News  |  March 3, 2025

UCLA Researchers Unveil Unidirectional Light Focusing Using Diffractive Optics

The Ozcan Lab at UCLA has unveiled a new optical technology that enables precise focusing of light – only in one direction. This novel unidirectional focusing design uses structured diffractive layers that are optimized using deep learning to transmit light efficiently in the forward direction of operation while effectively suppressing unwanted backward focusing of light. This innovation offers a compact and broadband solution for the unidirectional delivery of radiation with significant potential for applications in security, defense, and optical communications.

Please see the paper and news release. 

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Professor Sam Emaminejad’s Lab Develops Continuous Sensors Mimicking Natural Biochemistry to Advance Discovery and Healthcare

Professor Sam Emaminejad’s lab has developed a sensor technology that uses nature’s own blueprint and molecular machinery to monitor metabolism in living organisms in real time. This technology enables the continuous detection of a wide range of metabolites—molecules central to nearly every biological process, including energy production, cellular regulation, and system-wide homeostasis. The sensor architecture is based on a single-wall carbon nanotube electrode that mimics reactions from natural metabolic pathways. Through the multifunctional use of enzymes and cofactors, the sensor converts and detects target metabolites while simultaneously neutralizing interference. With this design, it can directly detect over 800 metabolites and, with just one conversion step, access more than two-thirds of the body’s metabolome. This innovation has the potential to transform healthcare, drug development, and industrial applications.

This work was led by postdoc Xuanbing Cheng and graduate students Zongqi Li and Jialun Zhu, all researchers in Professor Emaminejad’s Interconnected & Integrated Bioelectronics Lab (I²BL). 

Please see the news release. 

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Professor Mona Jarrahi Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 

Professor Mona Jarrahi has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Professor Jarrahi, who holds the Northrop Grumman Chair in Electrical Engineering, directs the Terahertz Electronics Laboratory where she studies ultrafast electronic and optoelectronic devices. A member of CNSI at UCLA, Professor Jarrahi’s research focuses on expanding the capabilities and applications of terahertz sensing, imaging and communication systems. Widely recognized for her innovative plasmonic and optical advancements, Professor Jarrahi is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Physical Society, the optical society Optica, the international society for optics and photonics SPIE, and the Institute of Physics. Among the many honors she has received are the Institution of Engineering and Technology A.F. Harvey Prize, the Moore Inventor Fellowship from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She is also a recipient of UCLA Samueli’s Watanabe Excellence in Research award.

Please see the news release. 

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Professor Chee Wei Wong Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Professor Chee Wei Wong has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Professor Wong, who holds the Carol and Lawrence E. Tannas, Jr. Endowed Term Chair in Engineering, specializes in quantum optics and photonics. His research focuses on nonlinear, quantum and ultrafast optics as well as precision measurement. He leads the Mesoscopic Optics and Quantum Electronics Laboratory, studying the intersection of optical physics, device optoelectronics and solid-state science and engineering, leveraging photonic crystals and chip-scale photonics. The group has achieved breakthroughs in optical physics and sciences with optoelectronic applications in industry. Professor Wong has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, IEEE, SPIE, Optica and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He has received the National Institutes of Health Trailblazer award for his development of precision magnetometry at the thermodynamical and quantum limits. He is a member of CNSI and the B. John Garrick Institute for the Risk Sciences at UCLA. 

Please see the news release. 

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Distinguished Professor Asad M Madni Elected an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Scotland’s National Academy, has announced its 2025 cohort of new Fellows, celebrating leading minds from across science, the arts, business, public life, and academia. This year’s intake includes outstanding individuals whose contributions are shaping society in Scotland and beyond.

Distinguished Professor Asad M Madni has been elected an Honorary Fellow (HonFRSE), the society’s most selective and highest honor, bestowed on members of the Royal Family or other individuals of truly exceptional distinction who are internationally renowned. The only other Honorary Fellow elected this year is His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, joining the Society’s patron His Majesty King Charles III, The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal.

