Mesfin Woldeyohannes

Biography

I got my Ph.D. in quantum optics from the Department of Physics of the University of Toronto (Toronto, Canada) in 2001 after defending my thesis on "Quantum electrodynamics of a driven three-level atom near the edge of a photonic band gap (PBG)". After teaching at several universities and colleges in Canada and the USA, I joined the Department of Chemistry & Physics of WCU in January 2005 as an assistant professor of physics, and was tenured and promoted to associated professor in August 2011. At WCU, I have taught all physics courses offered in the Department of Chemistry & Physics, with the exception of Astronomy courses. I have also taught introductory as well as upper-level physics courses (some of them cross-listed as graduate courses) at higher learning institutions in the US and Canada prior to joining WCU. My teaching was recognized by the Chancellor's Meritorious Award for Engaged Teaching (WCU, 2006), Deans Merit Rating of II (Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada, 2001), and the Van Kranendonk Teaching Assistant Award (University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 1999). I was also nominated for the 2011-2012 College of Arts and Sciences Teaching Award of WCU. My main research focuses on Quantum Optics within Photonic Band Gap materials. This research is interdisciplinary involving a broad range sub-fields of engineering and physics, such as electromagnetics, solid state physics and photonics. I collaborate and work closely with professor Weiguo Yang of the Department Engineering & Technology of WCU which has resulted in papers published and conference presentations.

Education

• Ph D, University of Toronto, Physics
• MS, University of Toronto, Physics
• MS, University of Reading, Applied Optics
• BS, Addis Ababa University, Physics

Teaching Interests

At WCU, I have taught all physics courses offered in the Department of Chemistry & Physics, with the exception of Astronomy courses. These include algebra based courses (PHY 130/131), calculus based courses (PHY 230/231), Modern Physics (PHY 310), Optics (PHY 322), Laboratory Physics (PHY 360), and Independent Research in Physics (PHY 380). I have also taught introductory as well as upper-level physics courses (some of them cross-listed as graduate courses) at other higher learning institutions in the US and Canada prior to joining WCU. For my teaching I have won some awards which are mentioned in my brief biography.

Research Interests

My research focuses on Quantum Optics within Photonic Band Gap (PBG) materials, artificially prepared crystal structures capable of molding the flow of light which have the potential to revolutionize the communication industry the same way semiconductors revolutionized the electronic industry. This research is interdisciplinary involving a broad range sub-fields of engineering and physics, such as electromagnetics, solid state physics, and photonics. I collaborate and work closely with professor Weiguo Yang of the Department Engineering & Technology of WCU resulting in published papers and conference presentations.