Engineering the Future of Light-Based Computing and Photonic Systems
Principal Investigator :
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Hamed Dalir, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Electrical & Computer Engineering Department
University of Florida
PD, University of California – Berkeley, USA 2016
Ph.D., Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan 2014
M.Sc., Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan 2011
Email: hamed (dot) dalir (at) ufl (dot) edu
Hamed Dalir is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida, where he also serves as Area Chair for Electronics. He is the Director of the CHIP Lab and is recognized for his contributions to integrated photonics, semiconductor lasers, co-packaged optics, and photonic computing architectures for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing systems. His research focuses on Very Large-Scale Photonic Integration (VLPI), heterogeneous photonic packaging, energy-efficient optical interconnects, electro-optic modulators, optical phased arrays, and advanced semiconductor laser platforms including VCSELs and TCSELs. Dr. Dalir received his Ph.D. from the Institute of Science Tokyo, where he trained under pioneers in semiconductor laser technology, and later continued his research as a postdoctoral scholar at University of California, Berkeley. Over the past two decades, he has developed photonic devices and system-level architectures spanning optical communication, quantum photonics, sensing, and AI hardware acceleration. His work bridges fundamental photonic device physics with scalable semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging technologies.
He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and filed over 20 patents in photonic devices, integrated system architectures, and semiconductor laser technologies, with several inventions transferred to industry partners including Fuji Xerox and Broadcom (Avago). His research programs have been supported by organizations including TSMC, DOE, DARPA, AFWERX, AFOSR, ARO, ONR, and NASA, including dedicated wafer-scale fabrication support through TSMC collaborations. Dr. Dalir has received numerous national and international recognitions, including being named a National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Frontiers of Engineering Nominee (Top 100 Engineers Nationwide, 2026) and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI, 2026). He was recognized in the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% Scientists Ranking in Optics in both 2024 and 2025 and received the Rising Star in Photonics Award from the American Chemical Society in 2025. Additional honors include the TSMC Best Project Collaboration Award, the ECE Faculty of the Year Award at UF, the IAAM Scientist Medal and Fellowship, the AFWERX Commercialization Award, and the SPIE Community Champion Award. He is a Senior Member of SPIE, IEEE, and Optica and has served on multiple international conference program committees and editorial boards. Beyond research and teaching, Dr. Dalir is active in mentoring students, building interdisciplinary semiconductor and photonics programs, and advancing workforce development in microelectronics and photonic systems. Outside academia, he enjoys playing chess, reflecting a research philosophy centered on long-term strategy, systems-level thinking, and innovation several moves ahead.
Editorships: EPJ Quantum Technology | Advanced Quantum Photonics
Ph.D. Students:
Sydney Mutchnick
L3Harris Scholar (Co-advised with Prof. Philip Feng)
Sydney is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physics at the University of Florida. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics from the University of Richmond. As an L3Harris Scholar, Sydney's research focuses on developing integrated electronic-photonic platforms to enable faster, ultra-compact, energy-efficient computational systems. She has experience in MEMS and NEMS device fabrication, working at the intersection of nanotechnology and photonics. Her strong theoretical background in physics has allowed her to specialize in integrated photonics, applying fundamental principles to advance cutting-edge technologies in high-speed computing and signal processing.
Joseph Crandall
Microsoft Scholar
Joseph Crandall is a Software Engineer II at Microsoft, specializing in areas such as SQL Virtual Machines and Service Fabric performance. With over four years of experience in software engineering and data science, he is proficient in Python, C++, and Java, enabling him to contribute effectively to Microsoft Azure. Simultaneously, Joseph is pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on quantum sensing and computing. He holds an MS in Electrical Engineering and dual BS degrees in Computer Science and Physics from the George Washington University, as well as a private pilot certificate. Dedicated to advancing the field of software and quantum engineering, Joseph aims to develop technologies that benefit society and the environment. His personal website, josephcrandall.com, provides further details on his work and projects.
Benjamin Hayden
DOW SMART Scholar
Benjamin is a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida, where he focuses on advanced ADC/DAC design for next-generation AI accelerators. He is a SMART Scholar, and a recipient of the FSI award, Iva and Norman Tuckett Scholarship/Fellowship Fund reflecting both his academic excellence and strong research potential. His interests span emerging technologies, with particular emphasis on quantum computing and integrated photonics. Beyond his academic pursuits, Benjamin enjoys drawing, playing volleyball, and weight training. He is driven to contribute to the advancement of quantum and photonic technologies in the coming years.