According to RSE “Pioneer of space technology, Professor Madni, led the development of the control system for the Hubble Space Telescope’s star selector. The star selector forms part of Hubble’s Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) system, enabling it to track objects in space more accurately. The Hubble Telescope was launched by NASA on 24 April 1990 with the ongoing mission to understand the universe. Hubble has transmitted images from deep space ever since – among them some of the most famous images of the cosmos such as the Hubble Ultra-Deep Field and the Pillars of Creation.

Professor Madni is also lauded as the inventor of the GyroChip, a component that is used around the globe in a variety of aircraft for navigation and stabilization, and in passenger vehicles for stabilization and protection against rolling. Tens of millions of these components have been produced and incorporated in modern cars, which in turn has made vehicle travel safer worldwide.

Professor Madni said: “I was overjoyed when I received notification that I had been elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. To be included with past recipients of this accolade whose contributions have shaped the evolution of human progress is a most gratifying and humbling experience. I feel truly fortunate to have my and my team’s scientific and technical innovations and contributions play an important role in saving millions of lives around the world; in helping us extend the limits of space exploration and enhancing our understanding of the universe; and in providing for the defense and security of our nation and our allies.”

President of the RSE, Professor Sir John Ball PRSE, said: “It is my sincere pleasure to welcome each of our new Fellows – from the worlds of academia, public service, business, and the arts – to Scotland’s National Academy.” They represent excellence in their fields and will reinforce our ability to tackle the challenges that Scotland, and indeed the wider world, faces now and in the future.

Please see the new release. 

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IEEE WATT, in collaboration with SWE and ACM-W, organized the STEMinist Soiree in Honor of International Women’s Day

On Sunday, March 9, in honor of International Women’s Day, UCLA Women Advancing Technology through Teamwork (IEEE WATT) presented the first STEMinst Soiree, in collaboration with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at UCLA and the Association for Computing Machinery committee supporting women (ACM-W).

The event attracted more than 95 students, faculty, and alumni to the Engineering VI Atrium for networking, speeches, a delicious meal, and an opportunity to support women in engineering.  It had many activities to engage all audiences, including a bingo card with prizes that encouraged students and alumni to meet new people.  It also had an “introvert room” where people had an opportunity to make bracelets, chat, and write kind messages on a Wall of Affirmations. Jackie Duong, President of WATT, gave the welcome speech.

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Awards

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Professor Ian Roberts Awarded Educational Innovation Grant

Professor Ian Roberts was awarded Tier 2 funding under UCLA’s Teaching and Learning Center’s Educational Innovation Grants for RemoteRF, a platform that allows students to remotely interface with software-defined radios (SDRs) through the UCLA network. RemoteRF was used in two ECE 132A labs this past Winter quarter. Professor Roberts plans to use it again in Spring for ECE 230B classes. The platform will allow students to implement on SDRs many of the concepts they learn in lecture through lab assignments.

Please see more information about RemoteRF here. 

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Events/Seminars

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Upcoming PhD Defenses

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Student Organizations

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ACM @ UCLA Hosts Tech Gala 2025

Love tech? Want to celebrate and explore technological projects among the UCLA community? Want to show off YOUR new project? 

Join us for Tech Gala 2025!

 Date: Thursday April 10, 2025

 Location: Cohen Room

 Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Tech Gala is a night to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the amazing people in our tech community—all while enjoying great food, music, and even better projects! Whether you’re a seasoned developer, an aspiring designer, or just someone passionate about technology, this is your chance to meet like-minded individuals, reflect on an incredible year in tech, and have an unforgettable night learning something new.

Expect an evening of awards, interactive exhibits, and plenty of fun surprises!

 All students are welcome—no tech experience required! 

Interested in presenting your project? 

Sign up here and RSVP to attend here. 

