Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman | Photonics | Best Researcher Award
Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman | Photonics | Principal Investigator at Holon Institute of Technology | Israel
Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman is a highly accomplished scholar in the field of electrical and electronics engineering, specializing in photonics, optical communication, and bio-inspired nanostructures. His career reflects a commitment to advancing science through innovative research that integrates materials science, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence with engineering applications. Over the course of his academic journey, he has contributed to the development of groundbreaking solutions in areas such as neuromorphic computing, underwater optical communication, and bio-organic photonic devices. As a dedicated educator and researcher at the Holon Institute of Technology, he has become a respected figure in academia, combining scholarly achievements with active contributions to international collaborations, community initiatives, and scientific leadership. His work positions him at the intersection of theoretical research and applied technology, driving advancements with direct impact on society and industry.
Academic Profile
Education
Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman obtained his academic training in electrical engineering, beginning with a strong foundation in core engineering disciplines at the undergraduate level. He pursued a master’s degree with research centered on structural health monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicles using advanced fiber-optic sensors, establishing his expertise in combining optical technologies with real-world engineering applications. His doctoral studies advanced this focus, where his research on the optical properties of bio-inspired peptide nanostructures introduced innovative insights into photonic materials. This progression of academic training has not only equipped him with profound theoretical knowledge but also practical competencies that underpin his multidisciplinary research today. The combination of broad-based engineering fundamentals and specialized training in photonics and nanotechnology has provided the foundation for his impactful contributions in academia and applied science.
Experience
Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman’s professional career has been marked by significant contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership. At the Holon Institute of Technology, he has advanced from early academic positions to become a senior faculty member with tenure, reflecting his growing influence in both the classroom and the research community. His teaching responsibilities span subjects such as semiconductors, image processing, computer vision, and optical engineering, where he integrates advanced research topics into student learning. Beyond teaching, his experience includes leading innovative research projects funded by national and international agencies, with a focus on photonics, neuromorphic computing, and biomedical optics. His involvement as a reviewer for leading journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering further demonstrates his expertise and recognition as a subject matter expert. His professional experience also includes organizing conferences, mentoring students, and engaging with international research networks, making him a well-rounded academic leader.
Research Interest
The research interests of Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman reflect an interdisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, physics, and applied sciences. His work in bio-inspired nanostructures focuses on the design and optical characterization of peptide-based materials for photonic applications, contributing to new directions in biophotonics and light-matter interaction. He has also made notable advances in underwater wireless optical communication, aiming to improve data transmission and reliability in challenging aquatic environments. Another key focus of his research lies in neuromorphic computing, where he explores the development of organic optical devices and photonic processors to mimic brain-like architectures for artificial intelligence applications. His projects further extend into biomedical applications, such as customized contact lenses integrating metasurfaces to address visual impairments. By combining cutting-edge material science with real-world applications, his research not only expands academic knowledge but also addresses technological and societal needs.
Award
Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman has received multiple awards in recognition of his teaching, research, and innovation. His achievements include institutional honors for excellence in research, creativity, and contributions to academic communities. He has been honored for outstanding teaching performance, reflecting his dual commitment to pedagogy and scholarship. Recognition from both academic institutions and industry partners highlights his ability to translate complex research into practical innovations. Notably, he has been awarded for pioneering research in nonlinear optical bio-inspired peptide nanostructures and recognized in international forums for presenting groundbreaking photonic research. These awards signify his role as a thought leader whose work consistently meets the highest standards of excellence in engineering and applied sciences.
Selected Publication
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Nonlinear optical bio-inspired peptide nanostructures, 2013, 210 citations
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Light propagation in peptide-based optical waveguides, 2017, 156 citations
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Waveguiding and visible fluorescence in Histidine microplates, 2021, 98 citations
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Organic optical logic gates for neuromorphic computing, 2024, 74 citations
Conclusion
Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Handelman stands out as a scholar whose academic and research achievements mark him as an exceptional candidate for recognition. His expertise in photonics, bio-inspired nanostructures, and neuromorphic devices has led to impactful contributions in both theoretical and applied domains. His commitment to education, demonstrated by his excellence in teaching and mentorship, ensures that future generations of engineers and scientists benefit from his guidance. With a strong publication record, active international collaborations, and recognition through prestigious awards, he has established himself as a leader in his field. Looking ahead, his continued work in integrating artificial intelligence with photonics and expanding the frontiers of optical communication promises to deliver transformative innovations with lasting impact.