Dr. Eray S. Aydil stands as a distinguished figure in chemical and biomolecular engineering, currently serving as the Senior Vice Dean of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. His expertise is further underscored by his position as the Alstadt Lord Mark Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the same institution in New York University. Prior to his tenure at NYU Tandon, Dr. Aydil held the Ronald L. and Janet A. Christenson Chair in Renewable Energy and was the Executive Officer of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the field.
Dr. Aydil’s academic journey is marked by significant achievements and recognition. He earned dual B.S. degrees in chemical engineering and materials science and engineering from U.C. Berkeley in 1986, setting a strong foundation for his advanced studies. He furthered his education by obtaining a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Houston in 1991. His early career included a postdoctoral position at Bell Labs until 1993, after which he embarked on his academic professorship at U.C. Santa Barbara as an assistant professor. His dedication and scholarly contributions led to his progression to full professor and vice chairperson before his departure in 2005.
In 2005, Dr. Aydil transitioned to the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) at the University of Minnesota, where he remained a prominent faculty member until 2018. During his time at Minnesota, he also served as the Executive Officer of CEMS from 2009 to 2014, showcasing his leadership within the academic community. His move to New York University Tandon School of Engineering in 2018 marked another significant step in his career, bringing his extensive expertise to a new academic environment.
Dr. Aydil’s prolific research output is evident in his over 200 published articles and seven patents. His contributions have been honored with prestigious awards, including the Peter Mark Award and the Plasma Prize from the American Vacuum Society, the Norman Hackerman Young Author Award of the Electrochemical Society, the National Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation, and the Camille-Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. These accolades highlight the impact and significance of his research in the scientific community.
The research interests of Dr. Aydil and his group are broadly focused on the synthesis and characterization of electronic, optoelectronic, magnetic, and catalytic materials. A central theme of his work is understanding the intricate relationships between synthesis, structure, properties, and performance of materials. Driven by both fundamental scientific inquiry and practical applications, a key motivation for his research is the development of sustainable solar-to-electric energy conversion technologies, particularly solar cells. His group employs a range of material synthesis techniques, including vapor phase deposition and synthesis methods like physical vapor deposition and plasma synthesis, alongside colloidal synthesis, to create nanostructured materials, coatings, and thin films tailored for specific applications.
Currently, Dr. Aydil’s research projects are concentrated on several cutting-edge areas. These include the investigation of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite-inspired materials for applications in solar cells, light emission, and detection technologies. He is also actively involved in exploring plasma-assisted synthesis techniques for advanced materials. Another significant area of focus is the study of pyrite iron disulfide (FeS2) for its potential in solar cell technology, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.
