19 Dr. Tamar Goldzak has recently become a valuable addition to both Bar-Ilan University’s Faculty of Engineering and the BINA community, marking a significant development for these esteemed institutions. Juggling her roles as a mother and a dedicated career professional, Goldzak is enthusiastic about her new appointments and is poised to make a substantial impact. Goldzak’s academic journey reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. She began with a double bachelor’s degree in material engineering and chemistry at The Technion, followed by a PhD at the – RBNI (Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute) under the guidance of Prof. Nimrod Moiseyev. After her doctoral pursuits, Goldzak embarked on two postdoctoral fellowships in the United States, one at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the other at Columbia University. Her research focuses on the intricate interactions between light and matter in materials, utilizing quantum electronic structure simulations to predict material properties. “Our lab strives to understand and predict how the atomic structure of molecules and materials influences the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of materials,” Goldzak explains. This research has broad implications, from controlling chemical reactions on surfaces to improving optoelectronic device performance and discovering novel quantum materials. At the forefront of material science, Goldzak’s laboratory employs advanced computational tools to simulate material properties, electronic transfer mechanisms, and chemical reactions, with a primary focus on nanomaterials and 2D quantum materials. Some key questions her lab is exploring include the impact of defects, interfaces, or surfaces on the electronic structure in nanomaterials and the potential unveiling of novel quantum materials and phenomena through theoretical and computational tools. Goldzak’s passion extends to nanomaterials that interact with light for various optoelectronic applications, ranging from energy efficiency to quantum information. Notable examples include colloidal quantum dots (the discovery of which was recognized with the awarding of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry) and 2D materials, both of which exhibit quantum confinement effects. These materials have the potential to serve as single photon emitters, a critical component for qubits and other photoelectric quantum detectors. Computational simulations play a pivotal role in predicting their structure and spectroscopic properties, advancing the quest for efficient single photon emitters. Goldzak envisions a bright future for nanomaterials. “I think nanomaterials are here to stay,” she states. She believes their most promising applications lie in advancing electronic devices with a focus on energy conservation, quantum information applications, photovoltaic solutions for green energy, and medical devices. As part of her commitment to the academic community, Goldzak is excited to engage with students in the coming semester. She plans to offer opportunities for bachelor students to participate in her research projects and is also teaching a course on Electronic Structure Methods for Molecules and Materials. The course involves hands-on simulations of molecular and material properties on a computer cluster in her lab, providing students with valuable practical experience. Collaboration is at the heart of Goldzak’s mission. She aims to work closely with experimental groups and students to deepen their understanding of atomic structures and electronic properties of nanomaterials. Additionally, she is determined to inspire and support more women in her field, acknowledging the need for increased gender diversity in academia’s upper echelons. “I want to keep encouraging women to go into this field,” she says. “If younger women are inspired by my journey, we can push the percentages of women in the higher levels of academia.” Looking ahead, Goldzak has ambitious longterm goals. She aspires to build a vibrant and diverse research group that contributes to the nanotechnology community’s profound understanding of electronic processes and properties. Ultimately, she hopes to discover novel materials that can revolutionize quantum information and clean energy applications. Goldzak’s arrival at Bar-Ilan marks a significant milestone. Her dedication to advancing the field of nanotechnology, her commitment to student engagement, and her passion for encouraging gender diversity are poised to leave a lasting impact on both the academic community and the world of science. “If younger women are inspired by my journey, we can push the percentages of women in the higher levels of academia”
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