Xi Wang, an assistant professor of physics, has received a five-year, $875,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Program.

The program supports exceptional early-career researchers at U.S. universities and national laboratories, encouraging new research directions in critical technologies. Wang is among 67 researchers nationwide to receive funding through the program in 2026.

Wang received funding for her project, “Exciton-Spin Coupling for Optical Control of Spin States in Low-Symmetry Van der Waals Heterostructures.”

Wang, who previously received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, will use the DOE funding to explore new ways to use light to control magnetism in atomically thin magnetic semiconductors. The ultimate goal is to enable faster, more energy-efficient technologies for information processing, sensing, and communication.

The grant will allow Wang to recruit new members to her research group and broaden her search for quantum materials that can be controlled with light. “I feel very lucky to get this support from the DOE,” Wang said. “The award makes it possible for me to pursue this exciting project.”

“Groundbreaking science begins with empowering extraordinary people,” said Darío Gil, DOE undersecretary for science, in a statement. “These 67 early career researchers represent the very best of American ingenuity. DOE is proud to invest in their vision as they push the boundaries of knowledge and cement U.S. leadership in the technologies that will define our century.”

This research was selected for funding by the Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES).