Event
Joint LPS / ECE Seminar - Vinod K. Sangwan (Ph.D. '09), Northwestern University
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
10:00 a.m.
2460 A.V. Williams
Darcy Long
301 405 3114
dlong123@umd.edu
Speaker: Vinod K. Sangwan (UMD Ph.D. '09), Professor, Northwestern University
Talk Title: Emerging Nanomaterials for Bio-Realistic Neuromorphic Computing
Abstract: Brain-inspired computing hardware is emerging as an alternative to silicon complementary metal-oxide semiconductor chips in order to address the energy crisis of rapidly increasing digital data generation and processing. Conventional non-volatile memories can realize highly parallelized in-memory computing in neural networks, but they lack the adaptability and reconfigurability that are the key attributes of low-energy biological systems. To this end, neuromorphic devices based on low-dimensional nanomaterials embody bio-realistic tunable learning, coupled state variables, non-linear responses, and multi-terminal architectures of synapses [1-5]. In this talk, I will make the case for two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials for neuromorphic hardware by drawing parallels between fundamental properties, form factors, and required functionalities in artificial synapses, neurons, and network architectures.[3,6,7] As a few examples, MoS2 memtransistors show bio-realistic synaptic learning in scalable crossbar arrays for higher-dimensional dynamic neural networks.[7] Anomalous ferroelectricity in bilayer graphene moiré synaptic transistors achieves unprecedented adaptive learning.[8] Dual-gated, self-aligned Gaussian heterojunction transistors not only realize complex spiking behavior but also enable low-power hardware for machine learning algorithms in edge computing.[9,10] Bio-realistic spiking neurons can be printed on flexible substrates and demonstrate biocompatibility by direct communication with mouse cerebellum cells. [11].
Refs: [1] Chem Rev. (2025), [2] Nature Electronics (2024), [3] Advanced Materials (2022), [4] Matter (2022), [5] Nature Nano. (2020), [6] Nature Nano. (2015), [7] Nature (2018), [8] Nature (2023), [9] Nature Comm. (2020), [10] Nature Electronics (2023), [11] Nature Nano. (2026)
Bio: Dr. Vinod K. Sangwan is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University (NU). He obtained a B.Tech. in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland (UMD) College Park under the supervision of Profs. Ellen D. Williams and Michael S. Fuhrer. After that, he joined NU as a post-doctoral researcher jointly supervised by Profs. Mark C. Hersam, Lincoln J. Lauhon, and Tobin J. Marks, subsequently continued there to develop a career path of research faculty. Dr. Sangwan received the 2004 Iskraut award during his graduation at UMD, received the 2021 IEEE Chicago Outstanding Senior Research and Development award, and is currently a 2026 IEEE Distinguished Lecturer for Nanotechnology. His research interests include nanoelectronics, neuromorphic computing, renewable energy, and quantum information science. He has published over 130 peer-reviewed journal papers in journals such as Science, Nature, Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Materials, Nature Communications, and holds 20 granted and pending patents. At NU, he has mentored three dozen students and post-doctoral researchers, and is a co-principal investigator on multiple grants from NSF and DOE. He enjoys teaching, outreach activities, and is a member of IEEE (senior), APS, MRS, AVS, ACS, SPIE, and AAAS.
