Page 10/28/2015 10:52:03

IEEE Spectrum and A Perilous Journey Worth To Pursue

10/28/2015
Today one of our papers (Stretchable antenna with Prof. Atif Shamim, KAUST and Prof. John Rogers, UIUC) has been featured in IEEE Spectrum (http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/consumer-electronics/portable-devices/stretchable-antenna-boosts-range-for-wearable-devices). I am humbled. At the end of the feature, journalist Jeremy pointed out a quote from me, “Why wait 50 more years until nanomaterials qualify? We can start with existing materials and technologies to make rigid devices into stretchble and reconfigurable ones.” This is something I really believe from the core of my heart that the technologies that can benefit us now, why we should be waiting for decades? We will always work on improving through innovation. And in due course we will deploy new materials, processes and devices as needed. I humbly but firmly believe the general area of emerging electronics is now dominated by material science and chemistry. While the fundamental discoveries are important and critical for not only technology development but also to meet our curiosity. It is equally important to make connection. Connecting with pragmatism so their benefits are felt. This historical bridging has been possible due to the presence of innovative engineering. Device-process-system engineering have made it possible. Absence of such pragmatic approach will hurt the progress in materials and chemistry. Academy needs to be balanced in their approach. Just raw hype of grants and fame should not dictate our vision and contribution to society. The journey will not be an easy one but I will encourage to read what one of my great mentors Prof. Jack Ma (University of Wisconsin – Madison) quoted from a famous Chinese saying: “When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a man, it always first frustrates his spirit and will, exhausts his muscles and bones, exposes him to starvation and poverty, harasses him by troubles and setbacks so as to stimulate his mind, toughen his nature and enhance his abilities.", said Mencius.