KU EECS Faculty Secures NSF Funding for Groundbreaking Research in Transient Photonics

The EECS department is proud to announce that Dr. Shima Fardad, an assistant professor, has been awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grant totaling $492,489. This funding will support her cutting-edge research project titled "Transient Photonics in Optically Actuated Soft-Matter."

Dr. Fardad’s research explores the intricate interactions between light and soft matter—such as liquids containing colloidal particles—to pioneer the development of innovative "transient photonic devices." These devices are remarkable for their ability to self-assemble and disassemble in response to light, making them both stable and reconfigurable under illumination, yet capable of disappearing completely when the light source is removed.

Beyond its scientific contributions, the project places a strong emphasis on public engagement and education, offering online tutorials and demonstrations to make the complex science accessible and exciting to a broad audience. The project also prioritizes hands-on learning for students, with a particular focus on engaging underrepresented groups in science and engineering. In collaboration with the Indigenous Hispanic African-American Women KU Engineering (IHAWKe) program, Dr. Fardad's project is committed to inspiring a diverse and inclusive participation in the field of photonics, contributing to a more diverse and equitable STEM workforce.

The EECS department at KU is renowned for its faculty’s breakthrough contributions that are shaping the future of technology and innovation. Dr. Fardad’s NSF-funded research is a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence in research, and its impact on the broader research landscape continues to grow, fostering advancements that are transforming our understanding of the world and opening new avenues for technological development.