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LA HACKS 2025 at UCLA April 25-27

Are you ready to turn your ideas into reality? LA Hacks 2025, Southern California’s largest hackathon, is happening from April 25-27, 2025, at UCLA’s iconic Pauley Pavilion. Here’s why you can’t miss it:

 $30,000+ in Prizes: Showcase your skills and walk away with more than just memories, in addition to meals and snacks provided throughout the event.

 Learn & Level Up: Access exclusive workshops, mentorship, and cutting-edge tools from top sponsors like Google, Amazon, and Snapchat.

 Career-Boosting Connections: Network directly with recruiters and hiring managers from leading tech companies.

Whether you’re a first-time hacker looking to learn or an advanced developer aiming to push boundaries, LA Hacks is the place to be. Register at lahacks.com. If you are not ready to apply, feel free to join our mailing list!

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Job Opportunities

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Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Scholar at UCLA Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology

Position description:

Are you passionate about advancing the frontier of healthcare technology? Dr. Bijan Najafi’s renowned research team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge studies in remote patient monitoring, frailty, dementia, and wearable technologies designed to empower older adults to live independently and age in place.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have expertise or familiarity in:

• Wearable technologies for human motion analysis

• Motion tracking systems

• Gait and balance assessments

• Muscle activity monitoring and motor disability evaluation

Start Date: As soon as possible

Qualifications:

Basic qualifications: PhD

Preferred qualifications: Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, or a related field.

Application Requirements:

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter – Limited to two pages, summarizing your career goals and prior   research relevant to human movement analysis.

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Reference check authorization release form – Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form

• Sample Publication – A sample of a relevant prior publication.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please see the full posting. 

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Internship Opportunity: Design Verification Engineer Intern at Apple

Apple is seeking a Design Verification Engineer intern in their first year of an MS degree and will graduate either in Dec 2025 or May 2026. 

Position description:

Through this experience, you will learn all aspects of a large scale SOC design, complex verification test benches, different types of SOC architectures, multiple high speed protocols, industry-standard low power architecture, best in class DV methodology, verification on accelerated platforms, knowledge on Cellular protocol, FW- HW interactions, complexities of multi-chip SOC debug architecture, etc. 

Please send your resume to j_lou@apple.com if interested.

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Internship Opportunity: Ayar Labs

Ayar Labs is in search of a number of summer interns. The internships span several areas, including circuit design, photonics, computer vision/AI, data science, and hardware engineering. 

For more details and to apply, students can visit: Ayar Labs Internship Opportunities.

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Job Opportunity: Cellular SOC Design Verification Engineer – Entry Level at Apple

Description
Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? This position gives you an opportunity to be a part of one of the most cutting-edge and key projects that Apple’s Silicon Engineering Group has embarked upon to-date. As a Design Verification Engineer on our team, you’ll be at the center of the verification effort within our silicon design group, responsible for crafting and productizing state-of-the-art Cellular SoCs!

You will have the opportunity to contribute to the verification effort of a set of complex SOCs delivering the Cellular solution. You will integrate multiple sophisticated IP level DV environments, craft highly reusable best-in-class UVM-based test benches, implement effective coverage-driven and directed test suites, and deploy new tools and methodologies to deliver chips that are right-first-time. By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you can push the industry boundaries of what cellular systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world!

Through this experience, you will learn all aspects of large-scale SOC design, complex verification test benches, different types of SOC architectures, multiple high-speed protocols, industry-standard low power architecture, best-in-class DV methodology, verification on accelerated platforms, knowledge of Cellular protocol, FW-HW interactions, and the complexities of multi-chip SOC debug architecture.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Science (CS) is required
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Coursework in Digital Design

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Science (CS)
• Must graduate by June 2025
• Coursework in Computer Architecture, Networking Protocol
• Should be a great teammate with excellent communication and problem-solving skills and the desire to seek diverse challenges
• Programming experience in SystemVerilog, Python, and C++

Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $121,900 and $183,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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Research Opportunity: Geothermal Technology Development (UCLA)

The research group of Professor Sergio Carbajo at UCLA is seeking a highly motivated

graduate engineering student to contribute to an exciting geothermal technology research project for 1-2 months during Winter Quarter. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and earn university research credit.

