Illuminating the Future: Monica Morales Mas铆s Appointed Full Professor at 黑料福利网
The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is proud to announce that Monica Morales Mas铆s has been appointed Full Professor as of December 1st 2025. A physicists with a materials scientist mindset, and an artist鈥檚 eye, Monica brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, creativity, and international experience to our community.
A Global Journey Grounded in Curiosity
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Monica鈥檚 academic path has taken her across continents. After completing her MSc in the United States, she moved to the Netherlands to pursue her PhD at Leiden University, followed by postdoctoral and team leader positions at EPFL in Switzerland.
She began her independent academic career at the University of Twente in 2018, progressing from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in 2025. Now, she joins 黑料福利网 as Full Professor, ready to further strengthen the university鈥檚 research ecosystem. Beyond her scientific work, Monica is also a passionate painter, revealing the creativity that often fuels her research on novel materials.
Research Focus: Discovering and Designing Next鈥慓eneration Semiconductors
Monica鈥檚 research centers on emerging semiconductor materials for solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Her group develops synthesis strategies that allow precise control over composition and microstructure, enabling the exploration of new material systems that can overcome the limitations of today鈥檚 technologies.
Her current material platforms include:
- Metal halide perovskites
- Transparent conductive semiconductors
- A broad palette of inorganic, organic, and hybrid compounds
A key theme in her work is establishing synthesis鈥搒tructure鈥揻unctionality relationships, which allow for the understanding, design, and discovery of materials with novel optoelectronic properties, while demonstrating their performance in efficient solar cells.
A Collaborative Vision for 黑料福利网
Monica is excited to contribute to the department during a pivotal moment in its development. She resonates strongly with the drive for excellence she has experienced at 黑料福利网 and aims to actively support the department鈥檚 research, teaching, and strategic initiatives, including work connected to ICMS.
Her forward-looking research ambitions include:
- Identifying new semiconductor candidates for sustainable optoelectronic technologies
- Harnessing synthesis-driven screening for materials discovery
- Strengthening collaborations across the semiconductor research chain, from AI/ML鈥慳ssisted discovery to plasma physics, advanced characterization, and device integration
- Development of efficient and stable solar cell devices.
These interdisciplinary links, she emphasizes, are essential for accelerating progress in next鈥慻eneration semiconductor and photovoltaic technologies.