Pengyu Chen, Dongmei Dong, Harshini Mukundan, and Milad Navaei are candidates
Voting closes on September 30
The 2024 election for ECS Sensor Division officers and Members at Large takes place via electronic proxy from September 2 through September 29. We have a great slate with four candidates–Pengyu Chen, Dongmei Dong, Harshini Mukundan, and Milad Navaei–running for division Treasurer. Please read the candidates’ biographical sketches and statements below. Voting instructions follow. We urge all ECS Sensor Division members to take part in this important election!
Pengyu Chen
Biography
Pengyu Chen is Hugh and Loeda Francis Associate Professor and Distinguished Professor and Researcher in Sensor Technology and Bio-Nanotechnology at Auburn University (AU). His research interests are at the intersection of nanomaterials, biosensing, biophysics, and biotechnology. His group focuses on developing integrated biosensing systems for high-throughput quantitative micro/nanoscale analysis of molecular and cellular functions. Specifically, they are advancing nanoplasmonic biosensors to study biological entities, from nanoscale biomolecules to micron-sized mammalian cells, confined in micro/nanofluidic environments. Their pioneering work includes developing rapid diagnostic platforms such as whole blood stimulation assays, cellular immunophenotyping assays, and single-cell immune analysis for characterizing the functional immune response of the host. His recent research integrates machine learning techniques to enable precision immune profiling and monitoring, aiming to transform experimental immunomodulatory therapies into an information-rich science. These projects have led to high-impact publications and successful collaborations, showcasing his leadership and expertise in the field.
Prof. Chen received his BS in Materials Science and Engineering from Nanjing University (2006). His MS in Materials Science and Engineering (2009) and PhD in Nanomaterials and Biophysics (2012) work at Clemson University focused on nanoplasmonic materials and their environmental and biological applications. Following his PhD, he served as a Research Fellow in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, developing optofluidic sensor platforms for disease diagnosis. In 2016, Dr. Chen joined the Materials Engineering Program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at AU as Assistant Professor. His exceptional contributions to the field have earned him prestigious awards, including the 2019 NIH Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award and 2020 NSF CAREER Award.
In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Chen has demonstrated a strong commitment to service in both professional organizations and academia. He served on the ECS Sensor Division Executive Committee and is a member of four major professional societies. His leadership roles include organizing two international symposia and chairing or co-chairing eight technical sessions. Dr. Chen has an extensive record of journal review and guest editor services and has served as a panelist on many National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and U.S. Department of Agriculture review panels.
Candidacy Statement
I am honored to be nominated for the position of Treasurer of the ECS Sensor Division. With a strong background in managing complex research projects and securing funding through competitive grants, I am well equipped to oversee the division’s financial responsibilities. My experience as Principal Investigator on NSF, USDA, and NIH-funded projects has taught me the importance of transparent and efficient financial management, collaborative teamwork, and strategic planning.
As Treasurer, I will ensure transparent and efficient management of the division’s finances, supporting initiatives that foster innovation and collaboration within the sensor community. I aim to enhance the division’s financial stability, enabling us to expand our educational programs, support early-career researchers, and promote cutting-edge research in sensor technology.
My extensive involvement with the ECS Sensor Division has included giving poster presentations and invited talks, serving on the Executive Committee and organizing several symposia and sessions, such as the Z05 Symposium on Sensors for Food Safety, Quality, and Security at the 232nd ECS Meeting, M02 Nano/Biosensors Symposium at the 236th ECS Meeting, and Sensors for Precision Medicine – Session 4 at the 235th ECS Meeting. These roles provided me with valuable insights into the division’s operations and our members’ needs.
I am passionate about the ECS Sensor Division’s mission and eager to work with the board and our members to advance the field of sensor technology. I believe that my expertise, dedication, and vision will make a positive impact on our division, and I would be grateful for your support in the upcoming election. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Dongmei Dong
Biography
Dongmei Dong is Assistant Professor at Rowan University. Her research interests include fuel cells, sensor development, and pseudocapacitive energy storage, spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science and engineering. Her current research focuses on three main areas: i) Electrochromic solid films and ultra-thin devices for smart windows and energy savings; ii) Proton exchange membrane fuel cells for clean energy storage and conversion, and diagnostics microsensor development; and iii) Electro-chemo nanomechanical effects and deformation at interfaces, addressing fundamental energy-related challenges. Prof. Dong’s interdisciplinary approach integrates electrochemistry, quantitative sensor development, and energy-focused research, addressing critical needs in modern science and technology.