Project Overview:

This project, under the direction of Professor Carbajo, focuses on developing innovative technologies to enhance geothermal energy extraction and super deep drilling. The selected student will play a key role in the design and modeling of novel technology.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize CAD software to design and refine components for direct energy drilling and geothermal rigging systems.
• Contribute to the modeling and analysis of hydrodynamic and electromagnetic phenomena within the system.
• Collaborate with the research team to interpret simulation results and contribute to project discussions.
• Document research findings and contribute to technical reports or presentations.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled graduate student in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Mechanical Engineering at UCLA.
• Experience with CAD design software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360).
• Interest or experience in hydrodynamics and electromagnetism.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise with Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) or Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs).

Benefits:

• Earn university research credit.
• Gain valuable research experience in a cutting-edge field.
• Opportunity to contribute to a real-world energy solution for climate change.
• Work alongside experienced researchers and faculty at UCLA, including Professor Sergio Carbajo.

Time Commitment:

1-2 months during Winter Quarter, with flexible scheduling to accommodate academic

commitments.

To Apply:

Interested students should submit their resume/CV and a brief statement of interest (one paragraph) outlining their relevant skills and experience to johnfstrike@gmail.com. Please include “Geothermal Research Application” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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Electronics/PCB Development Undergraduate Internship Opportunity

Employment Period: Year-round

Location: On-campus

Approximate hours per week: 5+ hours

Duration: 6-24 months

Salary / Pay rate / Stipend: $20/hour

Relevant Website: https://www.edroplets.org/

Job description

Digital microfluidics is a technology that enables programmable control over individual droplets using electrical signals on a chip, which has been transforming wet labs towards the era of lab-on-a-chip. You will develop electronic control circuits for operating digital microfluidics chips. This is a highly engineering-oriented project, which requires independent schematic design, PCB layout design, PCB manufacturing, and assembly outsourcing for various circuits and electronic systems. You will also work with the mechanical design and software development team guided by graduate students to create multiple products. These products will be used by numerous digital microfluidics researchers and startups around the world through an open-source platform (edroplets.org).

For domestic students (US Citizen or Permanent Resident), the payment may be a stipend from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. 

For international students, the payment will be through a regular research fund.

For those who prefer research credits over stipends, SRP 99 or MAE 199 is also possible.

What you will get:

(1) You will experience creating a real-world electronic product for a transformative technology, which will be used by lots of real users!

(2) You will get hands-on experience and training in schematic/PCB/electronics design and development

(3) You will learn the basic knowledge and industry status of digital microfluidics, and participate in translating ground-breaking research into real-world products

(4) You may become a co-author of resulting journal and conference publications

Quality & skill desired:

(1) A strong and genuine interest in electronics is essential. If you are a DIYer who loves working with electronics and wants to build something impactful, this is a perfect project for you.

(2) Enjoy working in a team with different expertise is essential. The ability to articulate your work to non-technical team members is essential.

(3) Experience with Altium Designer, KiCAD or other PCB design software is a plus. Experience with LabView is a plus. Experience in making a PCB from design to manufacturing is a huge plus.

(4) No experience or knowledge of digital microfluidics is required

Interested? Please send your resume to Professor CJ Kim (cjkim@ucla.edu) and Leo Wang (wangqining265@gmail.com). If there’s a good match, you will be invited to an interview.

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Newsletter Submissions

To be included in future newsletters, please send the latest news, awards, publications and any upcoming PhD oral defenses to the Chair’s assistant, Winda Mak, at wmak@seas.ucla.edu. Please include “newsletter submission” in the subject line. The ECE newsletters will be sent bimonthly on the first and third Mondays of the month. Please ensure all submissions are received by the Wednesday before distribution to be included in the newsletter.