Zhao Research Group

We are proud to share that Prof. Yiping Zhao , Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia, has been named a 2026 Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) . This recognition honors academic inventors whose patented technologies and translational research have demonstrated meaningful societal impact and commercialization potential. The Senior Member designation highlights sustained contributions to in

We are excited to share our new Analytical Chemistry  review article, “ Decoding Complex Spectra with Machine Learning: Advances in Spectral Unmixing for Chemical Analysis .”   Modern spectroscopy is indispensable in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and materials characterization—but real-world spectra are often mixtures: multiple chemical components, overlapping peaks, strong backgrounds (e.g., fluorescence), and spatial mixing (e.g., imaging, r

We are excited to share our latest publication in ACS Omega , titled “I mproving Protein Quantification with SERS Superspectra and Machine Learning .”   Quantitative protein analysis using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has long been challenged by weak, orientation-dependent adsorption and highly heterogeneous spectral responses. Traditional peak-based calibration often fails because protein–surface interactions are nonlinear and substrate dependent. In this work,

Position Summary ( https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/468341 ) The University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on AI-enabled surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for precision molecular measurement and biophysical discovery. This position is supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and is intended to recruit new postdoctoral talent to UGA. The postdoctoral schol

We are pleased to share that our forthcoming book, SmartIPL: Smartphone-Based Introductory Physics Labs , currently in press with SPIE Press, is being featured at Photonics West . The book introduces a modern and accessible approach to teaching experimental physics by transforming smartphones into powerful tools for hands-on laboratory learning. SmartIPL will present eight carefully designed laboratory modules aligned with introductory mechanics courses. Using everyday materi

SuperRamanNet Achieves Near Clinical-Grade Accuracy in Real-World Validation Researchers at Qatar University (QU), in close collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA) and international clinical partners, have reported a major advance in rapid sepsis diagnostics. Published in Talanta, the study presents a culture-free, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and artificial intelligence–based platform capable of recognizing sepsis and identifying causative pathogens

We are excited to share our latest publication in Nature Communications , reporting a new class of ultra-fast, ultra-sensitive hydrogen sensors that operate at room temperature and achieve sub-second response times with parts-per-billion (ppb) detection limits. Hydrogen sensing is critical for clean energy, industrial safety, and environmental monitoring, yet achieving both  rapid response and ultra-low detection limits in a single device remains a major challenge. In thi

Smartphone-Based Undergraduate Physics Labs: A Comprehensive Review of Innovation, Accessibility, and Pedagogical Impact Yiping Zhao, European Journal of Physics (2025) 📄 DOI:   https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/ae2a80 I am delighted to announce that my latest paper, “ Smartphone-based undergraduate physics labs: a comprehensive review of innovation, accessibility, and pedagogical impact ,” has been accepted for publication in the European Journal of Physics  and is now avai

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for the position of Head of the Department, expected to start August 1, 2026. We seek a visionary leader and accomplished scientist with internationally recognized expertise in physics or astronomy. This individual should be eager to shape the future of our department and advance its research, teaching, and service missions. Pending University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ ap