Prof. Yiping Zhao
Distinguished Research Professor of Physics
Adjunct Professor, College of Engineering
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
Prof. Yiping Zhao's research focuses on nanotechnology, spectroscopy, and AI-enabled science, developing innovative approached to understand and control materials at the nanoscale. He is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research and education, and to mentoring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
​Education
1999 Ph.D. in Physics Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
1994 M.S. in Physics Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
1991 B.S. in Electronics Peking University, Beijing, China
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​Academic Appointments
2016–Present Distinguished Research Professor of Physics University of Georgia
2012–Present Adjunct Professor, College of Enegineering, University of Georgia
2010–Present Professor of Physics University of Georgia
2007–2010 Associate Professor of Physics University of Georgia
2002–2007 Assistant Professor of Physics University of Georgia
2000–2002 Research Assistant Professor Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
1999–2000 Research Scientist Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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Selected Honors & Awards
2026 Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors
2021 Vebleo Fellow
2020 Fellow of International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM)
2017 SPIE Fellow
2017 AVS Fellow
2012 Nano-Engineering Pioneer Award, SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing Meeting
2009 Creative Research Medal, University of Georgia
2000 Second Prize, Natural Science Award, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Dr. Yiping Zhao is a Distinguished Research Professor of Physics at the University of Georgia. Over the past five years, his research has focused on advancing nanofabrication techniques, plasmonic nanostructures, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and AI-assisted diagnostics. His group has developed innovative GLAD-based nanomaterials, high-performance plasmonic sensors, and rapid SERS-based detection systems for viruses, bacteria, environmental contaminants (such as PFAS), and cancer biomarkers. Recent highlights include the development of deep learning algorithms for multiplex virus detection, the creation of ultra-sensitive hydrogen and gas sensors, and contributions to the understanding of active matter and chiral metamaterials.
Beyond research, Dr. Zhao has a strong commitment to student mentoring and education. He has trained over 30 Ph.D. and M.S. students, along with more than 100 undergraduate and high school researchers. His students have earned numerous national awards and contributed to high-impact publications, many continuing into successful careers in academia, national labs, and industry. Dr. Zhao has also been a pioneer in educational innovation, developing smartphone-based introductory physics labs and optics projects to enhance experiential learning. His efforts in curriculum development and outreach have broadened access to research opportunities and enriched STEM education at UGA and beyond.
With over 360 peer-reviewed publications, multiple patents, and a Google Scholar H-index of 87, Dr. Zhao continues to integrate nanotechnology, spectroscopy, and machine learning to address urgent challenges in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and energy systems.