College of Engineering - University of Wisconsin-Madison

ECE Research Seminar Series: Dr. Junyi Zhao
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | 4610 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53711
Soft Electronics & Systems for Sensing, Perception, and Feedback

Abstract: Wearable technologies can support health span only when they are comfortable, motion-robust, and able to convert raw signals into actionable, intuitive information. My research focuses on materials-device-system co-design of soft electronic systems that integrate three core functions, sensing, perception, and feedback, across healthcare and embodied interaction applications.

In this talk, I will first introduce wearable systems for women’s health, including maternal monitoring of cardiac and uterine contraction biopotentials in clinical settings for early risk detection of preterm birth. This platform leverages soft polymeric electrodes and textile-integrated interfaces designed for stable and wireless electrophysiological recording. Second, I will present garment-integrated electrophysiology platforms for ambulatory biopotential monitoring in daily life, including electrocardiography (ECG) and skeletal muscle electromyography (EMG) during strenuous activities such as exercise and water sports, with an emphasis on maintaining signal fidelity under body motion. Third, I will describe embodied tactile interfaces that enable robust touch and gesture recognition under deformation, combining pressure mapping with personalized recognition for intelligent human-computer interaction. Fourth, I will discuss semiconductor material processing and advanced manufacturing approaches for intrinsically soft optoelectronic devices, including stretchable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide low-burden, glanceable visual feedback on wearables and everyday objects. Finally, I will discuss future advances in intelligent wearables for personalized women’shealthcare and safe human-robot interaction.

Junyi Zhao

Bio: Dr. Junyi Zhao is a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University, where he works with Professor Zhenan Bao to develop intelligent wearable electronics and medical robotics. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, where he specialized in wearable biomedical electronics for women’s health, as well as soft optoelectronic devices for light emission and photodetection. Previously, he was a Research Scientist Intern at Meta Reality Labs (formerly Facebook), where he developed wearable tactile perception interfaces for immersive AR/VR and embodied human–computer interaction.

Dr. Zhao has authored over 20 publications, including first-authored papers in Nature Photonics and Advanced Materials, as well as papers in top-tier human–computer interaction venues such as ACM UIST. He has received multiple awards and recognitions, including WiscProf: Future Faculty in Engineering, CAS Future Leaders, the MRS Graduate Student Gold Award, PMSE Future Faculty, the ACS Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research Award, and the Nano Research Energy Young Star Researcher Gold Award.

MS&E Special Seminar: Dr. Angela R. Hight Walker
2026-06-09 14:30 - 15:30 | WI
UW-Madison Department of Materials Science and Engineering welcomes Dr. Angela R. Hight Walker. Her seminar, “Novel Instrumentation for 2D Material Characterization: Combined Helicity-Resolved Magneto-Optical with Magneto-Transport”, will take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in MSE 265.

Bio

Dr. Angela R. Hight Walker is a senior scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), recognized for her leadership in pioneering optical spectroscopies to characterize quantum materials. A current focus area is using optical signatures to study magnetic order. Over three decades, she has led a dynamic research team unraveling the complexities of low-dimensional materials, contributing nearly 200 multidisciplinary publications at the inface of physics, chemistry, and materials science. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and OPTICA. Dr. Hight Walker is also a leading figure in nanotechnology standardization efforts, contributing to ISO Technical Committee 229 Nanotechnologies and VAMAS TWA 41 and 42 committees. Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Hight Walker is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in science. She just finished the Chair-line for the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics (CSWP), one of APS’s oldest committees. She boldly advocates for science accessibility, engaging young and under-resourced individuals through demonstrations and lectures, while mentoring over 50 students and postdoctoral researchers, many from underrepresented groups.

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy, imaging, and mapping are powerful non-contact, non-destructive optical probes of quasiparticles and fundamental physics in graphene and other related two-dimensional (2D) materials, including layered, quantum materials. An amazing amount of information can be quantified from the Raman spectra, including layer thickness, disorder, edge and grain boundaries, doping, strain, thermal conductivity, magnetic ordering, and unique excitations such as magnons and charge density waves. Most interestingly for quantum materials is that Raman efficiently probes the evolution of the electronic structure and the electron-phonon, spin-phonon, and magnon-phonon interactions as a function of laser energy and polarization, temperature, and applied magnetic field. Our unique magneto-Raman spectroscopic capabilities will be detailed, enabling polarization- and spatially-resolved optical measurements while simultaneously measuring electrical transport in a back-gated graphene Hall bar device.Raman and electrical data from an hBN-graphene-hBN device operating in the quantum Hall regime will demonstrate our novel capabilities. Also, results from a series of 2D magnetic material systems showing multi-quasiparticle interactions observable with our unique measurement system will be highlighted. Lastly, the importance of detailed alignment, calibration and reference materials will be demonstrated quantifying the ability to differentiate chiral phonons as a function of temperature and laser wavelength.