Prof. Dong studied at the Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Université de Bordeaux, and Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier. She completed her PhD in Condensed Matter Physics at Beihang University in 2018. She worked in the Chemistry Department at Université de Moncton, Purdue University, University at Buffalo, and in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Florida International University. As a faculty member and principal investigator, Prof. Dong has led several innovative research projects, notably in developing a fuel cell membrane diagnostics tool for the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) Consortia funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office. She received the 2024 ECS Sensor Division Early Career Award and is in the process of opening a new ECS Student Chapter at her institution. An active member of the ECS Sensor Division, she has served as symposium lead organizer and co-organizer, and as Chair for multiple division sessions.
Candidacy Statement
Research often transcends discipline boundaries, encompassing physics, chemistry, and materials science, etc. As a multidisciplinary researcher, I focus on translating innovative sensor technologies into practical applications, particularly in the areas of energy, diagnostics, and smart materials. Encouraged by ECS Sensor Division members, I have actively engaged with the division over the past few years, considering it my home society alongside the students in my research laboratory.
My involvement with ECS has afforded me the opportunity to organize, co-organize, and chair symposia, providing valuable insights into a technical society‘s operations. These experiences have underscored the importance of facilitating communication and discussions among peers to advance the field of sensor technology. As Treasurer, I aspire to take a more active role in the ECS community by participating in fundraising efforts and overseeing the ECS Sensor Division’s finances. I am committed to continuing my contributions to the community by organizing symposia in emerging areas such as sensors for energy production, conversion, and storage for decarbonization and sustainability. Additionally, I aim to promote diversity and multidisciplinarity within the ECS Sensor Division, ensuring that our symposia represent inclusive excellence.
This candidacy presents an exciting challenge for me, and I look forward to collaborating with the ECS Sensor Division and other ECS members and staff. Together, we can continue to give back to the community while fostering growth and innovation in sensor technology.
Harshini (Harshi) Mukundan
Biography
Harshini Mukundan (Harshi) leads the Chemical and Biological Technologies Program Portfolio at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and is also a Scientist and Interim Head of the Biomedical Sciences Department within the biosciences area, leading programs in agnostic sensing and detection of pathogens. She has co-appointments as Adjunct Professor at the University of New Mexico, Senior Policy Advisor for the Council on Strategic Risks, and Visiting Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Dr. Mukundan completed an MS in Microbiology at the National Institute of Immunology (1997) and PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine (2003). Before joining Berkeley Lab, she was Group Leader of the Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The author of over 100 manuscripts and books, Dr. Mukundan is the inventor on eight provisional and issued patents. She has won many R&D 100 awards for her innovative science and received the New Mexico Technology Council Women in Technology Award, New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program Principal Investigator of Excellence Award, and Los Alamos Fellows Prize in Research. She was named Fellow of the American Association for Advancement of Science and 2019 IF/THEN STEM Ambassador. She is a member of the ECS Sensor Division and serves as Associate Editor of ECS Sensors Plus. As subject matter expert, she served as an advisor to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and others, and provided briefings to experts at the White House, the Bipartisan Committee on Biodefense, federal agencies, the World Health Organization, and other organizations, She has been featured in news releases, television shows (CBS Mission Unstoppable), podcasts and talks, and was one of the 100 Women honored by the Smithsonian IF/THEN display.
Candidacy Statement
My research has focused on the development of multidisciplinary approaches and sensors for the identification of chemical and biological targets. Currently, I lead the Chemical and Biological Program portfolio for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In this role, I am responsible for the integration and development of program portfolios, which has introduced me to state-of-the art developments in sensing technologies beyond my own scientific programs; US government and program agency priorities in these spaces; pressing challenges; and other requirements. Before joining Berkeley Lab, I led the Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which focused on developing spectral sensors and detection for a variety of challenges—energy technologies, nanosensing, space applications, explosives, remote sensing of a variety of threats, and of course, chem-bio sensing. I have organized and fundraised for various conferences and have experience in financial management and fundraising. These experiences, and my role as advisor/reviewer for various government agencies and organizations, have exposed me to a broad spectrum of sensors and sensing technologies. If selected as Treasurer and given the opportunity to serve the ECS Sensor Division, I propose to bring this knowledge base to expand and invigorate our activities, while contributing to the sustenance and health of existing activities. I would take a much more active role in the community, contributing to fundraising activities and the division’s financial stability and viability. Selfishly, I am also considering this position as an opportunity to learn and grow via engagement with the division’s wonderful community of committed investigators.
