Principal Investigator :
Hamed Dalir (He/His)
Associate Professor
Electrical & Computer Engineering Department
University of Florida
PD, University of California – Berkeley, USA 2016
Ph.D., Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan 2014
M.Sc., Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan 2011
Email: hamed (dot) dalir (at) ufl (dot) edu
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Dr. Hamed Dalir is a researcher who specializes in quantum AI, Semiconductor Laser, and high-speed photonics computing. He was the co-founder and CEO of Optelligence LLC from 2020 to 2023, where he oversaw the development, construction, and validation of a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence devices, ASICs, D/A converters, blockchains, and secure hashing algorithms. Dr. Dalir has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field, including the prestigious Yoshida Foundation Award for the Development of Future Leaders for Changing Times and the JSPS “Young Scientist Fellowship” in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Dr. Dalir’s research has been supported by a range of organizations, including AFWERX, AFOSR, NASA, Army, AFRL, NIST, ONR, BAH, Broadcom, and private investors. He has published over seventy scholarly articles in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Light Science & Applications, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Optica, Laser Photonics Review, and Applied Physics Review. In addition, Dr. Dalir has delivered over a hundred keynote addresses, invited talks, and topic lectures at universities and international conferences.
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Editorships: EPJ Quantum Technology | Frontiers in Electronics | APL Photonics
Postdoc:
Haoyan Kang
Ph.D., The George Washington University, USA
MSc., The George Washington University, USA
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Dr. Kang has significantly expanded his expertise through a pivotal role, delving deep into advanced fields such as free-space optics, Fourier Optics, optical computing, optoelectronics, nano-photonics, photonics integrated chips, and optical convolutional neural networks. In 2023, he was the first author of a groundbreaking article in the Applied Physics Review that highlighted the potential of optical cryptography. He is also a proud and active member of esteemed professional organizations in the optics and photonics domain, including IEEE, OSA, and SPIE.
Ph.D. Students:
Jiachi Ye
MSc., The George Washington University, USA
BSc., Shenyang Aerospace University, China
Jiachi is an Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) doctoral student at the University of Florida. Jiachi possesses a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in ECE, with an emphasis on image processing, micro-control unit (MCU) programming, convolutional neural network (CNN) training, and free-space optical system design. His main objective is to investigate the physics and uses of orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams in optical computing. This emerging optical research topic has significant promise for enhancing the capacity of optical data links. He is a member of IEEE, OSA/Optica, and SPIE as a student.
Salem Altaleb
MSc., Wayne State University, USA
BSc., Al Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
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Salem is an Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) doctoral student at the University of Florida. Salem possesses a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in ECE, with an emphasis on practical abilities in computer languages and hardware design. His significant laboratory expertise has enabled him to specialize on convolutional neural network accelerators and optical system projects. In addition, he has extensive experience constructing field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), very large-scale integration (VLSI), and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). His research interests include 2D materials and optoelectronic devices. He is a member of IEEE, OSA/Optica, and SPIE as a student.
Belal Jahannia
MSc., Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran
BSc., Shahid Beheshti University, Iran
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Belal is a doctoral student in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Florida. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in ECE. Belal specializes in the efficient hardware implementation of neural networks, focusing on reducing memory requirements for storing neural network weights. His expertise includes techniques such as quantization, memory sharing, model compression, in-memory computing, and hardware-specific optimizations. Belal aims to enhance the efficiency of neural network implementations on platforms like FPGA and ASIC neural network hardware accelerators, bridging the gap between AI algorithms and hardware deployment.
Joseph Crandall
MSc., George Washington University, USA
BSc., George Washington University, USA
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Joseph Crandall is a Software Engineer II at Microsoft, specializing in areas such as SQL Virtual Machines and Service Fabric performance. With over four years of experience in software engineering and data science, he is proficient in Python, C++, and Java, enabling him to contribute effectively to Microsoft Azure. Simultaneously, Joseph is pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on quantum sensing and computing. He holds an MS in Electrical Engineering and dual BS degrees in Computer Science and Physics, as well as a private pilot certificate. Dedicated to advancing the field of software and quantum engineering, Joseph aims to develop technologies that benefit society and the environment. His personal website, josephcrandall.com, provides further details on his work and projects.
