My lab focuses on developing material platforms and approaches for a new class of nanophotonic/plasmonic structures and composite optical metamaterials as potential building blocks for advanced optical technologies. Examples include cheap, enhanced-sensitivity sensors, powerful microscopes and nanofabrication tools, novel energy conversion schemes, and improved solar cells. 

Scientists and engineers tend to focus on their own research area and related technologies. FOE had a tremendous – and somewhat unexpected – impact on my work and me personally by helping me to view my activities and goals through the prism of global engineering challenges. FOE is an exceptional event that provided deep insight into recent developments in many different areas and gave the "10,000-foot view" of emerging technologies and trends.