Zhao Research Group

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

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)...

We are delighted to share that Amit has successfully passed his oral examination and advanced to Ph.D. candidacy in the Department of...

We’re excited to share our latest article in The Journal of Physical Chemistry A , published in the Michael A. Duncan Festschrift special...

I was pleased to attend the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2025 National Meeting  in Washington, DC (August 17–21, 2025), where I...

We’re excited to share our latest article in Analytical Chemistry , titled:👉 “Beyond Traditional airPLS: Improved Baseline Removal in...

We’re excited to share our latest review article published in Nanomaterials , titled:👉 “Glancing Angle Deposition in Gas Sensing:...

I'm excited to share a new project that’s close to my heart—a cartoon collection titled Thoughts on PhD Training , now available online...

We’re excited to share our latest work published in Journal of Hazardous Materials , titled:👉 “Experimental Raman Spectra Analysis of...

We’re thrilled to announce the publication of our latest research in ACS Sensors , titled: "Extracting True Virus SERS Spectra and...

I am delighted to share that my student, Amit Kumar , has been awarded the 2025 Sean M. Kirkpatrick Award for Outstanding Achievement in...