Naomi Halas, M.A. ‘84 and Ph. D. ‘87 in physics at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳, has been awarded the 2024 from the American Physical Society (APS).
The Dresselhaus Prize recognizes an outstanding scientist in the areas of nanoscience or nanomaterials and is named for renowned physicist and former APS President .
From the Rice University announcement for the award:
"As a researcher in the development of light-activated nanoparticles, Halas is the first Rice faculty member to be elected to both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering for research done at Rice. Her discoveries have diverse applications in cancer treatment, optoelectronics, photocatalysis, chemical sensing, solar-powered distillation and steam production, and off-grid water treatment.
"Halas was earlier this year, Rice’s highest academic rank. She is director of the and founding director of the Laboratory for Nanophotonics. According to Google Scholar, Halas’ publications have been cited 122,924 times and her h-index is 166.
"She was in the first wave of faculty recruited to Rice by the late Nobel Laureate Richard Smalley to explore the frontiers of nanotechnology."
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Halas will formally receive the Dresselhaus Prize during the APS annual meeting to be held March 3–8, 2024, in Minneapolis.