switching control, developing organic-inorganic hybrid electrolytes for synaptic transistors, and creating scalable manufacturing techniques for solar cells. His work consistently explores the role of ion migration in device performance. Professional Recognition: Panel member of ERC Consolidator program Regular reviewer for Science, Nature Energy, and Energy & Environmental Science As Principal Investigator of the AMSY group, Guerrero mentors students across all levels and evaluates international research proposals. His leadership has yielded over 110 publications (h-index 53), three patents, and significant contributions to perovskite device physics. He actively collaborates with European research networks and industry partners through INAM's technology transfer initiatives. The AMSY group operates within INAM's advanced laboratories, utilizing specialized equipment for materials synthesis, thin-film deposition, and nanoscale device characterization. Current projects focus on ion migration dynamics in perovskites, flexible memristor arrays, and enzymatic PET recycling processes, with strong ties to Spain's neuromorphic computing roadmap.
Professor Alison Lennon is a Research and Teaching academic at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), holding the position of ARC Future Fellow (2017–2021). She is affiliated with the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, where her research focuses on silicon solar cell metallization, photovoltaic module durability, and high-power lithium-ion energy storage systems. Her work also includes pioneering advancements in energy harvesting devices and innovative teaching methodologies, such as gamification in engineering education. Education: PhD in Photovoltaic Engineering (UNSW, 2010) PhD in Biophysical NMR (University of Sydney, 1995) B.Sc. (Hons) with University Medal (University of Sydney, 1991) Research Interests: Professor Lennon’s research spans silicon photovoltaics, high-rate energy storage, electrochemical capacitors, and novel manufacturing techniques like inkjet printing for solar cell fabrication. She emphasizes practical applications, such as integrating energy storage with solar systems to enhance grid stability and reliability. Grants & Projects: Her leadership in major grants includes ARENA-funded projects on silicon PV metallization, ARC Discovery Grants for electrochemical capacitors, and collaborative initiatives with industry partners like LONGi Solar and Canon. She also spearheaded UNSW’s vertically-integrated project-based learning trials in engineering education. Awards: 2018 Faculty of Engineering Students’ Choice Teaching Award 2018 Excellence Award for Innovation in Learning & Teaching 2017 ARC Future Fellowship (Level 3) 2016 Innovation Award for Energy Harvesting-Storage Hybrid Devices Supervision & Labs: Currently supervising seven PhD/Master’s students in areas like silicon metallization and photovoltaic module durability. She co-developed the PV Factory and PlayEnergy teaching software to enhance student engagement in renewable energy engineering.
Jeong-Bong Lee is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (1997), an M.S. (1993), and B.S. from Hanyang University (1986). His research focuses on MEMS/NEMS, biomedical devices, photonics, and liquid metal technologies. He leads the MiNDS Lab, developing micro/nano devices for biomedical, RF, and photonics applications. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech, 1997 M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech, 1993 B.S. in Electronics Engineering, Hanyang University, 1986 Research Interests: RF MEMS (inductors, switches, tunable antennas) BioMEMS (neuroprosthetics, microfluidics, microneedles) Photonics MEMS (photonic crystals, tunable gratings) Actuators (metallic/gripper-based, optoelectronic packaging) Liquid metal applications (reconfigurable antennas, microfluidics) Notable Achievements: NSF CAREER Award (2001) $350,000 Zyvex Corp. grant for micro/nano assembly (2002) Best Student Paper (IEEE UWB 2006) UTD’s Best Ph.D. Dissertation Advisor (2004) Labs/Teams: Micro/Nano Devices and Systems (MiNDS) Lab at UTD, focusing on interdisciplinary microdevice development.
Scientia Professor Xiaojing Hao is a full Professor (tenured) and ARC Future Fellow at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE), Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics (FAIP), and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), reflecting her significant contributions to renewable energy research. Professor Hao received her Bachelor of Engineering (1996-2001) and Master of Engineering (2001-2003) from the School of Materials and Metallurgy Science and Engineering at Northeastern University in Shenyang, China. She completed her PhD in 2010 from the School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering at UNSW, where she has remained as faculty. Bachelor of Engineering (1996-2001), School of Materials and Metallurgy Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China Master of Engineering (2001-2003), School of Materials and Metallurgy Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China PhD (2006-2010), School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Professor Hao's research focuses on low-cost, high-efficiency thin film solar cells and tandem solar cells, with over fifteen years of experience in the field. Her work initially centered on silicon-based solar cells before expanding to earth-abundant compound semiconductor materials such as chalcogenides for both solar photovoltaic and solar fuel applications. She leads a strong research group that has achieved numerous efficiency records on emerging thin film solar cells. Her research spans photovoltaic devices, functional materials, theory and design of materials, compound semiconductors, and nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on kesterite and perovskite solar cell technologies. Professor Hao has published over 250 peer-reviewed journal articles, including publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Energy and Energy and Environmental Science. Her recent research has focused on perovskite solar cells, kesterite solar cells, chalcohalide solar cells, and tandem solar cell configurations. She has made significant contributions to understanding defect engineering in solar cell materials, interface engineering, and developing scalable fabrication methods for next-generation photovoltaic technologies, with particular focus on cadmium-free alternatives and stability enhancement. Professor Hao has received numerous prestigious awards for her research excellence: Prime Minister's Prizes for Science: Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year (2020) Australian Academy of Science Pawsey Medal (2021) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2024) Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2022) ARC Future Fellow (2019) Australian's Most Innovative Engineers 2019 NSW Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering (Energy Innovation in NSW) (2018) Best Poster Award, the 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (2018) UNSW Scientia Fellowship (Inaugural) (2017) ARC DECRA (2015) Australian Renewable Energy Agency Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011) Professor Hao has secured substantial research funding as lead or chief investigator on numerous projects totaling millions of dollars. Her current grants include an ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub ($5M, 2024-2029), UK-Australia Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnerships Funding ($1,396,414), multiple ARC Linkage and Discovery Projects, and several ARENA grants for research on efficient and stable chalcogenide-Si tandem cells, Si/perovskite tandem modules, and industrial high-throughput inspection methods. She supervises students in solar cell materials and devices and solar fuel devices, and teaches Engineering Postgraduate Coursework Research Skills, Vertically Integrated Projects, and Advanced Photovoltaics. Professor Hao leads a dynamic research group focused on advancing thin film solar cell technologies, with particular expertise in kesterite and perovskite materials. Her team works on both fundamental materials science and applied device engineering to develop next-generation photovoltaic technologies that are efficient, stable, and cost-effective, with strong industry partnerships for technology transfer and commercialization.
