His citation reads “innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and welfare of society.”

He is recognized for contributions to phase-change memory, and to the thermal science of nanomaterials and nanoscale transistors.

The Simons Investigators program supports outstanding theoretical scientists in their most productive years, when they are establishing creative new research directions, providing leadership to the field and effectively mentoring junior scientists.

His profound expertise in several semiconductor technologies is only matched by his passion in student advising.

The program recognizes faculty members who work with disruptive technologies that have the potential to advance the future of computing in a variety of fields.

His citation reads, for "seminal research in information coding theory and data compression, and enormous contributions to the promotion of diversity in engineering education."

Excellence in teaching, academics, and mentorship