Dr. Michelle Povinelli

Professor

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Biography

Michelle Lynn Povinelli is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California, specializing in nanophotonics and the study of light interaction with nanoscale structures. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago, a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, and her PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. With over 100 co-authored journal articles and book chapters, her research focuses on nanophotonic structures, such as photonic crystals and microresonators, with applications in security, optical communications, energy, and biology. She employs both theoretical and experimental techniques to optimize applications and design novel devices in the field. Her work has been supported by various funding sources including the National Science Foundation, Army Research Office, NASA, and DARPA. In addition to her research, she has held positions such as Vice Chair of the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Povinelli is a fellow of Optica and has received multiple awards including the NSF CAREER Award and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

Research Interests

Awards

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Defense Science Study Group

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Junior Research Award

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Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

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MIT TR35 Award

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Young Investigator Award

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CAREER Award

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Powell Faculty Award

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GRPW Fellowship

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Karl Taylor Compton Fellowship

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Graduate Fellowship

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Phi Beta Kappa

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Sigma Xi

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Churchill Fellowship

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Student Marshal

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Honor Scholarship

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National Merit Scholarship

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Presidential Scholar

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Byrd Scholarship

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.