Abdulaziz Salem Bazammul
MSc., Imperial College London, United Kingdom
BSc., King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
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Abdulaziz’s passion for understanding nature made him pursue a career in physics. Graduating from King Abdulaziz University with BSc in physics with outstanding academic and training records in the field of carbon nanotubes and quantum espresso. After which he did his MSc in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces at Imperial College London. His masters dissertation titled “What have we learned of quantum gravity from holography” has opened his eyes to the field of quantum technologies and its crucial role to advance the field of fundamental physics further. All of these events made Abdulaziz an enthusiastic researcher and an eager learner in the field of Quantum technology which led him to join the CHIP Lab as a PhD student.
Rouzbeh Borhanoi
MSc., Hult International Business School, USA
BSc., Sharif University of Technology, Iran
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Rouzbeh is the Head of the Semiconductor practice at Plug and Play, the largest corporate innovation platform in the world and one of the most active early-stage investors globally. He collaborates closely with entrepreneurs, corporate innovation leaders, and investors, focusing on the semiconductor industry value chain. Previously, Rouzbeh served as the Country Retail Management Director at Huawei Consumer Business Group in the Consumer Electronics sector. Rouzbeh holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Disruptive Innovation, along with a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering. His passion lies at the intersection of technology and business.
Undergraduate Students:
Brianna McDaniel
BSc., The University of Florida, USA 2025
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In her third year at the University of Florida, Brianna McDaniel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an AI certificate. Brianna leads the Women's Club Basketball Team as Captain and Fundraising Chair, demonstrating her commitment for cooperation and community participation outside of school. She also volunteers for the UF Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers as Programs Chair. An Electrical Team Project Lead at the Machine Intelligence Laboratory, Brianna works on autonomous vehicles. Brianna is skilled in programming, PCB design, and analog and digital circuitry. Her scholarship to an underrepresented student in higher education shows her commitment to diversity and education. Brianna spearheaded a revolutionary machine learning DNA sequencing effort to predict type 1 diabetes. A humanoid robot she constructed using open-source AI models is her personal endeavor outside of academia. This project showcases her Python, Raspberry Pi 4, and human sensing skills to develop a human-centered robotic companion.
Brianna leads with creativity and efficiency, driven by her love for assisting others. The first NSBE Jr. Chapter in Gainesville and Trailblazers, a freshman leadership initiative for black collegiate engineers, highlight her dedication to make a difference outside the lab.
John Loyer
BSc., The University of Florida, USA 2025
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John is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida, with aspirations of obtaining a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. His research interests encompass a diverse range of topics, including photonic integrated circuits, and hardware security. Eager to delve deeper into these fields, John is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to advancing technology for the betterment of society.
Mathias Gast
BSc., The University of Florida, USA 2025
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Mathias is a second-year Mechanical, Aerospace, and Electrical Engineering student at the University of Florida. Upon obtaining his bachelor’s, he seeks to pursue a master’s and PH.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) also at the University of Florida. Research interests are exploratory and include but are not limited to purpose-built artificial intelligence hardware and photonics integrated circuits.
Michael Markus
BSc., The University of Florida, USA 2025
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Michael is a bachelor’s student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida. Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree he aims to complete his master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), also at the University of Florida. His research interests include Quantum and Photonics Integrated Circuits (PICs), where he aspires to contribute to the advancement of these technologies.
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Isaac Yu
BSc., The University of Florida, USA 2025
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Isaac is a second-year Electrical and Computer Engineering student at the University of Florida, is exploring interests in photonic integrated circuits, analog computing, IoT, and audio engineering. He also brings diverse skills in coding, engineering, design, and music production allowing him to work with various team throughout different projects. Isaac's goal is to innovate and design technologies that enhance user experiences, blending photonic technology with user experience in IoT.
Sponsors and Collaborators
Dr. Albert Davydov
Functional Nanostructured Materials Group
Dr. Babak Nikoobakht
Nano Materials Research Group
Dr. Scott Sickmiller, CEO
Dr. Luke Graham, CTO
Dr. Michael Krainak
