Spring 2025 APAM Newsletter

Spring 2025 Newsletter, APAM Department, Columbia Engineering

Letter from the Chair

Dear APAM Community,

I am pleased to share with you the Spring 2025 edition of the APAM Newsletter, which highlights the many achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni over the past semester. This issue celebrates the academic and research excellence that continues to define our department. Among the many student accomplishments, Andrew Yang (BS ’25), a double major in Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, received the Illig Award as SEAS Valedictorian as well as the Applied Physics Faculty Award. We also recognize Mihnea Leonte (Applied Mathematics), Sarah Asher (Materials Science), and Dr. Tianwei Jin, winner of the 2025 Robert Simon Memorial Prize, along with the many graduates of our programs whose work and dedication inspire us all.

Our faculty have similarly distinguished themselves on the world stage. Simon Billinge received the Gregori Aminoff Prize and the MRS Innovation Award, Michal Lipson was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and Michael Weinstein joined the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Research in the department continues to break new ground—from AI tools that reveal atomic structures of nanocrystals, to advances in superconductors and quantum systems, to innovations in photonics and energy technologies. The launch of the Columbia Fusion Research Center, led by Prof. Carlos Paz-Soldan, marks a major milestone in our commitment to addressing global energy challenges through academic-industry partnerships and further strengthens the long history of Columbia’s leadership in Plasma and Fusion physics.  

As you read through this issue, I hope you share our sense of excitement about the future of APAM and the impact our community continues to make across disciplines and around the world.

Warm regards,

Marc Spiegelman
Chair, Department of Applied Physics & Applied Mathematics
Columbia Engineering