ISyE- Virtual Town Hall
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Via Zoom – Registration required, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53711
Join us for our annual town hall meeting! Hosted by Department Chair Shiyu Zhou, guests will hear the latest updates from campus, the college, and our department. There will also be time for Q&A.

This event is open to all, but registration is requested. After you have registered, you will receive an email with log-in information.

Hope to see you on the 11th!

Town Hall Registration

ECE New Graduate Student Orientation
2026-08-28 08:30 - 13:30 | Engineering Hall Lobby, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
Graduate Student Orientation is your launchpad into UW–ECE. Designed to set you up for success from day one, this event connects newly enrolled graduate students with the resources, guidance, and community that will support you throughout your program. Get essential information on payroll, benefits, student services, and more, while building connections with your fellow students from the very start. The morning starts with coffee/tea and wraps with lunch.

Attendance is required for all first-year graduate students, except those enrolled in the MS Power online program.

First-year graduate students should check their wisc.edu email for the invitation and RSVP link.

Professor Hongrui JiangAssociate Chair for Graduate Studies

Daniel Imaizumi-KriegerGraduate Student Services Coordinator – MS-Research and PhD Graduate Programs

Christina MaGraduate Student Services Coordinator – Accelerated MS Graduate Programs

ECE Student Welcome Ice Cream Social
2026-09-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Union South – Varsity Hall, 1308 W Dayton St, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715
Kick off the semester with your ECE community! Start the semester strong by connecting with fellow students, faculty, and staff at this fun welcome event. Enjoy FREE Babcock ice cream🍦, grab some awesome ECE swag, and meet the people who’ll be part of your journey this year.

Don’t miss out—check your wisc.edu email and RSVP by September 3.

We’ll see you at Union South on September 9!

ECE Discovery Panel: Applied Electromagnetics & Acoustics
2026-09-15 12:20 - 12:50 | 2317 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53711
Engineering undergraduates—any major or undecided! Join us in 2317 Engineering Hall as faculty members explore the technical area of Applied Electromagnetics & Acoustics.

All undergraduate students are welcome as Assistant Professor Chu Ma, Assistant Teaching Professor Nathan Strachen, and Assistant Professor Haihan Sun discuss real-world applications, where engineers are making an impact, and possible career paths.

This session is a great opportunity to learn about courses in this area and where this knowledge can take you.

Come for the insights, bring your questions, and stay for the sandwiches!

Chu Ma

Nathan Strachen

Haihan Sun

ECE Discovery Panel: Semiconductor Engineering
2026-09-29 12:20 - 12:50 | 2317 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53711
Engineering undergraduates—any major or undecided! Join us in 2317 Engineering Hall as faculty members explore the technical area of Semiconductor Engineering.

All undergraduate students are welcome as Assistant Professor Chirag Gupta, Professor Hongrui Jiang, and Assistant Professor Jennifer Volk discuss real-world applications, where engineers are making an impact, and possible career paths.

This session is a great opportunity to learn about courses in this area and where this knowledge can take you.

Come for the insights, bring your questions, and stay for the sandwiches!

Chirag Gupta

Hongrui Jiang

Jennifer Volk

29th Annual CEE Golf Outing
2026-10-09 09:00 - 17:00 | WI
Pleasant View Golf Course1322 Pleasant View RoadMiddleton, Wisconsin 53562

Register now

Golfers pose with Bucky Badger.

Gather with alumni, industry colleagues, faculty, staff, and students for a day of fun and fundraising to benefit the UW-Madison Civil and Environmental Engineering Department during the 29th Annual CEE Golf Outing!

9 am Check-in

10 am Shotgun start for 18 holes

3:00 pm After-party begins

3:30 pm Sponsor prizes, auction, and golf awards with Bucky

Players of all skill levels are welcome, and golf is played as a scramble.

For lunch, golfers can choose from a brat, grilled chicken sandwich, or veggie burger with chips and a piece of fruit.

A taco bar will be available during the after-party.

Funds raised through this event provide important support for Concrete Canoe and other hands-on experiences.

