Jun Yao, associate professor in the Riccio College of Engineering, has been named a Spotlight Scholar for May 2026.

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Yao’s research takes inspiration from biological designs to create advanced electronic devices, which ultimately can interface better with the human body. Since joining the UMass Amherst Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2017, his research at the boundary of electronics and biological systems has resulted in the development of several remarkable technologies—from a generator that can harvest clean electricity from humidity in the air, to devices that can sniff out disease, monitor body signals, or enhance human performance.

In recognition of his research contributions, Yao has been honored with the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship and a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Trailblazer Award, both in 2022, as well as a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award in 2019, among others. From UMass, he has received a Manning/IALS Innovation Award, an Armstrong Fund for Science Award, and a Barbara H. and Joseph I. Goldstein Outstanding Junior Faculty Award from the College of Engineering.

“I often tell my students that research is mostly about having the right mindset, so we can learn and grab opportunities when they arise,” says Yao. 

To read more about Yao and previous Spotlight Scholars, or to learn more about the nomination process, visit the Spotlight Scholars website.