February 10, 2026 Daniel Rhodes wins Vilas Associates Competition award Written By: Jason Daley Departments: Materials Science & Engineering Categories: Awards|Faculty Daniel Rhodes, an assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a winner of the 2026-27 Vilas Associates Competition. Rhodes is one of 24 UW-Madison faculty selected for the competitive award by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Rhodes’ research focuses on the processing and synthesis of novel 2D quantum materials and bulk materials for interesting correlated, superconducting, and multiferroic phenomena. His interest in 2D materials spans the periodic table, with special attention on materials beyond the typical hexagonal crystal symmetry. He and his team attempt to understand how changes in symmetry enable electrical transport phenomena and phenomena not found in bulk materials. He also focuses on transition metal dichalcogenides, a subclass of 2D materials. By systematically studying these materials via scanning probe microscopy methods, he is learning the process for nucleation and growth and defect formation. The Vilas Associate Competition recognizes new and ongoing research of the highest quality and significance and is available to tenure-track assistant professors and tenured faculty within 20 years of their tenure date. The award is funded by the William F. Vilas Estate Trust.