Rui Zu | Computational Methods | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Rui Zu | Computational Methods | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant , Penn State University | United States

Dr. Rui Zu is an accomplished materials scientist and optical physicist whose research spans advanced optical simulations, nonlinear optics, ferroelectric materials, and quantum-enabled devices. With a strong academic foundation from Pennsylvania State University, Columbia University, and the University of Science and Technology Beijing, he has emerged as a prominent voice in the field of complex material systems and optoelectronic engineering.

👨‍🎓Profile

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zu began his academic journey at the University of Science and Technology, Beijing, earning his B.E. in Materials Physics in 2016. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Columbia University, where he honed his skills in atomic-layer fabrication and microscopy. Building upon this, he earned his Ph.D. from Penn State University in 2023, where he developed novel methodologies and optical models to explore the physics of nonlinear optical responses in crystalline heterostructures.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Zu joined 3M’s Display and Electronics Product Platform as a Research Engineer, where he leads efforts in optical design for display technologies, focusing on anti-glare and anti-sparkle solutions for self-emissive and near-eye displays. His work integrates advanced multi-scale simulation methods (FDTD, TMM, Fourier optics, ray tracing) with system-level optical prototyping, pushing the envelope in next-generation display performance.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zu’s work is distinguished by its depth and innovation in nonlinear optical simulation, ferroelectric materials engineering, and optical metrology. His flagship contribution is the development of the ♯SHAARP (Second Harmonic Analysis of Anisotropic Rotational Polarimetry) Mathematica-based package a pioneering simulation toolkit that addresses complex optical challenges including anisotropy, low symmetry, absorption, and dispersion in multilayer systems. He has also engineered sub-micrometer ferroelectric domain gratings and explored high-entropy materials, enabling ultraviolet harmonic generation, magneto-optical imaging, and strain-tunable photonic devices.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zu’s research has led to publications in top-tier journals such as Science Advances, Nature Communications, PNAS, and Physical Review B, reflecting the high impact and interdisciplinary relevance of his work. His contributions have reshaped the understanding of optoelectronic behavior in correlated systems, and he continues to push forward the boundaries of materials design and characterization through collaborative research and open-source tools.

📊 Academic Citations

With a growing number of peer-reviewed publications many of which are co-authored with leaders in the field including L.-Q. Chen, V. Gopalan, and A. M. Lindenberg Dr. Zu’s work is frequently cited in domains ranging from computational photonics to solid-state physics, indicating his role as a rising authority in the study of nonlinear optical phenomena and ferroelectric materials.

🛠️ Research Skills

Dr. Zu possesses a formidable toolkit of research competencies, including:

  • Optical Simulation: FDTD, RCWA, TMM, ray tracing, Fourier-based wave propagation

  • Optical System Development: Nonlinear spectroscopy, ultrafast pump-probe, MOKE

  • Instrumentation: SEM, TEM, AFM, PFM, FTIR, Raman, Photoluminescence

  • Software and Programming: Mathematica (SHAARP), COMSOL, LabView

  • Advanced Materials Fabrication and Characterization: High-entropy materials, ferroelectrics

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Mentorship Experience

Dr. Zu has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship, having served as a Teaching Assistant for courses such as Crystal Anisotropy and Solid State Physics. He developed Mathematica-based modules that significantly enriched classroom engagement. Beyond formal coursework, he has mentored undergraduate researchers, including REU students, many of whom advanced to present at conferences or publish collaboratively. As a Lab Safety Officer, he also ensured the group’s operational continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Zu’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

  • 🎓 Alumni Association Dissertation Award, Penn State University (2023)

  • ✈️ Department Travel Award for Graduate Students, Penn State (2023)

  • 🏅 Renmin Principal Level Scholarship, USTB (2013)

  • 🌟 Merits Student Awards, USTB (2013, 2014)

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an innovator in optical and material physics, Dr. Rui Zu’s trajectory continues to rise. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial application, from quantum-inspired simulationsquantum-inspired simulations to real-world display technologies. With tools like SHAARP gaining traction in the research community and his growing influence in interdisciplinary materials science, Dr. Zu is poised to become a thought leader in photonics, materials design, and computational optics. His legacy will likely be defined by a continued push toward open scientific tools, educational outreach, and cross-sector impact.

Top Noted Publications

Thermodynamic theory of linear optical and electro-optical properties of ferroelectrics

  • Authors: Ross, A., Ali, M. S. M. M., Saha, A., Zu, R., Gopalan, V., Dabo, I., Chen, L.-Q.

  • Journal: Physical Review B

  • Year: 2025

Hidden domain boundary dynamics toward crystalline perfection

  • Authors: Mangu, A., Stoica, V. A., Zheng, H., Yang, T., Zhang, M., Wang, H. (Hugo), Zu, R., Nguyen, Q. L., Song, S., Das, S., Meisenheimer, P., Donoway, E., Chollet, M., Sun, Y., Turner, J. J., Freeland, J. W., Wen, H., Martin, L. W., Chen, L.-Q., Gopalan, V., Zhu, D., Cao, Y., Lindenberg, A. M.

  • Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)

  • Year: 2025

Bulk photovoltaic effect and high mobility in the polar 2D semiconductor SnP₂Se₆

  • Authors: Sangwan, V. K., Chica, D. G., Chu, T.-C., Cheng, M., Quintero, M. A., Hao, S., Mead, C. E., Choi, H., Zu, R., Sheoran, J., He, J., Liu, Y., Qian, E., Laing, C. C., Kang, M.-A., Gopalan, V., Wolverton, C., Dravid, V. P., Lauhon, L. J., Hersam, M. C., Kanatzidis, M. G.

  • Journal: Science Advances

  • Year: 2024

Optical second harmonic generation in anisotropic multilayers with complete multireflection of linear and nonlinear waves using SHAARP.ml package

  • Authors: Zu, R., Wang, B., He, J., Weber, L., Saha, A., Chen, L.-Q., Gopalan, V.

  • Journal: NPJ Computational Materials

  • Year: 2024

Perspectives and progress on wurtzite ferroelectrics: Synthesis, characterization, theory, and device applications

  • Authors: Casamento, J., Baksa, S. M., Behrendt, D., Calderon, S., Goodling, D., Hayden, J., He, F., Jacques, L., Lee, S. H., Smith, W., Suceava, A., Tran, Q., Zheng, X., Zu, R., Beechem, T., Dabo, I., Dickey, E. C., Esteves, G., Gopalan, V., Henry, M. D., Ihlefeld, J. F., Jackson, T. N., Kalinin, S. V., Kelley, K. P., Liu, Y., Rappe, A. M., Redwing, J., Trolier-McKinstry, S., Maria, J.-P.

  • Journal: Applied Physics Letters

  • Year: 2024

Ferdinando di martino | Computational Methods | Computational Science Excellence Award

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Prof. Ferdinando di martino | Computational Methods | Computational Science Excellence Award

Associate professor at Federico II University of Naples, Italy

Ferdinando Di Martino is an associate professor of computer science at Federico II University of Naples, specializing in fuzzy-based models and computational intelligence for data and image analysis. He has authored over one hundred research papers published in international journals and holds editorial roles in leading academic publications. Di Martino is a member of EUSFLAT and actively contributes to its Research Working Group on soft computing in image processing. He directs a specialization course on advanced spatial analysis in GIS for urban and complex systems and manages research projects funded by Italian and European bodies, focusing on AI applications in managing environmental and climate risks.

Professional Profiles

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Ferdinando Di Martino serves as an associate professor of computer science at the Department of Architecture of the Federico II University of Naples.

Academic Leadership

Di Martino contributes significantly to academic programs and research initiatives: Member of the Italian national doctoral college in Artificial Intelligence within the agricultural-environmental sector. Director of the specialization course on advanced spatial analysis technologies in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for urban systems and complex systems management.

Project Management

He leads research groups and tasks in both Italian and European funded projects. His projects focus on applying artificial intelligence and computational intelligence techniques to manage urban and complex systems, particularly in addressing environmental and climate-related risks.

Research Focuse

Ferdinando Di Martino’s research focuses on the application of fuzzy transforms and computational intelligence in image and data analysis. He has contributed extensively to methods for image coding and decoding using fuzzy transforms, as well as compression techniques and fragile watermarking for tamper detection. His work spans diverse applications including climate vulnerability assessment models for urban systems, segmentation methods, and predictive data analysis. Di Martino’s expertise also extends to spatial GIS applications, particularly in developing tools for vulnerability modeling and analysis in complex systems like aquifers. His research is pivotal in advancing the intersection of fuzzy logic, computational intelligence, and practical applications in various domains.

Publications

  1. A novel quantum inspired genetic algorithm to initialize cluster centers in fuzzy C-means, Publication date: 2022.
  2. Improving the emotion‐based classification by exploiting the fuzzy entropy in FCM clustering, Publication date: 2021.
  3. Graphical views of intuitionistic fuzzy double-controlled metric-like spaces and certain fixed-point results with application, Publication date: 2022.
  4. D-nisq: a reference model for distributed noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers, Publication date: 2022.
  5. A fuzzy partition-based method to classify social messages assessing their emotional relevance, Publication date: 2022.
  6. Fuzzy-Based Spatiotemporal Hot Spot Intensity and Propagation—An Application in Crime Analysis, Publication date: 2022.
  7. A theoretical development of cubic pythagorean fuzzy soft set with its application in multi-attribute decision making, Publication date: 2022.
  8. A GIS-based fuzzy multiclassification framework applied for spatiotemporal analysis of phenomena in urban contexts, Publication date: 2022.
  9. A GIS-Based Hot and Cold Spots Detection Method by Extracting Emotions from Social Streams, Publication date: 2022.
  10. A GIS-based framework to assess heatwave vulnerability and impact scenarios in urban systems, Publication date: 2023.
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Radha Somaiya | Computational Methods | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Radha Somaiya | Computational Methods | Best Researcher Award

