Aug 26 2010
The University of Southern California announced today that Michelle Povinelli, a member of the faculty of the Viterbi School of Engineering, has been recognized by MIT Technology Review magazine as one of the world's top innovators under the age of 35 for her research on the optical properties of nano-structured materials.
Selected from more than 300 nominees by a panel of expert judges and the editorial staff of Technology Review, the TR35 is an elite group of accomplished young innovators who exemplify the spirit of innovation. Their work - spanning medicine, computing, communications, nanotechnology, and more - is changing our world.
"Advances in nano-fabrication techniques make it possible to pattern materials on a scale smaller than the wavelength of light," said Povinelli. "I want to harness this capability to make nano-photonic devices for optical communications, solar energy and materials."
In her research, Povinelli uses theory and computational simulations to investigate novel optical behavior and device functionality in such systems as photonic crystals, meta-materials, and micro-resonators. She is also working on the fabrication and experimental characterization of photonic-crystal slab devices. Particular topics of interest include optically-induced forces and nanostructured solar cells.
An assistant professor, Povinelli, holds the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Junior Gabilan Chair in the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
"Each year, Technology Review selects 35 innovators under the age of 35 who we believe are transforming technology. Discovering these amazing young men and women is one of the highlights of the year for us," said Jason Pontin, editor in chief and publisher of Technology Review. "We celebrate their success and look forward to their continued advancement of technology in their respective fields."
Source: http://www.technologyreview.com/