Dr. Bo Zhen

Associate Professor

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Biography

Bo Zhen is a Presidential Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests lie at the intersection of condensed matter physics and optics, with a focus on experimental nano-photonics. His current research explores various advanced topics, including topological photonics, non-Hermitian physics, polaritonics, and photonic integrated circuits. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has received numerous awards, including the Fellow of Optica and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Zhen has been recognized for his contributions with honors such as the Army Research Office Young Investigator Program award and the Sloan Research Fellowship. He joined the University of Pennsylvania in 2018 and has worked as a postdoctoral associate at MIT and Technion prior to this role. He is dedicated to advancing the field through his innovative research and teaching.

Research Interests

Condensed Matter Optics Experimental Nano-Photonics Quantum Electrodynamics Topological Photonics Non-Hermitian Physics Polaritonics Photonic Integrated Circuits

Experience

Presidential Associate Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Assistant Professor

2018-01-01 — 2024-01-01

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Postdoctoral Associate

2014-01-01 — 2017-01-01

MIT/Technion •

Awards

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Fellow

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 Optics Prize

2021-01-01
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Office 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

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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Presidential Fellowship

2008-01-01
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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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