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Lab Members

Elad Harel

PI

Elad Harel, Ph.D. is a Professor of Chemistry at Michigan State University whose research advances ultrafast spectroscopy, nonlinear optical imaging, and coherent acoustic phonon sensing. He develops high-throughput, multidimensional spectroscopic and imaging methods to uncover how molecular- and nanoscale interactions govern macroscopic properties in complex systems. His work spans biological nanoparticles, quantum and energy materials, and solution-phase chemistry, with applications ranging from label-free viral diagnostics to light-directed materials synthesis. Dr. Harel has been recognized with the Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the 2023 Innovation of the Year award from Michigan State University, and Young Investigator Awards from the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

Md. Ataur Rahman

Ph.D. candidate

Md. Ataur Rahman is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University, having joined the program in Fall 2021. Originally from Bangladesh, he completed both his B.Sc. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry at the University of Dhaka, where his graduate research focused on modifying the electronic band structure of semiconductor metal oxides through cationic and anionic doping strategies to enhance photocatalytic activity. His current research centers on the high-throughput synthesis and laser-induced crystallization of mixed-halide perovskites, with an emphasis on real-time spectroscopic characterization. Ataur is passionate about teaching and aspires to pursue a career in academia. Outside the laboratory, he enjoys travel and spending time with family.

Md. Akter Hossain Reaz

Ph.D. student

Md. Akter Hossain Reaz is a Ph.D. student in Physical Chemistry at Michigan State University, where he joined the Harel Lab in Spring 2024. He received his M.Sc. in Chemistry with a focus on Physical-Inorganic Chemistry from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Comilla University. Reaz brings prior research experience in nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion, including supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries, with multiple peer-reviewed publications. Before joining MSU, he held research positions at BUET and the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. His current work involves ultrafast spectroscopy and single nanoparticle electrochemistry. He is an active member of the scientific community and maintains affiliations with several professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and cinema.

Rihan Wu

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Rihan Wu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University, where she develops ultrafast imaging platforms to probe correlated electronic and vibrational dynamics in condensed matter systems. Her research focuses on PRISM (Parallel Rapid Imaging with Spectroscopic Mapping), a femtosecond-resolved wide-field technique for simultaneous spatial mapping of carrier relaxation and lattice motion in heterogeneous materials. Rihan earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Birmingham, UK, where she investigated ultrafast carrier dynamics in structured semiconductors and metal–semiconductor composites. She holds an M.Sc. in Optics and Photonics from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, with specialization in photonic materials and optical instrumentation. Her interests include optical system design, instrument automation, and advanced analysis methods for ultrafast spectroscopic imaging.

Sayef Fateure Rahman

Ph.D. student

Sayef Fateure Rahman is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University. His research investigates laser-mediated crystallization processes in semiconductors, with a focus on the photothermal and optical control of nucleation and phase transitions. Sayef is developing dual-laser systems to manipulate and study microscale crystal growth in real time, combining high-resolution spectroscopy with advanced optical microscopy. He received his B.Sc. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from the University of Dhaka. Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys exploring new places, hiking, and playing tennis.

Md. Shahjahan

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Md. Shahjahan is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Harel Lab at Michigan State University. His research encompasses the high-throughput synthesis and laser-induced crystallization of semiconductor materials, with an emphasis on developing novel characterization methods to probe structure–property relationships. Shahjahan earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Hokkaido University, Japan, where he pioneered laser trapping techniques to manipulate semiconductor nanostructures. He previously completed his M.S. in Physical Chemistry and B.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. His current work integrates laser spectroscopy, microscopy, and materials chemistry to advance the design of next-generation optoelectronic materials. Outside the lab, he is an avid cricket and tennis player and enjoys travel and cultural exploration.

Yaqing Zhang

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Yaqing Zhang is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University. He received her B.Sc. in Chemistry from Nankai University in 2012 and completed his Ph.D. in the group of Prof. Keith Nelson at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he specialized in terahertz spectroscopy. In the Harel Lab, his research focuses on developing single nanoparticle and single virus spectroscopy and microscopy platforms to investigate nanoscale vibrational dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution.

Kanishka Kobbekaduwa

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Kanishka Kobbekaduwa is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Harel Lab at Michigan State University. He received his B.Sc. in Engineering Physics from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and his Ph.D. in Physics from Clemson University, South Carolina. His research focuses on the development of ultrafast dual-comb laser spectroscopy and microscopy, with particular emphasis on laser synchronization, timing control, and single-molecule and single-particle spectroscopic techniques. Outside the laboratory, he enjoys hiking and exploring natural landscapes, with a goal of visiting national parks across the United States.

On the lookout for new talents

We are always on the lookout for talented and motivated students to join our lab. We currently have several postdoc openings. Please send a CV, statement of past and recent research accomplishments and interests, expected date of availability, and the names of three references by email to Dr. Harel.