Unable to attend the full day or not a golfer? Join us from 3-5 p.m. for dinner and good company. We’ll have a silent auction, prizes, and special appearance from Bucky Badger!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Every sponsorship, contribution, and golfer registration makes a difference. With the funds raised through this event, we look forward to:

Expanding access to hands-on learning, leadership, and professional development opportunities outside of the classroom

Renovating and expanding existing facilities in Engineering Hall

Incorporating new methods of teaching and research

Together, we will empower the next generation of civil, environmental, and geological engineers to lead us forward.

Golf Packages

Event Sponsorships

Diamond Sponsorship – $4400
Includes lunch, dinner, golf fees, cart rental and drink tickets for 8 golfers, a tee or green sponsorship, and recognition on our website and event materials.
Platinum Sponsorship – $2900
Includes lunch, dinner, golf fees, cart rental and drink tickets for 8 golfers, a tee or green sponsorship, and recognition on our website and event materials.
Gold Sponsorship – $1800
Includes lunch, dinner, golf fees, cart rental and drink tickets for 4 golfers, a tee or green sponsorship, and recognition on our website and event materials.
Silver Sponsorship – $890
Includes lunch, dinner, golf fees, cart rental, and drink tickets for 2 golfers, a tee or green sponsorship, and recognition on our website and event materials.
Booth Sponsorship – $700
Connect with over 200 members of the Badger engineering community as a booth sponsor! This sponsorship includes one 10 x 10 booth space on the course, one golf cart, lunch and dinner for 2 people, and recognition on our website and event materials. Only 9 spots are available, and sponsors are asked to host a prize game or similar feature at their location to engage attendees. Sponsors are responsible for bringing their own booth materials and setting up on the course. Have questions? Please contact Amanda Thuss.
Single Player Registration – $290
Includes lunch, dinner, golf fees, cart rental, and a drink ticket for one player. Recent graduates (within the last 3 years) and retired alumni can golf at a reduced rate of $185!
After-Party Ticket – $35
Unable to attend the full day? Show your support off the course and have a great time by attending the after-party. Ticket price includes admission, dinner, and a drink ticket.

Student Golfers – Sponsors can choose to have CEE students golf with them as part of their paid sponsorship. To request a student golfer, please contact Amanda Thuss or enter “student” as one of the golfer names during registration. We do our best to match sponsors with students based on the student’s career interests and goals. Sponsors and students will be introduced via email before the event. Overall availability of student golfers depends on how many students register to participate.

If you can’t make it or don’t golf, an event sponsorship is another way to show your support and help us create a memorable event. Contact Amanda Thuss for any of the sponsorship opportunities listed below or to discuss another item you have in mind.

Prizes
Donate an item to our silent auction or prize drawing, which are important fundraising aspects of the day. Your logo will appear on the prize, which will be displayed throughout the day, and on our website and event materials. Past donations have included UW memorabilia, sporting event tickets, gift cards, wine baskets, electronic items, and more.
Tee or Green Sponsorship – $350
Includes display your company logo on one of the tee boxes or greens on the course the day of the event, as well as on our website and event materials.
Drink Cart Sponsor – $1500
Treat the golfers to a round of drinks! Your company logo will appear on each drink ticket, a can koozie (or other gift) for each golfer, the golf course drink carts as well as on our website and event materials.
Golf Cart Sponsor – $1500
Help our golfers navigate the course with ease by sponsoring the golf cart rental. Your logo will be displayed on each cart as well as on our website and event materials.
Lunch Sponsor – $2000
Treat the golfers to a midday break to keep them going all day! Your logo will be displayed on every lunch, event signage, and our website and event materials.
After-Party Sponsors – $3000
Keep the party going off the course with Bucky Badger, food, and drinks! Your logo will be displayed on a banner during the party, on drink cups for each attendee, and our website and event materials.

ECE Discovery Panel: ECE Named Degree Options - Semiconductor engineering or machine learning & data science
2026-10-13 12:20 - 12:50 | 2317 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53711
Engineering undergraduates! Join us in 2317 Engineering Hall as faculty members explain how you can specialize in emerging technologies such as semiconductor engineering or machine learning and data science and earn a named option on your transcript. The option uses 20 of the elective credits within the 120-credit Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering BS degree program to focus on the science, tools, and practices associated with either semiconductor engineering or machine learning and data science.

All undergraduate students are welcome as Assistant Teaching Professor Eduardo Arvelo, Assistant Teaching Professor Setareh Behroozi, and Teaching Faculty Srdjan Milicic discuss the advantages of choosing a named option. This session is a great opportunity to learn about courses in these areas and where this knowledge can take you.

Come for the insights, bring your questions, and stay for the sandwiches!

Eduardo Arvelo

Setareh Behroozi

Srdjan Milicic
