S M Nayeem Arefin a graduate of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has been awarded the 2024–2025 Folsom Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), USA. He received the honor on April 23, 2025, in recognition of his groundbreaking research on lead halide perovskites, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).
This prestigious award is presented to only two students across more than 100 departments and nine colleges at UNL. Arefin’s thesis, supervised by Dr. Laura Wang, Associate Professor in UNL’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focused on developing innovative methods for synthesizing perovskite materials used in advanced photonic applications.
Titled “Patterning Synthesis of Lead Halide Perovskites Toward Photonic Application,” his thesis tackled the limitations of conventional lithographic techniques, which often compromise the delicate crystal structures of perovskites. By combining soft lithography with self-assembly using asymmetric wettability templates, Arefin achieved the first controlled synthesis of CsPb₂Br₅ crystals while preserving their structural integrity. This advancement opens new possibilities for photonic devices such as LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors.
During his Master’s studies, Arefin was supported by the NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). He also received the Holling Fellowship, served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and contributed as a peer reviewer for journals published by Elsevier.
Currently, Arefin is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at UNL, working under the supervision of Dr. Jeffrey Shield. His doctoral research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of size-controlled metallic nanoparticles, including alloy and core-shell structures, using inert gas condensation (IGC). His work involves advanced analytical techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), high-angle annular dark-field imaging (HAADF), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and both optical and magnetic measurements.
Arefin earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from IUB in 2021, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He consistently appeared on the Dean’s and Vice Chancellor’s Honor Lists between 2017 and 2020.
At IUB, he was an active member of the IUB Photonics Simulation Lab (IUBPSL), directed by Dr. Mustafa Habib Chowdhury, Associate Professor and current Head of the EEE Department. There, he researched the enhancement of thin-film solar cell efficiency using plasmonic nanoparticles, supported by ANSYS-Lumerical simulation tools.
Dr. Chowdhury remarked, “This recognition highlights the strong academic foundation and research excellence cultivated at IUB, particularly within the EEE Department. Arefin’s achievement exemplifies the high level of talent nurtured at IUB and underscores the university’s role in advancing global scientific research.”