Pioneering Researchers Recognized as Rising Stars in Texas Innovation

Two distinguished faculty members from The University of Texas at Dallas are among five Texas-based researchers chosen to receive the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards from the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST).

Dr. Bilal Akin, professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, is the recipient of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering. He was chosen for his cutting-edge advancement of sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial automation.

Dr. Fan Zhang, professor of physics in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, is the recipient of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Physical Sciences. He was selected for his transformational research exploring new topological quantum matter.

O’Donnell Award recipients are chosen for their individual contributions addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and for work that meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness. Each award includes a $25,000 honorarium and the opportunity to present their research at the TAMEST 2026 Annual Conference: Pioneering Climate Innovations in San Antonio. Winners will be honored Feb. 3 at the 20th anniversary ceremony of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards.

Since the awards were first bestowed in 2006, more than $2.1 million has been awarded to more than 85 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences and technology innovation.

Dr. Bilal Akin

Akin’s research focuses on making power electronics systems more efficient, reliable and sustainable, and has had major impacts in the energy and transportation sectors. He has made significant and innovative contributions to the field of power electronics diagnostics and failure monitoring, including developing novel approaches that enable early warnings and enhance system safety — methods now adopted worldwide.

Akin, an IEEE fellow, has collaborated with major industry leaders such as Texas Instruments, SLB, Toshiba, Nidec Corp. and Nexteer Automotive on more than 40 research projects that translate innovative ideas into real-world technologies. For example, his tools for oil well applications have been deployed at hundreds of sites and have earned five technology awards.

“Dr. Akin’s unique ability to translate high-level research into solutions with global industrial relevance is what sets him apart,” said Dr. Inga H. Musselman, vice president for academic affairs and provost at UT Dallas. “His interdisciplinary work has helped to create safer, smarter and more energy-efficient technologies across multiple sectors, and he is helping to move the needle forward on the prevalence of EV options around the world.”

Dr. Fan Zhang

Zhang, a fellow of the American Physical Society, is a theoretical physicist who studies how millions of electrons in atomically thin materials interact to produce collective quantum effects such as magnetic, superconducting and topological phases. His theoretical predictions have guided and inspired scientists worldwide, leading to major discoveries in condensed matter physics.

One of his breakthroughs showed that a chiral stack of graphene — a material made of one layer of carbon atoms — can host a rich landscape of emergent quantum phases. His theory was subsequently confirmed by multiple experiments, establishing fertile ground for exploring new forms of topology, magnetism, superconductivity and fractionalization. Zhang also solved a long-standing mystery in physics by identifying the only known solid-state material that behaves as a weak topological insulator, a rare quantum state predicted two decades ago but never proved until his work.

In 2022, Zhang co-invented intelligent optical sensing by combining the light-matter interaction of two-dimensional materials with machine learning, with promising applications in medical imaging and infrared astronomy. Zhang’s theoretical work continues to inspire experimental breakthroughs worldwide and reshape how physicists understand electronic correlations and topology.

“Dr. Zhang is an exceptional scientist whose bold theoretical insights have transformed our understanding of quantum matter and inspired a wave of experimental discovery,” said Musselman, who is also the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Chair of Academic Leadership. “His work is redefining the boundaries of condensed matter physics and has enormous potential for technological innovation.”

Dr. Margaret A. Goodell, chair of molecular and cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine and committee chair for the O’Donnell Awards, said the awards shine a spotlight on Texas’ brightest emerging researchers who are pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

“Each year, these awards celebrate not only exceptional individual achievement but also the profound impact that innovative research has on communities, industries and our future,” said Goodell. “It is inspiring to witness the next generation of trailblazers making Texas a global leader in transformative discovery.”

Founded in 2004, TAMEST membership includes eight Nobel Prize recipients and more than 355 Texas-based members of the three National Academies (National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences) and other honorific organizations.