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Grace Lu

Professor of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering

Education

  • 1997, Doctoral Degree, Applied Physics, Harvard University
  • 1993, Master's Degree, Applied Physics, Harvard University
  • 1992, Bachelor's Degree, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

Biography

Professor Lu received dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering in 1992 at Washington University in St. Louis. After studying in Professor Michael Tinkham's research group at Harvard University on superconducting single-electron transistors, she received her Ph.D in 1997. She subsequently conducted her postdoctoral research on the electron transport of individual carbon nanotubes at UC Berkeley under the University of California President's Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Research Summary

The research of Professor Lu focuses on the investigation of metals and semiconductors whose size is reduced to the nanoscale (less than 1/1000 of the width of a human hair). Her research activities include the fabrication of nanostructures using both lithography and self-assembly techniques; characterization of their electrical, optical, magnetic, and topological properties; and development of nanoscale systems with enhanced functionality. In particular, she is interested in the quantum states and dynamics of electron charge and electron spin which will be essential for future applications in high density, low power and ultra fast electronics. This includes but not limited to memory and logic circuits, chemical/biological sensors, optoelectronic devices, spintronic devices, and energy harnessing devices.

Awards

  • 2015 Helmholtz Foundation Faculty Research Award
  • 2010 DAAD German Academic Exchange Research Fellowship
  • 2005 Maseeh Best Faculty Research Award in 2005.
  • 2004 White House Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2004
  • 2002 National Science Foundation Career National Science Foundation Career Award in 2002
Appointments
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Electrophysics
Office
  • SSC 215B
  • Frank R. Seaver Science Center
  • 920 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA 90089
  • USC Mail Code: 0484
Contact Information
  • (213) 821-4328
  • jialu@usc.edu
Links