June 12, 2025
The University of Washington’s Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems (NanoES) awarded Electrical & Computer Engineering Ph.D. student Nicholas Yama its 2025 Student Achievement Award. Yama was recognized at the NanoES Symposium on May 8.
NanoES member and physics and electrical & computer engineering professor Kai-Mei Fu nominated Yama for his significant contributions to research and scholarship in nano-engineered systems. Yama has authored 10 journal publications and six conference papers, with additional papers in preparation. He is also a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.
Yama’s primary work and thesis has been in advanced hybrid integrated photonics for quantum information applications.
“Nick has tackled one of the most persistent challenges in hybrid quantum photonics—integrating high-performance diamond defects with scalable photonic platforms—by designing devices with tenfold higher quality factors than our previous efforts and engineering a near-perfect stamp transfer process,” said Fu. “His work is redefining what’s possible in hybrid quantum systems.”
Fu said that Yama is skilled at leading research projects and finding solutions to challenges by incorporating them into the project.
“From developing a commercially viable gallium phosphide material to leading multiple high-impact collaborations, Nick has shown an extraordinary ability to turn difficult integration problems into scalable quantum technologies,” they said. “His vision and execution have opened new frontiers for quantum photonics.”
Fu added that in addition to these contributions, Nick has trained many of the junior members in their lab, even when their projects differ substantially from his own.
“I’m very grateful for the recognition of my research by the broader NanoES community and look forward to continuing this work through the remainder of my Ph.D., Yama said about his award.”
Nominations for the next Student Achievement Award will be accepted in spring 2026.