Zhao Research Group

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

We are proud to announce that Kenneth Christopher Stiwinter, a graduate student in the Zhao Nano Lab, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Georgia, has been awarded the Best Poster Award at the 5th International Online Conference on Nanomaterials (IOCN 2025), organized by MDPI. Ken’s award-winning poster, “The Optical and Near-Field Properties of Plasmonic Janus Nanoparticles: An FDTD Study,”  presents a detailed computational investigation of Au–SiO₂ Janus nanopa

SpectraGuru™  is a free, open-source ecosystem for Raman and SERS data analysis and visualization — built to make spectroscopy faster, reproducible, and community-driven. 🚀 Version 1.2 brings major advances  toward a fully connected spectroscopy ecosystem: 🔹 1. Unified, Community-Driven Database PostgreSQL-based centralized backend Standardized schema for raw and processed spectra Over 3,000 spectra  spanning chemicals, viruses, biomarkers, and more — all annotated with det

The University of Georgia is embracing the creative intersection of artificial intelligence and education. In a recent article by The Red...

Reliable and rapid pathogen detection remains a major challenge in global health. A recent collaboration between Qatar University (QU)...