 PHD at S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, India

Dr. Radha N. Somaiya is an Institute Post-Doctoral Fellow at IIT Bombay, specializing in computational condensed matter physics. Her research focuses on the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of 2D materials, particularly silicon-based compounds. She investigates their applications in photo(electro)catalysis for water splitting and reduction of CO2 and nitrogen. Dr. Somaiya holds a Ph.D. from S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, where she studied silicon-based 2D materials for energy and sensing applications. With over 11 journal publications and extensive experience in first-principles calculations, she contributes significantly to the fields of renewable energy and nanotechnology.

Professional Profiles

Education

M.Sc. in Applied Physics (2013 – 2015) The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, India B.Sc. in Physics (Main), Chemistry, and Mathematics (2010 – 2013) M. B. Patel Science College, Sardar Patel University, Anand, Gujarat, India Research Profile Post-Doctoral Fellow (June 2021 – December 2023) Area of Research: Photo(electro)catalytic water splitting, Carbon dioxide reduction, Nitrogen reduction Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) Mentor: Prof. Aftab Alam Ph.D. in Computational Condensed Matter Physics (2017 – 2021) Thesis Title: Ab initio Study of Some Silicon-based 2D Materials for Energy and Sensing Applications Institution: S.V. National Institute of Technology Surat, Gujarat Mentor: Asso. Prof. Yogesh Sonvane

Experience

Physics Instructor at Rameshwar School of Science, Vadodara (Aug 2016 – July 2017) Physics Laboratory Assistant at Mahatma Gandhi High School, Vadodara (June 2014 – April 2016) Physics Laboratory Assistant at Navjeevan High School, Vadodara (June 2013 – April 2014). First-principles calculations for electronic structure, optical, elastic, strain, thermodynamic, and photo(electro)catalytic properties. Proficient in Python programming and beginner in Machine Learning. Experience in B. Tech first-year laboratory duties, semester exam duties, and PhD exam duties at IIT-Bombay. Mentored a PhD student at S.V. National Institute of Technology Surat.

Research Interests

Investigating the structural, electronic, and photo(electro)catalytic properties of low-dimensional systems. Carrier transport and carrier recombination rates. Optical properties of solar light harvesting materials. Molecular dynamics, density functional perturbation theory, and transition state nudge elastic band calculations. Water splitting (Hydrogen and Oxygen evolution reactions). Reduction of CO2 and N2 to useful hydrocarbons and NH3. Efficient HER catalyst development. Hydrogen storage and Li-ion or Na-ion batteries.

Honors/Fellowships

Shortlisted with provisional offer letter for the INSPIRE PhD Programme (2015) Qualified the PhD Entrance Test (PET) for the Faculty of Science at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2015) Awarded Prof. (Dr.) Padmini Agarwal Gold Medal for excellence in M.Sc. (Applied Physics) (2015) Silver Medal for highest CGPA in B.Sc. (Physics) at M.B. Patel Science College (2013) Silver Medal for second position in B.Sc. (Physics) at M.B. Patel Science College (2013) Selected for the Summer Programme-Advanced B.Sc. (Physics) at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad (2012)

Research Focuse

Dr. Radha N. Somaiya’s research is centered on computational condensed matter physics, with a strong focus on the properties and applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Her work involves exploring the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of various 2D materials such as silicon-based compounds and other low-dimensional systems. Key areas include photo(electro)catalytic water splitting, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), CO2 reduction, and nitrogen reduction. Utilizing techniques like density functional theory (DFT), Dr. Somaiya investigates the structural and electronic properties of materials for applications in energy conversion, storage, and environmental remediation.

Publications

  1. Palladium-decorated SiX (X= N, P, As, Sb, Bi) catalysts for hydrogen evolution, Publication date: 2024.
  2. Strain modulated optical properties of MoSi2P4 monolayer–insights from DFT, Publication date: 2024.
  3. Biphenylene nanoribbon as a promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution, Publication date: 2024.
  4. Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction over Cu-decorated Biphenylene, Publication date: 2024.
  5. The activity of Pd supported Pd supported SiX (X= Group-V) Single-atom catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction., Publication date: 2024.
  6. Biphenylene Nanoribbon as Promising Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution, Publication date: 2024.
  7. Biphenylene for efficient electrochemical renewable energy conversion., Publication date: 2023.
  8. Quasi-2D PdSi2–xGexN4 (x = 0, 1, 2): Promising Candidates for Spontaneous Overall Water Splitting, Publication date: 2023.
  9. Exploring the transport and optoelectronic properties of silicon diselenide monolayer, Publication date: 2021.
  10. Van der waals SiSe2 homo-bilayers for optoelectronics applications, Publication date: 2021.
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