Postdoc Fellow/Associate, Harvard

Ph.D.  University of California, San Diego

jun_wang [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 472

I am originally from China and moved to San Diego in 2014 for my Ph.D., then to Cambridge in 2020 for postdoctoral research. My research focuses on CMOS-Nano Neuromorphic & Neural Interfaces, aiming to bridge artificial and natural intelligence. Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active. I like badminton and earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Bay State Games. I have also completed the Beijing Marathon, a one-day Mount Whitney hike, and the Presidential Traverse in a day. Recently, I have taken up tennis as well. 

Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, NC State University

M.S., Materials Science, Missouri State University

itamzid [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I received my Ph.D. in Materials Science from NC State University in 2024. My research investigated CMUT (capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer) device design, fabrication, and characterization for neurostimulation applications. I am curious about the design and fabrication of Micro/Nano systems for cutting-edge biomedical applications.

I love gardening, collecting music instruments, and playing table tennis & board games.

M.S., Applied Physics, The Royal institute of technology Stockholm, Sweden

B.S., Physics and Math I & II, the University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

mzubair [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I received my M.Sc. in Applied Physics from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden, and B.Sc. in Physics from the University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore, Pakistan. I have extensive hands-on experience in the processing and fabrication of thin-film devices, including magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based MRAM, spin valves, and double-biased magnetic sensors, acquired in a cleanroom environment. My master’s thesis focused on the design and investigation of a thermally controlled spin valve exploiting the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect.  In October 2016, I joined the Department of Physics at the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, where I served as a lecturer, contributing to both teaching and administrative responsibilities. In August 2023, I joined Virginia Tech to pursue my doctoral studies and research.

M.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida

Summer Research Exchange, Pomona College

B.Eng., Biomedical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology

yzhao [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I received my M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida, where my research focused on brain–computer interfaces, neural electrode design, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. My work involved optimizing PEDOT-coated platinum electrodes, modeling brain impedance modulation by ferritin, and conducting rodent craniotomy surgeries for neural implant validation.

Before joining Virginia Tech, I also worked in Dr. Kevin J. Otto’s Neural Prostheses Research Lab, where I analyzed impedance spectra of implantable neural chips using Autolab and ZView, gaining experience in circuit modeling and electrode–tissue interface characterization. My broader interests include neural recording, neuroelectronic materials, and the integration of CMOS-based sensing with intelligent biointerfaces.

Outside the lab, I enjoy basketball, hiking, and working on cars.

B.S., Bioengineering, George Mason University

john999 [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Bioengineering, with a concentration in Neurotechnology and Computational Neuroscience. My previous work has been mostly based on applying deep learning methods and models to analyze complex biomedical data, such as EEG, MRI, and more. I believe that machine learning and deep learning models are powerful and underutilized tools for improving all aspects of medical research. My other hobbies include gaming, 3D printing, and sometimes coding games in Python.

dhruvshankar [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I am a Graduate Student pursuing a M.Sc. in the ECE Department. I have received my bachelor's degree in India, in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. I am primarily interested in IC and PCB Design but am also interested in IC Testing and Post-fabrication.

Outside the lab I enjoy playing sports such as Basketball, Soccer and enjoy On-Campus Social Events particularly for Graduate Students.

harrisonc25 [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I am pursuing a non-thesis Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. I am interested in neurotechnology and regenerative medicine, and I have experience working in optical tweezers and bioprinting laboratories. 

Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, watching shows, tinkering with Python, and playing video and board games.

samb04 [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I am a senior in Electrical Engineering with a focus  in micro/nano systems pursuing an accelerated masters in Electrical Engineering. I am interested in PMUT design and focused ultrasound applications. 

Outside of Virginia Tech, I enjoy hiking, running, and baking. I also have an extensive house plant collection. 

shibowen06 [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I am interested in integrated circuits and chip design. My hobbies are soccer, cycling, and badminton.

yoshita [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Engineering focusing on Chip-Scale Integration. I am interested in and want to further explore semi-conductor design and processes. 

Outside of career and academics, I like to paint using mediums like gouache and water color.

rickywu06 [at] vt.edu

Whittemore 477

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Electrical Engineering at Virginia Tech. I am particularly interested in embedded systems, microcontrollers, and circuit design, and I am actively exploring topics related to micro/nano systems and hardware–software integration. 

Outside of academics, I enjoy playing soccer, exploring new technologies, and participating in on-campus engineering and social events.