Duke’s Semiconductor Game Changers: Haozhe “Harry” Wang

In January 2026, a landmark gift from the Lamond Family named the Pierre R. Lamond Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the Pratt School of Engineering. The $57 million in total investment strengthens Duke ECE’s ability to shape the next era of computing technologies and fuel the department’s rapid rise in research and academic distinction.

The department’s namesake, Pierre R. Lamond, helped pioneer the semiconductor industry and later invested in semiconductor, systems and software companies as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.

In this series, Duke Engineering highlights faculty members whose work in semiconductor‑related research is already making an impact, and who are now positioned to accelerate that work through the transformative commitment from the Lamond Family.

Haozhe “Harry” Wang is an assistant professor of ECE and a pioneer in developing new methods for manufacturing nanoelectronic materials with atomic-scale precision through both additive and subtractive processes.

How does your research contribute to advances in semiconductor technology?

My research focuses on developing ultra‑thin semiconductor materials that are only a few atoms thick. Because they are so thin, we work on perfecting the manufacturing processes to engineer them with atomic‑scale precision.

As electronic devices continue to shrink, traditional silicon chips are nearing physical limits. My lab works on two‑dimensional materials, such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide, that hold the potential to surpass the capabilities of silicon. We work on methods to grow these materials with high quality and high yield, as well as techniques to etch and tweak them with sub‑nanometer precision.

What is one major technical challenge your work is helping to address?

One of the biggest challenges in this area is material quality and yield. Because these new materials are so thin, it is extremely difficult to produce materials with the exact purity and specifications that we want. Even a small number of atomic‑scale defects can significantly degrade performance.

One way we are addressing this is using what we call “AI for nanofabrication.” By leveraging the recent advancements in AI, we can accelerate the materials discovery process and bring next-generation semiconductor materials to market faster. Thus far, AI has been tremendously useful in helping us characterize materials at the atomic scale and identify defects with high accuracy.

What new applications could be unlocked with improved semiconductor hardware in the near future?

Traditional silicon chips of today are amazing in many regards, but my lab is working towards a post-silicon future with computer chips that surpass silicon characteristics in all regards. Higher-quality, ultra-thin semiconductors would enable electronic devices that are smaller, faster and more energy-efficient than anything available today. One futuristic application that is easier to imagine is AI that is more intelligent and capable than it is today.

How has Duke ECE built momentum in semiconductor research in recent years?

Duke ECE has built strong momentum through collaboration and strategic investment in semiconductor research. Faculty across materials, devices, circuits and systems work closely together, and we are fortunate to have wonderful facilities like the Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility (SMIF).

In recent years, Duke has expanded its semiconductor expertise by hiring new faculty, and last year we hosted the 83^rd Device Research Conference, a prestigious forum for device research innovation. These efforts have strengthened collaboration within ECE and positioned Duke as a leader in both fundamental semiconductor research and emerging technologies.

Why is this moment critical for investment and growth in semiconductor research?

We are at a pivotal moment because the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is placing unprecedented demands on computing hardware. Advanced AI models require far more processing power and energy than current semiconductor technologies can sustainably deliver.

Meeting those demands will require breakthroughs in materials, design and fabrication. Investing now in semiconductor research is essential to keep pace with the advances in AI and other technologies.