Dr. Willie Padilla

Professor

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Biography

Willie Padilla is a distinguished professor at Duke University's Fitzpatrick Institute of Photonics, specializing in the theoretical, computational, and experimental investigation of electromagnetic metamaterials and metasurfaces. His research notably focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and their applications in spectroscopy, computational imaging, and sensing across microwave, terahertz, and infrared frequencies. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego in 2004 and has since contributed significantly to the field of electrical and computer engineering. Padilla's work is recognized internationally, having received prestigious awards such as the IEEE Fellow in 2025 and the Optica Fellow in 2013. He also received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the President of the United States in 2009. At Duke, he teaches various courses in optics and photonics, nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers with his expertise. Padilla's commitment to education and research continues to influence advancements in the field.

Research Interests

Awards

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IEEE Fellow

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Optica Fellow

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Presidential Early Career Award

Courses

VMS 325L: Optics Photonics PHYSICS 621: Advanced Optics PHYSICS 320L: Optics Photonics MSEG 591: Independent Study EGR 101L: Engineering Design Communication ECE 899: Special Readings Electrical Engineering ECE 571: Electromagnetic Theory ECE 541: Advanced Optics ECE 524: Introduction Solid-State Physics ECE 340L: Optics Photonics BME 552: Advanced Optics

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
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Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)