Engineering Professor Awarded Honor by National Science Foundation

Photo Submitted

Shui-Qing “Fisher” Yu.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –University of Arkansas engineering professor Shui-Qing “Fisher” Yu has been awarded the Faculty Early Career Development award, also known as the CAREER award, by the National Science Foundation. Yu is an assistant professor in the department of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering.

This grant will provide $400,000 over five years, to fund Yu’s research of bismuth, a relatively unexplored material system. His research is expected to offer many unique optical and electrical properties desirable for numerous innovative applications in a variety of devices. The CAREER award is one of the highest honors given by the NSF to young faculty members. The award recognizes and supports distinguished young researchers in the fields of science and engineering who have produced high quality work and exemplify the role of teacher-scholars.

Yu’s project provides comprehensive training for graduate students in all aspects of advanced optoelectronic devices, as well as heavy involvement for undergraduate students. The research advances discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training and learning.

This award is highly coveted in the department, and Yu recognizes his colleagues for their support: “Since I came [to the University of Arkansas], I have received a lot of help from my senior colleagues. Therefore, I would like to thank them, and express my appreciation for their work.”

Yu will be collaborating with University of Arkansas nanotechnologist and Distinguished Professor of physics Greg Salamo, using advanced material growth tools. Yu also receives strong support from the Institute for Nanoscience and Engineering.

“We are delighted in the department for Dr. Fisher Yu, not only because a CAREER award is an important milestone in his professional career, but also, it is a great recognition of his dedication,” said Juan Balda, head of the electrical engineering department. “Fisher is definitely a collegial faculty member who is contributing to the department mission, not only in the area of research but also in teaching our students. We are very happy for him.”

Yu received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electronics from Peking University in 1997 and 2000. He received his doctoral degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University in 2005. Yu joined the University of Arkansas department of electrical engineering as an assistant professor in fall 2008.