Dr. Randall Feenstra

Professor

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Biography

Randall Feenstra is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in condensed matter experiment. His research focuses on the structural and electronic properties of semiconductor materials and devices, employing tools such as scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate atomic structures and electronic energy levels. Feenstra's studies particularly emphasize semiconductor heterostructures with multiple layers and their imperfections, which play critical roles in determining electronic characteristics. He has conducted significant work on two-dimensional materials, including graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), utilizing molecular beam epitaxy for growth and low-energy electron microscopy for high-resolution imaging. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Davisson-Germer Prize and the American Physical Society Outstanding Referee honor. Feenstra has also held positions at esteemed institutions, such as IBM Research, and has delivered lectures as a Humboldt Visiting Professor in Germany.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1995-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Teaching and conducting advanced research in the Department of Physics.

Research Staff Member

1982-01-01 — 1995-01-01

IBM Research • Yorktown Heights, NY

Engaged in research on semiconductor materials and electronic devices.

Awards

#

Davisson-Germer Prize

2019-01-01
#

Outstanding Referee

2009-01-01
#

Research Award

2000-01-01
#

Peter Mark Memorial Award

1989-01-01
#

Outstanding Innovation Award

1987-01-01

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.