(3dp) Developing and Understanding Low-Dimensional Materials and Devices at the Atomic-Scale

The ability to manipulate individual atoms in a material to precisely control its functional properties has been the main goal of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The simultaneous advent of two-dimensional (2D) materials and aberration-corrected electron microscopy has been one of the major breakthroughs in this regard, enabling imaging, characterization, and control of material’s crystal structure and chemistry with atomic precision. My future research program will develop novel low-dimensional materials and devices and engineer their functionality through atomic scale understanding of their structure-property relationship. In particular, my research group will focus on understanding the interplay between detailed atomic configuration and sensing, catalytic and (opto)electronic properties of novel two-dimensional and quantum materials and heterostructures. In addition, my teaching, mentoring and research experience have prepared me to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and laboratory classes within the broad topic areas of chemical engineering, materials science and nanotechnology such as crystal chemistry, materials characterization, low-dimensional and quantum materials, and advanced electron microscopy.