Event
ECE Colloquium - Cheng Gong, UMD
Friday, September 18, 2026
3:30 p.m.
A. James Clark Hall Forum, Room 1101
Darcy Long
301 405 3114
dlong123@umd.edu
Speaker: Cheng Gong, Associate Professor, University of Maryland
Title: Physics and Technologies in 2D Orders, Disorders, and Fluctuations
Abstract: A thin paper sheet cannot stand flat alone. This real-life example gives us a vivid glimpse of the challenges of establishing long-range orders on two-dimensional (2D) platforms. In atomically thin 2D quantum materials, what are fundamental physics frustrating long-range (structural, spin, dipole, etc.) orders? How to mitigate these challenges, integrate multiple orders, and even stabilize them against the escalated fluctuations in ambient conditions? Are fluctuations always detrimental, or sometimes/always useful for developing niche 2D technologies? In this colloquium, I will share with you how my research group at UMD, in the past seven years, has approached these fundamental questions, addressed some core challenges and advanced emerging device technologies [1–7].
- Q. Wang, et al. Matter 5, 4425–4436 (2022).
- S. Liang, et al. Nature Electronics 6, 199–205 (2023).
- T. Xie, et al. Nature Physics 21, 1118–1124 (2025).
- S. Liang, et al. Nature Electronics 9, 23–32 (2026).
- T. Xie, et al. Nature Nanotechnology 21, 366–373 (2026).
- Q. Wang et al. Science 393, 714–718 (2026).
- Unpublished.
Bio: Prof. Cheng Gong joined the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at University of Maryland, College Park as an Assistant Professor in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2024. His research focuses on 2D quantum materials and devices. He is a recipient of the IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Semiconductor Physics 2020. In 2022, Prof. Gong won UMD’s “Invention of the Year”, American Chemical Society’s “Maryland Chemist of the Year”, and “Governor’s Citation” from Governor Hogan’s office. Prof. Gong is a recipient of NSF CAREER Award in 2024.
