Dr. Ghada Dushaq
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Welcome to my professional portfolio. I am Dr. Ghada Dushaq, a passionate and dedicated Photonics Researcher with a PhD in Multidisciplinary Engineering. My journey in the world of photonics has been driven by a profound interest for exploring the interaction of light with various materials at the nano meter scale and its practical applications. Over the years, my research primarily revolves around post-silicon materials and their integration on chips. These developments have been pivotal in advancing technologies in data communication, telecommunication optics, optical imaging, and neuromorphic computing. I have been fortunate to collaborate with renowned researchers and institutions, contributing to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of optical technology. My dedication to the field is also reflected in my academic pursuits, where I have guided aspiring scientists and engineers as a mentor and educator. Throughout my career, I have published extensively in top-tier scientific journals in photonics and presented at international conferences. Some of my notable publications include integration of two-dimensional materials in silicon photonics for light detection and modulation. Furthermore, building CMOS compatible germaium photodetector by lowering the thermal budget of the epitaxially grown germanium on silicon using plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. In recognition of my contributions to photonics research, I have received several awards and honors, including Falling Walls Lab prize in 2020, for my work on “Breaking the Wall of High-Speed Optical Communication”, awarded at the World Science Summit in Berlin, the 2021 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation for Women Scientists in Physical Sciences and L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science MENA young talent. Additionally, I was named as innovator under 35 by MIT Technology Review. I am constantly seeking new challenges and collaborations that can harness the power of photonics to address critical global issues. Please feel free to explore my website to learn more about my research, publications, and latest news in the field of photonics.
About Me
I, Ghada Dushaq, was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics with distinction in 2010. Subsequently, I completed my M.Sc. in Solid State Physics at the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, in 2012, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). In 2017, I was awarded my Ph.D. in Microsystems Engineering from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. Currently, I am a research scientist at New York University Abu Dhabi. From October 2022 to August 2023, I served as a Visiting Scholar in the Electrical Engineering Department/Cambridge Graphene Center at the University of Cambridge, U.K. My research in applied physics focuses on exploring new materials, structures, and process technologies to enhance the performance of active silicon photonics components. This includes working with silicon, germanium, III-V compound semiconductors, and two-dimensional materials to boost efficiency and overcome the limitations of existing technologies.
Research
My research concentrates on the engineering of light-matter interactions to develop sophisticated optoelectronic devices. This involves designing a variety of nano-photonic structures such as Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI), ring resonators, waveguide crossings, and splitters. A key aspect of my work is the integration of novel materials onto these nano-photonic frameworks. This includes the incorporation of cutting-edge 2D materials and an array of solution-processed quantum materials like quantum dots and nanoplatelets. Utilizing this hybrid platform of nano-photonic structures and innovative materials, I am currently engaged in the following projects:
1. Hybrid Integration of 2D Materials in Silicon Photonics
This project explores the integration of two-dimensional materials within nanophotonic structures on silicon or silicon nitride platforms. The focus is on enhancing the functionality in silicon photonics components.
Take a look at this example of my work in hybrid integration Hybrid Integration of 2D GeP on SiPh.
2. Uncooled Broadband (from ultraviolet to visible (UV-VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) up to the longwave infrared (LWIR) regime) Photodetectors
Investigating the use of new materials in photodetectors that are specifically designed to efficiently absorb long-wave infrared light for various application, including molecular chemistry, remote sensing, thermal imaging, spectral analysis, biomedical imaging, environmental monitoring, free space telecommunication and military applications.
3. Phase Modulation via Ferrelectric and Ferroionic Materials
This research delves into the application of passive/ dielectric materials, such as ferrelectric and ferroionic compounds, to innovate light phase modulation techniques. Demonstrations are conducted on Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI) and ring resonators.
Take a look at some of our work Electro Optic Tuning ,2D Ferroionic.
4. Tunable Photonics with Non-linear Optical Materials
Focusing on the exploitation of non-linear optical characteristics of various materials to develop tunable photonic devices. This project aims to enhance the adaptability and efficiency of photonic systems.
Take a look at thes examples demonstrating the utilization of planar anisotropy in 2D materials and the effect of non-uniform strain Anisotropy,Non-uniform Strain.
5. Organic Materials for Low-Temperature Photonics
Exploring organic or hybrid organic materials with low deposition temperatures for photonic applications. This project aims to identify and utilize organic or hybrid organic/inorganic compounds that can offer new possibilities in photonics due to their unique low-temperature properties.
Take a look at thes examples Perovskite,Waveguiding in O-and C-Optical Bands.
Publications
For a complete list of my publications and ongoing research projects, visit my profiles on Google Scholar and ResearchGate.
News
Publications and Press Features
New 2D material manipulates light with remarkable precision and minimal loss.
IDENTIFYING NEW MATERIALS FOR NEXT GENERATION FIBRE OPTICS.
Future Electronics will be Soft and Organic in Nature..
Gallium Arsenide Photodetector.
Awards and Advocacy for Women in Science
OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards in Physical Science.
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science.
UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
From-Curious-to-Award-Winning-Researcher.
You can be extremely smart. Even genius. But without remarkable persistence your brilliant ideas will not propagate far. Be stubborn. Be devoted. Be determined. Don’t give up.
Contact Me
University Email: For formal and academic correspondences, please write to me at
Personal Email: For more casual or general inquiries, you can also contact me at
Connect with me on LinkedIn for professional networking. Here’s my profile: LinkedIn.
Follow me on Twitter for the latest updates and thoughts on science, technology, and more. My handle: Twitter.
I look forward to hearing from you and building connections that inspire and innovate!