Abbott Amirany
UF DRA Scholar
Visiting Scholar, University of Texas at Austin, 2025
Research Scholar., The George Washington University, 2023-2025
Abbott is a highly accomplished researcher whose work bridges VLSI design, emerging technologies, neuromorphic computing, and approximate computing. He earned his B.Sc., and M.Sc., has built a distinguished career grounded in both academic excellence and technological innovation. He has been recognized in the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% Scientists Ranking (2024 Edition). Before joining the University of Florida, Amirany served as a research scientist at George Washington University, where he furthered his research in energy-efficient and intelligent hardware systems. With over 70 peer-reviewed publications and more than 1,400 citations, he has made lasting contributions through collaborations with top-tier institutions and leading scholars in his field. His groundbreaking research has been recognized with numerous honors, including several Best Paper Awards at international conferences and six consecutive Top Student Researcher accolades. From 2018 to 2023, he was named Researcher of the Year—a rare and consistent recognition of his leadership and impact. Amirany’s excellence has also been acknowledged on a national scale, earning him U.S. permanent residency through the EB-1A program for individuals of extraordinary ability. He is a Senior Member of both IEEE and ACM, a Life Member of SPIE, and actively involved in professional organizations including AAAS, AAAI, and Sigma Xi.
Editorship: Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Salem Altaleb
MSc., Wayne State University, USA
Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission Scholar
Salem is an Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) doctoral student at the University of Florida. Salem possesses a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in ECE, with an emphasis on practical abilities in computer languages and hardware design. His significant laboratory expertise has enabled him to specialize on convolutional neural network accelerators and optical system projects. In addition, he has extensive experience constructing field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), very large-scale integration (VLSI), and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). His research interests include 2D materials and optoelectronic devices. He is a member of IEEE, OSA/Optica, and SPIE as a student.
Belal Jahannia
Researcher, The George Washington University, USA
Belal is a doctoral candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Florida. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in ECE. Belal specializes in the efficient hardware implementation of neural networks, focusing on reducing memory requirements for storing neural network weights. His expertise includes techniques such as quantization, memory sharing, model compression, in-memory computing, and hardware-specific optimizations. Belal aims to enhance the efficiency of neural network implementations on platforms like FPGA and ASIC neural network hardware accelerators, bridging the gap between AI algorithms and hardware deployment.
Abdulaziz Bazammul
MSc., Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission Scholar
Abdulaziz’s passion for understanding nature made him pursue a career in physics. Graduating from King Abdulaziz University with BSc in physics with outstanding academic and training records in the field of carbon nanotubes and quantum espresso. After which he did his MSc in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces at Imperial College London. His masters dissertation titled “What have we learned of quantum gravity from holography” has opened his eyes to the field of quantum technologies and its crucial role to advance the field of fundamental physics further. All of these events made Abdulaziz an enthusiastic researcher and an eager learner in the field of Quantum technology which led him to join the CHIP Lab as a PhD student.
Vahid Najmi
MSc., Virginia Tech, USA
Vahid Najmi is an Electrical Engineering Team Lead with over 15 years of extensive experience in hardware and systems design, leading projects from initial concept through mass production. His expertise spans processors and microcontrollers, power management, switching power supplies, analog and digital design, and failure analysis. He is highly skilled in schematic capture and PCB layout, with a strong track record of collaborating with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) on specifications, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Testability (DFT), while actively contributing to system development, compliance, manufacturing processes (including end-of-life planning), and reliability testing. He has also successfully navigated supply chain challenges and implemented cost-saving strategies throughout the design lifecycle. During his tenure at Tesla, Vahid played a key role in launching multiple products and core technologies, driving significant cost reductions and improved profitability. Previously, at Solectria Renewables, he led in-house development of critical control boards for solar inverter systems, optimizing both performance and cost-efficiency. In addition to his hardware strengths, he brings a solid foundation in firmware and software development, including proficiency in Python, and a strong interest in interdisciplinary innovation. Known for his tireless work ethic, problem-solving mindset, and collaborative leadership, Vahid is a trusted and self-sufficient team leader with a proven ability to mentor engineers and deliver high-impact engineering solutions.
Rouzbeh Borhani
Plug and Play Scholar
Rouzbeh Borhani is the Founder and Head of the Semiconductor Practice at Plug and Play Tech Center, where he works at the intersection of technology, venture capital, and corporate innovation to advance the semiconductor ecosystem. He collaborates with startups, industry leaders, and investors to accelerate the development and commercialization of emerging semiconductor technologies across the value chain. Prior to this role, he served as a Country Retail Management Director in the consumer electronics sector, gaining experience in operations, product scaling, and business strategy. Rouzbeh holds an MBA (STEM track) and an M.S. in Disruptive Innovation from Hult International Business School, and a B.E. in Mechatronics Engineering from Sharif University of Technology. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Florida. His work reflects a strong focus on bridging deep-tech engineering with business strategy, enabling scalable, market-ready semiconductor innovations.
Adnan Cinisi
UF ECE Fellow
Adnan is an incoming PhD student at the University of Florida with a BS in Electrical Engineering. His industry background is in hardware development at Ford Motor Company. He is interested in investigating devices and methods to achieve high speed, efficient conversion between electrical and optical domains. Leveraging his experience in robust development, he is also interested in transforming free-space prototypes into commercial PICs. In his free time, he likes to garden, tinker, read, and exercise. He looks forward to sharpening the cutting edge of integrated photonics.
