Narang named to the 2018 Class of CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars

Prineha Narang, Assistant Professor of Computational Materials Science at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) has been named among the 2018 Class of Azrieli Global Scholars by the Canadian Institute For Advanced Research (CIFAR).

The two-year CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program provides $100,000 in research support to researchers within the first five years of their first academic position, helping early-career scholars build research networks and develop essential skills needed to become leaders in global research.

Narang is among 12 scholars named to the 2018 class. In her research, Narang studies photonics at thermodynamic and quantum limits and aims to transform the field of catalysis by using the quantum photonic interactions between light and molecules to drive chemical dynamics. These photonic processes underpin the world’s energy and information infrastructure - from the molecular-scale transport of energy that accompanies photosynthesis to the transcontinental transmission of optical data that enables the internet.

She is exploring the fundamental question: Is it possible to control and monitor energy transfer pathways, and eventually the energy landscape via ultrastrong light-matter coupling? The research could provide a dramatically new way to photonically control dynamics and could have a profound impact on energy and quantum technologies of the future.

“CIFAR is exceptionally pleased to provide financial and other support to this phenomenal group of young researchers to advance their leadership and financial skills,” said CIFAR President and CEO Alan Bernstein. “Their enthusiasm and energy leads to new ways of thinking that will advance science and create solutions for the challenges facing our world today.”

Narang was recently named to MIT Technology Review’s prestigious annual list of Innovators Under 35.