Zhao Research Group

    Dr. Yiping Zhao’s career reflects a remarkable journey through the evolution of nanotechnology, spectroscopy, and sensor development. He began his scientific journey with a focus on understanding surface roughness and its effects on the electrical and magnetic properties of thin films. In the early 2000s, he pioneered advancements in glancing angle deposition (GLAD), a versatile nanofabrication technique. These developments became critical for applications in plasmonics, biosensing, and metamaterials. In parallel, His work with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) demonstrated the potential of SERS for highly sensitive pathogen detection. Over time, his contributions enabled the rapid and precise detection of respiratory viruses, cancer biomarkers, PFAS contaminants, and others. Notably, his recent breakthroughs include deep learning-enhanced SERS sensors for COVID-19 detection and high-performance hydrogen sensors. In addition, he developed nanostructured materials for hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, and lithium-ion battery electrodes. His investigations into catalytic and magnetic nanomotors have provided new insights into active colloid behavior, including propulsion mechanisms in confined environments. His exploration of chiral metamaterials has provided new strategies for controlling light-matter interactions, advancing the understanding and application of optical metamaterials. His integration of nanotechnology with photocatalysis has led to the development of advanced antimicrobial materials.  His work on drug-loaded magnetic nanomotors for stroke treatment represents a novel and efficient solution for a long-standing medical challenge.

    Dr. Zhao has a long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and curriculum development since 2002. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on, innovative learning experiences that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary understanding among students. He has been instrumental in transforming undergraduate physics education. Notably, he has integrated smartphone-based projects  into the Modern Optics course (PHYS3330) since 2014 to allow students to design and execute optical experiments using accessible technologies, fostering creativity and engagement. The outcomes of these efforts have been summarized in a YouTube Chanel and his book, Use of Smartphones in Optical Experimentation. Recognizing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, He developed Smartphone-based Introductory Physics Labs (SmartIPL) to ensure students in online physics courses could still gain a "truly experimental experience." These labs are supported by detailed instruction manuals, worksheets, and videos available on his YouTube channel. At the graduate level, he has taught advanced courses such as Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I. He has an outstanding track record in mentoring, having supervised 21 Ph.D. students. Many of his trainees have gone on to successful careers in academia, government laboratories, and industryHe has actively recruited and mentored over 120 undergraduate students, high school students, and teachers since 2002. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the composition of his mentees, 30% of whom are women and 25% from underrepresented groups. Notably, he mentored Whitney Ingram, the first Black female Ph.D. graduate in Physics at UGA, exemplifying his dedication to broadening participation in STEM.