SELECTED Undergraduate Students:
Brianna McDaniel
BSc., The University of Florida, USA
In her third year at the University of Florida, Brianna McDaniel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an AI certificate. Brianna leads the Women's Club Basketball Team as Captain and Fundraising Chair, demonstrating her commitment for cooperation and community participation outside of school. She also volunteers for the UF Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers as Programs Chair. An Electrical Team Project Lead at the Machine Intelligence Laboratory, Brianna works on autonomous vehicles. Brianna is skilled in programming, PCB design, and analog and digital circuitry. Her scholarship to an underrepresented student in higher education shows her commitment to diversity and education. Brianna spearheaded a revolutionary machine learning DNA sequencing effort to predict type 1 diabetes. A humanoid robot she constructed using open-source AI models is her personal endeavor outside of academia. This project showcases her Python, Raspberry Pi 4, and human sensing skills to develop a human-centered robotic companion.
Mathias Gast
BSc., The University of Florida, USA
Mathias is a second-year Mechanical, Aerospace, and Electrical Engineering student at the University of Florida. Upon obtaining his bachelor’s, he seeks to pursue a master’s and PH.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) also at the University of Florida. Research interests are exploratory and include but are not limited to purpose-built artificial intelligence hardware and photonics integrated circuits.
Fernando E. Amado-Pupo
BSc., The University of Florida, USA
Fernando is a third-year Computer Engineering student at the University of Florida, specializing in embedded systems and high-performance computing. His technical expertise spans crucial areas including digital design, data science, and signal processing, complemented by a strong foundation in microprocessor applications and computer architecture. Currently, Fernando is advancing his skills in PYNQ and PetaLinux software configuration, while developing sophisticated signal processing applications using Python and High-Level Synthesis (HLS). His academic portfolio includes comprehensive coursework in Operating Systems, Computer Organization, and Digital Logic, demonstrating his commitment to understanding computing systems at both hardware and software levels. Outside of his technical pursuits, Fernando maintains an active lifestyle through basketball and weightlifting, and enjoys fostering social connections by watching UFC events with friends.
Iain Dimech
BSc., The University of Florida, USA
Iain is a third year Electrical Engineer major with a minor in Mathematics at UF set to graduate in May 2026. He was born in Clearwater, FL and was raised the rest of my life in Inverness, Florida of Citrus County, just an hour south of UF. He is currently a seminars coordinator for IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), organizing professors and professionals to deliver seminars about interesting topics in the electrical/computer engineering landscapes.He is also the Director of Special Events for the ECEA (Electrical and Computer Engineering Ambassadors) who take care of all major on- campus events for electrical and computer engineers at UF.
Evan Gehler
BSc., The University of Florida, USA
Evan possesses a robust foundation in signal processing and digital signal processing (DSP), acquired via practical experience with digital and analog synthesizers for electronic music. Presently engaged in the study of Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Organization, Circuits 1, and Computational Linear Algebra, they have also finalized coursework in advanced mathematics (Calculus 1-3, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics), physics, programming, digital logic, and computer-aided design (CAD/SolidWorks). His multidisciplinary expertise encompasses hardware, software, and mathematical modeling, rendering them adept at addressing intricate engineering and computational difficulties.
Kasra Karkheiran
BSc., The University of Florida, USA
He is currently working on image processing for the FPGA. So far, he has developed an IEEE Binary Converter. This tool reads convolution pairs from a text file, converts the values into IEEE binary format, and writes the results to an output text file. Currently, we are working with the CIFAR-10 dataset. He is importing the images and using the converter to transform the RGB values of each pixel into IEEE binary format. The processed values are then stored in a text file.
Distinguished Alumni
Jiachi Ye, Ph.D.
Ph.D., University of Florida, USA Class of 2025
Jiachi Ye has successfully defended his Ph.D. and officially graduated from CHIP lab on 7/17/2025. His research focused on Orbital Angular Momentum Beams in Free-Space Optical Communication and Computing. Jiachi made significant contributions to both our lab and the broader community by introducing novel concepts in the fields of free-space communications and optical computing. His publication record has exceeded my expectations—he first authored over 15 journals and conference papers. Additionally, he has two pending patents stemming from his original work.
While his Ph.D. journey has come to a close, his pursuit of knowledge continues.
Dr. Ye has started a position as a Process Engineer overseeing SMT, AOI, and all MINER manufacturing processes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following his graduation.
Haoyan Kang, Ph.D.
PD, University of Florida, USA Class of 2024
Ph.D., George Washington University, 2023.
Haoyan Kang received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the George Washington University in 2023. His doctoral research focused on freespace optical computing, Fourier optics, and photonic neural networks. During his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida, Dr. Kang contributed to the development of hybrid optical-electronic neural networks for structured light processing and orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam systems. His work has been published in Nature Communications Physics, Nanomaterials, Applied Physics Reviews, and SPIE conferences.
Currently, Dr. Kang is working as an Electro-Optics R&D Lead Engineer and Manager at API Metrology, focusing on the development of next-generation LiDAR systems.
Sponsors and Collaborators : Start with Photons End with Impact