Although it is only recently that I have had the (personal) liberty of attending meetings more regularly, I have been involved in ECS for decades. I am an Associate Editor for ECS Sensors Plus; contributed to the organization of biosensing symposia at the 244th ECS Meeting and will do so again at the upcoming 247th ECS Meeting in Canada; published in ECS journals and served as reviewer for many others; and regularly attend and contribute to ECS Sensor Division meetings. I am interested in expanding the reach and the division’s visibility—as sensors are required to, and touch on the health and viability of all technologies, either directly or indirectly. With strategy and alignment with program interests, I believe I can bring fresh ideas and leadership to our division if given the opportunity. In addition, I am interested in bringing more engagement from the US DOE and DOD National Laboratories to our division. Along with my core responsibilities as Treasurer, I would like to contribute to future symposia and events, awards and recognitions, visibility, and fundraising. I would like to use my experience as a STEM Ambassador to ensure mentorship, diversity, inclusion, and equity in our organization. I believe this will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn and grow; a new challenge and role for me to embrace—indeed, learn more about the science and community, and give back to the society that has given me so much opportunity. I am grateful to be considered and assure you that if given the opportunity, I will strive to invigorate the division and contribute to its growth and excellence as best possible.
Milad Navaei
Biography
Milad Navaei is Senior Research Scientist at the Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research Laboratory (CIPHER) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). He currently leads the Intersection of Biology and Electronics Group, a multidisciplinary team of PhD, MS, and undergraduate students. His research group specializes in micro/nanofabrication techniques, chemical sensors, miniature gas chromatography systems, synthetic biology, drug delivery, and sensors for detecting microbial contamination.
Dr. Navaei received his MS (2011) and PhD (2015) from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He successfully secured and managed over $20 million in federal and state grants as the principal investigator on IARPA projects and co-PI on DoD-funded projects (ONR, DARPA, and OSD). His work so far has led to numerous journal publications, conference presentations, and U.S. patents. Dr. Navaei has served as a reviewer for several peer reviewed journal publications including the Journal of Microsystems and Nanoengineering (Nature) and Journal of The Electrochemical Society. In his group, as part of Project ENGAGES, GEM Fellowships, and the TagEd Program, Dr. Navaei has mentored dozens of students ranging from high school to graduate level.
Candidacy Statement
I am excited about the opportunity to serve as Treasurer of the ECS Sensor Division. A dedicated member of this community since first participating in 2015, I have had the privilege of serving as a session chair, session organizer, and committee member within the ECS Sensor Division. Through these roles, I have gained valuable experience and insight into our division’s operations and potential.
My vision as Treasurer is to introduce new symposia topics that significantly increase sponsorship from industry, national laboratories, and government entities, while enhancing our community through new partnerships and collaborations. My primary goal would be to broaden our research topics by inviting established leaders, emerging innovators, and student leaders from fields such as energy and biology to share their expertise and insights. To promote diversity and improve the quality of our scientific activities, I would be committed to increasing participation in the ECS Sensor Division by fostering collaborations with other members and enhancing our partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), I would leverage my connections to attract more DoD members and presenters to our division to enrich our discussions with diverse perspectives and also strengthen our ties with key stakeholders in the defense sector.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as the Treasurer and contribute to the growth and success of the ECS Sensor Division.
Voting instructions
Proceed to the electronic proxy ballot and follow these easy steps to cast your vote.
- Enter your ECS member number and password. Your member number is under MY ACCOUNT/ECS ID when you log on to the ECS website.
- After logging on, your electronic proxy ballot opens. Enter your vote for each office.
- If you have trouble logging on, contact ECS Customer Service.
- You can only vote once.
Thank you for participating in this important election!
