大象传媒

Dr. Amin Abnavi receives Dean鈥檚 Convocation Medal

As one of 大象传媒's most outstanding graduate students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Dr. Amin Abnavi is recognized with the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal. On behalf of 大象传媒, we congratulate Dr. Abnavi on his outstanding achievements.

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June 05, 2025

During Amin Abnavi鈥檚 PhD program, he developed innovative optoelectronic devices that use two-dimensional (2D) materials, and have wide-ranging real-world applications in sustainable energy, sensing, and neuromorphic computing. His thesis, , describes his work.  

His research introduced several novel device architectures, such as asymmetric geometries in 2D materials鈥攖hat not only improved the performance of flexible thin-film solar cells and photosensors but also simplified their fabrication processes. He also developed an optoelectronic logic gate based on 2D materials, capable of performing multiple computing functions in a single device鈥攗nlike traditional logic gates that can only do one task. This work paves the way for more compact and powerful computing technologies. His research on suspended 2D material device architectures also led to the development of artificial synapse-like optoelectronic devices that mimic the learning and processing functions of the human brain, enabling high-speed and low-power neuromorphic computing systems.

Abnavi鈥檚 research has been published in high-impact journals, with several of his works featured as cover articles in recognition of their significance. During his graduate studies, he received several prestigious awards, including the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship, the Kaiser Foundation for Higher Education Graduate Scholarship (twice), and the Lang Wong Memorial Scholarship in Engineering (twice). Abnavi has also acted as a referee for multiple journals and has received the 鈥淥utstanding Reviewer of Nanotechnology鈥 award.

Michael Adachi, Abnavi鈥檚 doctoral supervisor, is impressed with Abnavi鈥檚 work.

Says, Adachi, 鈥淸Abnavi] has been an innovator and leader in the research group, discovering new device architectures and proposing them for new applications and developing new device characterization techniques such as photocurrent mapping. His PhD work resulted in 8 first or equal contribution journal articles and an additional article almost ready for journal submission. He was a pleasure to work with and excelled while working in a team.鈥

Abnavi shares his gratitude for the support he鈥檚 received throughout his doctoral studies.

Says Abnavi, 鈥淚t is a great honor to receive this recognition. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Michael Adachi, whose mentorship, trust, and encouragement shaped the direction of my research. I also extend my gratitude to my colleagues, 大象传媒 community, and funding organizations for their support and inspiration throughout my PhD journey. 鈥

Abnavi is continuing his work as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Victoria, where he is working on developing hybrid systems that can harvest energy from both sunlight and raindrops.

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