Dr. Bo Zhen

Associate Professor

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Biography

Bo Zhen is an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on using experimental nano-photonics to tackle problems in condensed matter physics and quantum electrodynamics, with practical applications. His current research interests include topological photonics, non-Hermitian physics, polaritonics, and photonic integrated circuits. Zhen began his academic career at MIT, where he completed his Ph.D. in Physics in 2014, and he has held various academic positions since, including postdoctoral associate roles at MIT and Technion. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field, including the Fellow Optica, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, and several young investigator awards from the Army Research Office and Air Force. He is also a Sloan Research Fellow and has been recognized for his work by the International Commission on Optics.

Research Interests

Experience

Presidential Associate Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Standing Faculty, teaching and researching in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Assistant Professor

2018-01-01 — 2024-01-01

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Engaged in teaching and research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Elliman Faculty Fellow

2018-01-01 — Present

Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology, University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Focused on research in energy science and technology.

Postdoctoral Associate

2014-01-01 — 2017-01-01

MIT/Technion •

Conducted research in advanced topics of physics.

Awards

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Fellow Optica

2026-01-01
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Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

2024-01-01
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International Commission on Optics Prize

2021-01-01
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Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award

2021-01-01
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Sloan Research Fellowship

2021-01-01
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Advancing Bioimaging Scialog Fellow

2021-01-01
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Army Research Office Young Investigator Program (YIP)

2019-01-01
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Kaufman New Investigator Grant

2018-01-01
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Air Force Young Investigator Award

2018-01-01
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MIT Presidential Fellowship

2008-01-01
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Tsinghua University National Scholarships

2005-01-01

Courses

Phys 151: Principles of Physics II Phys 361 & 362: Intermediate Electromagnetism Phys 518: Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

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