Alexandra Boltasseva, Ron and Dotty Garvin Tonjes Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Alexandra Boltasseva, Ron and Dotty Garvin Tonjes Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University, has been elevated to the level of American Physical Society (APS) Fellow. Boltasseva is being recognized “for important contributions to nanophotonics, plasmonics, and metamaterials, having made a broad impact in the multidisciplinary area merging optics, material science, and nanotechnology.”

The APS Fellows Program was created to recognize members who may have made advances in physics through original research and publication, or made significant innovative contributions in the application of physics to science and technology. They may also have made significant contributions to the teaching of physics or service and participation in the activities of the Society.

APS Fellow rank is a distinct honor signifying recognition by one's professional peers. Each year, no more than one half of one percent of the Society’s membership (excluding student members) is recognized by their peers for election to the status of Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Prof. Boltasseva has been a member of the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty since 2010. She is widely acclaimed for her groundbreaking research in the field of optical materials, nanophotonics, and metamaterials. Boltasseva’s work has opened new frontiers in the development of advanced materials that can manipulate and control light at the nanoscale. Such materials have far-reaching implications for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, energy, and healthcare.

One of Boltasseva's most notable achievements is her work on plasmonics, where she explores the interaction between light and metallic nanostructures, offering novel ways to amplify and manipulate light for a range of applications.

Boltasseva's work has found practical applications in various industries, fostering innovation and technological advancements. Her contributions to the development of new materials have the potential to create more efficient optical components, such as lenses, sensors, and communication devices. These innovations have the power to transform industries, making technology more efficient and accessible.