At the Edge of Wireless Innovation
More than three decades after Duke faculty helped develop modern wireless technology, the university remains at the forefront of its future.
Duke ECE
Impact Report 2025
From computing to devices, Duke Electrical and Computer Engineering is driving the future of technology in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, metamaterials, advanced communications and integrated systems.
From the Chair
From major research awards in quantum computing to groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and metamaterials, Duke ECE continues to expand the boundaries of what technology can do.
Our faculty are advancing quantum systems that promise to transform secure communications and computation. We’re pioneering new approaches to edge computing that bring powerful AI models to small, energy-efficient devices. We’re developing new hardware and algorithms that make intelligent sensing and decision-making faster and more accessible. And we’re engineering novel metamaterials that manipulate light, sound and electromagnetic waves in unprecedented ways.
Through these achievements—alongside awards and successes in our education and outreach programs—Duke ECE continues to shape the technologies of the present and future. I invite you to explore this year’s highlights and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our faculty, students and staff.
New Faculty Since FY23
Xiang Cheng
Using Geometry to Push AI’s Boundaries
Huanqian Loh
Exploring Quantum Systems with Neutral Atoms
Travis Nicholson
Exploring Ultracold Atoms to Realize New States of Matter and Quantum Technologies
Javier Pastorino
Developing Expertise in Data Management
Afsaneh Rahbar
Optimizing Computation Theory and Data Centers
Tania Roy
Building High-Energy Space Electronics and Brain-Like AI Hardware
Yu Tong
Advancing Algorithms and Learning Theory for Next‑Generation Quantum Systems
Haozhe “Harry” Wang
Perfecting Nanoscale Materials Fabrication for Quantum Systems
Emily Wenger
Protecting Privacy and Encryption Standards from AI
National Accolades
Tingjun Chen
NSF CAREER Award
Yiran Chen
Clarivate Highly Cited List
Shaundra Daily
ACM Distinguished Member
Ingrid Daubechies
National Medal of Science
Aaron Franklin
National Academy of Inventors Fellow
Maria Gorlatova
DARPA Director’s Fellowship
Lisa Huettel
Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellow, Institute on Inquiry, Equity and Leadership in the Academic Department
Hai “Helen” Li
IEEE Edward J. McCluskey Technical Achievement Award and National Academy of Inventors Fellow
Natalia Litchinitser
IEEE Fellow
Huanqian Loh
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellow in Physics
Maiken Mikkelsen
Optica Fellow
Willie Padilla
IEEE Fellow
Tania Roy
Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
Cynthia Rudin
AAAS Fellow
Haozhe “Harry” Wang
NSF CAREER Award
Top Research News of 2025
Printing Technique Could Vastly Improve the Environmental Impact of Digital Displays
Duke Engineering researchers demonstrate the first fully recyclable, sub-micrometer printed electronics.
“Virtual Scientists” Could Soon Unlock New Frontiers of Research
Researchers build an “agentic system” of large language models that can solve complex design problems in a fraction of the time of skilled experts.
Key Research Events
Inaugural Athena AI Summit
The AI Institute for Edge Computing Leveraging Next Generation Networks (Athena) hosted its inaugural Athena Summit to showcase Duke’s leadership in AI and edge computing to visitors from industry and government. Led by Yiran Chen, the institute is funded by the NSF and DHS and brings together a multidisciplinary team from 11 universities who collaborate on research, broadening participation in AI, and education and workforce development for the future.
83rd Device Research Conference
Duke ECE hosted the 83rd Device Research Conference, the world’s most prestigious and historic forum for device research innovation. Tania Roy served as general chair for the event, which brought more than 300 attendees to campus and featured 50 invited speakers, 100 contributed papers, two short courses and panels with industry and academia.
Top Education News of 2025
MSI Acquires Innovative AI Software from Duke University Students to Power Smarter Construction Planning
Startup built by three Duke Engineering undergraduates is acquired by industry-leading construction planning platform.
Ocean Engineering Course Provides Hands-on Design Experience at the Atlantic Ocean
Design course at the Duke University Marine Lab provides an attractive alternative to semesters abroad with experiential travel opportunities and still attend basketball games on the weekend.
Engineering Robots in the Integrated Design Challenge
Every year, the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering, a first-year ECE lab, introduces key engineering concepts like sensors, hardware and coding.